Post by Morningdew on Oct 6, 2010 19:25:08 GMT -6
I have decided to write a book about wolves. Please give constructive critisism.
The Scarlet Moon
Prologue:
Whispers, I heard them. Ears, I saw them. Tails, I glimpsed at. Fear, I felt it. Their eyes sought out my distress at their presence, I did not satisfy their hunger for my fear that they so desperately wanted. Soon a twig snapped, the voices hushed, seeing that black figure that blended so well with the shadows step out. I simply took a step back, but my heels were nipped at, painfully I might add. The black figure moved swiftly towards me, I decided for now I would call this threat; Shadow.
My eyes betrayed my heart, in my heart I wanted to be brave, but my eyes showed fear. Shadow had noticed this and snickered, setting one paw in front of the other. As the figure edged towards me, my paws ached from trying to outrun them before, but giving up was not an option. Fear may seal away all other feelings but they killed her. That alone made my courage rise as I turned around running into the snowy forest, my mother’s body lay mangled in that very clearing I had ran from. They had killed her and I was next, to them I was nothing more than prey to be eaten.
The snow almost made me collapse, running through all the drifts and watching for them proved to be difficult. I was cold to the bone, my pup fur not prepared for such harsh weather. Soon going on was worthless, finding a hole in the roots of an oak tree I curled up, embracing the dryness. Sleep overtook my frail body as darkness replaced my vision…
Spring is simply lovely
Part one:
My eyes flickered at the sudden brightness, light slowly crept into the pitch black den. I wanted to believe last night was a dream, that my mother was just out hunting, not…dead. The word chilled me to the bone, I was all alone now, with those crazy murderers after me. Lovely, just lovely. Hearing a growling sound nearly made me jump, my fur turned hot with embarrassment as I realized it had been my stomach. Mother hadn’t yet taught me how to hunt, this small detail could mean life or death for me. Slowly I placed one paw in front of the other as I inched outside the den, suddenly chirping filled my ears and sun hit my face.
That could only mean one thing. Spring was here, ugh how all the noise annoyed me, but the food was plentiful, no argument there. Once every little noise had calmed down I remembered a meadow Mother had talked about, she said it was so wonderful and beautiful. Sniffing the slowly melting ice covered ground I picked up the scent of morning dew on grass. Not much grass here in this part of the forest, I quickly and anxiously followed the trail, my mouth dropped open at what I found. A breeze hit my fur, it felt so good, like I was as free as a eagle soaring in the blue sky. Looking at the astounding sight before my eyes I processed the details. Butterflies swirled around everywhere, hares bounced through the bouncy grass, and that shiny thing on the other side of the meadow. Wait what? Taking a second glance I saw something shiny hidden in the trees, maybe it was a trap? Suddenly I heard a yelp, and then silence, I had to help them.
Leaping off my view from a rock I was sitting on I bounded through the meadow. The shiny thing was pointed at me now, I curiously flicked my ears and padded forward, I was about four foxtails away from it. Then I was suddenly frozen to the ground in pure agonizing terror, the barking was so vicious and loud. The two brown blurs were running at me, darting my eyes at both I quickly found my footing and raced into the nearest trees. My breathing was heavy as I ran faster than I had ever before, even the night before. Soon a sudden figure blocked my path, picking me up by my scruff and running, it was over sooner than I thought as the figure dropped me on the ground with a thump.
“What were you thinking pup! Never mind that, are you ok?” The figure asked, I observed her. She was brown and white, with a splash of black mixed in, she had startling icy blue eyes. Her body shape was lean, but strong, and she was definitely a wolf. Then I remember her question as I sat up trying to look more dignified.
“I heard that yelp and I wanted to help.” I answered simply not daring to drop her stare from mine. She huffed and rolled her eyes, looking at me firmly.
“That was man’s trick, don’t ever go near any sound like that in an open clearing, or if you see something shiny. It is far too dangerous…especially with your mother gone now.” She finished looking down at her paws as she mentioned Mother.
“How do you know who she is? Who are you? Where is this place?” The words practically spilled out of my mouth as I demanded the answers sternly.
“She was my best friend, my name is Whisper, and this is the eastern part of the forest. Your mother always hated all these different weeds over here…” Whisper had a sad expression on her face, one of sorrow and loss. “She told me to take care of you if anything was to happen to her, Shadow and his gang have been after her for a while…” I listened carefully and the second she said Shadow I knew it was that figure who had almost killed me. That thought made me shiver, his presence was simply cold.
“I met him, it wasn’t exactly a pleasant meeting, he killed her…” I said gulping, rubbing my nose against the warmth of Whisper’s fur. A tear slid down my muzzle, dropping on a leaf on the ground, looking up I saw that Whisper’s eyes were watering. Soon another tear fell from her eyes, and we sat there together, talking about the good times with Mother, and weeping through it all. Night fell and tears dried as we grew silent, finding our way into Whisper’s den. Curling up to her I heard her lightly whisper in my ear.
“What is your name?” She asked breathing in the night air as fireflies buzzed around outside the den entrance.
“Scarlet.” I whispered back, soon the only sound before sleep took over everything else was the buzzing of the fireflies into the night…
Spring is simply Lovely
Part two:
My eyes darted back and forth, watching the creature intently. My paws scraped the grassy forest floor, the sunlight peeking through the branches of the trees above. Suddenly, the doe’s head shot up from her grazing position, her ears swiveling back and forth. My heart lurched forward as the doe lunged into the bushes, my legs bounded forward straining to gain the speed I needed.
Time slowed as my nose took a deep inhale, taking in everything as I searched for the doe with my eyes. Soon the scent hit me, I slid across the ground as I changed the direction to the left. There she was, frolicking with strides I tried to match, taking a deep breath I bounded forward. With such surprising speed the doe had no time to speed up, nipping at the heels my prey finally collapsed. Not wanting to ruin the meal I took it’s life quickly with a bite to the neck. Hearing paw steps coming from my right I brought my gaze to Whisper. Her multi-colored coat shimmered in the afternoon sunlight, her icy blue eyes pierced me, I almost cringed but that would show fear of disappointment.
“Very well done Scarlet, even when things seemed hopeless you scented it out again. Like always, your excellent sense of smell saved you.” Whisper said with a hint of pride in her voice. It had been a long spring, I was still a pup but I was now 6 moons old. That was old enough for me to make kills, the doe had been small anyways, nothing more than a yearling. I had always had that excellent sense of smell, I could close my eyes and paint a picture of my surroundings just by scents. My train of thought was brought back to the kill as I nodded to Whisper, dragging our prey back to our den.
