Blacktail Deer Plateau PACKTIVITY — Then the quiet explosion

Shadowposted Kat. Editting.

Osprey wasn't that far from the group and Peregrine spoke loud and clear. When he mentioned Junior, she couldn't contain her curiosity, left her hiding spot, moving quietly to the side and craning her neck to see, who he was talking about. She couldn't see faces, but easily recognized the smaller frames of the young wolves, especially the black one that was sitting right in front of Peregrine. It was a jolt of surprise to realize, how much she had grown during this time - not a little, adorable fluff of fur anymore. Her brother had been right in saying that she would miss out an important phase in their development, but Osprey was an optimist and believed that nothing was lost yet.

Osprey had seen quite a lot in her life, therefore Perry's announcement itself didn't surprise her that much. He was a grown man and free to do, whatever he wished. Yet it seemed odd, that around the time she had left, he had seemed so desperate to save his failing marriage and how fast he had found solace in a new set of lovers. The image of the love-struck boy, who was head over heels in love with his girl, was still vivid in her mind and she couldn't help, but wonder, whatever had happened for that love to fade away so quickly.

No one said a word, the silence was thick with mixed emotions - she had drawn a little nearer and could feel both respect, fear and - not surprising - some resentment too. Osprey couldn't decide, whether she should speak up now or later and, while she was pondering, Peregrine proceeded with the meeting and in the end welcomed everyone for a hunt. With his lovers by his side, he reached the end of the crowd and suddenly she was standing in his path. She took some steps towards him and greeted him. "You waste no time, Peregrine," she said, a teasing grin playing in her lips, "I promise to respect your word, but I might have difficulties of being the fourth best - after all we have been through..."