I hope I played this okay... if you or Tokio wants me to change anything, just let me know!
Peregrine's ear flicked, yet he did not stir. His black body lay wrapped around his mate's, the two of them sleeping after a particularly rigorous effort to knock up Hawkeye. It twitched again and, this time, one blue-green eye popped open and he lifted his head an inch or two. He bolted to his feet abruptly when a third muffled grunt came into his ears and he recognized the sound Crete made when he wanted attention.
Giving the sleeping Hawkeye a quick nudge, the Alpha male raced to the source of the sound, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. Was Crete in trouble? His brother couldn't cry out or even howl, really, so when he made these muffled noises, it usually meant he was desperate. As Peregrine's paws drummed on the cold earth, he fretted over what condition his brother might be in when he found him.
When he came to the crest of the towpath that led down from the plateau and saw Crete standing just within the borders, relief flooded Peregrine. His eyes then flicked to the silvery figure at his mute brother's side and Peregrine's heart leaped into his throat. His whole body felt boneless as he tumbled down the pathway toward Osprey and tears—yes, tears—sprang to his eyes as he closed the space between himself and his beloved sister.
"Osprey!" he cried, slowing to avoid tackling her but rising onto his hind feet and wrapping his forelegs around his sister's neck. He emitted another nonsensical cry, then began licking the side of her face and nosing her all over to make sure she was in good shape. "You're here, you're here!" he murmured loudly as he greeted her, his voice shaking and his body quivering with delight. "I'm so happy you're here—I didn't think you'd come—holy fuckballs, I'm so happy, it's retarded!" he yowled as he continued to smother her with his affections.
After the quiet reunion, Crete had told her (in his own way) to wait and stay there, while he went to get somebody. She guessed it could be one of the leaders, therefore, while she waited and prepared herself to what exactly she would say to impress the other person just enough to let her stay and recover, she would have never thought, what would happen next.
Because before she knew it there was another dark figure bounding through the forest right at her and it took all her courage not to change her mind, turn around and run. All of a sudden her private space was invaded by a big, happy and blabbering mass of flesh and fur, which went so far to wrap it's forefeet around her neck.
Osprey let out a little growl of concern and tried to free herself, because, whether these were the customs of this pack or not, she did not feel very comfortable being slobbered all over and even the wildest wolf would have enough manners to understand that. Then it dawned upon to her that this guy held a very familiar scent and you could not expect that kind of manners, when he was as happy as fool.
"Geroff you, boa constrictor, and let me breathe!" she managed to growl playfully, while trying to wriggle free.
So great was his excitement that Peregrine did not think to exercise restraint, though when Osprey protested and wriggled, he shouted, "Oh!" and sprang back to give her some space. "Sorry," he apologized with a wolfish grin, his eyes shining like a child's on Christmas morning. "It's just... I'm so freakin' happy to see you, Oss! I didn't think you were going to come. But you're here!"
He threw himself at her again, though more gently this time, his swarthy, muscular neck wrapping around her daintier neck in a warm embrace. He then backed up a step, his nose skimming along her cheek as their eyes met. Peregrine grinned again as his heart did a little tap dance on top of his rib cage. He couldn't remember having ever felt happier.
His eyes darkened ever so slightly when he suddenly recollected the circumstances leading them all to this plateau. "I take it Tyrannus is still wreaking havoc?" he asked lowly. His nose pressed comfortingly to Osprey's cheek. "None of us have to worry about that shitbag ever again. The gang's all here—you, me, Crete and Atti—and life is good," he purled into Osprey's silvery left ear.
Maybe it was because of the mere fact that there is only limited amount of grand surprises a person can take in during a course of some hours, therefore, even though Osprey's emotions were racing just as much as her brother's, she did not return the same exuberant greeting. She hadn't seen him for what seemed like ages and, while taking care of March Owl, she had almost forgotten, what it was like to be together of her "other half". There was some air of light uneasiness around her, therefore her reply to Perry's loud outburst was a calm smile.
When he mentioned Tyrannus in such a disrespectful way, her face darkened a little. Shitbag or not he was their brother, no matter, what foolish things he had done during the first months of his reign. Yes, Osprey did not agree to everything he had done, but then again he had never treated her in a bad way. "Don't speak about him like that," she said quietly. "There is a great sadness at Flightless falcons - March owl passed away. We are all mourning."
