Redhawk Caldera uncast shadow of a southern myth

While the pack's adult members trickled into view, Peregrine glanced at the two pups who still hadn't joined the gathering group. The Alpha male glanced at the recent arrivals, then plodded back over to where the two middle children still flopped on the ground. "Up," the father commanded simply, using a broad paw to shake the lazy twosome awake. "Come over here," he instructed, waiting for Gannet and Whip to stand before leading the two sleepyheads over to join the rest of the pack.

Elwood, Shrike and Panther now accompanied Fox, Ferret and Peter. The Alpha bobbed his head at each of them, his jade gaze lingering a second or two longer on Panther than the other two. He then squinted and licked his lips, gazing beyond the gathered wolves as if searching for any sign of Finley and Eljay. When they didn't materialize, he shot Elwood a questioning look. He couldn't help but wonder if the Beta female was absent due to morning sickness or something like that; was she expecting yet? He wanted to be happy at the thought, though all Peregrine could guiltily think was, Just more mouths to feed.

Then his mate began to address the pack and his attention shifted to her. "...we'll do what we have to do." They hadn't discussed it officially, yet Peregrine read between the lines and knew what Fox was implying. Their gazes locked and he nodded minutely as an understanding passed between them. If it came right down to it, the pack would uproot from the caldera and move elsewhere, where the locusts hadn't devoured all the greenery and chased away the herds.

Fox's silver eyes glanced at him, passing the proverbial mic, and the Alpha male's attention returned to Elwood. "Is Fin...?" he wondered aloud, aware that it was sort of a personal question. But it was not only important but relevant to the conversation at hand. If their Beta female was pregnant, that would play into the Redhawks' fate and, of course, weigh into whatever decisions the Alpha pair was forced to make for the good of the entire pack.

"We appreciate all continued efforts to find food," he said after giving Elwood an opportunity to answer, "and we'll do our very best to hold out." Peregrine paused, letting out a low breath and meeting Fox's eyes again as he spoke to the group, "But if the herds don't return within a month, give or take, we won't be able to stay here. I want you all to be aware of that reality. Like Fox said, we'll do whatever it takes to keep our family safe and healthy, especially the pups." His jade eyes trailed over the Firebirds and swept over the single present Blackthorn, who represented his expecting mate. "Even if that means leaving the Teekon Wilds."