Redhawk Caldera you promised that you'd never leave

Eljay didn't answer any of her questions. She frowned sympathetically at him, lips parting to formulate a reply of some sort when Elwood spoke up instead. Raven sensed some impatience in her uncle's phrasing but she didn't blame him any more than she blamed the ailing yearling or Finley or Lucy. Everyone coped with obstacles differently and all they could do was try to hang onto one another until the stormy sea of life calmed somewhat.

"Eljay, the only thing that's bothering any of us is the fact that we want you to feel better," Raven said, realizing only after the fact that she might have stuck her foot in her mouth a bit. "What I mean is that you shouldn't feel bad. But you've got to let us help you. And help yourself a little bit too. Now," she continued, tone changing ever so slightly as she assumed her professional medic role again, "does anything hurt, physically? Did you hit your head?"

Even as she addressed him, she glanced again at the Beta male. Maybe he knew the answer to that question. And there was something else Raven wanted to ask Elwood himself. "The poppies—do you think they might help?" She knew they would, yet even though Eljay was an adult, she felt that, considering his state of mind, it was appropriate to consult with Elwood Sr first.