[center][color=ED2939][h1]Shieldwing[/h1][/color][/center]

Shieldwing took a moment to adjust himself as he carried the Alpin on his back, more than willing to be the one to give him a lift whenever he needed it. If anything, he figured he should have just carried him the whole way, but it might have been for the best if he kept trying to swim by himself.... He swam alongside Stargaze for most of the time, and they would take turns helping him out. It seemed to him that she liked helping him out, though Shieldwing was almost more annoyed at feeling like a babysitter for this little guy.

The only solace he took in their trip was that Garrock remained mostly silent. He didn't dare look back at the older dragon for the entire trip, not wanting to see those judging eyes glaring at him disapprovingly.... To say the least, this trip had not been good for him getting in good with somebody of higher rank. His plan to make himself look like a good leader wasn't panning out very well.... He had even allowed one of his clutch to go off on his own; he would have fought back harder against it, but it seemed like the group was content with the decision, and he hadn't wanted to start an argument in front of Garrock. He still regretted that decision. He could only hope that Skobeloff was okay....

Finally, they arrived at what Stargaze and Alpin confirmed for him was Echo's cave. This perked him up; he'd gotten everybody but Skobeloff here safely. He turned over to Stargaze as Alpin asked his question. 

[color=ED2939]"I mean, I don't really see the big deal; I could get in there no problem I bet,"[/color] Shieldwing said, fluffing his wings a bit with a grin. To be honest, he would be glad to have an excuse to go somewhere Garrock wasn't just so that he could take a bit of a break from trying to show off for him. Plus, he might be happy to have a reason to take a break; and if Shieldwing could resolve the problem without him worrying about it, then maybe that would help his image. But in the end, Stargaze decided that they should just call on Echo to bring her outside to them...and he wasn't about to argue with her.

[color=ED2939]"But if you think it's better to just call her out, then go ahead."[/color]

He allowed his clutchmate to call out to her elemental friend, watching her walk a bit forward to let out her cry. However, he remained alert, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings; the last thing he needed was for something other than Echo to come find the source of such a loud call.