Redhawk Caldera Birds of a feather flock together

"That's it," Peregrine replied to her off-the-wall suggestion. "That's it right there. That's what it's called." He grinned lopsidedly, appreciating the fact that the two of them still got on like little kids even though their fourth birthday was just weeks away. Peregrine doubted either he or Osprey would ever grow old, mentally.

He didn't reply right away when Osprey mentioned the nature of her relationship with Saena, though his brow furrowed slightly. Maybe their personalities were too similar? Or the age difference was an issue? Peregrine hated to think it but maybe Osprey's relationship to him was a problem for Saena. He was afraid to ask.

"You know what else is a cute at the moment?" Peregrine asked rhetorically. "This little blob of tar." He rocked the nameless pup, causing her to twitch faintly and stretch out a leg. He lowered his muzzle to place a tiny kiss on her paw pad. "I really --"

His voice cut off when a loud cry from the den's rear caused him to jerk his head to look over his shoulder. It was Wildfire, fussing like usual. Peregrine exchanged a quick glance with his sister, asking her to wait, then plucked up the snoozing cub at his feet. He gently tucked her beside the still slumbering Nightjar (and sleepy eyed Fox, who'd been roused by their daughter's cries), then grasped the squirming Wildfire around her middle and carried her toward the entrance.

He settled down with her and began to lick her, focusing on her face. His tongue did a good job of muffling her cries. He chuckled under his breath and paused just long enough to say, "Osprey, meet Wildfire, our resident howler monkey."