Redhawk Caldera Into darkness, into danger

After one of the infants passed away while under his care, Elwood determined that his efforts were better spent outside of the den. He hunted small game around the territory, storing his findings for later use; the caches would be most beneficial to Raven, who would be the puppies' main source of food for a few weeks, at least. He strolled the borders, marking them fervently to ensure that their claim was still known -- even though the pack currently consisted of only four adults. He was determined to make it through the winter with Finley, Raven, Eljay, and their horde of puppies.

He was completing one such pass of the outskirts when a pale figure caught his attention. The breeze assisted him in identifying Gannet. The youth had disappeared some time ago -- he wasn't sure exactly when, since days and weeks had blurred together as of late -- and he knew that Fox had simply assumed that he had dispersed. Yet here he was, and as Elwood approached, a heavy feeling settled solemnly in his stomach. Gannet didn't yet know that his mother had died.

"Gannet," he greeted, mustering as much of a smile as he could; after all, he was happy to see the boy, even if the joy in their reunion would be short-lived.