Redtail Rise slate

a maelstrom of emotions surges through her at the first call. disbelief, at first. hope. joy. and then, she notes, as she begins the trek down from the highlands toward the border, irritation.

but why should she be irritated? hadn't she left, too—despite her absence being not of her own volition?

perhaps Redd had similarly—

the musings are interrupted by another summons, this one from Masque. so the sisters have found each other. Avicus hastens her step, weaving deftly over the hills and avoiding various gopher holes here and there, eyes straining to see the cream-and-crimson girl on the horizon.

finally, the pair come into view, and as she grows closer, all traces of anger vanish.

Redd, she breathes as she steps within hearing distance, and closes the gap to rest her muzzle upon her daughter's emaciated shoulder. the young woman is ragged, unkempt; a far cry from her former glory.

Avicus pulls back, swiping her tongue across her jowls as she takes stock of Redd. wha' happened? where? who? the questions tumble out of her mouth in a mad search for answers. who has done her girl wrong?