Redtail Rise israfel

Masquerade sniffed along the trail of a young groundhog, licking their lips in anticipation. Should they catch it, they intended to eat some of it but save the lion’s share for Redd. The scent led them through the underbrush, weaving hither and thither.

A howl cut through the air. They froze, then raised their head, whiskers quivering. It was their mother, demanding an audience with the leadership. This could only mean one thing: she was going to step up again. Masque fidgeted, wishing Avicus had invited them along not just as the intended heir but as moral support.

No such summons came. Concentration shot, they abandoned their hunt and began to pace restlessly across the rise, moving toward the origin of the call. But if Avicus had wanted them there, she would have included them. She hadn’t, meaning they should not intrude. Masque gritted their teeth but hung back.

After a time, Augur called out for his mate. Masque’s head cocked, trying to puzzle out the reasoning for this. Anxious and impatient now, they decided to go investigate, regardless of invitation. Something was amiss, they were sure of it. They should be present, to bear witness if nothing else.

And then Avicus did call for them at last, from a completely new direction. She didn’t just want her heir apparent, she wanted all of them. Bewildered, Masque nonetheless hastened toward her new position. They found Redd beside their mother already, the she-wolves’ body language telling them a great deal before they ever approached.

Heart beating fast, they closed the distance, passing Carrion with a quick nudge. The tension in the air was so thick around Avicus, they could taste it, but Masquerade couldn’t be sure of its flavor. They nosed her chin, then her cheek, their touch quizzical and seeking explanation.

Is there any way we can get the timestamp to match the date? Signed, your PITA child. :)