Firefly Glen sigh no more

Moving time! @Rian @Cypress @Liffey @Rose @Tulip @Kaori @Tryp @Pyro @Redshank @Mato! They will be arriving in Horshor Plains on 04/26/17!

 
The looming presence of Neverwinter had driven Rannoch far from the Glen, seeking refuge amongst the decay of the Heartwood. Though it had been less than a week since they had settled, Rannoch felt as though they were overstaying their welcome. He felt as though the wolves of their former pack could be upon them at any moment. Though Rannoch could not comprehend just why they'd be sought out, or what wrong they were doing resting in neutral territory, but, despite this, Rannoch overcame a sense of paranoia that he had not yet experienced in his short life. 

The feeling of dread laid heavily in the depths of his breast that evening, and it was from this feeling that inspiration worked him into motion. Instead of lingering, he would work to make sure the pack was out of the territory as quickly as possible. He was confident that Rian and Cypress would side with him on the move and they were the first that he consulted on the matter. Beckoning them to the Heartwood, the men conversed on the topic and soon came to the conclusion that this was what was best for the band. 

They emerged from the treeline as twilight began to show overhead, a show of unison as they made their way to the Glen. Rannoch lead them to the place where they had first settled within the Glen. Seating himself between his brothers, as there was no podium to sit upon, Rannoch tilted his head back and called to the wolves that he was slowly getting to know as family. 

They filed in at their respective time, entering the clearing before the Frostfur brothers. Once Rannoch recognized most of the pack, he cut to the chase and informed them of the decision that had been made. "I hope that you all have been well rested," he began, his eyes searching the crowd for Rose in particular, but he did not dwell on when he did not find her right away. "We have decided that our time in the Glen is done. We have not found any territories to our liking around here and would like to continue along to further our search." He stood tall, his body language proud as he spoke to the crowd. "We will leave at dawn to ensure one last night of sleep." With this, the alpha fell silent as his eyes looked to the crowd before him for any indication of how they felt about this.

When Rannoch came to them with the thought of moving on, Rian was quick to agree. The Glen harbored nothing for them, and brought about only pain for the wayward O'Malley yearling. He still was not certain his entire family was gone, but there was no evidence to the contrary to support that they were still present within the pines and he was too worried that asking after Ondine would put a target on their backs. So he concluded what he could, and allowed the hurt to settle in his bones where it belonged. After Kieran, Rian was determined to not let any wolf hurt him like his father did. Unfortunately, he hadn't expected this.

As the pack began to filter into the gathering, Rian's expression was neutral, but blank. He stood on Rannoch's right side, ears up, and eyes focused on no face in particular. It was easier that way—he didn't want to be reminded that Dublin, Szabala, nor Eimear were among them. There was no weakness in his posture; no question that he would enforce any ruling, any law, and any command passed through Rannoch and Cypress' lips. He found it easy to cling to his old habits of mechanically going through the motions expected of him while his heart and mind worked out the solution to his current turmoil.

Cypress, like Rian, was silent — a sentinel that sat without question or qualm at Rannoch’s left side. Being so close to Neverwinter Forest had awakened a sense of guilt in the raven, who wanted to take the merry band and beat hell out of Ondine. He didn’t want to leave Scimitar and Eshe’s kingdom in her undeserving hands, but he didn’t want to be there, either. He…didn’t know what he wanted. Cypress had good days and bad days, and this one happened to be a pretty good one — but that didn’t mean he didn’t feel shitty about leaving his birthplace in a water witch’s filthy paws. “I’ll take watch tonight,” he said quietly, more to Rian and Rannoch than to the whole group, though his deep baritenor was pitched to carry. “I’ve rested more’n enough.” He didn’t mind playing sentry — he liked it, in fact — and he knew for a fact he wouldn’t be sleeping tonight. Too many feelings and worries all tangled up to breathe so easy.

There was pleasure that Rannoch found in the silence that swept across the group. The absence of rebuttal told the alpha that there was nothing more for the others to add and he was happy with this. His gaze only wavered from the group when Cypress volunteered to keep the night's watch. "Thanks, Cy," replied Rannoch with a smile, keeping his voice soft so that it was held amongst them. 

"You are all dismissed," said Rannoch after a beat,  his eyes returning to the crowd as his voice lifted to reach the wolf furthest away. Dipping his head, Rannoch confirmed his words and stood. Once standing, he then turned from the group and made his exit as he listed the things that he would have to do to prepare himself for the next leg of his journey.