King Elk Forest the reek of gods and men

she huffed when he dropped her, a sharp burst of breath torn loose as her paws caught. she did not fold back down. she stood, thin legs braced, heat rolling off her skin into the snow.

gold eyes lifted and held his single gaze. despite how much he daunted her, she embraced this newfound feeling of confidence.

her head tipped once. then a short, questioning bark cut the air. a demand shaped without words. is this place yours?

her tail stayed low but loose. body squared. waiting for his answer, written not in language, but in what he chose to do next.