Just a note: Osprey would definitely be used to Perry speaking this way, though that's not to say she wouldn't still chide him for it! I find that idea kind of hilarious, actually—Osprey always hushing her foulmouthed brother to no avail! :P
When Osprey chided him for speaking ill of Tyrannus, Peregrine stuck out his tongue and almost retorted. Her next words stopped him short, though. The smile melted off his face and his whole body grew still. The only movement was a sudden tick in his left eye. He felt a roiling mixture of emotions, predominantly grief but also terrible anger at Tyrannus for chasing him away and not allowing him a chance to say goodbye to his mother. Now he would never get the chance.
"Fuck," he whispered, then ducked his swarthy head and buried his face in the side of Osprey's neck. A strange noise—a sob, perhaps—wrenched loose from him, shaking his entire body, though his sister's soft fur muffled it.
ooc: she is used to his way of speaking, but very much like Crete she holds Tyrannus in high regard - bad alpha or not - she respects him and doesn't think it's wise to call him names.
Osprey did not like to be the bearer of bad news, but here she was - all happiness had melted away from Perry's face in a matter of seconds and now he was sobbing. The grief for their mother's loss was still fresh, yet she understood that, if she let her sorrow show now, this would make things even worse. In several occasions her brothers had been the strong and confident ones she could depend on at times of need, now their roles were reversed and despite her own pain she had to be strong for Peregrine's sake.
"Now, now," she said after a while, turning so that she could lick her brother's head between the ears. "Mo wouldn't want us to cry," this sounded like a terrible lie, but then again she was in a better place after a very long and adventurous journey. "Just think about it - she is there with dad and probably kicking somebody's ass," remembering, what her mother had been, it was hard to imagine her all peacefull and serene and with white angel wings sprouting from her back. "Just like she did here."
He found some comfort in Osprey's words, yet it wasn't March Owl he felt sorry for just now, it was himself and his brothers. Withdrawing slightly to look into his sibling's face, he said, "I'm not sad about Mo and dad; they lived long, epic lives..." His water eyes threatened to brim over. "I'm upset because I didn't get to say goodbye to her. I can't even remember the last time we saw each other, Oss, or what I said to her." His eyes closed, lids sealing together with saltwater. "This fucking sucks," he concluded in an emotionally wrought and slightly embarrassed voice.
Bowing his head, Peregrine swiped a paw across his eyes, sniffled and then looked back at Osprey. "I guess the only thing I can do is live by her example. And guess what? I've already started. I don't know if Crete had the chance to tell you yet but... I'm the Alpha male here. The Alpha female, Hawkeye, is my mate. We're even trying for a family." His smile was thin and watery as he looked to Osprey for a reaction, hoping it was a good one. He'd certainly done well for himself in their month apart.
"It really does," Osprey agreed, feeling sorry that neither of her brothers were present, when their mom had passed away, but then again she believed that March Owl had been old and wise enough not to hold grudge to those, who walked out of her life. It may have been very painful and probably had seemed unfair during childhood, but over time everyone learned to let go. "You know... it sounds silly now, but I really believed that mom and dad would live forever," parents never get old in their children eyes. "But in a way... they both do. As long as we remember them."
"Wow," was the only thing Osprey could say to the amount of news Peregrine had showered on her. "And all in a matter of few weeks - now, you know, how to live a life," she agreed. "What is your mate - Hawkeye - like?" Osprey asked, curious of what kind of woman had taken her place as the most important female in Peregrine's life. No - that was not jelously - she knew that she wouldn't be sharing the same corners of living with Perry for the rest of their lives and that he would find a mate eventually.
Peregrine feared Osprey would find his quick mate-ship distasteful, like his brothers had, yet while she seemed a little surprised at the swiftness of it, she seemed happy for him. Gratefully, he licked her cheek. Although he understood the reasons why Crete and especially Atticus were not fully supportive of his bond with Hawkeye, he enjoyed the opportunity to gush a little.
"She's strong. She's the Alpha female and she acts like it," he replied. "I think some find her hard to take but, well, that's exactly why she's the right girl for me. There's this chemistry between us too. It happened pretty quickly, especially because neither one of us was really looking," he continued, unaware of his mate's previously boy crazy tendencies, "but I care for her a great deal." He hesitated to say love just yet, though his feelings for Hawkeye grew stronger by the day.