We were about half way, when I heard it. That chilling howl, the icy gaze that seemed to follow your every move. Whisper had took notice, but she could have never realized how close they really were. Closing my eyes tightly I saw them in the shadows behind us, dropping the kill I howled a warning to Whisper and bolted ahead. Ramming through everything in my way, feeling their hot breath on my heels. I knew our den wasn’t very far, quickly I shifted my footing sliding to the left. It confused them, giving me the perfect escape. Then suddenly I realized Whisper wasn’t with me, I swung my head back and forth waiting for her to appear.
She never came. My fear set in, the very fear I had felt when my mother had died. I decided I should sleep, it was best at the moment, for now at least. Ducking into the dark den I settled down into a tight ball, feeling more alone than ever.
“Get up fur ball.” The soft voice called playfully. No, it couldn’t be. Could it? I thought opening my eyes to see those icy blue ones staring back at me.
“Whisper!” I called out so excited I thought I might just burst. Nuzzling my muzzle against her chest, taking in her scent. Garlic? Yes that’s exactly what I smelled, hmm…
“Oh I see you’ve noticed my disguise. Shadow and them couldn’t smell me with this on, I rolled in a patch of it when you ran off and lost them.” She said smiling, making me simply light up, I had never been so happy to see her. Now as I calmed down she looked more serious. “If you hadn’t scented them…I don’t want to think about what would have happened.” Her eyes were grim, merely a grayish color now.
“Don’t think that way. Were fine that’s what is important, Shadow and them are too clumsy to catch us.” I nudged her and smirked, knowing they were extremely dangerous and it wasn’t that simple. Not in the least, but we couldn’t live in fear that would only endanger us more.
“Your right Scarlet…” Whisper said heading out of the den as I followed, knowing an encounter with Shadow could be waiting for them.
Luckily, he wasn’t, which was pretty nice considering yesterday’s events. Whisper’s eyes lightened up at noticing this, which made me extra happy that she wasn’t still upset. I knew I couldn’t outrun them forever, they caught up to my mother, they would do the same with me. I needed to become strong, to be ready to fight and not give up, at any cost. A flashback crossed my mind, it was one of those good nights.
“Scarlet dear, we have to honor our ancestors with the life they give us, for they have given up theirs.” Mother said, her amber eyes shining as she gazed on at the stars.
“But mother, who are they?” I said so innocently it was such a pup thing.
“They are the fallen wolves of the Stargazers, a pack of wolves I was born in. They live far from here, I miss them so much. But with Shadow after me, I had to stay on the run.” Mother sighed, tears forming at the edges of her eyes.
“One day we can go back mother! I promise.” I said my eyes bright with the anticipation, not knowing that was the last night we would spend together. Right there, in that spot outside our den, I wanted to make that moment last forever.
Now I snapped back to reality and noticed that Whisper and I were going somewhere. “Whisper, were going to the Stargazers aren’t we?” I said as she turned around quite shocked.
“How did you know that?” She asked, quite baffled I had known.
“Mother told me about them before, you two must have lived there from the stories she told me. Now instead of escaping your past your running back to it.” I responded calmly, secretly excited to finally meet the wolves my mother had talked so fondly about.
“Well your right. It will be a long journey, I don’t mean a few moons. I mean seasons.” Whisper said with a strain on seasons, we would most likely be there by winter if were lucky by the way she said it. Now we just padded along the grass covered ground, lost in thought, thinking about how the spring air was getting hotter. Summer would be a long season this year, spring was actually short, not much had happened. I knew I needed to move on, forget the death that haunted my every waking moment. It hurt not to even look back at the forest that was my home, but if I was going to be strong memories needed to stay in the past. We trudged on, the terrain getting steeper, we would have to pass the mountains by winter, or trouble would find us trapped…
Summer, the heat is on:
Part one
Intense sunlight beat down on my already sweaty back fur, making this day’s travel just that more unbearable. Whisper didn’t complain, but her huffs of thirst were clear under her breath. Our journey was progressing, but the mountain terrain made everything twice as difficult. My paw slid off a rock as it crumbled and I whined as I started slipping, Whisper quickly caught my scruff, using all her strength as she dragged me upwards. We sat there catching our breath, our eyes met as we both knew what we needed to say.
“We can’t-”I stopped as we said this in unison, Whisper gestured for me to speak.
“We can’t keep going on like this, we will be dead before we reach the top. I think I smelled water, maybe only a small amount we may need to fight for, but its water none the less. It was East, I know I know, its off our trail, but if we find water we can travel much further.” I finished hoping she would take this opportunity, it was a life or death decision.
“Scarlet…your young, but not foolish, I think your right. Lead the way, but remember we aren’t exactly in fighting shape. We will train a bit on the way to sharpen up a little on your skills. Lets go.” Whisper said, nearly shocking me, I nodded eagerly taking the lead. We headed East, water became stronger in scent, but some how Whisper could not smell it. I think she is losing her sense of smell, or beginning to at least, I feel like I’m being led towards the water. I hoped it was my mother, up in the stars, making sure I was alright. Suddenly a scent hit my nose, it was water, very close by, but there was something else…
“Whisper! It’s the water, its so close!” I raced ahead, the water had been closer than I had thought, we had no time for battle training. I could have never been prepared for the sneak attack, it had all gone by so quickly. Teeth met my fur, holding me down with sharp clinging claws. Then I realized it was a male wolf that smelled of many others pinning me down, he had not harmed me, but merely trapped me.
“How dare you trespass on Skypack territory!” He growled in my face, his white fur had little brown spots on it, a brown spot covering one eye, and brown on his paws. His eyes were a daring green, bright and vibrant, they drew me in, making me melt in their depths. I shook my head clearing it of those thoughts.
“There has been some mistake, we had no idea this was your territory.” Whisper muffled under her attacker, a she-wolf of about 6 seasons, who’s cream fur glistened with her deep blue eyes.
“What’s Skypack?” I asked in an innocent voice, meaning no harm, the male took note of that and loosened his grip, I took this chance. My back paws barreled into his stomach causing him to fly backwards, I raced to him and held him down, my teeth bared in his face. “Tell me. Now.” I commanded with a growl, he seemed less aggressive now.
“I’m simply a guard, in other wards I fight for our pack. Skypack is a pack of wolves that live here, our home, in the mountains. Our soles of our paws are hardened, perfect for the rough terrain. Now, tell me about yourself. Oh and my name is Sain, rather unfitting a name it is once you get to know me.” He said playfully, what a fool I was! He was no more than 4 seasons old, almost the same as me, he had put on that serious act to seem more threatening and older.
