Kowi'anuka

fixup

10/07/2020 - A New Name

Toklo was the second born of Chief Talako, but the only pup of the litter to stay with the pack until her adolescence. She was treated well, of course, but Talako's eyes were mainly for his mate Kannakli's pups. Toklo didn't mind - she was often playing on her own, taking in the sights of the territory. She felt peaceful in the forest. Sometimes, she would be joined by the other pups or by one of the pupsitters, but often, she was alone. 

As she padded along, she took in the earthy scents of fallen leaves and other detritus that lay on the forest floor. This was the scent of her home. Her ears caught the sounds of birds singing and the gentle rustle of the trees as the wind blew. Her blue eyes darted around, eagerly taking in every sight.

A thought entered her mind then - perhaps this was where her name should lie. At the moment, her name only said that she was the second pup in the pack - not very special, but her mother gave birth and had to quickly return to hunting duties, so pup names were picked quickly, so that the pups could decide what to call themselves later.

"Kowi anuka sia," she whispered to herself, a smile crossing her face.

It sounded strange to call herself as anything other than Toklo, the second pup, but it definitely felt more correct. Excited, she whipped around and practically ran back to the den site. She was met by a concerned Falatoni, whose hackles were raised in alarm.

"Toklo, dear, is something chasing you?" the she-wolf asked, her eyes fixed on the forest.

"No, no, Amanni," the pup assured her, touching her nose to the elder she-wolf's flank. "I gave myself a name!"

Apistikeli and the rest of the pups had arrived by then. Some of the pups were as large as Kowi'anuka, though she was at least half a moon older than them. Falatoni's hackles smoothed and she pricked her ears.

"A name? Well let us hear it," the dark female yipped. The rest of the pups crowded around, excitedly sniffing and licking at Kowi'anuka, as if they were acknowledging her as an older wolf.

"Kowi'anuka," she said at last, her head high. Her dark gray tail wagged happily as her family came closer, congratulating her on finding her new name.

Talako, on his return from his exploring, learned immediately of his daughter's new name. It was late in the evening, so he padded quietly to her den. The pup was snoozing, but a small prod from Talako's nose was enough to wake her. He looked at her warmly and licked her ear.

"I am proud of you, daughter," he uttered, his orange eyes shining.

Kowi'anuka lifted her head and pressed her snout against her father's cheek. "Thank you, father."