Redtail Rise Phoenix

Redd was bereft in a way that was expected, but despite her silent mourning, she knew the pack was to be her first concern.  Wealda was truly gone, and now there were to be no placeholders.  Someone would need to stand in her stead.

Redd had always wished this, though never in this way.  She had hoped to stand in when her mother’s strength had been stolen by the years.  Instead disastrous accident had thrust the decision upon them now.

Redd sought her sister too.  When she found them, she noted their heartbreak and came to give them a nuzzled embrace, the same heartsickness reflected in the sympathy in her gaze.

They would need to speak. Without Relic it was theirs to decide.

I would take it, if they agree.  But you are heir.  Redd studied them.  She would back Masquerade in this if it was what they truly wanted, but it need not be a choice of necessity.  They were fit to be Wealda.  Yet it came with responsibilities that Masquerade showed little interest in, and if neither they nor New Snow desired it, Redd would allow ambition to flicker in her spirit.

But only if.