“Well my friend here, Whisper, is from the Stargazers along with my mother. She is dead incase you were wondering, and we are traveling there now. A wolf named Shadow and his gang are after us, they were after my mother and killed her, now they are after us. I don’t know why, but the Stargazers are past these mountains and that’s where we are headed. My name is Scarlet, my mother said it fit my beauty, I don’t believe it…” I said cautiously letting Sain up, he smiled, his friend let Whisper up.
“Oh and that’s Rose if your wondering, she’s nice once you get to know her. But like a rose if you get to close for comfort, you get pricked by her thorns.” Sain said, it made me smile how nice he was to me and Whisper now. “You look exhausted, please let me invite you to stay maybe a moon or two, maybe longer with our pack. You could build up your strength for the rest of your journey, and make some new friends.” He offered, looking at me with those eyes, oh those eyes, I couldn’t say no.
“Whisper its such a great idea! Please let us stay…” I said pleading her, she nodded looking at Sain and Rose.
“Please, lead the way to your camp.” Whisper said politely, taking a place next to Rose as we padded up the terrain. Sain fell in place beside me, my fur felt hot all of a sudden, but soon it calmed.
“Scarlet, I can say truthfully, you’re the most beautiful wolf I have ever seen. Your mother couldn’t have been more right, I hope we get to spend more time together.” He smiled, I just nodded, I felt like my stomach was filled with butterflies. Soon a slope appeared out of no where, we raced downwards into a thorn thicket. Before I could complain we were in the entrance of a bustling camp, pups played by a small den, mothers watching with careful eyes close by. Huge dens lay to the right, they must hold the hunters and guards, she noticed about season old pups practicing fighting moves. They must be like some form of apprentices, or trainees, they were in front of another big den. A rock towered over the camp, it held a den in it, we were headed towards the structure.
“Mist! We have some visitors, they come with important news.” Sain called into the den, soon a raspy yet elegant voice called out.
“Come in then.” She said with authority but kindness, obviously a fine leader.
“We have come here because….” Whisper told our story with great detail, barely squeaking out my mother’s murder, but it was addressed. Mist listened, clinging onto every word, obviously feeling our pain and fear.
“I understand, you may stay here for as long as you need. I’m sorry you had not found us sooner, your loss must be deeply painful. Rose, please get Haze to show them their nests, and how they must act as part of the pack when they are staying here in our home.” Mist finished, Rose nodded and so did the rest of us. We quickly followed Rose out as she went to find Haze little pups wondered up to us.
“You smell funny!” One implied, in a cute pup-like way, his fur was dark brown, his eyes a light green. He had a black stripe down him back like one of a badger.
“Badger! Get back here and leave the visitors in peace!” His mother yelled, her smoky gray fur matched her amber eyes. Badger scampered off before I had a chance to reply. As a sturdy male with dark hazy gray fur and yellow eyes approached, I knew it was Haze. Mist jumped onto the top of her den, a rocky ledge, with ease and addressed the pack.
“All wolves of Skypack gather here beneath the Great Ledge for a pack meeting!” Her voice echoed throughout the camp, everyone turned their attention to her, even pups hushed to hear the news. “As you know we have visitors from far down in the valley, you must welcome them, for as long as their stay may be here. They are now a part of this pack for now, you are to treat them as that. Thank you that is all, Scarlet and Whisper, I hope your stay here will be nice.” She leapt down, grabbing a mouse someone had caught for her, and traveling back into her den.
I nodded, sneaking a peak at Sain, noticing we were both looking at each other I quickly turned my head. Haze led us to our nests, they were comfy, the feather lining was a nice touch. He shifted his gaze to Whisper, I noticed a change in Whisper’s eyes as she looked at him. I smiled wondering if she liked him, but for now I would keep my thoughts to myself. Haze started explaining the rules, basically we just had to hunt once a day for the pack, and have some battle training. Now we settled into our nests, my eyes closed, this was the first night in a long time we had been comfortable and full.
Summer, the heat is on:
Part two
I dodged to the right, my breath quickened as I dodged over and over, soon I tucked and rolled. Letting Rose soar right over me, as she was in mid-air above me I bit her leg and she stumbled as she landed. Thinking fast I held her down with my paw to her neck as I stood over her, she growled and with her greater strength she shot her body upwards. Making me tumble backwards as she switched the positions between us, now I was the one stuck. My fur bristled as I struggled to get up, Whisper gestured to let me up but I wouldn’t give up that easily. So I thought for a sheer second and took one back foot and jabbed it into hers, making her howl with pain as she fell off me. This time I laid on her back, making sure she couldn’t roll or get away.
“OK! I think our winner for today is obvious, Rose you did excellent, but that move at the end decided the winner. Nice one Scarlet.” Whisper smiled, Rose nodded cleaning her pelt as I let her up, I noted that and did the same. “Lets go back and get something to eat.” Me and Rose walked side by side heading to the camp, I couldn’t explain it but I felt like we were in a competition, but what was the prize?
We had just gotten back and Sain ran up, we had grown extremely close in the two moons me and Whisper had stayed here. “What’s up Sain?” I asked curious why he seemed so anxious to tell me something.
“Follow me!” Sain said running off, I huffed and followed him through the mountain terrain, soon we came to a crystal clear pool of water. It was simply breathtaking, flowers had been placed around it by someone, and the lights through the canopy of the trees was hitting the water perfectly at this time of day. “Scarlet…I know we’ve only know each other for two moons but…” His eyes seemed to want to desperately tell me something so I waited patiently. “I-I love you, I really do.” Sain said looking at his paws, I was simply speechless, the truth was…I didn’t love him, not at all.
“Sain…I’m so sorry, but I don’t love you, please forgive me…” Scarlet said, tears welling up in her amber eyes, she turned and ran. Wind breezed through her red tinted fur, she didn’t look back, not once. The honest truth was she had her eyes on someone else, his name was Coal, he was so sweet and caring and brave. Most days you could find him playing with the pups or visiting the elders, chatting with some of the prey-hunters other times. He was a beta, which meant he could possibly be the next alpha. Her thoughts calmed as she thought of him, they had gone on a few walks and hunts which made her heart soar. Nothing like how she felt with Sain, he was a friend, someone she could trust her deepest secrets with. At first I had thought of him as a mate but then I knew it didn’t feel right.
Tears dropped to the floor as I stopped on a rock, I laid down on it and I tried to sleep. Suddenly I blinked my eyes open, still sitting on the rock, I gasped at her even being here. Her lean figure was there, thin as it was she still had her beauty. “M-m-mother?” I asked, knowing it was her.
“Yes dear Scarlet, its me. I have come to tell you that love should wait, there is someone in your future waiting for you, not here in the present. You and Whisper must leave at the end of Summer if you are to save yourselves. I must not say anymore dear daughter please understand I love and miss you…” She faded away and I wailed in sorrow.
