Blood is Life

It was quick, but it was not bloodless, nor one sided.

In the twilight before dusk, I had wandered into the wrong alley. In truth, I hadn't been paying attention, or rather I'd been amused by two dogs enjoying the late spring in the way in which dogs will. Yes, I mean sex. Is it not crude to come out and say it?

As a Lifeshaper, dogs and wolves are of interest to me; the fact that they can all crossbreed as though a single species... ah, but the expression on the face of Metron, my scribe, tells me I've discussed this far too often in his presence.

In any case, I was distracted. I had the genetics of both dogs displayed before me, invisible to anyone else, and was playing a game of "what if" using those.

I strode with purpose, not jogging, but a brisk walk.