Redtail Rise Tombstone

No, they said, that’s the thing. I don’t want to leave. I don’t… Masque sighed. I don’t know what I want. I’m still trying to make sense of everything, after…

They shrugged, knowing Ancelin understood. “Everything changed when your mom disappeared.” Augur wouldn’t be around forever either, he reminded Masque. They nodded mutely. They’d always envisioned their own litter mates in positions of power, in their mother’s stead. That hadn’t panned out, of course.

Maybe it’s up to us to bring in a new era at some point, they mused lowly. It’s not that I want to usurp Augur. Hardly. But you’re right, we’re the next generation. Not just us, Masque clarified, gesturing between them, and Lilia. But the younger ones too. Some of them have a lot of promise, Masque posited, thinking of Mulherin.

They lapsed into silence for a few moments before catching Ancelin’s eye and smiling wanly, observing, Perhaps it’s just a matter of time and we just have to hang in there. Be patient. And things will fall into place eventually.