Redhawk Caldera a s j a

Life was better away from the island. Sorana didn't know why that was; mama and daddy didn't fight as often, or if they did, it wasn't confined to a small area where she could overhear it. The lake was a looming black blemish on her consciousness, but if she closed her eyes and played pretend, she could almost forget it was there.

She could never forget the feeling or the fear, but if she played pretend, then life was good.

Sora streaked after Teya, bounding through brush and clearing with the vigour of a young fawn. Once, an unfamiliar smell tickled her nostrils and she paused to tip her nose up into the breeze. That must be what Teya was heading toward, Sora decided.

Sensing the time for frolicking was past, she trotted along more somberly, at least until she caught sight of Jay. Sora rushed to her friend's side, jostling against him in her haste to mouth at his cheek, and only looked around to notice the stranger when Teya began to speak.

Her eyes on Silktail were large and round. She made a questioning, crooning sound in her throat.