"You," he added in the next instant, "will always be my girl, though." Again, he stroked her muzzle with his warm, pink tongue. His eyes sparkled, the earlier tears giving them a noticeable glisten. "And you'll be staying here," Peregrine said before adding, "Right?" He didn't want to control Osprey—she was an independent woman, despite their relationship—but the idea of her going anywhere else but the plateau made Peregrine itchy and bothered all over.
Osprey was unaware that neither of her other two brothers liked Peregrine's mate much, but she would find out that in the days that would follow. It would also be enough time for her to make up her judgement, whether Hawkeye would become her friend or just a good acquaintance and nothing more. After all - you could not openly dislike anyone, who was dear and important to your brother and best friend. But - by the way he described the alpha female - she was even more curious to met her.
"That I am sure of," she said and bumped her nose against Perry's cheek lightly. "Just the same way you will always be my boy," she finished. "It wouldn't be wise to stay as a loner during winter," Osprey continued, "therefore if your mate agrees - I will stay." She took a step back and looked at her brother. "But you do know that there might be a time, when I will leave to start a pack of my own. There can't be two alpha females in one place, can there?" she was almost three years old now, she was strong and capable and wanted to have a family of her own one day.
"She agrees," Peregrine said quickly. Although he knew Hawkeye rather aptly watched her ranks like a hawk, he knew she would not hesitate to accept the by now legendary Osprey. "You're welcome to the highest open position we have right now. I'll just let her know as soon as I see her. She'll be thrilled to meet you, Oss. Crete, Atti and and me have told her so much about you." His tail waved.
It had never occurred to Peregrine that Osprey might seek to become leader of her own pack one day. The thought honestly made him proud and unhappy at the same time. Leaving Flightless Falcons had really changed everything for them, hadn't it? Four wolves who'd assumed they'd live out their days in their birth pack were now far from home, with one of them now leader of his own pack and another aspiring to do the same one day.
"I think you can do—you can be—anything you want to be, Oss, and you know I'll cheer you on," Peregrine answered, "but I don't want to think of the day you leave me again on the very day we've been reunited. I can't bear the thought. Come on, let's go up to the plateau so you can see your new home. Maybe we can track down Atti and Hawkeye too," the Alpha mentioned as he ushered Osprey home.
"Wow, that was fast," Osprey tilted her head to the side and gave her brother an amused look. She had prepared to prove herself to the leader, tell that she would be a good addition to the pack, etc., etc., but here she was. Peregrine had accepted and ranked without a blink. It was curious though, if he was so generous and welcoming to others, who sought shelter here.
"Atticus is here too?" she asked cautiously, in case Perry had meant someone else by "Atti". Their brother had disappeared without a trace one night and, even though she was suspicious that Tyrannus had something to do with it, she never found out. It did occur to her that he might have left on his own, since he was just as capable of fending for himself as everyone else. "How did he come here?" she questened him further.
"Probably not," Osprey agreed and then a sly grin appeared in her face. "But tomorrow would be nice day, don't you think?" she joked and bumped in her brother with her side. "So... you are an alpha now... tell me everything I have missed? Every single juicy detail!"
He couldn't read her mind, of course, but Peregrine had nearly three years of experience practically syncing brain waves with Osprey. "You have nothing to prove to me. I know you'll be an excellent addition to the pack," he told her, nosing her cheek softly. The Alpha male knew he treated some wolves much differently than others but didn't see a problem with it; was he supposed to be buddies with everybody and their brother? No, he answered his own question.
"Yep, we're all together again," the swarthy male confirmed with a wave of his tail. Then his face fell a little. "But... they're both kind of unhappy with me. It wasn't anything I did, per se... but when I became Alpha..." He paused, giving her a look he knew she would understand. "Tyrannus really left some deep scars," he murmured quietly and bitterly. "If you could talk to them and make them want to stay here, I'd love you even more than I already do, Oss," he added imploringly. "I'm pretty much afraid to talk to them right now, so I've given them their space."
They began to walk deeper into the plateau's territory. Peregrine's black ear flicked in response to Osprey's query. "Well, I think it's important to note that I'm nothing like Tyrannus. I'm trying to prove that to Atti and Crete," he shared with a sigh. "But other than my issues there, I actually feel very suited to the role. I don't know. It's like everything very suddenly clicked into place when I met Hawkeye and we began courting one another. Are you excited that you'll get to be an aunt soon?" he questioned, glancing sideways at his sister's lovely face.
