The Sunspire got up before dawn, went down to the racetrack

no one grants him permission and so he sniffles pathetically by the mouth of the den, about to return to mama's side when an unfamiliar face shows up. alarmed, okeanos takes a step back, looking between mama and the new woman. she seems to be inviting him outside -- and oh how he wants to go -- but mama hasn't said he could. but she's also not paying attention to him at all -- and, well, if it was really dangerous, she'd stop him, right?

feeling a tiny rebellious flare the boy-child takes one step out of the den, toward the interesting feathery thing on the ground. nerves quickly overtake him and he stops again, looking back at mama -- still asleep? "is 'kay?" he whines, looking back to the other adult -- someone please please please give him permission!!!!