Swift River iron will

Her silence was soon shattered, shattered like an elegant China plate being dropped by a child's foolish hands onto the dining room floor. Head lifted swiftly, and her eyes peered to her right, where Marsh and Ice stood. Thoughts of wonder began to soar through like a bird through her head, but the bird's wings were clipped as Ice opened his mouth. On your feet. Finn obeyed, rising to her small white paws. Pain rippled throughout her elegant body, and she winced, but kept her eyes upon her pack mates. Show you to the borders. What?

Finn paused, the wind rippling through her fur as she remained frozen like a fearful rabbit. The borders? Corinna? What was happening? Her face showed no emotion as she looked slowly from Marsh, then to Ice. With not a single word spoken, she hobbled slowly towards the males, head lowered as she did so. Knowing Marsh, no pity nor sorrow would come from any bone in his body towards her. She attempted to keep herself lifted, her dignity still intact. Although her body begged for her to rest, she resisted, continuing forth to the two men. Once close to them, she halted, waiting for their next move.

(This post was last modified: May 13, 2012, 06:06 PM by Finn.)

"If a man knows anything, he ought to die with it in him."

<blockquote>It seemed she really was stewing in her own self-pity. Shame. The pair came upon the wounded female, and had Marsh been a more empathetic type, he would have regretted the idea of breaking her peace and quiet. But Corinna had commanded them. Even if he had wanted it to end a different way, there was no way he would do anything but as he was instructed.

The pain was clear in her face and body language as she stood, probably by Ice's word, and Marsh was predictably unmoved. Still, she had not been a troublemaker, and there was no real need for aggression; she probably didn't need to be chased out in a literal sense. As she came to stand before them, feeble and weak, he snorted once, unimpressed. Whatever Ice had told her, she was being obedient. Good. Eager to get going, to deliver her to Corinna, Marsh half-turned, making it obvious that she was to follow. With a glance at Ice, he waited for the signal that conversation was truly over. (It was always such a fiddly thing, that, and he really had little interest in keeping up.)</blockquote>

you do not know who is your friend or who is your enemy until the   ICE breaks. She rose, elegantly, but seemed confused at his words - like she'd willingly stuck her head into a guillotine, only to suddenly realize how sharp the blade was. He felt a certain amount of guilt at it, for her, for what he was indirectly doing to her, but - he shoved it aside, buried it somewhere. She'd not done enough, and Corinna had wanted her gone. What good would it do to keep her, and let their pregnant leader be tormented? There was no reason, and even if she promised to better herself... he couldn't trust her to keep her word. Besides, that was for Corinna to decide upon. The silence stretched heavily between them, and without letting them hear her voice she drifted up, looking both beaten and proud at the same time. Swiftly his muzzle came to rest on top of her own, a friendly reminder of rank, before he looked to Marsh. The copper male was always half a step ahead, and Ice smiled, a tight but fairly warm expression. He gave his hip a nudge to send him along, waving his head at Finn to follow. "Let's go," he said quietly, taking up a position in the rear and trying to think as little as possible on what he was doing. It wasn't that he cared an excess amount for Finn, it was just... Ice had grown up with threats of being abandoned, cast out to fend for himself at an age where he stood no realistic chance of survival. To toss someone out of their home - especially when they were injured - suddenly seemed wrong, despite the fact that his logic agreed with the course of action. With a heavy heart he strangled the sigh that threatened to escape, and steeled his eyes. It had to be done. .ice aesir

If anyone disagrees with my assumption we're walking off, just let me know and I'll change it. :) I think you can jump in again whenever, Shadow?

let the stars above shine in your soul

Eek, I guess people are waiting on me.

Gone Tomorrow

They bid their goodbyes, each party heading off in a separate direction. Marsh and Ice went to find Finn, while Corinna headed in the opposite direction, towards the borders of the territory. Her pace was not quick, her rounded stomach making a quick pace impossible, but rather was very determined. Her steely gaze was unwavering, focused on the trek immediately ahead of her. Despite any guilt or doubt she might have about her decision, she would refuse to show it. Besides, there was little to feel bad about. Her pack had been used as a safe haven for vagabonds for far too long. At the rate that Indru was snapping up young females, Finn would soon be forgotten anyway, replaced by some other nameless creature who had pledged to stay true and loyal to the River wolves.

Upon reaching her destination, the leader proceeded to mark the borders, securing Corinna's right to this decision. Satisfied that the distinct difference between one side of the line was more particular than the other, the leader took a step backwards. Seating herself (the exhaustion from her pregnancy making it difficult to stand for long periods of time), Corinna settled down to wait for Ice, Marsh, and hopefully Finn.

Slight pp just to get it rolling if y'all don't mind :)

As they padded along toward the borders, Finn picked up her head. Chocolate eyes gazed forward, bracing themselves as they focusing upon Corinna's rounded figure. Her ears instantly flattened against her elegant head, and she tucked her tail between her limbs. Gazing upon what would most certainly be her former leader, Finn could sense that the pups were due any day now. A damn shame she would not see them, but oh well.

Her eyes locked themselves onto the pregnant female as they paused. She dipped her head "I am sorry Corinna. I deserve what I am to get." Finn was in no mood for a spruik; she knew that she had not participated in the pack nearly as much as she should have. She promised her loyalty, her words to keep the family safe. It did not happen. She was ashamed of herself, but kept those emotions tucked away in her back pocket as she waited for the words of Corinna. Whatever she was to say, Finn was to embrace. She was a disciplined wolf, and this would most certainly impact her when attempting to join a different pack (that is, if she decides to do so).

"If a man knows anything, he ought to die with it in him."

