Gromm

Born to a large pack of wolves far up north, Gromm never had it easy. With so many mouths to feed and scarce food in the frigid winterland, climbing up the ladder of hierarchy quickly and without remorse is the only way to survive if you can't stay alive on half frozen scraps and bones. Any sign of weakness, any small mistake or step in the wrong direction would not only mean that the pack would turn their back on you - the hunger could make them turn their sharp teeth at you. Young and naive, Gromm believed that there must be a different world for the wolves - a better world. For monthsbhe tried to convince the pacl leader to go south, then some of the weaker pack members. To no effect. They would rather starve with the pack than alone.

Alone in his beliefs, Gromm left the pack, willing to risk his life to prove that he was right. Going south, where once a warmer wind blew. The wilderness is not kind for a young, lone wolf however. Living off of berries and roots, rarely managimg to snatch some small prey or finding a carcass of something that freshly died, Gromm was weaker and weaker every day. But the did wind blow warmer and the snow under his paws became thinner, the sounds of birds and other wildlife muffling the familiar silence of the north, encouraging him to keep going, something telling him that he was closer with every step... And so was his death. 

Gromm wasted too much energy trying to chase small critters on an unfamiliar terrain. Lost, exhausted and at the verge of death, he heard a song coming from a willow tree. A song of life and fresh water. With his last ounce of strength, Gromm crawled towards the tree and fell down on its roots, taking his last, slow sips of the pool of fresh water underneath it, as the song took over his mind and the world turned black.

He didn't die, somehow. He woke up and stood, feeling stronger and more aware. And under the willow sat another wolf, Maara, looking at him and humming the same song that lead him to the tree. She walked over to him and explained that the old tree has the power to awaken wolves who can hear its song, and that they have been chosen to find and guide other wolves to it. Those whose ears are deaf to the music are to remain wild and return to the forests. The rest should drink the water from under the willow's roots, gaining intelligence and awareness, a need of expression, art and ability to talk - not just with other wolves, but with all awakened creatures - from bears, through raccoons to even snakes. Eager to learn and teach, Gromm decided to work together with Maara to find other wolves who would be willing to join them and form a pack.