Redhawk Caldera Reliquia.

Hotah slipped inside after her, settling near the pups with a quiet breath. Their tiny bodies eased whatever nerves still clung to him.

Towhee’s signs drew his focus. He nodded once, firm, grateful.

He lifted his paw again, slower this time.

-Thank you.-

Then, with a little more confidence:

-We… learn… together.- Motioning toward the children.

His smile was small but genuine, the crease by his eye deepening.

I’m better with teeth than signs, he admitted softly, but I’ll keep at it.

He hesitated, then signed—awkward but clear:

-For kids… and Jr.-