It was hard to believe just how much had passed. It seemed like spring was only yesterday and the healer’s den filled with the sound of newborn puppies. Summer had come and gone and passed into autumn. The girls had met their father and their lessons in life were beginning, starting with hunting. Nakato had already taken Jakuta out for her first hunt, but the girl had a hard time focusing. Next would be Athena, when the girl was ready. The healer sat outside her den, watching the sun rise slowly over the horizon. Snow had fallen the night before, covering the plains in a fresh layer of frozen water. It seemed to glow a light purple as the first light of day shined down on it. It may not be the most comfortable time of the year, but there was no denying it was by far the most beautiful.

Sounds could be heard coming from within the den and soon three puppies emerged to greet the sun with the mother. The newest addition to the small family was the brown and black specked wolf pup, Tiamat. She had come to join them when Nakato found her on the borders of Asteraia. The girl was the same age as her own daughters so it was easy for her to fit right in with them. Today was an important day for them, though they may not know it yet. For months, the healer had been avoiding her alpha and it was time to make amends for that. After the Tobias’ attack, she had kept herself and her pups hidden away. But they couldn’t avoid the Monster any longer. The girls were growing and soon they would need to find their place in the pack. With the coming of their first birthday, each would pan out and train with other members of the pack for higher ranks. She wondered what skills they would want to train in and smiled at the thought of one of them becoming a healer, like herself. Of course, she would be proud of them no matter what they did.

After a quick breakfast of left over pronghorn calf, the little family made their way towards the center of the pack. Perhaps it would have been easier just to meet outside of the alpha’s den, which was right next to Nakato’s, but the gray wolfess wanted to avoid the alpha male for the time being. Old wounds heal slower and she remembered very well the feel of his fangs on her flesh. Once they had all gathered around, the new mom looked at each of her cubs. “Listen, my children, we are about to me the Monster herself. I want each of you on your best behavior. Today, you will choose what you want to do with your lives come spring.” With that, she lifted her head to the heavens and let out a gentle, summoning call to the leader of Asteraia.