“I love you too.” I whispered after her, knowing I must get up and get back to camp to tell Whisper. As I arrived Rose actually looked at me with hatred and gratitude, the hatred for me breaking Sain’s heart. The gratitude for me doing that so she could be with him, now I understood it all. All life was anymore was a cycle, hate, love, revenge, fear, everything just repeating. I had to ignore Coal now, but what happened next would never ever leave my mind. Wolves gathered around something in the middle of the camp, I walked up, wondering what it was. It was him, my once love, dead. Coal had gashes of battle on him, he smelled of bear. I heard wolves say hey drove it out of their territory but I couldn’t even speak, their voices just droned out of my hearing.
“I loved you so much Scarlet, but your destiny was so much different from mine…” Coal’s voice drifted through my ears and I yowled with pain, pain in my heart, I dropped to the ground weeping into his fur. Even Sain looked at me with sadness, knowing that I would never love him, but the wolf I had loved was now gone. I lay there until sunrise when his closest family and friends including me buried him.
Whisper and I discussed our leaving, it would happen soon, we had picked up traces of Shadow and his gang near this territory lately. Perhaps the Stargazers would help them take down Shadow once and for all. Her and Whisper had talked again in the dead of night, moonlight was illuminating the camp. Little did we know shadows moved just outside the camp, crouching, whispering, waiting. I smelled them just before it happened, it was all such a blur at first, soon I was tackled from the side. I growled trying to get a good look at my attacker in the pitch blackness of the shadows we had tumbled into. There was no moonlight here, only darkness, much like this wolf’s heart. I smelt Shadow on her, but it wasn’t him, it was one of his “beta” wolves, it was a female.
I yelped feeling teeth meet my shoulder, tearing my flesh, I knew this would be a cheap shot but so was tackling my blind-spot. I reached my head up and bit into the female’s neck, feeling it hit the right spot I chomped down, then released. Next while she was coughing I bit her back leg so she collapsed, now I stood on top of her as I growled. “Leave!” I barked angrily at her, letting her up she fled rather quickly. Shadow your next, I thought racing back into the clearing. Seeing all the fighting going on, Skypack seemed to be winning but it was going back and forth. I threw my head back and forth searching for that pure black pelt, those murderer’s eyes. I couldn’t even process what I saw next.
Shadow, his huge muscles rippling beneath his pelt, leaned on top of Whisper, preparing the death bite. “NO!!!! Shadow your battle is between me and you, not her!” I yelled running at him but he just laughed and bit deep into her neck, my world seemed to crumble in those few moments. I yowled into the night a ear-splitting battle cry, launching myself at Shadow, we rolled into the middle of the clearing, I clawed at his fur holding on tight. He barked viciously and used his death grip on my ear, ripping half off, I fought back the tears and the desperate yowl I would have screamed out. When we stopped rolling he was on top of me, thinking quickly I remembered my battle move with Rose.
“Oh Scarlet, once your gone, I will destroy those pathetic Stargazers.” He laughed into the night but I knew exactly what I was doing. I pretended to be weak and fell limp, he loosened his grip, I shot my back legs into his stomach. Making him fly backwards and be extremely winded. Somewhere in my heart I knew this was just the beginning, I had to do the honorable thing and let him go. He gathered his remaining wolves and betas and left with a howl that was bone-chilling.
Scarlet looked at the bodies around the camp, most bloody and injured, some even dead. The dead ones were mostly Shadow’s group, but there was one guard named Digger, and… “Whisper!” I yelled running over to her body, I turned her over, feeling her fast and shallow breath, her icy eyes looking so dim. “No…no…please Whisper, please don’t leave me…” I cried into her fur, she only whispered softly to me.
“Its my time, he caught up to me finally, but you…Scarlet you fought back, I’m just too old for this stuff anymore. Your destiny is great young one, you must follow it though…” Her eyes slowly closed, I begged for them to open again, but they never did. I lay there, weeping into her fur, knowing this is my time to leave.
I helped clean the camp up, and burry Whisper, then I said my goodbyes, Sain and Rose were sad to see me go. But they understood, it was the end of summer, I needed to leave.
Now as I left the camp, I looked back at my friends, but turned back and continued walking into the dawn light of the morning…
Fall the season of change:
Part one
Crunch! A leaf was crushed beneath my paw as I looked up at the trees, the leaves were now turning an assortment of colors. There were reds, yellows, and orange ones, it was so nice to look at if it didn’t have the downside of stepping all over the crunchy ones on the ground. The searing pain in my shoulder from that bite I got from the battle was almost unbearable, but I knew of no herbs so I kept walking.
Looking up at the night sky I knew I should stop and rest, searching around and moving the piles of leaves I found a nice little den in a bush. Sniffing around it seemed abandoned but it was not very big, so as I lay down my head had to lay just outside the den. Sleep came rather uneasily, it was hard with the pain in my shoulder. I hoped it wasn’t infected, I had left Sky pack camp just three dawns before, but soon I fell into a deep sleep.
“Excuse me young miss, are you alright?” A deep polite voice said, all I smelt was herbs and the faintest trace of wolf. I opened my eyes and there stood a young, sturdy light brown wolf with leaf green eyes. I nodded and crawled out of the den, squinting as I rubbed my shoulder the wrong way, was there even a right way?
“Well stranger, before I tell you that I must request to know who you may be?” Scarlet said wearingly, she had been uneasy since Whisper’s death.
“Of course. My name is Leaf, I am a loner with the knowledge of herbs and their many uses. Know young mistress I believe it is your turn to explain why you have an infected wound.” Leaf finished eyeing my shoulder, lashing his tail back and forth a bit.
“Fine. My name is Scarlet, I am um…a loner too I perhaps for now, I am searching for the Stargazers. My mother died while I was a young pup, her murderers are after me, oh I almost forgot the only wolf I cared about was killed by those very wolves that killed my mother. She was my mother’s best friend, her name was Whisper, she took me in when my mother died. In the battle at Sky pack’s camp Whisper was killed by those murderers and that’s how I got this wound. Oh and Sky pack is a pack of wolves in the mountains about 4 dawns a travel from here. Is that enough information?” Scarlet sighed, her eyes were filled with tears that were sliding down her face by the time she finished. Leaf quickly saw her tears and started licking them away, his touch made Scarlet want to just stop crying right then, so she did.
“I’m sorry about your past, I never knew my parents, they abandoned me as a pup, I have been studying herbs ever since then and testing them. I even speak a bit other languages such as Cat and Fox, they know of herbs so they have helped me. Here, come with me to my den.” Leaf said, his eyes so sympathetic, he truly had a pure heart. Suddenly Scarlet heard the sweet voice of her mother. The future has come my dear pup, he is the wolf who shall heal your heart as well as your wounds.