<blockquote>It was an extremely peaceable affair, and Marsh wondered whether or not it was overkill for both of them to be here. Finn had barely protested - not that she was in any state to do so, but hey, wasn't life just a vicious circle. Still, it gave off a powerful impression, and more importantly, Corinna had asked them to do it. That validated anything and everything.

It was not long before his esteemed leader came into view, and his tail wagged once in automatic greeting before he stepped to the side to allow Finn to approach. Her manner was entirely meek, her tone of voice the same, and had Marsh possessed much in the way of empathy, he would have felt for her. He did understand that life would be difficult for her - he had endured many months alone himself - but as far as he was concerned, she had brought it on herself. She was able to walk, was she not? Her isolation was without excuse.

Silently and patiently he stood, a steadfast reminder of the bite behind Corinna's bark.</blockquote>

you do not know who is your friend or who is your enemy until the   ICE breaks. Their journey passed in uneventful silence, Ice plodding along at the rear and keeping an eye on the surroundings. The closer they came to the borders, the stronger Corinna's scent became and Finn seemed to pull herself together slightly. He had to admire her courage in the face of this, and how well she handled it - that was about the extent of what he allowed himself to feel. The rest, the guilt and sympathy, he locked away somewhere in the corners of his heart. Corinna had asked for this, and the logic of her reasoning was unquestionable; he was just soft of heart when it came down to it. Coating it with metal and ice wasn't always easy, but he tried, glad for the silent and steadfast support Marsh gave. Ice blinked his silver eyes and focused them on his back for a moment. It moved to the rhythm of his steps, and it was soothing - mesmerizing - to watch. When Corinna came into view, Ice's head dipped down and his tail wagged a couple of times. Finn seemed to have figured out what was going on and skipped out on all phatic phrases and meaningless banter. The Guardian appreciated it - the sooner this was over, the sooner he could sleep it off. Besides, Corinna had never been one for bullshitting around, so most likely Finn would be allowed to just walk out instead of being chased out. Keeping his face carefully controlled and impassive Ice drifted over to stand next to Marsh, his head and tail beneath the Second's. He knew Marsh wouldn't appreciate displays of personal affection when doing his duty, so Ice was content to just stand near him, taking strength from his unquestioning loyalty. .ice aesir

let the stars above shine in your soul

Gone Tomorrow

It didn't take long, for the trio to arrive. Their presence forced Corinna to her feet, and as they approached, she stood, her posture holding an easy dominance. But there was no barking, and they walked at a relatively slow pace - it seemed Finn had not put up too much of a protest. It was entirely possible that Ice had told her why they had sought her out, and the lack of disagreement was admirable. But the pregnant she-wolf had made up her mind, and ultimately she had to do what was best for the pack. Though the injury was healing, having occurred some time ago, it would make Finn's ability to help support the pack weakened. Her lack of presence at the building of the pack den had only sealed the deal. Despite that though, it was not with spite that Corinna looked at Finn, but rather a sad smile. Corinna too knew the hardships of being a lone wolf, but she owed her loyalty to the pack as a whole.

The girl spoke up, and Corinna nodded her head in agreement. Hopefully this would be easy. "When you joined Swift River, Finn, you told me you would be loyal to the pack. However, we've barely seen you, and when Indru and I called for the pack to gather, you did not arrive. I expect more from a River wolf and so this shall not be your home any longer." Simple, direct, to the point, though Corinna stayed away from the line that would have put her into the realm of bluntness. It was difficult, on perhaps everybody gathered. But better this way than to have Finn simply fade away into the depths of the pack's memory.

Shifting from standing in front of Finn, Corinna walked around her, beside Marsh and Ice. Finn had not protested, so they would not need to chase her. But the open way ahead of her was over the border and into neutral territory. With the three wolves behind her, there would be no other place to go. Watching, the River leader waited, thankful that this ordeal would soon be over.

There was nothing to say. Finn kept her gaze to Corinna's as the leadess spoke of the truth, and nothing more. She felt like a complete moron, yet respect for the woman before her pulled at her. She had not 'graced' the small gray-silver woman with a phatic, but rather the words of reality. Dipping her head, Finn felt as if she was to frown, but resisted from doing so. "I apologize once more. I wish your pack a healthy future." She, of course, was speaking of the pups. It was a damn shame she was not to see them...but it was her fault. As Corinna slid back toward Marsh and Ice, she turned, looking back at Marsh. "Thank you, Marsh, for saving me." She dipped her head graciously, and faced her small frame toward the unknown.

With those words, she padded forward at a gimpy pace, bringing herself past the borders of Swift River and back out into neutral territory. What life was to bring her, she did not know, but she would be ready for it.

[{Finn exit}]

"If a man knows anything, he ought to die with it in him."

<blockquote>It was a very graceful affair, really, and if nothing else, Marsh respected Finn's ability to accept her fate without complaint. Perhaps one day they would meet again, and she would be a better wolf. He held no real ill-will towards her, and such a thing would bring him nothing but satisfaction.

Unless she leapt into bed with one of their enemies, of course. Then she could rot with the rest of them.

Corinna's speech was short and direct, and Marsh watched passively, pleased once more for Finn's gracious understanding. It certainly made everything neater. As Corinna came to stand beside him and Ice, the situation was finalised; he did not expect the girl to look directly at him, uttering what he understood to be gratitude. For what, showing her to the borders? No, he realised, as she dipped her head and turned away, it was for coming to her aid.

He hadn't expected that. He blinked once, not really used to being thanked for things which he simply expected of himself (how could he stand by while a packmate was in need of help?) and did nothing but stare at her as she left. It was a surprise quickly overcome, but surprise nonetheless.

Glancing to Corinna, he awaited dismissal or further instruction, eager to return to normalcy.</blockquote>