Zhener

The wedge-tailed eagle alighted on an overhang of rock near the top of the Canyon. After closing his wings about his feathered body, Zhener muttered darkly to himself, speaking in the foreign language he grew up with. After a while, he craned his neck about and began to straighten out the messed-up feathers which had been ruffled by a cruel joke played on him by two pups. Zhener was still moody about being snapped at by a few other wolves, and was beginning to wonder whether it was worth while to hold an alliance with the canines.

Aderyn

Aderyn had been scouting for her mother when she heard the familiar screech of her namesake. Coming upon him, she saw that he was truly in a state. He was all mussed and tuttering along in that language that she couldn't understand. It had been a long time since she had seen him, and she was now fully grown, a yearling in her own right. Smiling a little and shaking her head, she called out to him, she said, Master Zhener! Come, tell me what has happened.

Zhener

Zhener wheeled around, at once recognizing this voice. Although he couldn't remember the other wolves in the prairie, Aderyn's face was very clear in his memory. "Aderyn!" he cried out, exteding his dark wings in emphasis of his joy, "Little von, you are growing!" He he dropped the old language, momentarily forgetting about his recent and unpleasant experience.

Waddling closer he spoke again, excitement rising in his voice for at last finding a friend, "I'm sorry for being avay! Tried to find my family across zhe vater, vhere I vas from. I vanted to bring zhem 'ere. But zhe vater is much bigger zhen I zhought... I couldn't find my homeland." Zhener explained, his eyes showing a faint frown before perking up again, "I came back, and now I find you! You find me." He corrected himself, bobbing his dark head once. "Vhat about you? And your mozher, Karai? And Moon Spirit? Zhey all good?"

Aderyn

Aderyn smiled. She was well used to Zhener's strange way of speaking, and understood him perfectly. Laughing a little, she said, Yes, I have grown just a bit. You should see my siblings, though. They're much bigger than me!

And she listened, smiling as he described his journey "across zhe vater". You will find your home someday, my friend. Everyone finds home. As for mother, she's fine, but I haven't seen Moon Spirit in a while. You see, we've moved.

Zhener

The eagle nodded almost solemnly, "Maybe. But, maybe zhis iz my home, ja? Zhis iz vhere I live now?" He had debated this question with himself for a long while now, and now that he was reunited with Aderyn, the Valley seemed much friendlier. "Good to 'ear she iz fine! Vhere have you moved? I vould like to see Karai too; and your siblings, ja?" Zhener spread his wings slightly as his eyes reflected a growing interest.

Aderyn

Aderyn smiled, gently nosing some of his ruffled feathers back into place. This can always be home for you. A second home, kind of. Like Moon Spirit's pack will always be my home, but now Eytan's pack is my home, too. See?

And she nodded some more, listening to him. Yes, I'm sure Mama would be happy to see you. She has missed you, I think. I will take you to them, if you like? How about it? Ready for a trip?

Zhener

He tilted his head, trying to bring the name 'Eytan' into memory, but could not. Yet, the wedgie returned a nod anway, "Aah, I see! You have two home too, ja? Zhat iz good!" Zhener listened with growing excitement to her last words and bobbed his head, "Ja! I vould very much like too see her again! I vill follow you, Aderyn.>" The eagle unfolded his large wings, ready to lift himself into the air and follow after the wolf.

Aderyn

Little wolfess smiled, and began to trot away, looking overhead periodically to make sure Zhener could keep up.