Redhawk Caldera great sea depths

@Finley if possible? Backdated a few days.

Thuringwethil does not leave Wildfire’s side for more than she has to. If she’s pulled away for something specific, or need relief, or even rarer time to herself, she does so but her mind does not stray far from her injured mate. Even after a few days, she barely gets more than a few incoherent words but she’s there and she’s alive and it’s all they have to hope for.

She is anxious to get moving, however, but she is not sure what to do. If Wildfire does not wake up, she will surely perish, and the trip home will take a lot more effort than she’s been counting on—a lot more than maybe they can spare—but she takes a deep breath and steadies herself. One step at a time.

@Blixen is asleep beside Wildfire (or she thinks she’s asleep) and it is the only thing that allows her to leave. Étoille is not far with @Hux as guards but there is little to guard against in the lands of another. They are at their mercy and they repay what they take, when they can. Slowly, the woman lifts herself up on all four legs and moves away from the group for only a moment and never does she go far; the den and others are always within her eyesight and at most, within ear shot. The sun is high in the sky, heating the black fur along her back to remind her summer had come and gone. Winter around the corner creates more anxiety and she knows they need to go soon, whether or not her mate is awake.

It probably should have bothered Finley more to have so many wolves not her pack staying in her territory. In hindsight, she should have set some limits and only allowed a couple of them to stay inside the borders and have the rest remain outside. But that was logic talking. Finlogic had deemed these wolves trustworthy, as she would any group of wolves that cared so much for her Wiffle. Trustworthy wolves were welcome in her book, especially if it meant Wildfire was given the time she needed to recover.

Then there was Eljay. That was a whole other thing.

It was actually her son Finley was seeking when she came to visit that day. By some miracle, she'd managed to escape the rendezvous site without any tears or tantrums from her four little elves who seemed to be desperate to check these Drageda wolves out. Actually, it was less of a miracle and more just good timing. They were napping.

Still, it was a mom win that Fin was thankful for, especially as she came around the bend of the creek and saw Betty (aka Thuringwethil) standing alone. Though it seemed this woman and Wildfire had kids of their own, the commander didn't seem like one who would have tolerated the rambunctious, shout-y behavior she allowed in her own little wildlings. Thus, it was probably for the best that said shouty wildlings were not in tow today.

"How's she doing today," Fin asked as she approached, a smile and wag of her tail sufficing as her greeting otherwise. She scanned the lawn for Eljay, still intent on speaking with him after she spared some time with good ol' Betty.

When she sees Finley in the distance, she tenses. As much as she wants to be at ease, she knows she won’t any time soon. They are guests and even if they didn’t have any formal boundaries, they’ve managed to stay to one spot with minimal exceptions. As the woman approaches, she remains stiff but keeps her features softened and submissive—something that doesn’t quite look right on her—and frowns when spoken to.

”She’s alive,” she says quietly with a flick of her ear. It is all overwhelming from the beginning and she still hasn’t felt the anxiety level out. They can’t stay much longer, regardless of Wildfire’s status. ”We are very thankful for your hospitality, I know it is a burden. We are at your disposal these few days, whatever you need,” she offers. If they need hunters or guardians while they are here, Drageda will be on call, but they continue on until the time is needed. ”Though I’m not sure what to do if she does not wake up. We cannot stay here long,” she explains though it is the obvious statement. ”It is a long trek back without having to carry an unconscious wolf,” she says, musing thoughts out in the open more than anticipated. They can’t leave Wildfire behind—could they? They are her family—and returning without her cooperation only puts them in a bind.

Betty seemed a stoic, serious sort. Not really the type that Fin had pictured Wiffle ending up with, and that only partially because she was a lady. She supposed it did make sense in a way - Wildfire was a soft-hearted, sweet thing. The kind of girl that needed a strong, solid partner to protect and care for her. The dark commander definitely seemed to fit that criteria, but she could at least smile a little more. Her ladymate was alive, after all. Though apparently, still playing the sleeping beauty. Fin frowned as the woman continued, turning her gaze over to the den where Wildfire was hidden.

