Blackbeak Bluff hit the floor hard, i was never picked

Masquerade slid to her haunches, the thousand-yard stare still looking anywhere but at him. A knot of worry found its way into Riley's throat.

She sighed, offering an apologetic look. Riley tried for a reassuring smile. This was all new to her - and, she had bucked a lot of long-standing ideals about herself to get here. She didn't need to apologize - not to him.

She slumped against his shoulder. Riley butted her gently with his head. It's okay. We'll ride it out, together. Maybe you'll end up liking it so much, we'll have yearly Hunty-moons. He raked his teeth gently through her ruff, waiting for her to be ready for that walk -- as long as it took.