Redtail Rise where has the water gone?

Because of Icemelt’s body language, Moon Runner understood his intent.

Her eyes sparkled and her mouth watered when the haunch was offered. There were few things or higher meaning than when a wolf offered to share their food.

Moon Runner took a tenative step forward, body a bit stiff as she attempted to bottle her excitement. She reached for the food…. and then… she snatched it!

With the food in her mouth she quickly retreated a few yards away and began to devour it. After all, lowering her head to eat right in front of the male would have put her in a vulnerable position. She didn’t totally trust the Icemelt just yet, even if he hadn’t given any indication to harm.

She held the bone with one paw as she quickly shredded away the muscle, skin, hair, and fat. Her hungry body was thankful for the meal, even if Moon Runner knew that some of it would be regurgitated later for the young ones. All the while, her eyes were fixated on Icemelt.

If he approached, she would have issued a growl as a way to ask for space, or she simply would have darted further away.

~

Sated, she licked her jowels as if to say thank you.

Her head tilited, curious. Moon Runner drew near Icemelt, once again, but this time her posture was assertive. She stood tall and her tail flagged in short waves. She did not show teeth – no, this was not aggression. Rather, it was Moon Runner’s way to offer Icemelt an oppertunity to practice the ritual of showing respect.

She pushed into his bubble, amber eyes bright with knowing.

Great pine trees grew mighty and tall upon the Rise. But in the beginning, they all start as a tiny seed. The ancient spirit knew this.