Redhawk Caldera banjo serenade

I love Fox <3

She was like a flower in the sunshine when her mother praised her, blossoming with radiant joy and pride.  It wasn't that she was deprived of attention or approval in any way, but she was unaccustomed to being the center of attention like this.  Normally, it was either Wifi or NJ in the spotlight.  They were bolder, more talkative, and more motivated to be involved and find their niche in the pack than she was.  It didn't bother Raven at all, though.  She'd always been more of a background-dweller and quiet observer, and the way things were suited her just fine.  But this was nice, really nice.  It felt special.

Mom trotted a short distance away and, of course, her faithful daughter followed.  When her mom faced her again, however, there was a noticeable difference.  Her voice was more serious now.  As Raven listened to her, a blank look slowly replaced the smiling jubilation on her face.  Though she'd talked through some of her feelings with Pantaleimon, she hadn't really dealt with any of it since then.  It was all still there, festering within her like a poisonous thorn, though the passage of time had allowed it to scar over a bit.

"Yeah, I know," she replied in a small voice, her amber eyes lingering somewhere around her mother's front feet.  She understood what the consequences would have been if Dud hadn't done what he did:  Wildfire wouldn't be here.  The thought was too much for her to even wrap her head around, and she suddenly remembered Aunt Flea weeping over Tiger's grave.  "I just..." she started, then trailed off.  She didn't know how to organize her thoughts in a way that made sense.  Plus, she didn't want to risk angering her mother.  "Did Dud love her like he loves us?  Was she important too?"