Blacktail Deer Plateau Heart weighs a ton

I think everyone who's still active (except maybe Finn?) posted, so I'm gonna go ahead and post again. I <3 all of you! :)

Their reactions varied, though those closest to him largely appeared to hate his guts and those who didn't know him as well only wished him well (his sweet Tytonidae being the exception to the rule, as per usual). Peregrine acknowledged everyone's words by making eye contact with each wolf in turn, though he didn't speak. He didn't attempt to defend himself when his loved ones — several of whom had left the pack themselves — shouted at him about abandoning them. He took his punishment in silence, aware that this was a selfish and sudden decision. In doing this, he had momentarily put his wife and future children above all of them. Peregrine couldn't and wouldn't deny it.

"I'm truly sorry," he said when he could get a word in edgewise. "I understand why some of you are upset with me and don't blame you one bit. The circumstances suck. But I love all of you like family and I hope that we can eventually mend any bridges I've burned today. You're in good hands," he repeated his earlier words. "You're a strong pack. And I won't be very far away. If you want to come find me, my door is open to any of you." What else was there to say? If any of them wanted to follow — even his Betas — they would be welcomed. But he and Fox did not deign to force anyone's hand or ask the entire pack to move for them. The choice was entirely theirs, just as he thought it ought to be.

The swarthy male took the time to nudge his daughter and anyone else who would accept such a gesture from him. The rest he shot a final apologetic glance that bore hope for forgiveness. Then, more than a little heartbroken about the land and wolves he was leaving behind — Fox and their unborn pups were worth it, he reminded himself — Peregrine turned and left the scene. He sensed footsteps behind him and would eventually turn to acknowledge his followers. For the moment, he remained focused on the road ahead as he walked away from Blacktail Deer Plateau for the last time.