They started at midday—the six adults in a careful formation:
Naga took point, his serpent form flowing up the path ahead, scouting for dangers and testing handholds.
Alex came second, carrying River (of course) and staying in the middle of the group where he could be protected from all sides.
Leo flanked Alex's left with Jade, the largest baby making small hissing sounds of commentary about the scenery.
Zale took the right with Ripple, the cautious snakeling perfectly content to be carried through uncertain terrain.
Granite brought up the rear with Sterling, which proved to be a tactical error when the climber-baby immediately tried to scale the bear's head.
"No," Granite said patiently, readjusting Sterling for the fourth time in ten minutes. "We stay in the carrier."
Sterling's response was to coil more firmly around Granite's ear.
"...close enough," the bear conceded.
