Redhawk Caldera Circle of life

"Yep," Peregrine called down to Wildfire, echoing his mate. A broad grin crept over his dark features, "this is home now." His tail wagged in a few powerful waves in the hopes of encouraging his children's positive responses. Although he was sure they would find it thrilling and adventurous, he was also prepared for some fright and homesickness as they adjusted to life away from the comforts of the whelping den.

The pups began tumbling down the hill and he began to lope down after them, chuckling at Nightjar's repetitions about old knees, by the sound of it. "Lake Rod-ney," Peregrine gently enunciated for his son in the hopes that his pronunciation would improve. "It's that big blue thing up there. That's a giant puddle. How cool is that?" He paused, then added, "And there's another puddle close by that we'll visit too. You can't see that one from here, though." He was, of course, referring to the caldera itself on the mount's interior.

"Yes, very prilly," he replied when he caught his youngest's opinion. He chuffed at her. He had now joined the trio of pups at the foot of the hillock. "Go and explore!" he urged them. "Stay within sight for now," he added. Over the coming days, they would cut the umbilical in a sense, allowing Nightjar, Wildfire and Raven free run of the site even though it would mean not being able to see or even hear them at all times. It would be an adjustment on both ends, but a necessary step into the journey to independence and adulthood.