Redtail Rise to science

Once she had conveyed enough meat to equalize the two stockpiles, Masquerade decided to retire to the rendezvous site to rest a while. She slipped beneath her favorite evergreen, panting a little from the morning’s exertions. Once her breath settled, she stretched out with a groan and fell asleep.

Avicus’s call jarred her out of sleep. It came from so close by, her ears kept ringing even as she slithered from underneath the fragrant boughs. Her mother stood in the middle of the clearing, her brother and sister flanking the Wealda. Masquerade blinked and slunk closer to the three of them, head and tail drooping low in deference.

When she came close enough, she bumped against Relic and Redd, then nosed at Avicus’s jaw, a mild questioning noise slipping loose from her rouge muzzle.