The Scarlet Moon
Prologue:
Whispers, I heard them. Ears, I saw them. Tails, I glimpsed at. Fear, I felt it. Their eyes sought out my distress at their presence, I did not satisfy their hunger for my fear that they so desperately wanted. Soon a twig snapped, the voices hushed, seeing that black figure that blended so well with the shadows step out. I simply took a step back, but my heels were nipped at, painfully I might add. The black figure moved swiftly towards me, I decided for now I would call this threat; Shadow.
My eyes betrayed my heart, in my heart I wanted to be brave, but my eyes showed fear. Shadow had noticed this and snickered, setting one paw in front of the other. As the figure edged towards me, my paws ached from trying to outrun them before, but giving up was not an option. Fear may seal away all other feelings but they killed her. That alone made my courage rise as I turned around running into the snowy forest, my mother’s body lay mangled in that very clearing I had ran from. They had killed her and I was next, to them I was nothing more than prey to be eaten.
The snow almost made me collapse, running through all the drifts and watching for them proved to be difficult. I was cold to the bone, my pup fur not prepared for such harsh weather. Soon going on was worthless, finding a hole in the roots of an oak tree I curled up, embracing the dryness. Sleep overtook my frail body as darkness replaced my vision…
Spring is simply lovely
Part one:
My eyes flickered at the sudden brightness, light slowly crept into the pitch black den. I wanted to believe last night was a dream, that my mother was just out hunting, not…dead. The word chilled me to the bone, I was all alone now, with those crazy murderers after me. Lovely, just lovely. Hearing a growling sound nearly made me jump, my fur turned hot with embarrassment as I realized it had been my stomach. Mother hadn’t yet taught me how to hunt, this small detail could mean life or death for me. Slowly I placed one paw in front of the other as I inched outside the den, suddenly chirping filled my ears and sun hit my face.
That could only mean one thing. Spring was here, ugh how all the noise annoyed me, but the food was plentiful, no argument there. Once every little noise had calmed down I remembered a meadow Mother had talked about, she said it was so wonderful and beautiful. Sniffing the slowly melting ice covered ground I picked up the scent of morning dew on grass. Not much grass here in this part of the forest, I quickly and anxiously followed the trail, my mouth dropped open at what I found. A breeze hit my fur, it felt so good, like I was as free as a eagle soaring in the blue sky. Looking at the astounding sight before my eyes I processed the details. Butterflies swirled around everywhere, hares bounced through the bouncy grass, and that shiny thing on the other side of the meadow. Wait what? Taking a second glance I saw something shiny hidden in the trees, maybe it was a trap? Suddenly I heard a yelp, and then silence, I had to help them.
Leaping off my view from a rock I was sitting on I bounded through the meadow. The shiny thing was pointed at me now, I curiously flicked my ears and padded forward, I was about four foxtails away from it. Then I was suddenly frozen to the ground in pure agonizing terror, the barking was so vicious and loud. The two brown blurs were running at me, darting my eyes at both I quickly found my footing and raced into the nearest trees. My breathing was heavy as I ran faster than I had ever before, even the night before. Soon a sudden figure blocked my path, picking me up by my scruff and running, it was over sooner than I thought as the figure dropped me on the ground with a thump.
“What were you thinking pup! Never mind that, are you ok?” The figure asked, I observed her. She was brown and white, with a splash of black mixed in, she had startling icy blue eyes. Her body shape was lean, but strong, and she was definitely a wolf. Then I remember her question as I sat up trying to look more dignified.
“I heard that yelp and I wanted to help.” I answered simply not daring to drop her stare from mine. She huffed and rolled her eyes, looking at me firmly.
“That was man’s trick, don’t ever go near any sound like that in an open clearing, or if you see something shiny. It is far too dangerous…especially with your mother gone now.” She finished looking down at her paws as she mentioned Mother.
“How do you know who she is? Who are you? Where is this place?” The words practically spilled out of my mouth as I demanded the answers sternly.
“She was my best friend, my name is Whisper, and this is the eastern part of the forest. Your mother always hated all these different weeds over here…” Whisper had a sad expression on her face, one of sorrow and loss. “She told me to take care of you if anything was to happen to her, Shadow and his gang have been after her for a while…” I listened carefully and the second she said Shadow I knew it was that figure who had almost killed me. That thought made me shiver, his presence was simply cold.
“I met him, it wasn’t exactly a pleasant meeting, he killed her…” I said gulping, rubbing my nose against the warmth of Whisper’s fur. A tear slid down my muzzle, dropping on a leaf on the ground, looking up I saw that Whisper’s eyes were watering. Soon another tear fell from her eyes, and we sat there together, talking about the good times with Mother, and weeping through it all. Night fell and tears dried as we grew silent, finding our way into Whisper’s den. Curling up to her I heard her lightly whisper in my ear.
“What is your name?” She asked breathing in the night air as fireflies buzzed around outside the den entrance.
“Scarlet.” I whispered back, soon the only sound before sleep took over everything else was the buzzing of the fireflies into the night…
Spring is simply Lovely
Part two:
My eyes darted back and forth, watching the creature intently. My paws scraped the grassy forest floor, the sunlight peeking through the branches of the trees above. Suddenly, the doe’s head shot up from her grazing position, her ears swiveling back and forth. My heart lurched forward as the doe lunged into the bushes, my legs bounded forward straining to gain the speed I needed.
Time slowed as my nose took a deep inhale, taking in everything as I searched for the doe with my eyes. Soon the scent hit me, I slid across the ground as I changed the direction to the left. There she was, frolicking with strides I tried to match, taking a deep breath I bounded forward. With such surprising speed the doe had no time to speed up, nipping at the heels my prey finally collapsed. Not wanting to ruin the meal I took it’s life quickly with a bite to the neck. Hearing paw steps coming from my right I brought my gaze to Whisper. Her multi-colored coat shimmered in the afternoon sunlight, her icy blue eyes pierced me, I almost cringed but that would show fear of disappointment.
“Very well done Scarlet, even when things seemed hopeless you scented it out again. Like always, your excellent sense of smell saved you.” Whisper said with a hint of pride in her voice. It had been a long spring, I was still a pup but I was now 6 moons old. That was old enough for me to make kills, the doe had been small anyways, nothing more than a yearling. I had always had that excellent sense of smell, I could close my eyes and paint a picture of my surroundings just by scents. My train of thought was brought back to the kill as I nodded to Whisper, dragging our prey back to our den.
