Sun Mote Copse Teeny tiny aquamen

Life had settled into something of a routine after Wildfire's death, as it always did after something big happened. Elwood and the others could still feel the hole that she had left behind, but they were adapting to their new normal. This included the congregation of puppies residing in the den of the Blackthorn matriarch and patriarch -- their own four children were growing like weeds, as were Elfie and Weejay. The puppies all spent more time out and about, earning their newfound independence, which meant that the adults were often kept occupied with various adventures.

Today, Elwood had been keeping an eye on Elfie from a distance. He had seen the boy "sneaking" away, but hadn't tried to stop him; he was getting to be old enough to negotiate his immediate surroundings without a parent or grandparent hovering overhead. And when he did move to follow his red-headed grandson after a few minutes, it wasn't to bring him back -- it was to see what he had discovered.

The youth was peering into a nearby pond, studying the myriad of tadpoles that skimmed across its surface. Approaching, Elwood said, "Those are baby frogs," and knelt down next to Elfie.