Redtail Rise onyx

The alpine wind carried a familiar scent. Others congregated near the border to meet it and when Moon Runner arrived Wise Father, Chipmunk, and Faraway Shadow were already present.

The wolf formally known as Wealda had returned after a month, just as Faraway Shadow had. Now, the young she-wolf had the experience to know that many things could drive a wolf from their clan, such as sickness, and so she wasn’t quick to act reserved as she had with Faraway Shadow.

Moon Runner approached the group with a calm and gentle demeanor, ready to welcome this wolf back into the arms of the Rise. However, she, too, noticed the absence of light from the red wolf's mien.

Moon Runner's mouth was closed and her lipline was tight – a canine tell that alluded to a shift in her view. There was no submission or deference in her body. It was as if she was a balanced scale waiting to tip one way or the other…

Previously, Wealda had earned Moon Runner’s total trust and devotion. However, she would not be led by someone with a weak spirit. The girl’s wild heart had too much integrity for that.