Flycatcher Downs sign of flame will sting

They were at that age. Of growing independence and curiosity both. Athella had spent much time in the familiarity of her valley home, but now she wanted to stretch her legs. See the world and what was out beyond the ring of mountains encasing Bearclaw. On the way, she had bumped into Zephyra. A girl similar in age as herself. With no formal relationship between them other than being pack mates, the princess felt a shred of guilt for not having reached out to her sooner. 

With a bit of coaxing, she found herself a companion at her side, while striking out into the barren plains to the south. Her expedition was not purely just for fun. It carried an underlying purpose, as always. Coyotes had been running amok in the valley as of late. And Athella wanted to pin them down. Find the source of the infestation. If the pair of girls were lucky, maybe they would arrive home with a trophy or two.

A sharp caw up ahead made her steps slow. Honey eyes focusing sharply. A male voice. She could only just make out the his dark shape, still quite a distance away. She may not know his scent personally, unlike her age mate. A stiff tail brushed against Zephyra's hock in silent acknowledgement. A side eye shift towards her. They were no longer alone.