Redhawk Caldera Boom and bust

Peregrine was quick to arrive with Ferret and Gannet, and, like Eljay, Elwood sidestepped to allow the father to greet his daughter. The Alpha wasted no time in introducing Wildfire to her little brothers, then offered a quick explanation as to the whereabouts of the other firebirds. Elwood felt a twinge at the mention of Peter and glanced furtively at Eljay, though when he turned his gaze back to Peregrine it was just in time to catch his friend's pointed expression.

He had been there on the day that Junior died, and while he could never in a million years imagine Wildfire acting the same way, he would be a bit more watchful than normal. He gave Peregrine a subtle nod of his head, then tuned in as Wildfire updated them on her life. She had become a leader in a pack called Sleeping Dragon -- Elwood smiled, feeling proud of his niece. The once colicky infant had really grown into herself.

"You have some new cousins, too," he added when the moment seemed right. There was a lot of information to share from all parties involved. "Finley had a litter of three -- two girls and a boy. Eljay's a big brother!" he said, reaching out to nudge his eldest's shoulder.