"A New Bonding"

The swell of the seawater was rather calm that day, the skies a crystal blue that seemed to go on forever. Not a feathery cloud dappled it, marring its perfection. Zarra took in a deep breath of salty air, letting it fill her not often used lungs. However, her calm thoughts were interrupted by a voice.

"Mother! Look, I think I see the tail!"

Zarra quickly turned her wandering attention back to the scene before her and her rather excited son. This was a joyous day for Zarra and Wynn, Streak was birthing her new baby. It didn’t seem that long ago when Zarra’s most trusted companion had found a new mate in a passing dolphin pod. Streak never seemed to have any interest in the other dolphins in the Holt’s pod, probably cause none held her markings. Wynn had waited impatiently for the dolphin to give birth, never having seen one do so.

Wynn, oh how he had been growing, sprouting from a little guppy more and more every time she returned from a long hunt. That thought caused her stomach to knot, since it always hurt to see him growing so fast. She at times wished she had been more a part of his life, but in those early days the thought that he was Girtam’s son and her dislike for his father kept her away. ‘He looks so much like his father,’ Her father Tandar had told her. ‘He was a handsome elf before the accident, and a much gentler elf too.’ She remembered the hint of sadness in his voice, as if he like so many of the older elves mourned for the lost part of the great hunting elf.

"M-O-T-H-E-R... Did you hear me? The tail is showing." Wynn waved his hand a bit to get his mother’s attention.

"Oh, yes, I’m sorry Wynn, my mind is wandering." She stroked Streak’s beak, while supporting the Dolphin, who chattered softly. Elf and Dolphin knew that something else special was to happen today. Streak had made her wish known and Zarra had agreed. "Soon Wynn... Only moments now, be ready to help the little one to the surface for a breath."

The boy was giddy with excitement, he was getting to be a part of a ritual of sorts, though he was unaware of the secret agreement the bonded pair had. He dived under to get a better look, making sure to keep back out of the way.

Suddenly, Streak let out a loud gush of air from her blowhole, as she gave that last push. The newborn Dolphin slipped free and started to instinctually swim. In an instant, Wynn sent a calm reassuring thought and helped guide him to the surface. "It’s a boy!" He exclaimed as he broke the surface.

Zarra smiled softly and gave her bond a hug. "My old friend, you did well." She whispered quietly. Streak nosed the elf’s cheek and ducked under to greet her new son. The high sounds of mother and baby filled Zarra’s ears as she, too slid under the surface.

Wynn swam excited circles around the pair. Though Zarra had forbid him to be changed yet, Wynn was one of the faster swimmers and could hold his breath for a time.

**Wynn, my dear, slow down. You will exhaust your new bond before he can get to know you.** Zarra coyly slid in a small fact that brought the boy to a stop. **He will be your companion. Streak wishes it so. She thinks you are a good son and would be ideal for her son. **

**REALLY!!** The word exploded into her mind filled with such joy and happiness. **He’s my bond! I have a bond!** He turned wide eyes to the little Dolphin that was testing its fins. Streak clicked reassurance to him.

**Really, now keep your mind quieted down, you’ll wake the elves for miles around.** She would have sent more, but soft, high noted clicks drew her own attention to the new member. She motioned for her son to move closer and offered a gentle smile.

Carefully, Wynn drifted closer to the newborn, offering quiet thoughts. The baby turned a curious eye to the other and offered more clicks. **I think he should be called Click... He likes to click so much.** Wynn offered innocently. The pair sat for a moment sizing each other up, but then the baby made the first moves and swam a bit closer, to this interesting thing. Slowly, Wynn reached out a hand and touched the soft side. **Hello, Click.** He sent carefully, which returned with warm clicks from the newly named. Success!

**Mother?**

**Yes, Wynn?**

**Does this mean I can be shaped?** The youth ventured.

**No. Not till you’re older.**

**Awww.**

Now starts a new beginning in young Wynn’s life. Who knows what adventures he will have with his new bond Click.