Redtail Rise gigue

Ashlar looked at Augur when he let out a soft whine and his expression couldn't have been any easier to read. The bard felt a rush of affectionate gratitude and immediately felt better. He leaned over and gave Augur's chin a brush with his nose, shyly, feeling like the gesture was right. He was grateful to have a friend so willing to listen.

Thank you. It's just... I d... I don't know. I like her and I miss our time. But she... umm, she said no. I like Ratio too and she wanted me to choose. Ashlar explained quietly. He found that the words were difficult to come by. I think... I don't think she wanted me here. She wanted me there. I can't leave. Avicus meant too much to him and he'd given her his word. He had thought, earlier this year, that if he was a father nothing could change his path. He would raise them like his baba raised him. Apparently he had been mistaken.

It should have been you. He added, close to tears now. If she.... if there's puppies. I don't know what to do. He pressed his muzzle into his paws. He never should have pretended like that. He should have known, and told her, from the start. Now his mistake had hurt all of them.