Black Tide Pack

Short Stories & Lore

A New Leader:

Mist crashed into her littermates without knowing how strong she was. The other pups whined in defeat.
"Hrafn!" one of the other pups called out to the pupsitter. Hrafn got up and trotted over to the group of playing pups. Mist knew she was in trouble. Hrafn gave her the look.

"Mist, you know you must learn your manners and when to use your strength wisely. Being the future alpha of the pack is not a matter you should take lightly," Hrafn explained. Mist slouched down. She was excited to be the next alpha. But she couldn't understand why she couldn't be a pup for the time being. The others were allowed to play roughly, but when she does, she gets scolded. It just wasn't fair.

"Come, now, Mist! It's time for your training!" Mist's mentor and alpha, Aspen, called out from across the clearing. Mist's mood immediately lifted when she remembered she had special training from the alpha that was exclusive to her and doing things none of the other pups get to do.

She eagerly bounded over to Aspen, her golden fur shining in the sunlight. A small grin grew over Aspen's face when she saw Mist's excitement. She began leading the way down the slope towards the rapids. Mist observed her surroundings. Nothing seemed out of place since yesterday, but Aspen told her she must be keen with her surroundings at all times. As the smallest change in scenery could be detrimental to the pack's safety. And as alpha, it is her duty to keep them safe and always be on the lookout for danger.

"Do you see anything different?" Aspen asked. She halted at the water's edge when they reached the huge lake. It was nestled in a hidden clearing where a river connected and led to the ocean. Mist took a moment to focus on every detail around her. Nothing was any different. Nothing ever looked different! How was she supposed to get as experienced as Aspen when she couldn't notice any changes of the territory she explored every day?

She then looked down at her paws. The water lapped at her ankles forward and back. She looked behind her. The gravel was wet several feet behind them, but the water's edge was lower than it normally is. That was it!

"The tide is lowered!" Mist exclaimed excitedly. Aspen smiled and nodded in approval. "Very good," she said. "And what does a low tide in the lake mean?"

Mist already knew the answer to that one. "It means summer is almost here! The rising temperature of the day means more water gets evaporated, thus causing a lower water level," she explained. Aspen nodded with a smile once again.

"You're very right, Mist. This also means hunting will be better and more prey will be wandering about," Aspen said. "So you see, every small difference makes a big impact on the pack's way of life. As alpha, you will hold the important task of making sure everyone is safe in their own territory. You're doing great, Mist. You're going to make a fine leader and everyone has faith in you."

Mist Becomes of Age:

Mist was beaming with pride and excitement as all the wolves in her pack gathered around the flat boulder where Aspen often held ceremonies and announcements. Every wolf, especially her mother, Skuggi, seemed just as exited and wagged their tails and smiled at Mist.

Mist's smile faded a little when Aspen appeared out of her den. She feebly walked towards the boulder and slowly climbed up. A series of faint crackling could be heard as her bones adjusted themselves. She was very old and that saddened Mist. She was an adult now and could remember when Aspen would race her to the lake every day before training. Now she could barely climb the boulder.

When Aspen reached the top, she sat and raised her head with a smile, trying to not let her age show. She looked at Mist with pride. "Wolves of the Black Tide Pack!" she announced loudly. At least her proud voice didn't waver from old age and that made Mist happy. "I am so proud to announce that Mist has completed her training to be the next alpha of this great pack. She has shown great courage, wisdom, and compassion throughout her training and has impressed me like no other pup has! She pays great attention to detail and will make an incredible alpha when my time as leader comes," Aspen's smile faded a little as she continued. "We all know I'm not as strong as I once was and my time may be near. And because I cannot perform my duties to the extent of my satisfaction, I will have Mist be as my second in command. Which means her word is now law. I trust she will be an amazing leader and I hope you all can place your trust in her as you have in me."

Wolves began to howl happily. Aspen smiled at Mist once again. Mist felt overwhelmed with joy and pride. Aspen licked Mist's forehead. "I feel as though I've raised you like one of my own," she said. "I am so proud of the beautiful young wolf you've become, Mist. Everyone here is so proud of you too." Mist felt emotional and suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for her alpha and mentor. They had spent so much time together during her adolescence and they grew a close bond in that time. She learned a lot through the hardships and devastation the pack has endured. But they got them through it together. They looked out for each other. Just like a pack should.

"Aspen, I am so thankful I had you as my mentor. You have taught me so much and I'd even say you are like a second mother to me. Your legacy will not die with you when you are gone. I will make sure pups of the future will be familiar with your name and everything you've done to founder this amazing community," Mist replied. The two touched foreheads. Their bond was stronger than ever. Mist knew she was going to do anything it took to make sure her pack was taken care of. And that no wolf would go hungry. Even one night. Not while she was in charge. No pup, adolescent, or adult will be left behind or neglected. Mist watched the wolves below her from the boulder as they exchanged conversations. She made that promise. And she will be true to it. Even if it means it will cost her her life. That's the sacrifice an alpha makes for her pack.

Signs From The Ancestors:

Mist sat at the water's edge and stared up at the moon. The night sky was incredibly clear tonight. The stars shown and twinkled brightly in the sky. The thick banded cluster of them hung brilliantly across the sky. The moon was full tonight and Mist felt a presence awaken her earlier that night. She awoke to nobody in her den, but with a strong urge to come to the lake. She still hadn't figured out why. Something was troubling her.

Mist flicked her ear back as she heard a soft rustle of leaves. She didn't have to look back to know who it was. She could already smell him. And his aura calmed her almost immediately. Still, she did not take her eyes off the moon.

Hermóðr sat beside her and followed her gaze. "What's troubling you?" He asked in a soft, low tone. Mist shook her head and pressed her face into his chest. "I was awoken by something and felt it pulling me towards the lake tonight. The moon is full and I cannot help but wonder why I have a bad feeling something is headed our way," Mist explained. "Was it Aspen telling me I'm doing something wrong?"

Hermóðr immediately shook his head with a growl. "No. Absolutely not. She trusted your abilities more than anyone. You had been leading the exact same way up until she died and she had no issues with it," he said. Hermóðr stood up. His thick muscles rippled under his fur. "Don't doubt your leadership. It's probably Aspen forewarning you of an upcoming hardship. Maybe less food or an aggressive storm coming. Whatever it is, it's not her doubting you. And that's a fact."

Mist admired how he was always able to ease her mind no matter what came their way. Things definitely weren't as hard with him by her side. Hermóðr was the exact same age as Mist and they grew up together from birth. They realized they loved each other during adolescence and accepted each other as lifelong partners shortly after confessing their feelings to one another. Mist playfully licked Hermóðr's muzzle with a smile. "Thank you. I know we will help our pack through whatever is to come our way," she told him.

Hermóðr head-butted Mist and returned the smile. "Come back to the den when you're ready and try to get some sleep," he said. He turned and began walking back towards the den. Mist watched him with loving eyes until he disappeared. She returned her gaze to the moon, once again feeling troubled. "I just wish I knew what it was."

A