His feathers do not have to be in absolutely perfect shape before he launches himself off of the ground - he has certainly flown in much worse conditions than this - but it feels different, this time, since he will be taking her with him.

Preening efficiently, his focus is on her as she explores - everything is absolutely new to her, and he cannot even begin to imagine what she is feeling as she digs through the sand and rocks. (It both fills his heart with joy and a hint of sadness, at what she had to endure before...)

Once he is satisfied, he stretches again and shakes his wings out, then stands up on the log and hops off - moving to join her.

"Find anything interesting?"