"Well, I know it's probably not ideal, but you could always leave her with us until she's better," Fin offered nonchalantly, glancing back at Betty, "Having you all here is no trouble, really. Honestly, you're like celebrities to my kids, so bribing them with getting to visit is working super well for keeping them behaved." She flashed a smirk before continuing, "But I understand your need to get back to your pack. Winter's on its way and I'm guessing you have more mouths to feed at home. Her sister's a healer and can take over the doctoring, and we can escort her back to you once she's well enough to travel."

Silently, Fin prayed that Betty would agree to the arrangement. She was quite reluctant to allow them to endanger her kid by dragging her across the country too soon. The Blackthorn surmised that she could probably take the woman if it came to a fight (she's wrong), but preferred it not come to that. She did have little ones after all, just in case she was being overconfident (she was).

As Finley speaks, Thuringwethil absorbs the information. Did she pluck the idea right out of her head? Even if it had crossed her mind initially, she can’t imagine leaving her mate behind now. They gone to such great efforts in searching her only to return empty handed but moving her when she is not ready, regardless of winter, may not be good for her either. Briefly, she knows she teeters over a fine line when she shouldn’t have a mate at all and she has to be extra careful that she does not harm the rest of her wolves, on top of not harming her mate any more than she already has. She sighs.

“It is not ideal, no,” she agrees after a moment, “but perhaps it is the best option. I—we—want her home but I do not want to hurt her anymore. I don’t even know what happened, I don’t know if someone needs to be punished for this.” Her breath locks up in her throat and she quickly clears it with a cough, looking away to hide any further emotion. The frustration that has built up over the course of several weeks hasn’t yet reached the tipping point but it is splashing over like an ocean angry during a storm. She thinks of Artaax and Blixen. Can she take them away from their mother so soon after finding her? And Robin back home whom hasn’t gotten the chance to see her, doesn’t know she’s still alive…

Thuringwethil shifts a little. She finds a little comfort in Finley’s presence, and her offer, as well as within the borders of the caldera. They offer more than she likely would have if the situation were reversed but she sees the kindness in them—in most of them—and perhaps the familial bond is forming somehow. “I can leave one of my wolves to help with her, to guard your borders and hunt for your pack, while she is here. He can also help escort her back when she is ready,” she adds, hoping the offer will be taken in return. Leaving someone will ensure Wildfire’s wellbeing and return to Drageda (not that she doubts they won’t return her) but the comfort of knowing she has something to hold onto will help settle her.

She looked sad now. Fin bowed her head slightly, feeling bad for thinking so harshly of her a moment ago. Of course she was stoic and serious - this was a stoic, serious matter they had at hand here. Finley had never been great at empathizing with others, at least not until it was time for hindsight. Late as it was, the fact that she was catching on so quickly now was actually pretty good for her. Score another one for her maturity level.

Betty did bring up a good point, though - what had happened to her? In all the commotion, Fin had completely forgotten that particular issue. Truthfully, her assumption was already pointing the blame in the correct direction. It would not be the first time they had been warned about their neighbors to the East, and considering the direction Wildfire had approached from.. It did add up. Of course, she had just as much evidence that some random asshole had nabbed her and held her hostage in a cave in the Mesa for the past few weeks. Which is to say, she had nothing. And so, she kept her tongue still and focused instead on making arrangements for Wildfire.

"That'll be fine," she replied when Thur offered to leave one of her packmates behind. "Raven will take good care of her. With any luck, she'll be on your doorstep before Winter." She knew her niece wouldn't mind stepping in to care for her sister. She'd probably be happy for the opportunity to spend time together, even if Wildfire spent most of it sleeping. "Who do you plan on leaving behind?" Fin asked, attempting to be nonchalant before grinning, "And will he sign autographs for my kids?" Her hopeful mind went right to Eljay, though she still was conflicted over his homecoming. She knew her son well enough to know that he was not exactly the ideal choice of body guard, though.

Even if the best idea was to leave Wildfire behind, it is with her family. They are not some random pack and even if she does not know them, Wildfire does. She trusts them enough to visit them every so often—will she visit again?—and they have taken them in during such a rough time. She doesn’t have time to think about future visits when she’s barely scraping by and as much as she wants to see her and talk to her while she’s aware, she can’t waste any more time.

