Redhawk Caldera home again

The moment Eljay was born, Elwood's senses became more finely attuned than ever before. He noticed every little sound that the boy made -- the subtlest hiccup, the tiniest squeak, the most breathless sigh. So when his son squealed, Elwood's attention was immediately focused on him.

He leaned down and nudged Eljay with his nose, his touch gentle. The new father still couldn't believe how small the cub was -- it made sense, considering the riskiness of Finley's pregnancy, but he had never before seen or interacted with a creature of Eljay's size. Elwood was particularly careful with each of his movements, fearing that he could crush the babe without even realizing it.

"You okay, little dude?" he crooned, despite knowing that Eljay couldn't hear him.