Redhawk Caldera We are the dreamers

I'm going out of town tomorrow, so I thought we could wrap this up so I don't leave you hanging! :) Feel free to post again or archive!

Elwood considered Nightjar's first question, not realizing that the boy hadn't picked up on his playful tone of voice. They honestly didn't encounter many trespassers at Redhawk Caldera, although by coincidence he and Towhee had recently dispatched a rabies-infested loner. "Not often, but every once a while a troublemaker comes along," he said.

His young companion's next words were impactful, whether he meant them to be or not. It meant a lot to Elwood to hear from Fox and Peregrine's own son that the Blackthorn family was an important part of Redhawk Caldera. Naturally, he knew that their whole family -- though not related by blood -- were all part of the pack's legacy, but it still warmed Elwood's heart to hear it straight from Nightjar's mouth.

"You're right," Elwood said amiably, then added, "And we're glad to have you back with us." By this point, they were nearing the rendezvous site, which he imagined would be familiar to Nightjar. "I'm going to go check on Finley -- she's pregnant -- but feel free to make yourself at home," he said. With a parting nudge to his nephew's shoulder, Elwood headed in the direction of the future whelping den.