Redhawk Caldera you must become an island.

Leave...too long...commitment...

The words echoed in Elwood's head as Finley spoke them. Sure, the thought may have crossed his mind before -- that Finley wasn't necessarily cut out for a relationship, due to whatever had happened to her in the past. His frown deepened as he realized that he still didn't know her background, other than her childhood nickname and that she had met Peregrine and Fox while living in Blacktail Deer Plateau. But this wasn't the time nor place to pursue more information -- or was it?

After the initial shock wore off, he felt anger bubbling in his chest. Old habits died hard, apparently, because here she was, trying to run away. Again. How could she think that this was the answer to their problems? He needed her; Peregrine and Fox needed her; the firebirds needed her. She was an important piece of the Redhawk Caldera puzzle, yet she was willing to throw it all away when things got difficult.

Granted, this situation was more than difficult; but she wasn't going through it alone. Had she forgotten that he, too, had lost something that night? His lip wrinkled and though he tried to stop himself, he couldn't help but say, "So you're running away again?" His tone was sharper than he anticipated, but he didn't look away from her. He was validated in his anger, and he wanted her to know it.