Swiftcurrent Creek goodbye to you

It was as if Njal could sense his mate's inhibitions, leaning close to her to lend a comforting touch of encouragement. His strong presence meant the world to Tuwawi who, without him, would not be here today. Slowly, everyone gathered together, Danica lingering betwixt distance trees, in the brisk dawn. The silver northerner beckoned the children to gather, the four pups already gawking from the foot of the den, as Scimitar and Bazi bestowed their last goodbyes and gifts.

"Thank you," she told the new beta, admiring the pheasant he had delivered. Soon, Bazi moved forward to offer her embraced. Tuwawi frowned, deep creases pulling at the corners of her lips, as she coiled herself around the young woman. This would be the last time, for quite a while, the two could be so close. "I will miss you too, Bazi," she said softly. Despite all that had happened, a great grief lingered - she was loathe to leave the white female... but soon, grander happenings would merit the Sveijarn's attentions. Scimitar's comment to Danica surprised Tuwawi, but she remained silent... in time, Bazi would reveal the truth to her second in command. It was no her place, nor wish, to stir the pot just before their departure.

Her attention turned to the waddling babes, each the image of their parents. Tuwawi hovered over them like a mother hen, poking and prodding to double check if each was fit for travel. The time was now. Danica was with them, Malachi waited in the wetland, and Tyrr remained posted at their new home. "Are we ready?" She asked, gleaning over the adults and children one final time.