Redhawk Caldera PACKTIVITY -- Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

Posting once more to wrap things up! I'll archive this, then give everyone the EXP. Thanks for joining, you crazy kids!

Elwood watched as Peregrine announced that he would be staying, then promptly changed his mind. He could understand why -- the glance Fox had given him as she left hadn't gone unnoticed by anyone, most likely. The Alpha paraded past him, following his mate, and delivered a particularly heavy-handed shove to his Beta. It wasn't enough to knock Elwood off his feet, but it unsteadied him -- both physically and mentally.

He pursed his lips, his gaze remaining on Peregrine's retreating figure until he noticed that others were taking their leave, as well. Tempest and Somnia both took food with them, which he appreciated; he didn't want to have to carry all the meat back down the mountain. Somnia thanked him, and he gave her a close-lipped smile in return, his tail stirring gently.

Then, there were only two left: the Beta pair. Elwood had taken note of Finley's sour mood, so he didn't expect her to linger, but she surprised him. She selected a bit of the remaining meat; he assumed she would be taking it to storage. Instead, she dragged it over to him, then settled herself on her stomach next to him. Her words were soft, but they warmed him from the inside out, and he gladly laid down alongside his friend. "Thanks," he murmured quietly, and began to nibble.

In the end, his Christmas gathering didn't turn out so bad after all. He was thankful to have Finley's company, and they talked late into the night before finally gathering up what was left of the deer carcass and carefully storing it nearby. Then, under the milky light of the moon, they parted ways; and Elwood's heart was full.