I smile hopefully at Queens' welcoming wag of her tail as I enter the clearing. I had noted that none other of my siblings are present and for a moment, I wonder what they could be up to. Brushing the thought away, I focus instead on the steady gaze I'm getting from a solid black male standing closer to Queens. I stand proudly as ever with nothing to hide, bright blues watching him just as steadily as he's watching me. I can see him measuring me up, as if to see if I'm a threat or something. I could laugh at the idea but it probably wouldn't be disrespectful. Maybe I'm not now but some day that could change. Some day I'll be just as strong if not stronger. I give him a daring look before turning my face away to look at the new wolves entering the clearing. They smell together and I take it immediately that they're brother and sister. Cool, more siblings! I wag my tail at the thought but watch the others' expressions, curious of why they look so disappointed. Is there something about the two that I'm not seeing?

I watch them roll over and submit and prick my ears as Queens tells them that they will be tested of their worth. I wonder what that's about. Then another approaches and my heart all but stops beating for a second or two; at least, that's what it feels like. Llorana! My tail starts wagging before I know it and my eyes take on a warm gaze as she enters the clearing. At first she doesn't notice me but how could she? I sit near the edge, almost in the shadows of the trees behind me. I shift a bit impatiently, already wanting to be near her, to hear her heart beating again. She submits respectfully to Queens and I note the familiar look she gives the black wolf. A twinge of jealousy ignites inside but I brush it off as well, knowing that it won't get me anywhere. Besides, she doesn't even give the male a second glance. I note her eyes moving around the clearing and finally she settles on me. I take in the shock and then the smile that creeps over her face with pleasure. She remembers me!

I feel like jumping up and down but instead I settle for wagging my tail again and giving her an answering smile. My ears prick and my eyes brighten in a friendly manner but she then looks back at Queens, waiting for some sort of response. Finally Queens welcomes her and asks information about her. I note the way she brings up my scent on Llorana and wonder for a moment if I'll be in trouble. But wait, what trouble would I be in? I'm old enough to explore by myself and meet other wolves. I'm old enough to make friends. I straighten back up and listen in on Queens' short chuckle, watching her shake her head in amusement. My eyes narrow in puzzlement, head tilting some. What's she laughing about? Did I miss something? I then turn my attention as Llorana answers her politely before turning to glance back at me once more and for a flash, I see sadness and longing in her eyes. It makes me want to rush to her side immediately but I know that that just won't do at a pack meeting.

Instead, I settle for giving her a look of longing of my own, letting her know that I want her near me again too. I don't care what anyone else thinks. I'm allowed to be friends with whoever I want.


------------------------------------------------------- †

Nikandros:the birth certificate says
male:the space between the hind legs reveal
pup:height and weight requirement
scarlet, white, black, and brown:the painting on the fur
blue:the gaze that pierces you
quiet, calculating, solitary:the agenda for the day
QueensxXxArcadianxXxSidorio:the family tree
DarQ:the puppeteer