Redhawk Caldera trust issues

After Elwood took his turn, he settled back and waited for the others to follow the directions as he had. Sure, his "compliment" to Magpie had been a little different, but he felt that it was still nice enough to qualify. He watched her expectantly, wondering who she would select -- but that's when things went a little awry.

Grimm spoke up before Magpie had a chance to, and the color drained from Elwood's cheeks -- beneath his fur, luckily -- as she addressed both him and Finley. Her words sounded genuine, but he still detected some sarcasm. He had no response for her -- what the hell was he supposed to say to that? -- so he simply stared for a long moment, aware of Finley's unease as she prickled next to him.

The other wolves took their turns -- Magpie spoke to Finley and Peregrine, then Peregrine directed a comment towards Somnia. Dove took her turn before Somnia, and then the Gamma indicated that it was Finley's turn. It was all a little confusing, but most of the kind words went in one of Elwood's ears and out the other. He was focused on Finley -- he could feel the waves of anger emanating from her -- and also kept an eye on Grimm, who had slunk to the back of the group after her little display.

Jaws was the last to speak, and he had something complimentary to say about the whole pack -- which was astonishing, since they were all still acting like children. Elwood shook his head gently, feeling overwhelmed by the situation, and was thankful when Fox excused them. Almost immediately, Finley took to her feet and was gone, leaving a very stunned Elwood sitting next to her now-empty spot. He glanced over at Fox and Peregrine, then turned to follow Finley. She might have wanted to keep her feelings hidden, but he wouldn't let her get away that easily.