Whitebark Stream let it all get away

The moonlight glittered upon the water’s surface. It offered a lit-up path for sneaky little pups like himself.

Momma never got mad at him for wandering, so there should be no reason to feel so damn nervous right now. He couldn’t help it. All his trips were during the day. It’s the dead of night now. He wasn’t sure if Momma would approve of this little adventure.

Toshi glanced over his shoulder. It’d only be for a little while. He’d be back before she knew it.. hopefully! The boy spun around and continued to march forward with his head held high.

It was by chance and sheer chance alone that Kaori awoke during the night, the lingerings of a lost dream echoing through her mind. She wondered what it might mean, ever curious, but had not the chance to sit and ponder—glancing around the den, she noted only one other body, Toshi missing. During the day, she worried less about her hatchlings and what adventure they might find themselves on; the daylight offered better sight, more eyes to stare after them. But the eyes of the night were less friendly, predators that might very well be bold enough to take on a child. The mere thought alone had her heart pounding and, moments later, she was out the den and searching.

Trailing after his scent, her mind brought up the worst scenarios, further adding to her unease. But, thankfully, she soon spied him ahead, alone and marching forward. Slowing, she drew in a long, deep breath to steady herself. “Toshi,” she called softly, the traces of a sigh lingering on the edge of her voice. “Little one, why are you out here so late?”

A little while wasn’t enough. Kaori spotted him as soon as thought popped up in his mind. Aw man, he hadn’t even seen anything cool yet!

Toshi didn’t turn around immediately. He hung his head low. It was his scheming stance. There had to be something he could say or do to get his mother’s permission to stay out a liiiiitle bit longer.

’m sorry Momma.. he spun around and began to paw at the ground all innocent like. Laying it on thick here. I was jus ‘splorin.

The boy was slow to turn, head hung and facing away. Kaori observed him, drawing nearer whilst looking him over; she was content only after seeing that there truly was nothing wrong, just a hatchling within the night’s embrace. There came then an apology and, finally, a turn; her gaze settled on him, seeking to meet his eyes as he explained himself—and a sigh escaped her.

“It is alright,” she assured him, briefly touching her nose to his forehead. “But the night is not for exploring alone.” As a child especially. There were too many dangers than lurked, too many unknowns to worry about. “If you want to explore at night, you should wake me beforehand,” she continued to explain. “I will gladly join you at any time. I just want you to be safe.” This land was not the lair, nor was it her mother’s home—this land was open and exposed, a danger. And she did not want her children to fall victim to those dangers.

Why couldn’t he explore on his own at night? He did it all the time during the day. There wasn’t that much of a difference. He just couldn’t see as well at nighttime, but that’s what made things exciting!

Wake Momma up before midnight adventures, got it. Ok Momma, I’ll do eet I pwomise! Since she was already out here, they may as well keep going right? That is if she wanted to of course.

Toshi balanced on his hind legs and placed his forelegs on her chest. Can we go ‘sploring now?

A promise was made and she smiled fondly at him, appreciative of his understanding. She worried about what may or may not lurk in the shadows, knowing she alone could not protect her children; she would always try the best she could but even the young dragoness knew her limits. But... fear would not hold her back, nor would she allow it to rule over her hatchlings. So when he rose against her, asking that they continue with an exploration, the young mother nodded. “Of course we can,” came her reply, accompanied by a gentle nuzzling of her nose against his cheek.

With an encouraging bob of her head, she encouraged him to lead the way, wondering to herself where the boy might take them. And whilst he focused on steering their course, she would be attentive to the world around them.

If Toshi had fists he’d be pumping them right now. An enthusiastic YAAAAAAAY! would have to do. Mission accomplished! After Kaori nuzzled his cheek he leaped with joy and eagerly followed her lead.

His ears were fixed towards the stream. It was hard to see them at this hour, but he could still hear the water run.

Where all da water go, Momma? Toshi had walked along the banks countless times, but never found an ending.