Flowers sing songs of the dead, and the lines in them read: «The world will plunge into a flower sleep under the chilling breath of snow-white Death...»

The Ancient One

The Flowers of the Dead are guarded by the Ancient One – a spirit who protects and maintains life in the Forest of the Sun.

The appearance of the Ancient One’s a work of art created by nature itself. His body is dead, but it’s also the source of life. Curly vines envelop his lean muscles and support his bones. The mycelium of fungi that covered the spine took the place of the nervous system, and forest grasses and moss recreated a thick coat. A glimpse of heart flickers through the ribs and throat. Noble Flame, Flame of the Sun, Flame of Life... Wolves call it differently, but this fire is very important not only for their guardian and for themselves.

Wolves meet the Ancient One rarely. But each time the Ancient One comes exactly when the Flowers of the Dead need him, seems to say: «I’m near. I’ll protect you.» When the raging winter stretches out its ice paws to creatures and plants, the Flame of the Ancient One calls out to the Sun. When outsiders invade the Forest of the Sun, threatening to exterminate the pack, the Ancient One appears first on the battlefield.

The Ancient One always protects the Flowers of the Dead. He’s their guardian, teacher and father.

The Beginning

In the beginning of everything was the Ancient One. He was surviving alone among the snow, harsh expanses. This continued until he stumbled upon the corpse of a she-wolf. At the lifeless body of the mother a wolf cub unsuccessfully tried to warm itself up. The Ancient One couldn’t leave this weak baby.

The pup, named Leontopodium or Leon in honor of one of the few flowers in the area, grew rapidly, almost became an adult. But with each arrival, winter seemed to become fiercer, angrier. The prey is gone. Day after day, the beast cried out to the Sun, begging to shed its warmth on these lands. But the Sun didn’t answer prayers. Both wolves, hungry and exhausted, didn’t know how to survive another day. The Ancient One was well aware that if it went on like this, they’d both die. And then he made the only correct decision. «My body must save him», – so thought the beast, allowing to bite his throat. He closed his eyes with calmness, and not a single muscle flinched. When he opened them, he was still there. And his body too. «I’m a spirit...» – he concluded with some surprise. Resigned to his disembodied shell, he followed Leon, for whom he had become food.

Weeks dragged on... Leon almost reached the border of the endless icy desert, only a couple of kilometers separated the tired animal from the target. The lean body collapsed into the snow. Snow-white Death followed the wolf's life. The Ancient One howled and growled, angry with himself and his helplessness.

He rushed back into the arms of the blizzard. His paws carried him with incredible speed. It seemed that he was overtaking the raging wind, the howl of the blizzard, and even Death itself. Faster, back, back to the body! He decided for sure: since the Sun didn’t answer his prayers, he himself would become the Sun!

As soon as the Ancient One touched his own rotting body, he was engulfed in heat. Only a moment passed that changed the Ancient One forever. One goal, but very clear – to protect. The creature took the first step. As soon as the paw touched the ground, the snow around it began to melt rapidly, and under it, green shoots grew and stretched upward. It no longer remembered itself, but it did remember him. Leon who needs help. The Ancient One rushed forward. And behind him, right under the pads of his paws, life itself ran.

The Traditions

Several centuries have passed now. But the descendants of Leon, who owe their lives to the Ancient One, remember and revere him with utmost love and respect. The King and Queen of the Flowers of the Dead, as well as the entire Forest of the Sun, are obliged to protect each member of the pack at the cost of their own lives, if necessary, provide food, shelter and care even to those who chose the decision to leave the pack.
In addition, it is customary in the pack to give pups names in honor of flowers.