Redhawk Caldera rather be

No matter what Elwood said, Eljay's panic only increased. Elwood remained in place for a few seconds -- which seemed longer as he looked at his son's anguished expression -- and then finally ducked his head and padded back across the border. He was disappointed, but he did his best to mask it. After all, he knew in his heart of hearts that Eljay wasn't cut out to be a scout; that didn't mean that he couldn't be successful in other areas.

"It's okay," he said, nuzzling Eljay's shoulder. It was strange not to have to lean down to do so; just more evidence that the youth was nearing adulthood. "You don't have to explore. But I want you to understand something," he said, taking a step back to look Eljay in the eye. It was surprisingly easy to do, considering the Xi's height. "Going exploring does not mean you're going to die. Like I said, it's Mommy's job. Lots of wolves in other packs have that job. It doesn't have to be your job. You can do something else, like hunting or guarding the borders or learning about the weather. But you have to try to be brave sometimes," he concluded. He was pleading with Eljay, though he didn't mean to; but he felt like he was grasping for straws to help his son understand what life was all about.