Even at her coaxing, the child seemed to have no desire to finish the squirrel offered. Jessie allowed the silence that flowed between them. The girl did not have to tell her why she had come but the monochrome woman would take her back. She could only imagine how worried the Hearthwood wolves were. Yet, why had they not been able to find her yet? It was at least a three days’ journey for an adult, it would have been easy for someone to track the girl and for them to find her here. It was a troublesome thought. It once again made her think that something may have happened. Ris’ jaw movement caused the Tainn to refocus her attention.

Her words only confirmed Jessie’s thoughts. Kisla! No! Emerald eyes widened in disbelief and as she tried to make eye contact with the familiar silvery-eyed girl, Ris trained her eyes on the half-eaten carcass at her paws. “Oh, Ris. That’s awful.” The mother reached out and pressed her muzzle against the child’s cheek in a comforting gesture. It would be no use to tell the girl that she was sorry. The Tainn hated it when others told her that, it only fueled an anger that threatened to tear her apart.

Jessie had been a part of the Tainn’s life since she was a yearling. It seemed as if only yesterday she were joining Swift River and trying to figure out the ways of pack life. A familiar ache pulsed at her heart. Still, she was confused. Why had Ris left the River? Surely, her father was worried. Who was her father? She couldn’t remember Lachesis having such stark blue eyes, and yet, they were familiar. Her eyebrows furrowed once again and she pulled away. They could not have thrown her out. She needed to know. “Did you leave the River by choice?” Concern glowed in the mother’s brilliant jade orbs. If they had kicked her from the pack, Drestig and Jessie would need to have a good talking to when he returned.

This poor girl… While Jessie had lost her mother when she was young, it had not been when she was a child. The Rye Queen’s heart ached for the small child. Yet, even though the monochrome woman had no doubts that the Tainn was going through pain in these moments she was so strong, just like her mother. She expected nothing less from a child born from Tainn blood but now Jessie needed to think of what to do now that Ris was within Rye borders. The Tainn would not force the child to go back to Hearthwood River. That would be cruel.

When Risaela confirmed that it had been her choice to leave the River, Jessie’s lips pursed together in thought. When Kisla’s child leaned forward, in an effort to seek comfort, Jessie did not hesitant to offer her petite form for the girl to snuggle into while she thought. It was only a matter of time before Drestig returned from her trip and by that time, they would know whether or not the River was aware of their princess’ disappearance, if they weren’t already. She’ll stay here. She is family. The pepper-and-salt colored woman craned down and light ran her muzzle along the length of the girl’s flank to mark her with the Rye scent. The others won’t bother her. Parting her lips, Jessie spoke softly, “Come, you should rest.” The Rye Queen would take her to the birthing den, where she would remain for the rest of her stay within the Rye.