Redhawk Caldera With a tail as big as a kite

Elwood watched with amusement as Eljay experimentally left his own pawprint, then started to step into the ones he had left behind. The realization that Eljay's feet were nearly as big as his own was like a slap in the face; how had the last six months passed so quickly? Did he and Finley really have a son that was nearly an adult?

He exhaled sharply, creating another cloud of steam, then smiled at Eljay. "I want you to try finding me," he said, making the decision for his son. He would've asked if Eljay wanted to practice tracking, but that would leave room for the youth to say no. "Close your eyes and count to ten, then follow my footprints!" he urged, turning and beginning to trot away even before Eljay followed his directions.

He crept behind a nearby copse of bushes, crouching on the other side of its snowy branches and peeking out carefully.