Crash, a flippant being, appeared in council one day after being summoned. By summoned, meaning Arax had him dragged in snarling and fighting. After meeting the council days earlier Meadow had relaxed. The older males and females welcomed her warmly when Arax took responsibility for her and Neola. In fact, she thought they gave a collective sound of relief when he approached them holding the babe and had an arm wrapped possessively around Meadow. When Arax announced his intention of mending ties with the sharks they sat up taller and whispered among themselves. Meadow thought she sensed an undercurrent of approval.The council hung back in seats behind Arax and remained quiet as Crash stood scowling. This was obviously Arax’s show. Meadow sat on a soft blanket on the floor playing with Neola as she often came to council meetings. Arax liked having his family close and Meadow liked having Arax closer. True to his word he played the doting father, and though he fumbled at times with the right words to say, he was always around when she needed him.
