Totoka River we grew under a bad sun

caw's snaps have little effect. his teeth do not so much as graze fur or skin in his awkward position, and instead he is reduced to wriggling around in the dirt. the feathers threaded into his scruff are bent oddly beneath him, the shafts pricking uncomfortably at his skin at their new angle; he will have to find new ones and begin the process all over again. he grumbles at the thought, snapping his jaws again despite the lack of effect.

this close, however, the scent of smoke is stronger, and caw's ears flick eagerly as he begins to piece together the puzzle. he is paying more attention to his thoughts than his situation when the woman's voice cuts into his concentration, and caw huffs but takes the opportunity for what it is, flipping himself with rather practiced ease back onto his paws and shaking himself out. a couple of feathers drift sadly to the ground.

avis is already berating him for being an idiot before she even lands on his back, but caw is well-used to her concern. one ear flicks back; his muzzle swivels towards the woman and his nostrils flare.

"ignis. fire!" he says, with a distinct air of triumph, his tail wagging once behind him. "smell smoke. burn." his muzzle remains pointed in her direction for a few moments as though expecting her to admit to how correct he is, but caw also has better things to do than be pinned by a stranger, without any actual fighting or pain to go along with it.

enough that caw doesn't bother with the actual farewell. he just stares at her for a few seconds more, then moves to trot past her, towards the pack that she seemingly belongs to. perhaps he will have more luck there.