Fox's Glade cadet

Time had changed them both. A year spent apart had been enough for memory to be warped. In some of Ameline's strongest memories, Redd was still a yearling or less- sporting a downy puppy coat or sleek summer fur. The closest they had come to one another had come with a clashing of fangs and to see her now with a placid expression reminded Ameline that their battle for hierarchy had been but a flash in the pan. 

The youngster caught her eye and brought an unbidden softening to her features. Whatever was in the cocktail of emotions she'd sipped when she caught Redd's scent was scrubbed from her system at least momentarily at the sobering reality that Redd had become a mother too. 

Her gaze returned to Redd. She blinked, and felt her cheeks warm as her lips pulled into a small, slightly wry smile. What had motherhood been like for Redd, she wondered? The smile faded slightly when she considered the fact that Redd was now here, alone- having left the Rise. 

uwRedd, Her rhotacism emerged faintly, corrected as swiftly as it appeared. What happened? The question begged to be asked, but it felt too heavy to open with. I, uh, heh. What else, then? It'th been a while. I didn't ekthpect to thee you around here- but- She cut herself off before she could infer anything negative. It'th good. I alwayth wondered... She shook her head faintly. She had a perfectly good excuse for not checking in- but it felt as though perhaps she had waited too long.