i.
He grows up hearing lots of stories, including stories about Featherwhisker's old mentor, Goosefeather. Swiftbreeze says being a medicine cat drove Goosefeather crazy.
When his sister, Spottedpaw, asks to train as a medicine cat apprentice, Redpaw swears to keep a close eye on her. He won't watch his sister succumb to the same terrible fate as Goosefeather.
ii.
Brindlepaw teases him for his bushy tail and makes a bet that his warrior name will be Redsquirrel.
Brindleface has to take his share of the dawn patrols for their first moon as warriors.
iii.
Rather than outmuscle his opponents he outthinks them, and puts together winning strategies. He is clever and observant.
When RiverClan welcomes two new apprentices at a Gathering, Redtail must hide his shock. Stonepaw and Mistypaw are identical to Bluefur's missing kits.
He catches the subtle nod that Oakheart sends Bluefur, and all of a sudden everything makes sense.
iv.
"You could have asked Oakheart to change their names, at least," he mutters to Bluefur on their journey home.
v.
This new discovery leaves him feeling conflicted, but ultimately he decides that ThunderClan does not benefits from the truth being revealed.
Skilled, clever, and loyal to ThunderClan above all else. His decision to keep Bluefur's secret is ultimately why she chooses Redtail to be her first deputy.
(Bonus i.)
It's difficult for his Clanmates to keep secrets from him. Sometimes he figures out the truth before they do.
But it's Willowpelt and Spottedleaf who have to finally tell him that Brindleface has been flirting back with him for moons.
(Bonus ii.)
Tigerclaw is ambitious and proud but he is also secretive. Redtail knows how to sniff out a secret.
When he realizes what Tigerclaw's true intentions are, he decides to tell Bluestar after the Sunningrocks battle.
It turns out to be a fateful decision.
I've been intrigued by Redtail since his first mention in Into The Wild. I have a Redstar AU that I hope to publish someday, but until then you can find more details about it on my Tumblr! Should be tagged under Redstar AU.
I know I've mentioned this before, but I am far more active and consistent over on AO3. I really only post to FFN when I have a lot of free time on my hands. The community as a whole is more active there. So if you're looking for more, regular content (not even just from me!) check out AO3!
Redtail was requested by an anon on Tumblr.