Redtail Rise The story of your little success

Ashlar hung back alongside Reki. He'd seen the boy look at him and noticed the familiar discomfort of being surrounded by attention. So he quietly stepped over, close but not overbearing, to offer a buffer if Reki decided he needed it.

He was just relieved they had come. He wasn't sure what he'd have done if the call hadn't brought them... likely gone to see why, but could he have forced them to come? No. Despite the respect he had for Chacal, and the love of friendship, he would defend their right to choose. They were old enough now.

It was a surprising silent realization. He didn't often find he felt strongly in a way that would bring conflict to the happiness of a close friend.

He had nothing to add to the words already said. He'd spoken of Chacal to Requiem before, but it was still hard to anticipate how this meeting would unfold.

referencing the other thread ^^; since timelines are a bit wonky!