Phoenix Maplewood true like ice, true like fire

time passed. it did not end. it had no beginning. augur listened to the urgings of his body. he was led purely by the absence of sentiment.

but this did not keep him from being affectionate for its own sake, or taking new snow's hunting signal into account. he did not want to tangle with another bison. buffalo hunter's own bulk had meant the two of them had been better matched against one of the mighty beasts.

new snow had no such weight, and augur felt protective over her. so he led them away from the heavy track and toward the racing water with its scent-trails made by smaller fare.

he waded into the river and drank until his chin was dripping. the hunter returned to new snow after that, rumbling and wetting her fur almost playfully.

he gave his focus to their quest after that, broad muzzle hunting through the foliage for the little round droppings and broken stems which marked a hare's passage.