cen's daughter was also heedful of his position and his own, and he did not trip over her or have to force back a spirited lunge. her eyes were on his face, and he thought she would strike then, or in some seconds. but his focus had been diverted by the cow, who had decided to make a bid for her calf after all.
snarling was heavy, snow spraying around their legs as he tangled his teeth in the fur of the caribou's shoulder. fa'liya must avoid this fray, and he trusted she would. the calf was unguarded by dangerous antlers while cen struggled with its mother, and he prayed that his daughter would see her opportunity.
cow swung her blades, one, two, three, and on the last she drew a trail of scarlet from his shoulder. cen grunted and leapt back, still sinking paws into the snow between the raging mother and fa'liya. a bark, a growl; she was retreating, but not quickly enough.
