Redtail Rise LX

Though she would never know this, the title of Ermine was lovingly bestowed to her.

It was a thankless grace, like tucking in a long asleep child, but it was as welcome as if he had placed upon her shoulders the warmest stole for the coldest ventures. She ran on, oblivious to all except the clear language of Tall Hill's body.

He overtook her to run in his rightful place — the stallion ahead of the herd, the mightiest stag amongst powerful peers — and she was glad to lollop alongside him, giddy as a foal. She looked up towards his long, strong jawline.

Then suddenly, for the first time, she thought of him as something other.