Redhawk Caldera the felled giant

After a few seconds -- a few long seconds -- Eljay's sobbing subsided into quiet hiccups. His eyes were still rimmed with tears as he looked up at his father, but Elwood took the opportunity to grin broadly in an attempt to cheer him up. He found himself wishing that Finley was there -- she would know what to do, he was sure of it -- but he was on his own.

"There you are. You're so brave, Eljay," he said, his tail stirring gently behind him. He reached out with a paw to brush his son's tear-streaked cheek.