reach for the stars

@Nanuk

Njal was tired of lazing around. Yes, lazing. He was still super duper injured, but that wouldn't dampen his desire to do his duty, only make him more irritable that he could not do anything. It had been forever since his return to the caldera, and he was no better or worse because of it - well, no, maybe he was just bitter and in pain - and that would change. Today.

At least that was what went through his stupid head prior to the attempted excursion. He had waited until just after one of the other wolves had dropped off his medicine, feigned eating it, and then gathered his wits; as soon as their back was turned, he got to his paws and tried to walk. It was very hard - very, very painful - but as long as he kept himself mentally centered on the thought of freedom, everything would be fine.

He made it six glorious feet before he fell over the first time. Ten more the next, which was really pushing it. And when he finally collapsed under his own weight and couldn't budge another inch, he realized he had made it to the borderlands. The pain was nearly excruciating, but entirely worth it.

"Damn leg," Njal hissed from between gritted teeth, "Damn hip," he breathed in a deep breath, as if more oxygen would cause the pain to abate (hint: it didn't), and then let out a low growl-sigh, laying his head down like the useless lump that it was. This was a shitty idea. "Damn stupid fucking -- everything."