We were about half way, when I heard it. That chilling howl, the icy gaze that seemed to follow your every move. Whisper had took notice, but she could have never realized how close they really were. Closing my eyes tightly I saw them in the shadows behind us, dropping the kill I howled a warning to Whisper and bolted ahead. Ramming through everything in my way, feeling their hot breath on my heels. I knew our den wasn’t very far, quickly I shifted my footing sliding to the left. It confused them, giving me the perfect escape. Then suddenly I realized Whisper wasn’t with me, I swung my head back and forth waiting for her to appear.
She never came. My fear set in, the very fear I had felt when my mother had died. I decided I should sleep, it was best at the moment, for now at least. Ducking into the dark den I settled down into a tight ball, feeling more alone than ever.
“Get up fur ball.” The soft voice called playfully. No, it couldn’t be. Could it? I thought opening my eyes to see those icy blue ones staring back at me.
“Whisper!” I called out so excited I thought I might just burst. Nuzzling my muzzle against her chest, taking in her scent. Garlic? Yes that’s exactly what I smelled, hmm…
“Oh I see you’ve noticed my disguise. Shadow and them couldn’t smell me with this on, I rolled in a patch of it when you ran off and lost them.” She said smiling, making me simply light up, I had never been so happy to see her. Now as I calmed down she looked more serious. “If you hadn’t scented them…I don’t want to think about what would have happened.” Her eyes were grim, merely a grayish color now.
“Don’t think that way. Were fine that’s what is important, Shadow and them are too clumsy to catch us.” I nudged her and smirked, knowing they were extremely dangerous and it wasn’t that simple. Not in the least, but we couldn’t live in fear that would only endanger us more.
“Your right Scarlet…” Whisper said heading out of the den as I followed, knowing an encounter with Shadow could be waiting for them.
Luckily, he wasn’t, which was pretty nice considering yesterday’s events. Whisper’s eyes lightened up at noticing this, which made me extra happy that she wasn’t still upset. I knew I couldn’t outrun them forever, they caught up to my mother, they would do the same with me. I needed to become strong, to be ready to fight and not give up, at any cost. A flashback crossed my mind, it was one of those good nights.
“Scarlet dear, we have to honor our ancestors with the life they give us, for they have given up theirs.” Mother said, her amber eyes shining as she gazed on at the stars.
“But mother, who are they?” I said so innocently it was such a pup thing.
“They are the fallen wolves of the Stargazers, a pack of wolves I was born in. They live far from here, I miss them so much. But with Shadow after me, I had to stay on the run.” Mother sighed, tears forming at the edges of her eyes.
“One day we can go back mother! I promise.” I said my eyes bright with the anticipation, not knowing that was the last night we would spend together. Right there, in that spot outside our den, I wanted to make that moment last forever.
Now I snapped back to reality and noticed that Whisper and I were going somewhere. “Whisper, were going to the Stargazers aren’t we?” I said as she turned around quite shocked.
“How did you know that?” She asked, quite baffled I had known.
“Mother told me about them before, you two must have lived there from the stories she told me. Now instead of escaping your past your running back to it.” I responded calmly, secretly excited to finally meet the wolves my mother had talked so fondly about.
“Well your right. It will be a long journey, I don’t mean a few moons. I mean seasons.” Whisper said with a strain on seasons, we would most likely be there by winter if were lucky by the way she said it. Now we just padded along the grass covered ground, lost in thought, thinking about how the spring air was getting hotter. Summer would be a long season this year, spring was actually short, not much had happened. I knew I needed to move on, forget the death that haunted my every waking moment. It hurt not to even look back at the forest that was my home, but if I was going to be strong memories needed to stay in the past. We trudged on, the terrain getting steeper, we would have to pass the mountains by winter, or trouble would find us trapped…
Summer, the heat is on:
Part one
Intense sunlight beat down on my already sweaty back fur, making this day’s travel just that more unbearable. Whisper didn’t complain, but her huffs of thirst were clear under her breath. Our journey was progressing, but the mountain terrain made everything twice as difficult. My paw slid off a rock as it crumbled and I whined as I started slipping, Whisper quickly caught my scruff, using all her strength as she dragged me upwards. We sat there catching our breath, our eyes met as we both knew what we needed to say.
“We can’t-”I stopped as we said this in unison, Whisper gestured for me to speak.
“We can’t keep going on like this, we will be dead before we reach the top. I think I smelled water, maybe only a small amount we may need to fight for, but its water none the less. It was East, I know I know, its off our trail, but if we find water we can travel much further.” I finished hoping she would take this opportunity, it was a life or death decision.
“Scarlet…your young, but not foolish, I think your right. Lead the way, but remember we aren’t exactly in fighting shape. We will train a bit on the way to sharpen up a little on your skills. Lets go.” Whisper said, nearly shocking me, I nodded eagerly taking the lead. We headed East, water became stronger in scent, but some how Whisper could not smell it. I think she is losing her sense of smell, or beginning to at least, I feel like I’m being led towards the water. I hoped it was my mother, up in the stars, making sure I was alright. Suddenly a scent hit my nose, it was water, very close by, but there was something else…
“Whisper! It’s the water, its so close!” I raced ahead, the water had been closer than I had thought, we had no time for battle training. I could have never been prepared for the sneak attack, it had all gone by so quickly. Teeth met my fur, holding me down with sharp clinging claws. Then I realized it was a male wolf that smelled of many others pinning me down, he had not harmed me, but merely trapped me.
“How dare you trespass on Skypack territory!” He growled in my face, his white fur had little brown spots on it, a brown spot covering one eye, and brown on his paws. His eyes were a daring green, bright and vibrant, they drew me in, making me melt in their depths. I shook my head clearing it of those thoughts.
“There has been some mistake, we had no idea this was your territory.” Whisper muffled under her attacker, a she-wolf of about 6 seasons, who’s cream fur glistened with her deep blue eyes.
“What’s Skypack?” I asked in an innocent voice, meaning no harm, the male took note of that and loosened his grip, I took this chance. My back paws barreled into his stomach causing him to fly backwards, I raced to him and held him down, my teeth bared in his face. “Tell me. Now.” I commanded with a growl, he seemed less aggressive now.
“I’m simply a guard, in other wards I fight for our pack. Skypack is a pack of wolves that live here, our home, in the mountains. Our soles of our paws are hardened, perfect for the rough terrain. Now, tell me about yourself. Oh and my name is Sain, rather unfitting a name it is once you get to know me.” He said playfully, what a fool I was! He was no more than 4 seasons old, almost the same as me, he had put on that serious act to seem more threatening and older.
“Well my friend here, Whisper, is from the Stargazers along with my mother. She is dead incase you were wondering, and we are traveling there now. A wolf named Shadow and his gang are after us, they were after my mother and killed her, now they are after us. I don’t know why, but the Stargazers are past these mountains and that’s where we are headed. My name is Scarlet, my mother said it fit my beauty, I don’t believe it…” I said cautiously letting Sain up, he smiled, his friend let Whisper up.
