It had been quite some time since the death of Onni. Rhoana had begun busying herself with travelling across Forochel when weather permitted. She began plotting different areas and mapping the land, predominantly where certain animals grazed in number. Upon returning, the villagers would gladly take heed of her findings to prepare for greater hunts; though whisperings and suspicions soon wrought themselves through the camp as Rhoana began hunting more herself. It was slightly apparent that she had started to bring shame upon her family, namely her father and mother.
She was unmarried and thus bearing no children soon, she could feel a pushing and manipulation weaving its way which was beyond her control. Her parents had arranged for her to marry a fellow by the name of Kalle, indeed the sibling of her now deceased Onni. Though Rhoana was fond of him, she had viewed their relations as purely bonds of family and nothing more. The thought of joining with him in union and as his betrothed made her stomach churn; she was too rebellious to uphold such notions.
It was a clear but cold dawn and Rhoana had slowly accumulated her belongings. It wasn’t much, but enough to carry her through the frozen lands and bear her on a new road. She wandered to the entrance of the hut, looking back at her siblings. They were sleeping soundly, or so it would appear. She walked quietly toward Lahja and covered her aplenty with blankets, kissing her cheek lightly. She whispered her goodbyes and picked up her belongings, trudging outwards into the snow. She inhaled sharply as she bound her cloak about her against the bracing wind, giving a fleeting glance across the village she strode forward. Her hand was grasped, it felt rough but warm.
“You’re leaving aren’t you Pikku?”
Rhoana smiled as she turned to see Riku.
“I doubt there is much I can say to halt you, hm? My inquisitive little sister…”
He smiled at her and brought her toward him, giving her a hefty and weighty hug.
“You are special little sister and I shall miss you…”
He paused and pulled her away, firmly gripping her shoulders with a slight shake.
“You make me proud Rhoana…pikku, and you still do. We will be waiting.”
Rhoana reached on her toes and kissed her brother on the cheek, smiling dimly.
“I shall look after myself as best you taught me to, brother. Look after them all won’t you? And that wife of yours…keep a close eye on little Lahja and Kirri, hm?”
Riku patted her back and shooed her away with his hand, she nodded saying quietly beneath her breath,
“I love you all…”
She bound for the unforgiving snow and its barren stretches, her stride eager and unrelenting. She did not look back.
