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If there was one thing that Herryk was determined to do, it was to keep his family together at all costs. He was not concerned with his extended family - though, to be honest, if they needed a place to stay they would receive a warm welcome from him.

With his children growing to adolescence, Herryk was fraught with worry - especially after his own father's exile, and the threat that if any of Aesir's bloodlines remained, they would be condemned to thrallhood.

That was not something Herryk wanted for his children, or for his wife.

And so, with these thoughts heavy on his mind, Herryk was making the rounds so that he might explain the dire situation they were in - and to make it clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were no longer welcome within the pride.

First stop: Finna.

Witnessing the fight had taken something from the adolescent. She was still so young but she felt so old. She felt.. scared. That wasn't a feeling that was common for her. Usually she was a fearless, adventurous, bossy little devil. Right now she didn't even feel like eating.

What did all this mean? She didn't understand. Though she was still young, so it was obivous why she wasn't sure. Had she been older, she might have felt better about the situation.. or worse.. She had no idea. For now she was curled in her family's den. Tightly in the back and staying as still as possible. She hadn't even washed off the blood from her grandfather that had been scatted upon her white pelt in the commotion. Even Canicah's smear marks were still there, still proof that Cani had been terrified out of her own mind as well.

She missed her father, and she hoped he would return soon. She didn't feel right anymore.

Herryk had always had a soft spot for his daughters. Each of them perfect, just like their mother. He held them higher above his sons when it came to what they deserved in life - however, his sons were held to higher standards. It might not be the best trait a parent could possibly have, but he was proud of his sons - and wrapped around each one of his daughters little pawfingers.

When he came upon Finna in the family den, set deep in the forest inside of a thick, hollowed out old tree, Herryk's heart fell. He could tell that something was wrong with his youngest daughter - she'd always been one to keep her snowy, mottled pelt clean, and it nearly broke his heart in two when he saw her slender form huddled up against the very back of their den.

"Finna," his voice was deep and soft, tinged with concern. He settled in close to her, and treating her much like he would a cub, drew her up against him with a broad black paw so that he might start grooming the blood from her fur.

"Papa is here, little one."

She heard someone approach and she did not move. It smelled of her father, and she was thankful for that. She loved her father, and where sometimes she took advantage of the love he bore for her, she still adored him. She felt his warmth once he sat next to her, and his voice made her feel safe. She lifted her head, only in time for him to pull her close.

"Oh papa.." She said with a sigh, as she settled her weight against him. "What do we do now?" She asked. She hardly realized he was grooming the blood from her. She had pushed the idea of blood from her mind. She had far too many thoughts right now, to be worried about the blood that had soaked into her pelt.

It had been a question he had agonized over since the moment his father's body had hit the ground with a sick, heavy thud.

"We do as we have always done, little one. We keep to the forest, where it is safe. We keep together as best we can, and we do not go into the pride."

It seemed the only option that they had, and in Herryk's mind it was not such a bad thing. He'd never been fond of milling about inside the pride, finding it far too constricting and suffocating. It was only in the forest that he felt safe and comfortable - and it hurt to think that his children might not feel the same way.

"We are no longer safe there, Finna. Only here, in the forest. You cannot go back."

Not go into the pride? That was worse than death, or so she was thinking right this moment. She had been something of a princess, and she had been respected! Though she knew it was only because she bore her grandfather's blood. She wondered if that was why it was no longer safe there. She loved her forest home, it had always been secluded enough for her to feel safe. But.. the pride had been where she could see Canicah, and .. and.. Well she supposed this got her away from Erykk so maybe it wasn't terrible. Maybe.

"I.. I won't papa." She said quietly. She looked up to meet his eyes with her own ice blue ones. She had fear in those eyes, and it was fear of what was going to happen now.

"Will my friends know? Will they know I'm gone?" She asked, She was starting to hate the thought of being separated from Canicah. "How long until we are safe there?" Her questions were like that a cub might ask, but right now, that was how she felt.

Herryk did not wilt, and he did not back down. However, he did take a moment to pause in his grooming so that he might peer into the clear, fear-filled depths of his pretty daughter's eyes.

"They will know you are gone, and if they are lucky, their parents will explain to them what has happened. If not, well. When," he didn't want to make it seem as if they'd never be welcome again - though at this point he wasn't sure that they ever would, "we are once more welcome in the pride, what a tale you will have to tell, mm? My sweet daughter."

His maw parted in a smile.

"So beautiful. It is important that you listen to your papa. It is important that you promise to your papa."

As usual, her father's words did a lot to ease her mind. She took a deep breath, and offered a small, hopeful smile. She hoped that they wouldn't be in danger long. She loved her home, she loved her pride. She had never thought she would be told to stay away from it.

"Yes papa." She said with a nod, and her eyes met his again. She promised, at least for now. She couldn't promise forever, but she could promise right now and quite a bit of the future.

"I promise papa. I won't go back. I'll be good."

Those softly uttered words did much to ease Herryk's mind, and the dark maned lion made a sound of approval before he went back to tending to his daughter's pretty pelt. He made quick work of the mess that stained her pelt, pulling away once he was finished so that he might smile down at her.

"Very good. It is important to never break a promise. If you find yourself thinking that you need to go back - for whatever reason," Herryk narrowed his eyes briefly, "you must come to me first so that we can discuss the temptation."

Perhaps there was something he could do - some way to ease the transition. He had a sudden thought.

"We will find you a bird friend," Herryk mumbled softly to himself, "one that you can use to send word to your friends."

Happy with his idea, Herryk rose to his feet, leaning down to nuzzle his daughter.

"I must find your brothers and sisters. They will be held to the same promise as you."

Herryk made his way to the mouth of the den, calling a brief, quiet, "Papa loves you, Finna," over his shoulder as he left.

She nodded again, nuzzling against her father. She loved him, she loved her entire family but especially him. She was truly a daddy's girl, and she would forever be.

"Do you mean it?" She asked with her eyes widening just a bit. She had never thought about getting a bird friend, but it sounded perfect for now! She would have someone to talk to, and someone to talk to Canicah for her. She smiled happily.
"Thank you papa."

When he rose, she nuzzled him in return. She wasn't sure she wanted to be left alone again, but she had a feeling papa was right. She was safe here. So here, for now, she would stay.

"I love you too papa." She responded quietly, and she curled back into the warm place in the cave. She was going to have to get some sleep for now, and she knew it wouldnt be long before sleep won.