Redtail Rise To the Bone

A strip of meat got stuck between their teeth. They paused to poke at it with their tongue, eyes shifting to Lilia’s face. Masque shook their head, their brow furrowing. They unstuck the piece of stringy tallow and swallowed it.

No, I never really spoke to Prophet at all, they said truthfully. I’m sorry he left without saying anything.

They couldn’t even imagine what that must be like. Masquerade didn’t have a proper father figure to lose, though they couldn’t conceptualize of Avicus ever simply disappearing. Even their siblings were fixtures in the rise. Masque could not picture any of them leaving for any reason, though they knew that if they did, they would say their farewells.

They made quick work of the rest of the meat and sank back with a sigh, their paw draped loosely over the bone. They would probably chew on it later, perhaps try to get at the nutritious marrow in its center. For now, they were satisfied.

Thanks again, they said before wondering, What were you doing before you stumbled across me?