Redtail Rise parasite

Another came behind her.  Redd acknowledged them only with a twitch of her ears, but her attention remained fixed on the stranger.  She approached with her head uplifted and a warning tension, but took in his scent.  He did not seem a threat.

Unaffiliated and wounded.  Perhaps this was why he deferred.  Injury implied weakness, but there was no illness, so his strength held.  She allowed the exchange with tight patience as curiosity flickered.  The rise had many new and rising, but few of outside blood and experience.  If he would follow then he would be welcome.  If he brought dissent then he would be quickly driven off.

Decided, Redd stepped back and relaxed, her tail dropping to a more friendly placement.  She turned to Sunrise with a disarming huff, then set off with a final inviting look cast behind.  If he wished, he could follow.