Redtail Rise LIII

Even at her full strength, Redd knew better than to test the strength of such prey with only two.  As she was now she would be more liability than asset; she had yet to regain her weight entirely, and her fur was still patched and dull from the ordeal of the past months.  Part of her insistence in following was to rebuild stamina lost.  Masquerade was diligent in ensuring she was recovering, but it would take time.

At his welcome, Redd lowered herself briefly, deferentially; things would be as they ever were.  As he moved off she paused a moment, then followed at his flank, keeping herself on the outside and allowing him nearer the herd.  She would follow him in this, help to watch for danger or weakness, but would seek to make no moves he did not make first.

There had always been an easiness to his company, the same kinship she found shades of in @Carrion and @Watcher.  While her faith in him had been shaken for a time, he had shown in almost all things that he prized the pack as she did.  This was all she ever sought from the ones she viewed “family”.  

Of those who led, it was perhaps he who she saw herself in most; perhaps that was why the past month had cut so deep.  She was grateful that he had remained.