Danny was slow.
Okay, no, not that slow, he could admit to not needing to take any breaks before reaching his creek anymore. So. Improvement. And with no breaks, got there faster.
Slow as in...
He sat and straightened up, squinting over at Arly trotting and sniffing around the area, marking a tree here and there.
"Hey. I nearly blasted Baldy with you right there, Arly."
Arly's head popped up from the brush to look at Danny. Then the heeler went back to what he'd been doing. Snout in the dirt, pawing at something.
Biting his lip, Danny glanced about. But it was only him and Arly in the middle of nowhere, long empty stretches of gravel road and half barren fields. The two of them down in a lower patch, this nice little creek spot, trees gathered about it for a cover.
Raising up a palm, Danny made it glow. Faintly. The glow flickered hesitantly, then strengthened. A hue of definate not an earthly green hovered above his palm.
Jerking up alert, Arly came over, legs hunched.
Tense, Danny waited.
Ready to go intangible if need be.
Arly's head tilted stiffly, considering the palm, mouth and jaw within snapping distance.
Then barked.
Bounded.
Tore away from Danny with a twisting leap.
Taken aback, Danny stared at the dog. No attack, good. But. He frowned, confused. Was Arly...scared of him now? Or...?
Arly glanced back, barking again. Dancing on his feet. What the...? Arly's head snapped to Danny, then over and up. Barking increasing.
Eyes trailing upwards to where else Arly was aiming his sight, Danny found the usual perch and large nest of the bald eagle. Who has its piercing yellow/black eyes trained unerringly upon Danny.
Darting partway toward Danny, Arly sprinted back to the tree as soon as Danny eyes went back to him. Kept going back to the tree, excited. Obviously not scared, but excited.
It was... It was like when Arly noticed and cornered a hiding rabbit. After chasing it.
The farm dog's tail was a blur in his excitement and Arly yapped back at Danny again. Expectant.
Danny's jaw dropped.
"I am not shooting at Baldy."