Redhawk Caldera There will always be perilous waters

welcome to any!

Ever since his talk with his father, Gannet had made it his mission to be on the lookout for "bad wolves" who might be hanging about.  Of course he found none, but he was eager for the task, and imaginary villains suited him fine.

Like the branch he currently knawed on, growling as he rolled and batted at it with his paws.  Surrender, fiend!  Biting down, the branch gave a satisfying crack as it snapped, and he let out a tiny triumphant bark at its demise.

Mommy's birthing had been perilous, terrifying and exhausting to Eljay. After they had been born he had slept by mommy's side for a few days, refusing to leave her side because he was so scared she might be stolen away just as he left the den, afraid something would happen while he wasn't there.

He had gone out to check on the firebirds today though, strides hasty so that he could return home as soon as possible. It was Gannet that he found first and with a soft smile Eljay encouraged him, "Well done," as he watched the boy's victory over the stick.

Then he nosed Gannet's fur and saturated, "Wanna go look for treasures for Petey?" Eljay hadn't been around the firebirds as much since Peter died, and if he was he'd just ask where Peter was or go look for him. He thought that once they'd collect treasures for Peter they could go find him again, to show him how much reason he had to be here, with them, and not hide away... wherever he was.

He wasn't aware that he had an observer until Eljay was near, but he gave a little satisfied sound at the praise, super pleased to have his beloved (essentially) "big brother"'s approval.  He'd missed Eljay these past couple of days, but would never complain, content to amuse himself as well.  Especially now that he had a game to go about playing.

Gannet leaned eagerly into the older boy's affection, and his ears pricked up at mention of his brother.  Petey!?  Was he finally better and ready to play again?  Mom and dad hadnt indicated, but Gannet immediately nodded emphatically, thrilled.  His mouth widened in a smile and he dropped the stick, the game forgotten for a moment as he rose to poke at Eljay's side happily.  Let's go!

Eljay's tail wagged in cheerful acceptance as Gannet greeted him with as much ferver as Peter always did. He really loved the boys; all of them were great, but Peter and Gannet were the most rewarding because whenever he'd look at them, he saw the love he had for them mirrored in their eyes, too.

His idea was received with great cheer too, and Eljay's tail wagged with fervor. He wasn't sure where Peter was hanging out, but that gave him and Gannet some time to look for treasure. Maybe Peter was still not feeling well from that thing that happened. Eljay didn't remember exactly what had transpired but Peter'd gotten hurt so maybe he was resting. Or maybe he was out with one of his parents or with daddy. The possibilities were endless.

"Alright, let's go!" Eljay cheerily said and he started to be on his way. He said to Gannet, "Did you know that my mommy had puppies too? They're super tiny! When they get a bit bigger you could come and visit them! I bet they'd love to play with you." Eljay lead the way along a trail that wound through the Caldera, towards one of the frays of the large lake, where he and Gannet would spend the day looking for treasure for Peter before eventually heading back home again.

i'm gonna fade this since gannet is ppc now :) we can have a new one when you come back ^^