Redhawk Caldera Once upon a time

For @Wildfire but other babies are welcome as well! :D

"Hello, puppies!" Elwood bellowed as he strode toward the Alphas' den, the sun at his back and casting a long shadow. It was a crisp spring afternoon, though the warm light nudged the temperature up a few degrees when one was not in the shade. The perfect day, he thought, to spend some time with his favorite godchildren -- his only godchildren, actually, but they were still his favorites.

Knowing that it would take only a few seconds for one or more of the firebirds to respond to his call, he dropped onto his belly, propping himself up on his elbows as he waited for them. By now, they were old enough to venture away from the homesite -- and had been doing so regularly, it seemed -- so he hoped to take a miniature adventure today. His tail dusted the ground behind him and a slow grin curled his lips as he heard the unmistakable sound of little pawsteps...