Facing forward again, he began to lead her through the wood. He planned to show her some of the views. En route, he continued by saying, "Really, that's all that's happened. Life here is different than it was back home but still the same in many ways. I'm still hunting and caching, though now there's a whole new layer of responsibility: feeding my mate and unborn pups. So that's exciting."
Tyrannus had not hurt Osprey the same way he had hurt her brothers, therefore up until now she had not understood the extent of the damage. They had always been so happy, had promissed to be together no matter what, always and forever. And now it seemed... it felt wrong that there was a rift between them. "I will do, what I can," she told him quietly.
"Oh, come on," Osprey stopped and faced her brother. "I have known you for a lifetime..." she smiled at him. And maybe even before that... The bond that existed between her and Peregrine was something very hard for her to describe in the right words. It was strong - there were moments, when she believed that, if anything like a life before you were born, existed, then they have had to be together then.
"You are nothing like Tyrannus and you will never be. However," she continued, "In case you had a change in heart - I will know that." And kick your ass. Osprey knew a lot of words and expressions their mother had used in her lexicon, but she wasn't that avid to use them out loud. But you could smile like a mayflower and be swearing like hell inside, couldn't you?
"An aunt - wow - that makes me feel totally old," Osprey shared her mind and chuckled. "But that would be nice."
ooc: the always and forever quote - I have been watching "The Originals" lately. A lot of stuff about being a family and I somehow can draw paralells to Osprey and her siblings' story.
That's awesome. :D
Osprey's words literally took his breath away, leaving Peregrine with a hitch in his chest. "I know Tyrannus didn't go after you, so it's not quite the same for you as it is for Atti and Crete," he replied, "but how come you can stand there and so breezily accept it, all without even batting an eyelash—and they can't? You don't know what that means to me Oss," he professed gruffly, feeling more touched than he could properly articulate. He did not elaborate, as he didn't want to trash talk his own brothers. Even as much as they'd hurt him with their complete lack of faith, he still couldn't bring himself to really blame them.
A grin twitched his lips when she threatened to kick his ass. He thought back on how he'd prostrated himself before his brothers, asking them to kill him if he went back on his promise that he wouldn't be like Tyrannus. His face became stony and this, too, he kept to himself rather than burden Osprey with it. It was strange, not only having issues with his brother but now keeping secrets from his sister. Peregrine didn't like it but he didn't see a way around it, really. Hopefully, in time, everything would go back to normal... and Peregrine already knew himself well enough to know that none of his three litter mates would have to make good on these threats, serious or not.
"Nah," he replied hastily to her comment about being an aunt. "I mean, we're already aunts and uncles," he pointed out to her, referring to their elder siblings' children, "though it isn't the same thing as when your very own litter mate reproduces, is it?" he finished with a bit of a giddy smile. "In any case, you're going to be a great aunt. And guess what?" He paused but for only a second. "Hawkeye and me already agreed we'd name one after you."
"Give them time, brother," Osprey told him. It was true that she had not been forced out of the pack, but had left by her own free will. In a way Tyrannus had betrayed their trust and that must have hurt badly. But then again... she wondered, whether they had known their older brother at all. Yes, he had been charming, yes, he had been brave and bold, daring and loyal, good and kind, but stood his ground, when it was needed. But maybe there had been a side of him they hadn't been aware of.
"Don't take it the wrong way, but I think that you can look at the exile from a different perspective," she said. "I mean I have always believed that there is a king or queen inside each of us. Atticus is smart and caring, Crete is tough and brave - he can be a great leader, even without the ability to speak. Look at yourself - Perry - look, what you have become in a matter of a month," you had gained a new pack, a mate, become a leader - that was a great step up in the career.
"You might not think that you are a leader material, that you are a threat to anyone, but Tyrannus wasn't born yesterday. He has been with us, since we were born, he has seen us growing up and he knows, who we are, what we can become," she felt that this speech was getting too long and with a bit more of thinking she could shorten her idea up. "He saw the potential of a king in you and in everyone he drove out of the pack. Mad - maybe, but in a twisted way - one can take it as the biggest compliment in life."
Everyone needed a kick, a sudden and unexpected event to change one's life forever. Osprey did not voice it aloud, because she had said it too much, but she knew that in case her pack was too big, she would also drive out those, who would seek to usurp her throne. Except - she would not threaten, but ask politely, by pointing out that this place is becoming too small for both of us. Or something along the lines.
