Rising Sun Valley peregrine

suliya gave her fur a brisk shake, testing the hold of the feather he had tied. it held firm, and she turned her gaze to ghelan, her grey eyes gleaming with quiet approval. though she did not voice her thoughts, the boy’s effort and care pleased her. yes, she decided silently, he was a good boy.

leaning closer, her curiosity shifted to his own amulet. she sniffed at the tooth, her nose brushing against the faint scent of age and wisdom embedded in its surface. her gaze flicked up to his as he explained its parts, her ears perking slightly at the reverence in his tone. aapa. aaka. me. home. the words settled in her chest, warm and grounding, much like the caribou’s steady presence on the land.

you did well, she said at last, her voice low but certain, the words carrying the weight of genuine praise. your paws are careful. it shows. she pulled back, her expression softening, though the strength of her muradoii pride lingered in her bearing.

though, sun eater would much prefer the calloused, deadweight paws of a runner. she knew this. she ignored it.

her gaze returned briefly to the amulet around his neck, as if memorizing the story it told. it is good to carry home with you, she added after a moment, a rare note of gentleness slipping into her tone. it makes the journey lighter.