Redhawk Caldera The hanging tree

"Oh, shut up," Peregrine said more loudly. "Don't act like you're not a freak too!" he shouted. Of course, it was all in good fun. "Run along, Firebird," he added to his invisible offspring. "I don't want you to be subjected to your evil aunt's evil negging."

After the puppy presumably left the scene, Peregrine asked, "How are you feeling? I know you're still healing and all that and it will be a while until you work yourself back up to bears... but wanna rustle some squirrels' jimmies with me?" he questioned invitingly, tail sweeping the air as he tipped his head subtly toward the two buck-toothed rodents in the treetops behind him.