Redtail Rise who want the smoke? who want the fade?

The yearling could see the piloerection of Dry Creek’s red cape. How she balked at the sight of Moon Runner. The concern in her rust-colored gaze. Yet, these things did not change the course of the Sapphiquian’s approach.

Moon Runner met her friend with a gentle touch on the shoulder. Her ears cast backwards, half mast, and her head sunk to evoke a sense of hardship. So many details would have been more easily explained with words, but the emotion was all the same: sickness, injury, loss, grief, sadness.

Perhaps most disturbing was the absence of Sister and Tall Shadow.

Moon Runner looked toward Nova Peak and sighed.

Dry Creek's friendly presence was comforting.