Vasili didn't go far from the den. With the whelps fresh and large in number, Neph resting and recovering, the Father once again took it upon himself to guard. He had less reason to this year, he supposed - not that they had many in their ranks, but the young dragonlings beginning to spread their wings were able to help now. He didn't dare leave them to deal with it all alone, but he did expect them to step up their game. Keep out of trouble, stay on the island to help him defend it, help bring their Mother prey.
Cairo, he expected would be more helpful within the den. Sobek was probably better fit to bite the tits off anyone who came onto the island who wasn't meant to.
And he kept his perch above the dens mouth, ready to literally fall down upon anything dumb enough to come wandering this far.

But even he wasn't at the den at all times.

He had to hunt. Mark the boundaries of the island. Pluck herbs, trying to be helpful for Neph. Gather berries, most importantly! There was no shortage of bushes on the island, thank god, but getting the fruits all together took more time than tracking down lunch.

Vasi wasn't sure which he wanted to do first, today. His jaws gaped in a wide, loud yawn and snapped closed again with a resounding click as he limped along. Perhaps breakfast from a cache, first. Wake him up a little. Then he'd patrol, maybe catch some fish to take back fresh to his wife. Either she'd go stretch her legs, then, or he'd go back out himself until she was ready.

Vasili didn't get to the cache. Didn't get much further, really.

Another scent drew his attention, and the Pharaoh lifted himself to his full height.

Fox.

Too close to the den.

His tail curled, spiked, and he put his nose to the earth to snuffle for a proper trail.

Didn't need it.

His ringed gaze fell on the little crimson creature, huddled against one of the many berry bushes. Didn't.... look right. Boxed ears, like they'd been cut. A crooked nose.
Nothing that spoke of wounds, too young to have earned them younger, but the proof was right there before Vasi's not-so-clear-gaze.

His features fell into surprise.

Just... a little kit. No sign of a Mother.

Vasili swallowed a lump in his throat.

A predator, a scavenger, that would grow up to thieve from his den.

The piebald dragon didn't move quickly. He didn't snap it up like he ought to have, as he thought Neph would expect him to. As he expected himself to!

He just walked a slow circle, looking for a trail.

There wasn't one. It was like the boy had just... appeared here.

Alone.

If one listened hard enough, maybe they could hear the wheels turning in the speckled mans mind.

A strange looking berry you are, he rumbled after a moment, pausing, staring at the kit, Little red firethorns are rare in these parts. You cause bellyaches, too?