"Don't you think that there are going to be too many Ospreys in the family?" she asked, feeling a bit awkward, because, well, when you named one of your offspring after a relative, either that person was very far away or deceased. "You could name him or her Yerpso, for example?"
He nodded when she told him to give them time. Not that he had a choice but that's what he hoped: that, if given time, he should show his brothers that he wasn't like Tyrannus—and would never be. Time would heal their wounds. In time... everything would be okay again.
Osprey went on to give Peregrine a perspective he'd never before considered. His head tilted and he listened raptly to her soft, familiar voice. Tyrannus had seen the Alpha male within him before he'd ever known it was there. Only because of his brother's exile had he been able to recognize and maximize his own potential. Suddenly, Peregrine didn't know whether to hate his brother... or thank him. He grimaced. He would never be able to rekindle his favor for the tyrant, even if everything had worked out well in the end. All's not well that ends well, he mused.
"Why are you so smart, Oss?" Peregrine teased, nuzzling her fondly. "You've given me a fresh perspective on the matter, though there really is a part of me that would've been happy to live there forever, regardless of rank. Family means more to me than a rank," he muttered, his brow furrowing for, even as he said it, Peregrine realized the lines had become blurred there somewhat.
Osprey didn't seem overly thrilled about his idea and Peregrine looked a little crestfallen. "No way. I'm going to call her Osprey Junior," he told her, still clinging steadfastly to the idea. "It's a great name and you're a great wolf. I want all my daughters to turn out just like you."
"Well... someone has to have intellect in the family," Osprey teased back and stuck out her tongue at him. Of course, this did not mean that she thought her sibling was not smart. They were equal. "That's the hard part about leaving a dear place," she said. "But the world is such a big and wonderful place, brother. Life is predictable, when you stay at one place for too long, but here you wake up every day with anticipation of what adventures will you have today."
"I feel the very same way - family above all. Always and forever," Osprey nudged his shoulder in a friendly and reassuring manner. Therefore she was very happy to be here with her brothers to fulfill that promise. And, when she would have a little family of her own, she would teach this to them too.
"Have you forgotten that I am Osprey Junior already?" she was named after MO's dear brother, who had disappeared and presumed to having died long before she and her brothers had been born. But she had done her share of the deal, by annoying her mom's every waking hour with questions, until she knew their story by heart and had created the image of her uncle and namesake in her imagination.
"We have had many great wolves in Flightless falcons," Osprey did not think that any of Perry's offspring should be named after her. "Like Three tooth Pete, for example," she reminded him of an old and wise wolf, who had been her hunting mentor and always had had a soft spot for her. She had also liked him a great deal and had been very sad for a long time, after he had disappeared one day. His real name had been Tristan, but ever since he had lost a fang during a hunt, no one had called him by his real name.
Osprey pointed out something Peregrine hadn't stopped to consider: the fact that she was already the second member of the family to wear the name. "Oh, well, poop," Peregrine replied. He'd become rather attached to the idea of calling her O.J. for short, so he wouldn't give up on the name too easily. "I guess we could call her Osprey the Third but I'm not naming her after the original Osprey, I'm naming her after you," he insisted. "And you can't stop me," he added, sticking out his tongue like she had a moment ago.
"Three Tooth Pete!" the Alpha echoed with a great guffaw. "I'm not naming one of my kids Three Tooth Pete, Osprey," he added, giving her a serious look but laughing despite himself. "He was a cool old dude, though," he added before Osprey could find his reaction offensive. "Wasn't his real name Titan or something? From Titan to Three Tooth Pete. Much downgrades. Wow."
They'd become so caught up in their conversation that Peregrine had nearly forgotten the entire point of their walk: showing Osprey the sights. He remembered suddenly and stopped, nudging Osprey to get her to do the same. They stood in a clearing in the heart of the small forest atop the plateau. There wasn't anything particularly remarkable to see here, yet he took it all in as if seeing it with fresh eyes, like his sister was.
"This place really is great," he said to her, turning and nibbling mindlessly at the tip of a silvered ear.
Osprey knew that her brother was very stubborn and it wouldn't be easy to change his mind, but she still did not like the idea of anyone's child named after a living relative. It seemed wrong in a way. Peregrine obviously adored her and the earth she walked on, but she didn't think that she had accomplished something that great and noteworthy for her name to be passed on. "Well, but I will call her Yerpso for the rest of her days and you won't like that, would you?" she returned with a half-hearted tease, hoping that by the time the kids would be born, Perry would have forgotten this silly inclination.
