Redtail Rise Moonburn

Birds were Ashlar’s favorite prey to hunt when things got lean. He was not particularly fierce or skilled, but he was patient, and he could usually at least return with something as opposed to when he hunted the creatures that took to the ground. While he would hunt other things in a group, fish and birds were the two he focused on alone.

Food was low - the last hunt had failed. Avicus and Augur’s mate needed to eat more as things progressed, and as spring lengthened, Ashlar spent more of his time gathering food than he did gathering herbs. When he fished he could sing, but he could not do that here.

He was searching for signs of pheasant when Masquerade’s rush nearby startled him. He moved quickly to see if it was a scuffle, and she needed help, only to pause and smile when he saw she’d caught one. A nesting mother, it looked like.

I usually leave the ones sitting. But the eggs won’t go to waste. They’re good to eat, for strength. Ashlar looked at her, clearly admiring the bird she held, then back at the nest. I can help carry the nest.