Broken Antler Fen and the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon

At first Caracal appeared elated. It was a feeling Reyes shared openly, tail wagging in a rare moment of bliss, his entire being radiating a prideful, pleasant aura. He thought of the myriad of things to show Caracal around the fen — and the people they might encounter — before all those thoughts were sufficiently dashed by the boy's own admission.

It took some of the wind out of Reyes' sails, but he was glad Caracal still wanted to hang out. Yeah, okay, that works too. He agreed, casting a look over his shoulder and across the fen, before turning again to watch his son.

As he began to walk along one of the more prominent animal trails (which Reyes used on patrols sometimes) he took notice of Bridget's more prevalent scent and the way it tapered off in one direction. He led Caracal along the opposite way, so they could have some alone time.. And found his tongue feeling heavy, unsure of where to start or what to say.