Redtail Rise The story of your little success

The anticipation caused her heart to flutter, and she nuzzled herself son when he moved close. She sensed his disdain, and looked down to peer into her daughter’s pleading gaze. In the corner of her eye, she could see Ashlar staring hard at the ground with shame. Frustration made her grit her jaw. Be patient. Be patient. Be patient.

He wouldn’t have lied to her, she knew it- but her daughter’s question left Chacal speechless for a moment. She thought Ashlar might offer an excuse- but he was quiet. Chacal swallowed hard and unclenched her jaw-

But just as she did, she saw the dusky rose-brown boy approach in the distance. His features changed, his markings slightly paler, but she knew her meek son instantly. She uttered a whimper and felt her limbs tremble. The memory of seeing his tiny body silhouetted against the clouds, disappearing into the mist held her still. Requiem’s gaze was sheepish, shy. Not the look of one who knew those before him, aside from Ashlar and it broke her heard. 

”Requiem,” The notes of his voice a triplet, sung always in the same tone. Each name Chacal knew had a chime of its own- and she could only hope that he might recognize the tune, if not her face. 

She from the brush as well swept Theo, who looked well and greeted his brother fondly. ”Theo! Ohhh, I am glad you are foun’ safe!” Chacal again cried out with relief, and moved to nuzzle her son’s gold-embroidered shoulders. Relief brought her breath in gasps, and she wept to have all four of her children in her sights again. Through a blurred gaze she looked from one to the next, trying like a hen to pull them all within her wings. ”Eti, Theo, Requiem, Suzu, ohhh, my p’tits oiseaux,” she adorned them with kisses- the three of them who were not shy of her, at least. She reached for Ashlar, to kiss his cheek as well, before the beckoned to Requiem. 

”Requiem, Chéri- it is us, your family,” Her voice was a lullaby, one she would have sung to them as toddlers, hoping it might spark some familiarity.