Redtail Rise LXXIV

new snow arrived last. mountain boulder welcomed blood star with a rumbling sound meant also to encompass the red pup. she had stayed, as had the child. she had not gone away after her defeat. it spoke in many volumes.

loud as well was mulherin's stance and snow rain's absence.

wealda would stay. this land belonged to him, to his blood.

moon runner's loyalty had been to those who earned and held it. glancing between the nightfurred youth and his daughter, mountain boulder sensed his own age, a deepening of a natural distance that might continue.

he stared at each of them in turn, assessing their dedication to the land upon which they stood.

and then the huntlead looked long toward the redtail leader. he sent a howl scudding into the cold autumn air as it seemed those who stood here were unified in what would be chosen: to stay, to build again. to remake the rise in the image of night eye. 

but it was the bond of singing he sought now.