Redhawk Caldera Starship enterprise

The boy obliged his father, talking in some detail about where he had been after leaving Redhawk Caldera. Long story short -- or short story short, since Eljay didn't really offer too much description -- he had wandered until he happened across Wildfire and was accepted into Drageda. Elwood winced inwardly when Eljay said that Thuringwethil hadn't been easily convinced to let him into their ranks. He had many skills, but his self-confidence sometimes made it difficult to see just how useful he could be.

With a glance at Finley -- who was still strangely silent, but leaning against him with her full weight -- Elwood said, "You were never a bother." He felt it was important to get that out in the open. And then, even though the past few months had been filled with worry when they didn't know where Eljay was, he added, "I'm proud of you. You made a life for yourself." It might not have been the easiest experience, but he had still done it. And Elwood suspected that what Eljay needed from his parents now was not reprimands or more coddling -- just their support.