Sun Mote Copse Hidalgo

The others arrived, and the air was thick with a range of emotions. Elwood's attention lingered on Finley; he could feel the anger and pain radiating off of her, but she had purposefully not settled herself next to him and he recognized that she needed space. Long ago, he might have been hurt by that, but he knew her so well now. He would offer her comfort when she requested it, and in whatever way she needed it.

Wraen and Eljay were somber, and Elwood watched as Eljay started to approach Finley and then thought better of it. With his lips pressed together, he offered a thin smile in his son's direction, then turned to Niamh. She had called them all together, but the silence stretched onward. She avoided eye contact, and he could see the tensing of her jaw muscles. He couldn't imagine what she was feeling.

She did eventually speak up, and it was only two words that were uttered: "Now what." Those simple syllables summed up Elwood's own thoughts -- how were they supposed to pick up the pieces and move on after losing two leaders and family members in quick succession? What did that mean for the pack -- for the children? Who would guide them in Colt's stead?

Somehow, Elwood suspected that it would come down to himself and Wraen. Niamh and Finley were in no condition to step up -- and understandably so -- and he knew that Eljay wouldn't want to. There were other options, too, though; both Asterism Grove and Frosthawks were nearby, and the whole reason the three packs had been founded was to support each other. Perhaps they could lean on their family for help in their time of need. Mulling this all over, he cleared his throat. "Well, one of us can take the helm -- but I think we also need to consider the fact that there are only five of us adults," he said, his gaze shifting between his four companions.