“Oh and that’s Rose if your wondering, she’s nice once you get to know her. But like a rose if you get to close for comfort, you get pricked by her thorns.” Sain said, it made me smile how nice he was to me and Whisper now. “You look exhausted, please let me invite you to stay maybe a moon or two, maybe longer with our pack. You could build up your strength for the rest of your journey, and make some new friends.” He offered, looking at me with those eyes, oh those eyes, I couldn’t say no.
“Whisper its such a great idea! Please let us stay…” I said pleading her, she nodded looking at Sain and Rose.
“Please, lead the way to your camp.” Whisper said politely, taking a place next to Rose as we padded up the terrain. Sain fell in place beside me, my fur felt hot all of a sudden, but soon it calmed.
“Scarlet, I can say truthfully, you’re the most beautiful wolf I have ever seen. Your mother couldn’t have been more right, I hope we get to spend more time together.” He smiled, I just nodded, I felt like my stomach was filled with butterflies. Soon a slope appeared out of no where, we raced downwards into a thorn thicket. Before I could complain we were in the entrance of a bustling camp, pups played by a small den, mothers watching with careful eyes close by. Huge dens lay to the right, they must hold the hunters and guards, she noticed about season old pups practicing fighting moves. They must be like some form of apprentices, or trainees, they were in front of another big den. A rock towered over the camp, it held a den in it, we were headed towards the structure.
“Mist! We have some visitors, they come with important news.” Sain called into the den, soon a raspy yet elegant voice called out.
“Come in then.” She said with authority but kindness, obviously a fine leader.
“We have come here because….” Whisper told our story with great detail, barely squeaking out my mother’s murder, but it was addressed. Mist listened, clinging onto every word, obviously feeling our pain and fear.
“I understand, you may stay here for as long as you need. I’m sorry you had not found us sooner, your loss must be deeply painful. Rose, please get Haze to show them their nests, and how they must act as part of the pack when they are staying here in our home.” Mist finished, Rose nodded and so did the rest of us. We quickly followed Rose out as she went to find Haze little pups wondered up to us.
“You smell funny!” One implied, in a cute pup-like way, his fur was dark brown, his eyes a light green. He had a black stripe down him back like one of a badger.
“Badger! Get back here and leave the visitors in peace!” His mother yelled, her smoky gray fur matched her amber eyes. Badger scampered off before I had a chance to reply. As a sturdy male with dark hazy gray fur and yellow eyes approached, I knew it was Haze. Mist jumped onto the top of her den, a rocky ledge, with ease and addressed the pack.
“All wolves of Skypack gather here beneath the Great Ledge for a pack meeting!” Her voice echoed throughout the camp, everyone turned their attention to her, even pups hushed to hear the news. “As you know we have visitors from far down in the valley, you must welcome them, for as long as their stay may be here. They are now a part of this pack for now, you are to treat them as that. Thank you that is all, Scarlet and Whisper, I hope your stay here will be nice.” She leapt down, grabbing a mouse someone had caught for her, and traveling back into her den.
I nodded, sneaking a peak at Sain, noticing we were both looking at each other I quickly turned my head. Haze led us to our nests, they were comfy, the feather lining was a nice touch. He shifted his gaze to Whisper, I noticed a change in Whisper’s eyes as she looked at him. I smiled wondering if she liked him, but for now I would keep my thoughts to myself. Haze started explaining the rules, basically we just had to hunt once a day for the pack, and have some battle training. Now we settled into our nests, my eyes closed, this was the first night in a long time we had been comfortable and full.
Summer, the heat is on:
Part two
I dodged to the right, my breath quickened as I dodged over and over, soon I tucked and rolled. Letting Rose soar right over me, as she was in mid-air above me I bit her leg and she stumbled as she landed. Thinking fast I held her down with my paw to her neck as I stood over her, she growled and with her greater strength she shot her body upwards. Making me tumble backwards as she switched the positions between us, now I was the one stuck. My fur bristled as I struggled to get up, Whisper gestured to let me up but I wouldn’t give up that easily. So I thought for a sheer second and took one back foot and jabbed it into hers, making her howl with pain as she fell off me. This time I laid on her back, making sure she couldn’t roll or get away.
“OK! I think our winner for today is obvious, Rose you did excellent, but that move at the end decided the winner. Nice one Scarlet.” Whisper smiled, Rose nodded cleaning her pelt as I let her up, I noted that and did the same. “Lets go back and get something to eat.” Me and Rose walked side by side heading to the camp, I couldn’t explain it but I felt like we were in a competition, but what was the prize?
We had just gotten back and Sain ran up, we had grown extremely close in the two moons me and Whisper had stayed here. “What’s up Sain?” I asked curious why he seemed so anxious to tell me something.
“Follow me!” Sain said running off, I huffed and followed him through the mountain terrain, soon we came to a crystal clear pool of water. It was simply breathtaking, flowers had been placed around it by someone, and the lights through the canopy of the trees was hitting the water perfectly at this time of day. “Scarlet…I know we’ve only know each other for two moons but…” His eyes seemed to want to desperately tell me something so I waited patiently. “I-I love you, I really do.” Sain said looking at his paws, I was simply speechless, the truth was…I didn’t love him, not at all.
“Sain…I’m so sorry, but I don’t love you, please forgive me…” Scarlet said, tears welling up in her amber eyes, she turned and ran. Wind breezed through her red tinted fur, she didn’t look back, not once. The honest truth was she had her eyes on someone else, his name was Coal, he was so sweet and caring and brave. Most days you could find him playing with the pups or visiting the elders, chatting with some of the prey-hunters other times. He was a beta, which meant he could possibly be the next alpha. Her thoughts calmed as she thought of him, they had gone on a few walks and hunts which made her heart soar. Nothing like how she felt with Sain, he was a friend, someone she could trust her deepest secrets with. At first I had thought of him as a mate but then I knew it didn’t feel right.
Tears dropped to the floor as I stopped on a rock, I laid down on it and I tried to sleep. Suddenly I blinked my eyes open, still sitting on the rock, I gasped at her even being here. Her lean figure was there, thin as it was she still had her beauty. “M-m-mother?” I asked, knowing it was her.
“Yes dear Scarlet, its me. I have come to tell you that love should wait, there is someone in your future waiting for you, not here in the present. You and Whisper must leave at the end of Summer if you are to save yourselves. I must not say anymore dear daughter please understand I love and miss you…” She faded away and I wailed in sorrow.
