Heaven Help Me

It had taken me by surprise, when Namira had first mentioned the possibility of my joining Taviora. The idea caused a flutter of excitement in my heart, only aided by the addition of Amoxtli's words. At first I'd felt so doubtful about the whole scenario, thinking that such haste in a matter that was customarily held with such sensitivity where I came from would ruin all my chances. But Namira seemed such a kind hearted wolf, from the brief time we'd spent together, and I couldn't believe that she'd intentionally do something to hinder my chances at someday joining a pack. Amoxtli's kindness was unfailing, reaffirming the impression he'd made upon me that first day in the valley, as he invited me to join the pack or merely visit for a time and explore the forests. I had accepted the invitation to get to know Taviora a bit better first, for my heart was strongly rooted in tradition, and I wanted to make sure I was as good of a fit for this pack as my two new friends seemed to think I would be. Second only to that was ensuring the pack was a good fit for me as well.

The more time I spent here the more I thought that it would be easy to make it a permanent arrangement. As winter gave way to spring the snows melted away and the plentiful pine trees were soon accompanied by the budding oaks and dogwoods that scattered the forest. Where I came from was a land of wide open plains, the territory run by my pack, though there had been a small grove of aspens were we often gathered. But the grandeur of these lands was immeasurable, and each morning that I woke up beneath the canopy of Taviora's forests I counted my blessing. Today I moved through the forest, once more in search of Amoxtli, for I wanted to let him know that I had made my decision. Rather than call out for him though and potentially scare away any nearby prey, I jogged through the forest towards where I had last scented him.

I was distracted, however, by a tumultuous hissing and spitting sound. Freezing, I glanced around me before darting off in the direction the noise had come from. If someone was in trouble and I was going to be part of this pack I had to do my part to help them. Spring was the season of pups, after all, and what if one had wandered too far away from its parents and encountered an ill-tempered raccoon? But by the time I reached the spot, the smell of raccoon all over the place, only blood remained. My green eyes grew wide, hardly believing my eyes. I'd never seen a raccoon attack a wolf before in anything more than defense when hunted; heck I didn't even really realize they were omnivores. With my mind in a frenzy I didn't think to consider that maybe it had been the wolf doing the killing.

Hastily I followed the trail until it broke wide into a clearing amongst the trees and relief flooded my mind as I saw a wolf laying out and feasting upon the body of a raccoon. I felt a little stupid at my incorrect assumption, and turned to go before she spotted me. My heart was still racing a fair bit and I didn't want her figure out my mistake to think me a fool. But as I turned to go I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder at her golden brown, russet accented form nestled so perfectly in the grasses. If I was really going to join this pack, maybe I should base my decision on more than just the two wolves I'd already had the good fortune of meeting. Something pulled at my paws, turning me back towards the meadow and walking me out towards her. A half grin plastered on my features, I stopped a short distance away from her and said, "'lo there, miss." Okay, now what?

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