Dragoncrest Cliffs In the Curve of Old Bones

masque was formal, and chani straightened at the gravity she perceived in the words the redtail wolf spoke. idly she wondered what it took to be a leader at the rise, sensing that masque was one of those as well. chani considered next that maybe she was in line for it, though the girl suspected her sister suzu would be the first pick for any of that.
focus, focus!
her mom had died — this visibly blanched chani, whose immediate first thought was of chacal! of maman! she could not imagine it, and so her usual empathy went out to someone she saw as a fellow female and grieving soul.
"oui. i will tell dem. an' — i am so sorry, masque. i am told dat it does not matter how old you are; losin' a mot'er be a hard t'ing." the bloodstone eyes shone with support.