Shadewood stars, hide your fires

yonder clenched his beak, struck my frustrating uncertainty.

what his sister suggested was a dangerous thing, toying with wolves and their frankly confusing social systems and beliefs. he wanted no part in it!

and yet, he couldn't leave. 

he simply... couldn't.

the fledgling shut his eyes and turned his head, not wanting to see hers or she his expression.

"......... graahh!! fine!" he croaked at last, turning to face her certain mocking. "i'll play! as long as you promise to stay alive."

he attempted to mime his father's hardness, but his beak clicked like a child's. 

"the moment i see your feathers on the ground, i'm out."