Redtail Rise Melt

There was no way to know Blood Spot’s intention for returning to the Rise, but the former Caru’s departure had left an impression on Moon Runner. They had tried to claim the role of Wealda and, in turn, claim breeding rites to prevent Mother from coupling. It was enough for the Trēow to feel threatened. Her younger siblings were so weak and vulnerable. The wilds could be an unsympathetic place and it was not unimaginable for the worst to happen to a subordinate’s young should leadership turn over.

Like his namesake, Moon Runner felt the presence of, and then heard, Tall Shadow behind her on the trail. She felt relief to have him with her, now. In the Rise, they each had their parts to play. She was the caretaker, he was the protector, and Moon Runner trusted him explicitly.

When she was in the burrow, Moon Runner took a head count. She could hear Tall Shadow lay down outside the mouth of the den and, like a yin-yang symbol, she took up a mirrored position on the inside. With each pup safe and accounted for, Moon Runner calmed herself and turned her attention to them.

Pebble was the first to approach her. Moon Runner reached out to clean his face with loving bumps and snuffles. Then, she showed him how to gnaw on the bone by taking one end in the corner of her mouth and crunched loudly with her carnassial teeth.