“I hope so,” she says quietly. “I hope it is sooner rather than later,” she muses a second later, glancing back over her shoulder. There hasn’t been any rustling around the den to cause her to break the conversation so she refocuses on Finley. “I will leave @Hux, if you are comfortable with him. I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to entertain the kids,” she explains. He’s been quiet but helpful during his stay but she does not know how interactive he’s been with the wolves here but hopefully he won’t cause any trouble that she’ll have to pay for later.

“I am not sure how… our kids will take this information,” she adds as an afterthought. “And we have one at home who I am sure will be happy to know she is safe now.” Blixen has been diligent and helpful and Artaax quiet, but they are never far from their mother since reuniting but there is little for them to do here and she cannot burden the pack with two growing wolves. Their instincts to their kids are not the same as it is with Wildfire and she vaguely wonders if she’d relate more to Finley’s mate than her.

As expected, Betty did not name Eljay. Fin felt a bit of disappointment, but she hadn't had high expectations. She had no idea who Hux was though. "No idea who that is," she said, proving me right, "But if you think he's right for the job, I'm fine with it." She hadn't spent much time trying to learn the names of Drageda's wolves. Hell, she was still calling Thur Betty. Not to her face, of course.

Empathy came to her again as the commander mentioned her children (she was on a roll!). Their children, Fin reminded herself. Wildfire was a mom now, and considering how very similar the daughter looked to her, Finley was willing to bet that Wiffle herself had carried them. "I'm sure they'll understand," she replied, trying to offer some comfort, "At least they'll know she's alive and safe instead of having to wonder and worry."

"Speaking of kids..." Fin added after a moment of hesitation, "How'd you end up with mine?" Her gaze swept across the dark woman's face as she asked. She'd tried to hold her tongue on the subject, not wanting to derail the conversation as it had clearly been an important one. But she could no longer help herself, least of all when the conversation had directed itself straight towards the topic.

Thuringwethil doesn’t continue on about Hux as Finley seems to accept the exchange. She’ll talk to him later about what is expected of him as hell now be the face of Drageda. They know Wildfire, she’d been raised here, but that doesn’t impact much of their view of her clan. Hux is born and bred, just as she and her children, and his representation could be great for them or do them harm.

As she moves on to comfort her about talking to her children, she gives her a hint of a smile and nod of her head in thanks. Anxiety tears it’s ugly head nonetheless and she knows nothing of comfort will come lest Wildfire wakes up in the next twelve or so hours. The other leader trails away from Artaax and Blixen and on to her own child, and she stares at her for a few seconds when it does not register completely with her at first.

Thuringwethil takes a deep breath to bide her time and she’s struck with the realization she’s talking about Eljay. He doesn’t have much of her attention but she vaguely recalls the short exchange between the alpha pair and the wolf who has less than impressed her. ”Ah,” she says, deciding on what she should say. It is likely someone else will tell her, whether Eljay himself or Wildfire when she wakes up. ”Wildfire found him near my claim,” she begins and clears her throat. ”At the time, I admit, I didn’t think he’d be of use to us,” continues, though she isn’t sure she’s lying now about it or not. ”He helped get us here, with the help of another.” There. It isn’t necessarily a lie, nor is it the entire truth but perhaps enough to satisfy her curiosity.

It took the other woman a moment to understand what Fin was asking - a moment in which Finley's eagerness wanted to scream OMG HURRY UP AND TELL ME ALREADY. It was fortunate that she was so good at masking her emotions. She simply smiled as Betty took a breath, taking in one herself when finally she began to answer.

The response was vague, but Fin knew her son well enough to read between the lines here. Her ears slid back as she considered. "Did he say why he'd left?" she asked finally, trying to sound casual though her voice had grown smaller. She recognized quickly enough that her feelings had slipped out in her words, and she shook her head as she decided to let the pretense drop completely. Betty had been honest and vulnerable with her - she could do the same. At least, a little. Not a lot.

"He was just gone one day. Didn't say a word to us," Fin admitted, "I wouldn't admit it until I saw him here, but I had assumed the worst. I know he's not the most... fit for survival on his own."

