Redtail Rise wildcard

As Masquerade elaborated and reached out, Redd accepted the touch, but her gaze averted for a moment.  The words hid the truth, she felt, meant to perhaps spare her feelings.  Masquerade had always belonged at the Rise; the only change had been its Wealda.  Masquerade felt she did not belong at a Rise led by her.

Guilt was the thing she felt, deeply set still.  If she had been given a choice, she would have chosen herself to depart.  Instead she had only caused consequences for decisions she could not anticipate.

Redd had wondered how long it would take for the others to see what Masque and Riley had seen.  If they settled close, built something of their own, it was likely they would draw some away.  Perhaps their wayward siblings were already there.  Strangely, Redd found peace in this prospect.  She did not wish a reluctant family, but a bond beyond this.  She only wanted honesty.

You deserve it. She answered, touching Masquerade’s shoulder softly before stepping back.  The Rise, and their Wealda, would not stand in their way.  They had no reason to.  She could not apologize for things she did not know, but perhaps this affirmation would be enough.

There was more.  I would have tried.  To fix this.  For a moment she allowed their eyes to meet, her own resigned, yet still tinged with hurt.  You belonged here.  More than she.  She did not finish this, but the words still burned her tongue as she held them.

She would never understand the reason why.  But did not seek to change their minds.