Redtail Rise Restraint

Redd waited for her sister’s return, patient, but with a deepening anxiety that sent ripples through her calm.  She had thought she knew loneliness; ever since she was young, she had never melded in the ways the others did.  But she had not known the loneliness that Wealda wore.

She had not been her mother’s choice.  She had not been anyone’s choice, and this had been made clear to her in every encounter since.  Only Masquerade had chosen her… even if for only a moment.

Their mother wasn’t here to make things right with strength.  That was Redd’s job now, and she would try with everything she had.  Right now it just felt as if they were all slipping sideways, apart from each other and from her.

She could not stop them dispersing.  She could only hope to give them reason to remain together.

Redd saw Masquerade and relief filled her, though she did not immediately approach.  It was clear enough to her they had sought isolation to think.  She would only check in if her presence seemed welcome; if not she would quietly depart.