Stone Circle No tired sighs, no rolling eyes, no irony

Permission to skip Marten until he is mentioned/needed

Another apology, and this one was paired with a smile. It did nothing to improve Steph's mood. She almost went to nip him again, but he began to head for the borders. Steph followed close on his heels, but refrained from adding to his injuries. They got a little ways, and Steph was confident they would make it the rest of the way, and this male would be nothing more than a bad memory. She was sure he would remember her long after she had forgotten him. 

But, it was not to be so. The male faltered, and then collapsed. What was this? Some trick so he wouldn't have to leave? Steph's body stiffened, prepared to attack him again. But, his words did stop her this time. He sounded angry, but at himself. Steph's ears perked, and a low warning growl was released into the air. He better not be playing around. 

He attempted to get up once more, but failed. Steph's patience was wearing thin when he asked how far the borders were. She glanced up, then back to him. Too far, she responded harshly. One inch within their borders was too far as far as she was concerned. She was annoyed with his smiling, but as a wolf, she understood he was attempting to be submissive to save his life. And it did. 

The dominant force within her lessoned, slightly—enough for her to consider his predicament. She could take him by the scruff and drag him out. With her anger at his trespassing, she felt confident she could do it. But, he would be left, out there, unable to defend himself. 

Steph was not sorry she had attacked him with such force. He had deserved it, despite whatever disabilities he had. But, she did not feel as though it would be very Easthollow of her if she simply left him to die. She was not so heartless, even if it was his own fault he was in this situation. 

She looked at him and considered the options. Then, she sat back on her haunches. We will rest here, she instructed. You have two options, she began. When you are able to walk, I will take you to a den where you can recover. Once recovered, you will spend some time giving back to the pack, and when you have paid your debt, you will be free to leave. She paused before going to option two. Or, I can drag you to the borders myself, and leave you to your destiny, whatever that may be. 

She went silent, waiting for which it would be.