Redhawk Caldera Starship enterprise

He knew that Finley was leaning against him for her own comfort, but it was just as reassuring to Elwood. The silence that hung in the air was thick and almost suffocating as they waited for a response from their son. He wasn't quite sure what to expect; Eljay had seemed to be his quiet, timid self when they saw him on the day of Wildfire's collapse at the borders, but Elwood didn't know how the time away from his home and family might have changed the boy.

Eventually, Eljay approached, threading his way along the riverbank with head and tail slung low. He seemed even more nervous than usual as he licked his lips and averted his eyes from his parents, and those gestures made Elwood's heart twist painfully. It was all he could do to stop himself from begging Eljay to stay at Redhawk Caldera when Thuringwethil and her followers left.

"We've missed you," Elwood finally said after a pause that seemed miles too long. He glanced at Finley, then returned his yellow gaze to Eljay. "I'm glad you've been staying with Wifi," he added with a faint smile.