Redhawk Caldera In search of

He had nearly grabbed it by the time Phox was on his feet, scrambling the last few inches to scoop it in to his mouth like a gator might carry its young; then, as Phox snapped at him, Titmouse reeled back to avoid the assault and the rock slipped back with his head. It lodged itself at the back of his throat and made him gag a little, then sputter, and begin coughing and dry-heaving within moments. His eyes, nose, and mouth were all watering by the time the rock came loose and Titmouse gasped back a good breath of air — having nearly choked on the shiny rock — and it landed with a clatter upon the soil, darkened by saliva.