Big Salmon Lake Special dark

Although indirect, Luke's reply nonetheless confirmed Peregrine's worst fear. His face scrunched at the mention of Osprey's mate. He had seen her a month ago, at which time she had been happily single. Now she was pregnant with a mate? Something seemed very wrong about the situation. Peregrine shook his head. The only way he could get answers was to see his sister himself... which of course he was go do right this very instant.

"Luke, my sister doesn't have a mate. And she definitely wasn't pregnant when I saw her last. Something is very fucked up right now." His voice shook and he sort of wanted to hit Luke, just to hit something, but the head tilt and apologetic look undid him. Peregrine softened. "I'm sorry for snapping at you, man. But this is serious shit. I need to go see her, like, yesterday. The plateau isn't far from here, so I'm gonna go..."

He could have left on that note, scurrying off to find Osprey. It might serve Luke right for dropping such a bomb on him. But Peregrine knew it had been a total accident. Luke felt bad, he could see that. Despite the alarm bells ringing in his head, he took the time to move closer to Luke and press his nose against his companion's pale shoulder. He then lifted his head, looking Luke straight in the face, before swiping his tongue over that namesake blue nose.

"Thought it might taste like a blueberry," he mumbled, though there was no humor in his voice. "Sorry I'm cutting this so short. Will you come see me at the caldera? Whenever's good for you?" As he extended the invitation, Peregrine began to walk, though his eyes stayed fixed on Luke. "I really do want to spend more time with you. I'll see you later, I hope." He finally tore his eyes away and began galloping further north.