fly so high that i need to come down for oxygen

Zephyr contemplated quietly as his father explained that Auster had received storms like this before he was born, bringing forth the memory of the Aegis' recent words that some birds do migrate. Somewhere deep inside he could not argue how very much he did want to follow the warmth as it travelled up and down continents, though it felt as if by accepting that urge he was only deepening the division between his species and the found family he had been brought up in. Wolves didn't migrate - if Zephyr couldn't conform with wolf culture, how was he ever supposed to be a true member of his little family?

Artorias had carried over furs while the young raptor was lost in thought, his attention returning to the blue furred man as he was told to sit and dry off. Zephyr obeyed, but maintained his frown at Artorias' injured leg even as he accepted the offered blankets. His father began to dry him, and grasping one of the blankets in his own beak he swung his head to drape it over the wolf's own soggy form while he worked. The praise offered to him did not send his mood skyward as it normally did, but the bird nodded in quiet acceptance regardless. It still didn't feel like he'd done great. Zephyr was so used to being proud of his accomplishments and basking in the shared pride that his failures today made Artorias' words feel more like pity. He did not doubt that his father was proud of him, he only wished he could feel like he'd deserved it. "Thanks, dad." The bird murmured back, appreciative but sad.

As they had been dried and the storm raged on, Artorias gave a surprising and intriguing offer. Pulling himself free from the thoughts of self-pity, he eyed his inspired father and craned his head to the side. "A story?" It was almost enough to let him forget his poor performance out there in the storm. Reaching for another blanket, he slung it over his shoulder and pulled his wings in tightly beneath it, tucking himself in and lowering himself to the cavern floor in eager preparation. The only thing missing was snacks, and perhaps a fire. "Okay, I'm ready." Wiggling in barely-contained excitement, he fixed his bright gaze upon his father and fell into silence to listen.

"Zephyr"