Larksong Grotto untitled tapes

As Masquerade mentioned children, the smile faded, and she set her gaze forward again as she listened.  It was the seat of a deeply rooted anxiety in her and could spell the end of her leadership.  She was resigned to this, knowing if her season was to come, it would have already done so.  Yet there was nothing.  If the Rise did not wish her to be Wealda because of it then she should not be Wealda; it would always only ever be their choice.

Masquerade had not asked and so she did not speak.  Now, however, she needed to wonder if she also risked her mateship.  If he wished for kids, and she could not provide, then it was only natural he should find one who would.  

She did not resent her sister, nor New Snow, their happiness.  It was neither of their faults that her claim had not been sound enough to overcome the stress of a shifting tide.  She could only hope that next year was different, and that she proved to be enough as she was until then.