"Flower from the Frost"
It was not
uncommon for Hwemalrusu to be sent out trading, taking bundles of herbs or bits
of food to offer neighbours, in exchange for whatever the Pines needed at the
time – usually, in the early days, little more than a promise not to attack. On
one of these expeditions, Hwemalrusu returned to the Pines with a treaty in the
form of a black-and-silver pup. His packmates were confused, and some a little
annoyed with his decision, but it was decided that the pup could stay and would
be taken in by their denminders. She was given her name by Hryhoolou’s daughter
and the newest denminder, Rulahou – Nisemolso, in honour of her recruitment to
the Pines and Rulahou’s arctic ancestry. Despite Rulahou’s youth, she quickly
and easily fell into a parental role towards the young pup; Nisemolso would
continue to see her as a mother for the rest of her life.
From there
Nisemolso lived a charmed puphood. As she grew, she began to notice the respect
Houwac was given and the importance he had as the Pines’ healer. Though not the
cleverest by nature, Nisemolso liked a challenge, and she was determined; when
she approached Houwac and asked him to train her, he easily agreed, believing
that her dedication would see her further than any raw talent could. Nisemolso
is fully aware of the position she holds, as both a herbalist and as the
granddaughter of the founder, and she is deeply proud of it. She carries
herself with a quiet confidence – smugness, it could be called – that may grate
on some; beneath it, though, is a wolf who will always do right by others. Even
if she enjoys her power perhaps a bit too much, she only ever uses it for good.
