Redtail Rise third,

as before, mountain boulder settled himself placidly outside, gentle in his warning away of even @Moon Runner or flame stalker (@Saturdays Sunrise) if they came near the den. gifts of food were welcome and passed on to new snow as the day wore into its next realm.

he did not leave for patrol, depending now on the devoted nature of the pack; he sat or lay or dozed outside the door, ears flicking at every sound which came from inside the den.

at last new snow signalled the first child, a healthy female, and mountain boulder growled back his delight and pride in her efforts. he expected at least one more, and soon lay down where he had been, though this now he was actively listening, nostrils twitching from time to time.