Redhawk Caldera only come around when you know that i need it

Aiden could feel the urge to go and explore beyond the pack's borders. He was over half a year old now and it showed; he was already quite tall and his broadness suggested age a few months older. This, of course, made Aiden feel quite superior over his siblings, who were far more babyish than he (or so he thought, anyway). Aiden felt the natural urge to protect @Shenanigans, @Chickadee, @Ceridwen and @Jay from whatever stupid things they might do despite nothing really warranting that thought.

Today he was patrolling at the northern edges of Redhawk Caldera, trailing along the half-mountain's edges, and he looked out over the lands beyond, fantasising what it might be like out there.

chickadee had never been out before. she had not made an attempt since those first days. aiden's presence along the bowl of the caldera had her following.
the autumn breeze picked at her nape. she smiled toward her brother, bumping his shoulder. "what're you thinking about, hm?"
the girl's eyes glowed over the lands outside brecheliant/

Chickadee joined him, just when he was having a very serious introspective hero moment. Aiden looked mildly annoyed by this and he glanced over to where Chickadee had come from to see if Shenanigans was anywhere nearby. It was definitely easier to deal with one sister than two at once, and usually it was two at once. It's not that he minded — he loved his sisters, of course — but sometimes the pair of them could be a bit.. much. When he didn't immediately see Shenanigans, Aiden turned back towards his sister and smiled at her shoulderbump.

I'm patrolling, he said with a serious, matter-of-fact tone to his voice that indicated that he was doing something Very Serious. Seconds later he realised that Chickadee had actually asked him what he was thinking, and he felt embarrassment rise as his answer sounded totally silly. He'd been so lost in thoughts! Aiden decided to try and not let it show too much, and he quickly recovered from the embarrassment and said, I was just wondering what it's like to go exploring out there.

chickadee snerked a little at him and plucked the fur on the back of his shoulder. "well. i've never been either." she frowned, and then her brow smoothed. "we could think about it. or," and here she took a daring step.
"we could go." chickadee looked with great conspiracy at her brother. she liked to patrol and swim and wrestle, but knowing that what was unseen called to him as well comforted her in a way. the growing want was not unheard of, then.

Aiden stared at the great beyond even as Chickadee plucked at his fur. He barely registered it as his gaze roved over the outside world and his imagination danced in the skies. When his sister suggested they could 'think about it', Aiden felt a frown creep onto his face. He didn't want to think, and he certainly didn't want to think that he should think about these things just 'cause his sister said so! He just wanted to —

— Go. He looked a little surprised when Chickadee suggested it, but a smile soon found its way onto his face as Aiden looked at his sister. Alright, let's go! he said excitedly. What could go wrong? He would be there to protect Chickadee if anything scary happened, anyway. Aiden started towards the Caldera's ledge and started to head down towards its base, making sure that Chickadee was keeping up.

aiden seemed at first like he wouldn't go — until he did! with a croon of glee she took off over the borders, looking back for him. they were older now and not babies, but there was nothing stopping aunt bridget or even aunt teya from finding them! let alone mom or dad!
she danced laughing behind a tree and poked her tongue out at aiden as they passed further from brecheliant, down down down. her heart raced.

Chickadee seemed absolutely thrilled that they were headed off, which further invigorated the feeling of adventure in Aiden. His tail waved as he danced down Redhawk Caldera's slopes, racing between the trees and across rocks and crevices. He nipped at Dee's shoulder as he raced and looked towards her, smiling challengingly — how far would they go? What was beyond the Caldera's safe borders?

we can fade & have a new one later or continue, whichever you prefer <3

fade and have a new one! <3

encouraged by her brother and his presence, chickadee returned the nip and rushed onward beside him. whatever lay outside the caldera, she knew that she would be braver and stronger for them going together, and it reinforced her already strong sense of family.