“I love you too.” I whispered after her, knowing I must get up and get back to camp to tell Whisper. As I arrived Rose actually looked at me with hatred and gratitude, the hatred for me breaking Sain’s heart. The gratitude for me doing that so she could be with him, now I understood it all. All life was anymore was a cycle, hate, love, revenge, fear, everything just repeating. I had to ignore Coal now, but what happened next would never ever leave my mind. Wolves gathered around something in the middle of the camp, I walked up, wondering what it was. It was him, my once love, dead. Coal had gashes of battle on him, he smelled of bear. I heard wolves say hey drove it out of their territory but I couldn’t even speak, their voices just droned out of my hearing.
“I loved you so much Scarlet, but your destiny was so much different from mine…” Coal’s voice drifted through my ears and I yowled with pain, pain in my heart, I dropped to the ground weeping into his fur. Even Sain looked at me with sadness, knowing that I would never love him, but the wolf I had loved was now gone. I lay there until sunrise when his closest family and friends including me buried him.
Whisper and I discussed our leaving, it would happen soon, we had picked up traces of Shadow and his gang near this territory lately. Perhaps the Stargazers would help them take down Shadow once and for all. Her and Whisper had talked again in the dead of night, moonlight was illuminating the camp. Little did we know shadows moved just outside the camp, crouching, whispering, waiting. I smelled them just before it happened, it was all such a blur at first, soon I was tackled from the side. I growled trying to get a good look at my attacker in the pitch blackness of the shadows we had tumbled into. There was no moonlight here, only darkness, much like this wolf’s heart. I smelt Shadow on her, but it wasn’t him, it was one of his “beta” wolves, it was a female.
I yelped feeling teeth meet my shoulder, tearing my flesh, I knew this would be a cheap shot but so was tackling my blind-spot. I reached my head up and bit into the female’s neck, feeling it hit the right spot I chomped down, then released. Next while she was coughing I bit her back leg so she collapsed, now I stood on top of her as I growled. “Leave!” I barked angrily at her, letting her up she fled rather quickly. Shadow your next, I thought racing back into the clearing. Seeing all the fighting going on, Skypack seemed to be winning but it was going back and forth. I threw my head back and forth searching for that pure black pelt, those murderer’s eyes. I couldn’t even process what I saw next.
Shadow, his huge muscles rippling beneath his pelt, leaned on top of Whisper, preparing the death bite. “NO!!!! Shadow your battle is between me and you, not her!” I yelled running at him but he just laughed and bit deep into her neck, my world seemed to crumble in those few moments. I yowled into the night a ear-splitting battle cry, launching myself at Shadow, we rolled into the middle of the clearing, I clawed at his fur holding on tight. He barked viciously and used his death grip on my ear, ripping half off, I fought back the tears and the desperate yowl I would have screamed out. When we stopped rolling he was on top of me, thinking quickly I remembered my battle move with Rose.
“Oh Scarlet, once your gone, I will destroy those pathetic Stargazers.” He laughed into the night but I knew exactly what I was doing. I pretended to be weak and fell limp, he loosened his grip, I shot my back legs into his stomach. Making him fly backwards and be extremely winded. Somewhere in my heart I knew this was just the beginning, I had to do the honorable thing and let him go. He gathered his remaining wolves and betas and left with a howl that was bone-chilling.
Scarlet looked at the bodies around the camp, most bloody and injured, some even dead. The dead ones were mostly Shadow’s group, but there was one guard named Digger, and… “Whisper!” I yelled running over to her body, I turned her over, feeling her fast and shallow breath, her icy eyes looking so dim. “No…no…please Whisper, please don’t leave me…” I cried into her fur, she only whispered softly to me.
“Its my time, he caught up to me finally, but you…Scarlet you fought back, I’m just too old for this stuff anymore. Your destiny is great young one, you must follow it though…” Her eyes slowly closed, I begged for them to open again, but they never did. I lay there, weeping into her fur, knowing this is my time to leave.
I helped clean the camp up, and burry Whisper, then I said my goodbyes, Sain and Rose were sad to see me go. But they understood, it was the end of summer, I needed to leave.
Now as I left the camp, I looked back at my friends, but turned back and continued walking into the dawn light of the morning…
Fall the season of change:
Part one
Crunch! A leaf was crushed beneath my paw as I looked up at the trees, the leaves were now turning an assortment of colors. There were reds, yellows, and orange ones, it was so nice to look at if it didn’t have the downside of stepping all over the crunchy ones on the ground. The searing pain in my shoulder from that bite I got from the battle was almost unbearable, but I knew of no herbs so I kept walking.
Looking up at the night sky I knew I should stop and rest, searching around and moving the piles of leaves I found a nice little den in a bush. Sniffing around it seemed abandoned but it was not very big, so as I lay down my head had to lay just outside the den. Sleep came rather uneasily, it was hard with the pain in my shoulder. I hoped it wasn’t infected, I had left Sky pack camp just three dawns before, but soon I fell into a deep sleep.
“Excuse me young miss, are you alright?” A deep polite voice said, all I smelt was herbs and the faintest trace of wolf. I opened my eyes and there stood a young, sturdy light brown wolf with leaf green eyes. I nodded and crawled out of the den, squinting as I rubbed my shoulder the wrong way, was there even a right way?
“Well stranger, before I tell you that I must request to know who you may be?” Scarlet said wearingly, she had been uneasy since Whisper’s death.
“Of course. My name is Leaf, I am a loner with the knowledge of herbs and their many uses. Know young mistress I believe it is your turn to explain why you have an infected wound.” Leaf finished eyeing my shoulder, lashing his tail back and forth a bit.
“Fine. My name is Scarlet, I am um…a loner too I perhaps for now, I am searching for the Stargazers. My mother died while I was a young pup, her murderers are after me, oh I almost forgot the only wolf I cared about was killed by those very wolves that killed my mother. She was my mother’s best friend, her name was Whisper, she took me in when my mother died. In the battle at Sky pack’s camp Whisper was killed by those murderers and that’s how I got this wound. Oh and Sky pack is a pack of wolves in the mountains about 4 dawns a travel from here. Is that enough information?” Scarlet sighed, her eyes were filled with tears that were sliding down her face by the time she finished. Leaf quickly saw her tears and started licking them away, his touch made Scarlet want to just stop crying right then, so she did.
“I’m sorry about your past, I never knew my parents, they abandoned me as a pup, I have been studying herbs ever since then and testing them. I even speak a bit other languages such as Cat and Fox, they know of herbs so they have helped me. Here, come with me to my den.” Leaf said, his eyes so sympathetic, he truly had a pure heart. Suddenly Scarlet heard the sweet voice of her mother. The future has come my dear pup, he is the wolf who shall heal your heart as well as your wounds.
