Blacktail Deer Plateau So long, lonesome

She downplayed the nature and scope of her sacrifice, which teased a rueful smile from Peregrine. She might not think of herself as a heroine but he certainly did. Blue Willow was without a doubt the sweetest wolf he'd ever known.

"What do you usually talk to him about?" he wondered, staring a bit absently as Atticus finally finished chewing and swallowed. He offered another bite, which his brother took. Peregrine didn't dare hope that this meant his brother would come back to him someday, much as Willow's comment tempted him. "Do you tell him stories?"

While he waited for Atticus to swallow the second bite, Peregrine helped himself to a piece, nibbling at it thoughtfully. "It just feels... weird. Do you hear that, Atticus? It feels weird to talk to you, you... cheesedick." The name-calling made him want to laugh and cry at the same time. How he wished Atticus was aware enough to come back at him with some witty retort, like shithead or dickweed. Instead, he remained silent, staring, chewing robotically...