Redhawk Caldera slipping and sliding

Their conversation seemed to have suddenly plummeted into something deeper. It was a bit of a weird way to get to know one another, and Eljay hadn't really thought about going here at all until he suddenly did. He had never really met wolves from Towhee's old pack. The thought that one of them might know Elfie, might have stories about Elfie, suddenly grasped at him like wildfire. The flame was easily put out by Ruenna's lack of knowledge, and the hope that had been shining in his eyes even throughout his description of Elfie dimmed once again.

He shook his head as she apologised, suddenly feeling melancholic. His thoughts were swimming with Elfie; oh, it was such a shame that she hadn't known him. He would have loved to hear all about Elfie's adventures in Towhee's pack. It was the closest he would ever get to holding his little boy again... Stories.

Eljay grimaced and shook his head. He really was... I should've been a better dad, should've been there for him when he needed me to let him go, should've gone to visit him at the grove... There are so many regrets that clung to Elfie's far too young demise in that avalanche (well, as far as Eljay knew, anyway). I'm sorry, I didn't mean for our first meeting to be such a downer. I just thought... If you'd known him, maybe you'd have some memories... Eljay shook his head and grimaced.

Sorry. Uh... We should talk about something else. He then suddenly remembered the thing she'd said about scouting that had grabbed his attention. You mentioned you were a scout, past tense -- so, uh, did you retire, or..? He was ready to throw himself at this totally different direction, happy to get out of the my-dead-son corner of this first meeting.