Redhawk Caldera I don't want easy, I want crazy

This morning, Peregrine invited the kids to join him on a mock patrol around the inner caldera. Raven declined, of course, choosing to go off with her Aunt Magpie instead. Peregrine accepted her rejection with a small smile, even though it broke his heart. Reminding himself of his two eager trainees, he guided Nightjar and Wildfire toward the territory's heart and spent the next hour or two explaining boundaries, patrols and all the various details of guardianship.

The Beta male's call cut through the air toward the end of the lesson. "You two can find your way back home from here," Peregrine coaxed his two elder children. "Head straight back. I'll check in with a howl in fifteen minutes." After seeing them off toward the rendezvous site, the Kappa began padding toward the summons. It was a bit peculiar, knowing that refusing to answer might be considered insubordination. Of course, he had no reason not to show his face, so it was a moot point.

He was the last to arrive. His eyes flicked to Fox first, then beyond her to the Beta pair. They very much looked the part today. There was an understated joy about them. Peregrine didn't smile much these days and when he did, it was usually tight or fleeting. He favored Elwood and Finley with a small but genuine smile, then slunk to Fox's shoulder. He blinked at her, silently asking if it was okay for him to stand beside her, then focused his attention back upon the Betas as he awaited the expected news.