Whitebark Stream let it all get away

The boy was slow to turn, head hung and facing away. Kaori observed him, drawing nearer whilst looking him over; she was content only after seeing that there truly was nothing wrong, just a hatchling within the night’s embrace. There came then an apology and, finally, a turn; her gaze settled on him, seeking to meet his eyes as he explained himself—and a sigh escaped her.

“It is alright,” she assured him, briefly touching her nose to his forehead. “But the night is not for exploring alone.” As a child especially. There were too many dangers than lurked, too many unknowns to worry about. “If you want to explore at night, you should wake me beforehand,” she continued to explain. “I will gladly join you at any time. I just want you to be safe.” This land was not the lair, nor was it her mother’s home—this land was open and exposed, a danger. And she did not want her children to fall victim to those dangers.