"His name was Tristan," she corrected him and furrowed her brow, when he made fun of the old man in the way he was used to. Osprey had been very fond of him and he had been a great mentor and friend. "That is a good name, and he was a good, smart and skilled hunter. I learned a lot from him and... well, I think that if anyone deserves to have his name passed on that it is him," she tried to veer Perry's thoughts in a different direction. "Do a favor for me - name one of your daughters Osprey after I have accomplished something noteworthy," she mused. "Like being the first wolf on the moon. You remember that secret den I had there, no one else knew about?" Being a kid with a very active imagination, she had wanted to become a lot of things during her childhood - from a dragonslayer to a fairy princess (except, boys never knew about that).
"It really is beautiful," she said, coming to a halt by Perry's side and observing the view.
They stood there, admiring the view in tandem, until Peregrine turned to face her instead, grinned and said, "Indeed! I remember your astronaut phase... and your dragon-slaying phase... and your racing phase. Can you still run like the wind?" His brows quirked suggestively and, without any warning at all, he barked in her ear and took off at a gallop.
He pushed himself to his top speed, knowing very well that Osprey would soon glide alongside him, then bypass him entirely. Although he was fairly fast, he had nothing on the sister he occasionally and fondly referred to as Silver Bullet.
There had also been "kiss the frog and prince" phase too, which Osprey was very ashamed of even several years later, and of which Peregrine didn't know anything about. Since she had been the only girl in the litter, during her first and second year she had constantly tried to act and be just as "manly" as her brothers, restraining her feminine side as much as possible. But just because she liked to get in rough play-fights, prove herself to courageous and better than any of the siblings, did not mean that she didn't have her girl moments. They were kept as a secret though.
"You don't stand a chance," Osprey told Peregrine and rushed after him. Running was like the second nature to her - her heart filled with joy and at times it felt almost as if she could fly. Another dream of hers. It didn't take long for her to catch up with her brother and just as she was running alongside him, she cast a challenging side glance to him. Is that all you got?
Just as he'd predicted, Osprey quickly overtook him, running at his side with effortless grace. He looked sideways at her, his own tongue lolling from his muzzle in an indication of his exertion. Already pushing himself to his limits, Peregrine nonetheless attempted to speed up even more, though he was well aware he'd never catch up with Osprey once she really put the pedal to the metal.
Although he could lope for hours, his long-legged gait tireless, the Alpha could not sustain this pace for long. With Osprey rocketing ahead, he began to slow to a trot, then an easy canter and, finally, to a walk. He panted heavily, watching his sister admiringly as she zoomed into the distance. Not at all put out by her victory, he paused and waited for her to circle back to him.
Osprey loved to race and win, therefore back at home no one had wanted to play a game of chase with her. Except for Peregrine - the good brother he was - sometimes initiated the game just to make her happy. And she had nothing against it, even though the fun ended too fast for her liking.
As it did now. He became slower and slower, until stopped. She noticed that few seconds later, made an u-turn and returned back to him. Her sides heaving and the expression of victorious glee on her face. "Tired so soon," she teased him and then put a sloppy kiss on his muzzle. "That was fun. Do you have fun often - now that you are the big and scary top wolf in the pack?" she asked in a joking manner and sat down.
When she circled back and began to tease him, Peregrine growled playfully at her, trying to dodge her sloppy kiss but failing. When she teased him, he bit his lip and shot her an apprehensive look just to make sure she really was joking, then broke into a tepid smile.
"'Course. I'll never stop having fun," he assured her. "Especially if I'm going to have kids underfoot." The repeated mentions of his future brood made him think of Hawkeye, curled up asleep in their den. He was sure she was fine and that she probably didn't want to be disturbed, yet the Alpha couldn't help but long to return to her. He was sure the'd already gotten the job done but he wanted to be absolutely certain. The only way to do that was to mate as frequently as possible until her cycle ended.
Deciding he didn't want to mention all of this explicitly to his sister, Peregrine opted to say, "Hey, I think I'm going to head back to check on Hawkeye. She's asleep back at the den, otherwise I'd invite you to come along and meet her. Let's hang out again A-S-A-P, okay?" he asked, nuzzling Osprey. He hated to part from her, yet the instincts driving him right now were very strong and insistent.