Gyrfalcon's Keep the twisted nails of faith

the hawks wheeled overhead, and taltos fell away from their claws. he had climbed to a low precipice overlooking the ruined shore beyond, with the idea that he would procure a gift for blue willow. yet the debris strewn across the sands, flotsam thrown by a vengeful god of storms, deterred him.

he lingered only for a moment before he dropped away and continued upon his path. on a whim, he slid into a trot, then a run, wincing somewhat at the catch in his shoulder but pushing through the discomfort all the same.

panting, the beta drew up and stood panting, sides heaving with exertion, but in his heart he was proud of the paces he had wrought.