Big Salmon Lake War paint

It did not cross his mind that perhaps Peregrine would not tolerate contact until after contact had been made, and he was relieved when his companion did not move away from him after the initial jerk he made. He did not linger long, drawing back as the other man took a seat. The smallest of smiles lent shape to his lips.

"You're welcome," he murmured. Just as he was understanding and nonjudgemental of what Peregrine had done, had to do, he could not blame another for having a more severe reaction. Despite outward appearances, he did not take the explanation lightly; it weighed on him and he felt it in his chest. It was a terrible, awful thing. Though he was relieved to know, his compassionate heart still felt ill with the knowledge.

Peregrine spoke again, of how Saena attacked one of his own. Luke swallowed again, seating himself once more. Saena had told him of Fox's unprovoked attack on her, and though he reasoned that this attack was her retaliation against it, it bothered him that an innocent wolf would endure her wrath for it. Likewise, it bothered him to think that many others, who had no paw in this, would now be met with misplaced aggression.

He drew a deep breath and let out a long sigh, followed by a slow shake of his head. "I knew something bad must have happened," he commented, "but I could never have imagined all of this." He paused, and lifted his gaze, which had been cast no where in particular, to Peregrine's. "I'm glad you're ok, minus some color." Another small smile formed, the tail end of his words barely toeing the light-heartedness he was known for.