Redtail Rise Comeback kid

Saena called Junior's attention to the little specks circling in the sky overhead. She mouthed the word, Ah, and nodded. It was flattering, being credited with inspiring Saena's ambition, but Junior shook her head. "All you," she said simply. "I think you are right where you belong," she added thoughtfully. "And now... so am I."

She shrugged in response to her sister's condolences. "Feel bad for him, if anyone. I really hurt him. I didn't mean to," Junior said, chewing on her lip. "He probably knew something was wrong because I'd been acting funny ever since coming back from my trip. But he didn't see this coming, I don't think. He never really knew my history, how much I moved around and stuff." She cleared her throat, scuffing a paw idly in the dirt underfoot.

Licking her lips, she caught Saena's gaze when she protested against the label flake and insisted on calling Junior an adventurer instead. "You give me too much credit," she replied, nudging one of the rusty red patches beneath the other yearling's eyes. "Yes, of course. I made sure I said goodbye to everyone at Thief River Falls before I left," she assured.

She had purposely skirted around the leadership question for a moment, though only because she wanted to save it for last. "I remember you mentioning that last time I saw you," she murmured. "On one hand, it would be an incredible honor. On the other, I'm not sure I'm cut out for leadership. I'm not... dependable enough. I'd like to think it would be different because it's you but... I dunno, I just don't want to make any promises I can't keep."