Thuringwethil eyes widen a little when she’s asked the question, finding it odd at first. Wildfire had explained for him, for the most part, but it didn’t really uphold at the time. Finley explains he’d just left one day and she finds she’s not too surprised. He hadn’t wanted to come to the caldera, even if he didn’t say so outright, but he still obeyed.

”Not really. He said the caldera was growing,” she says, though she misremembers the details of who said what.

As Finley further explains her bad outlook on his survival, Thuringwethil’s lips twitch into a frown. She’d thought Wildfire had been dead, in the back of her mind, and she sighs with a weird sort of relief. ”To be honest, I didn’t think I’d see Wildfire again,” she says, her voice softening. She swallows the lump that suddenly formed in her throat and glances away. ”I thought coming here would be a dead end.”

Fin furrowed her brows thoughtfully when Thur relayed Eljay's comment to her. It hadn't occurred to her that he might have left to ease the overcrowding that had lead to the famine. Gannet had told them he'd left to test himself, and make himself better. Fin had always struggled with this. There'd always seemed to be a hole in the story; she'd known it wasn't the entire truth. This didn't feel like it completed the story either, but it was another piece of the puzzle that might solve the whole thing, if she just thought it through more.

Only problem was, it would probably lead her to the conclusion she'd already drawn - that she had failed him as a mother by not loving him enough. Much as she needed to know, she wasn't sure that she wanted to know.

Finley smiled at Betty's confession, as it so well echoed her own. "I'm really glad that it wasn't," she replied as her gaze trailed away to the den once more, "I know Moms aren't allowed to play favorites, but Aunts totally are, and Wiffle has always been one of mine. We'll take good care of her." She paused for a moment before adding in a slightly darker tone, "And we'll find out what happened to her." Fin still had her suspicions that she would continue to keep to herself. She didn't know what she'd do if they proved to be correct, but she was a clever woman - she'd come up with something.

Thuringwethil doesn’t expect such great comfort about the whole thing but Finley’s words settle well within her. It’s the best thing for Wildfire and Drageda as a whole. They also seem committed to finding out what happened and she scarcely believes it is all an accident. Someone is behind this.

She licks her lips and looks away, nodding her head. “We are not a small group. There is more than just Drageda,” she says, turning back to face the Alpha and pauses. It is evident by the amount she’d been able to bring with her and still leave enough at home to control their claim, speaking of Sangeda, specifically, and Trigeda beyond that. The benefit of Gavriel and Gyda’s pack will come in handy, she decides, knowing she can bring an army on their head, should she want to. But Wildfire is safe, now, and perhaps logic will come back to her sometime later. “Whoever did this will pay.”

She clears her throat then, ebbing some of the sudden frustration. “If she cannot make it before winter, how will I know?” she says. Whatever expression she had a moment ago is wiped clean, returning to the serious matter of her mate.

wanna wrap this one up? :)

Fin didn't really understand Betty's first comment about there being more than just Drageda. She didn't understand this pack her goddaughter had ended up in. The idea that they had multiple branches would have been quite strange to her, although not something she hadn't come across before when she was younger. Her memory wasn't triggered in that moment, though, and so she was easily taken by the following comment.

Whoever did this will pay.

The alpha nodded, taking in a steady breath. She did not feel the anger that Thuringwethil did. It wouldn't be until she learned of what had actually happened to Wildfire that she would find herself on the same emotional level. For now, she was quiet and contemplative. "I have a scout or two in my ranks," she answered, "I'll send someone before Autumn's end to let you know how things are progressing. With any luck, I'll send Wildfire herself." She offered a smile, but it was clear in her expression that she was uncertain of the likelihood of that scenario. Raven was a good healer, but she wasn't certain anyone was that good.

Finley gives her promise that they will know something one way or another and she clings to that. It’s enough of a reassurance that doesn’t keep her from sticking in the caldera for longer but she knows that is not possible. For now, she’s given enough hope to cling to for a few days now but she has to talk to her children, and everyone else. “Thank you,” she says with a firm nod. “If you don’t mind,” she pauses, glancing back in the direction of the den, “I should go talk to them.” With another thankful nod of her head, she steps back, and retreats back to Wildfire.

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