Redtail Rise long long time,

mountain boulder was never far. his goals had lately turned toward the discovery of more densites for his mate. each year new snow had chosen a fresh whelping-place, and he kept these memories to pinpoint where she might wish to deliver these pups.

he trudged ahead and in time tasted the air. he would not leave new snow alone for any amount of minutes. tall man still lurked, and while she had chosen the huntlead, men often pressed their advantage in these times.

when they were ready to set off again, mountain boulder indicated that they should turn toward the burned place. he had found the roundness of a broken tree. its bole was misty with moss and the entrance was smaller than he might have liked, but it would suit new snow even if he could not enter.

the second was upon the western flank of the rise, tucked among a stand of pines. it was a pleasant cave, not too large but not small, with a trickling stream in earshot of whoever might camp here.

the third was more toward the central portion of redtail land, another massive tree. this time it was alive, its evergreen branches spread against the grey sky, and a great hole in its belly which led down and deep into the earth below. again, it was not a place mountain boulder could fully follow, but this did not matter, so long as she was safe.

the fourth, well; he would lead new snow to where flame stalker and moon runner had been born, simply to see whether or not she wished to resume her denning there this year.