Blacktail Deer Plateau Exodus

This will be the last thread for Raventhorpe <3 Those who are on NPC, please let us know in the NPC requests forum if you want your character brought over with them. And please make sure the NPC note is filled out in your bio.

Ethan and Ike, your NPC status expires September 11.

When @Rusalka and @Arrax returned, they had brought with them good news; Solveig received them with joy, singing praises for her boy for having attended to such important business. She whispered something quiet and private into Rusalka’s ear with a smile, before she escorted them back to the cave, where their calls could ring out. 

@Greyfalcon would be summoned, Hilda and @Tyraxes as well. @Ethan and @Ike would hear her call too, and learn of the transpiring business. All of Raventhorpe would gather together, one last time, in the beam of light in the cave where Raventhorpe’s children had been born.

There might be tears shed, better get tissues :)

There was a certain air in the moment, tonight was a very significant one. It was a beautiful night, calm and clear. A gentle breeze brushing her fur and his feathers. She summoned her feathered friend, taking him up upon her shoulder. He was a man now, fully grown and often sustaining himself. Visiting her only when need be. Though there was still a bond there.

She was summoned by Solveig, for a gathering so large she wondered what was going on…. She walked up to Sol, acknowledging her with a gracious head bow, hushing her bird, and then meeting her gaze. “You have summoned me, I am here, now why do we gather? I’d hope everything is fine.”

Everyone was here, in this beautiful moonlit cave. Her bird glowing.

to rusalka, this feels right.

his life had taken a wild, careening one-eighty from when he had first come into the wilds, sullen and stoic and brooding with no certainty behind anything. solveig and his children, had both changed and very likely saved his life and the cairn patriarch feels like this is a natural progression of things.

the end of an era.

they'd had a good run but they'd been trying to save a sinking ship from the beginning.

the others arrive and rusalka regards them with a look each before his gaze settles upon greyfalcon.

ravensthorpe is disbanding. some have already left to go their own way, he thinks of reyson and meadow and their family. we, he motions to solveig and himself and speaks to the small group as a whole now. are going to kvarshiem. you are welcome to follow our family, or go your own way. we will not begrudge your decision if you choose to latter. everyone had to do what was best for themselves, in the end.

Arrax was quiet on the journey back to Raventhorpe, remaining so even as Solveig rushed to greet them, her praise falling on shoulders heavy with the news they had to break to the pack.

He still wondered why they had to move; the Plateau had everything they needed and was in a prime place, up high and away from other packs. The borders were well established, and they all knew their territory inside and out. He kept the thoughts to himself, however, turning his head away from those who had gathered, not even meeting the questioning looks from his siblings as Rusalka addressed the small crowd.

For a heartbeat, Arrax wondered if his father's invitation to go their own way was extended to his children as well. He knew the older Cairn siblings had dispersed already...but the notion vanished as quickly as it had appeared. It was hard enough to leave his home, he didn't want to leave his family, too.

He quickly cast a gaze over to Greyfalcon, wondering how she'd take the news having lived here so long, and then to his parents. He trusted in his father's judgement, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

Raventhorpe had come into existence, and when it had, Greyfalcon had been among the first to join them. The Keep had gained a most loyal friend, a reliable guardian, and a capable scout. More importantly than all, Solveig had found a friend- one who stood by them even now, after a merge failed to bring the pack to prosperity. 

There was some sadness in her smile, as Rusalka spoke. It felt like failure, to move and join with another pack- but she hoped it would suit them and be a benefit for their children. Dreams of having their own pack could wait. 

I hope you will come with us, Greyfalcon, She said, a pleading tone in her voice. While she intended not to put pressure on the woman, it was difficult not to show how she truly felt. You have been the most loyal friend and packmate…A teacher, for our children, and you have kept our borders maintained and safe. I consider you a sister and will respect the decision you make, but…I hope you will accept the invitation to come with us.

The family in front of her spoke, with heavy hearts but hopes of a new life. Another merge, with a pack farther east. The child looked to her, obviously wondering what her decision would be. 

Rusalka spoke, he spoke of disbandment which came with small shock, then Solveig expressed her gratitude to her. “You are right Sol,” she started, acknowledging her dear friend’s speech, “I have been loyal, your guardian and scout, and you Solveig, have been my family. You all have.” “It is with pride that I will most certainly come with you to the new lands. Further teach the children and maintain the borders. I will be promptly ready to leave at your will.” She finished, with a genuine smile and small swish of her tail.

This was her family, her sister of a shield maiden. She hadn’t had siblings, but this far exceeded any expectations of family. Her nieces and nephews, though some gone will still be considered family. After all, location doesn’t make a pack, it’s the wolves trust and loyalty that does.

This was her home, she would not abandon it now. Not now, not ever.

rusalka, never a man of many words to begin with, falls quiet as his wife speaks her piece and they all turn, gazes expectant upon greyfalcon. with no real surprise to rusalka, she accepts the invitation to go with them. it puts some of his heart at ease, erasing whatever trepidation he might've held towards how she'd take the news.

we should gather supplies, fill our bellies from the caches and rest. the journey will be long.