Power in the shadows

In that mess of a trading center, I had no hope. Cones of silver were flung around, bargaining the price of a life. The scents were overwhelming, a million wolves mingled, meat was brought in, huge amounts, butterflies and flowers and strong smelling herbs. Barks and yelps, advertising it all, were nearly deafaning. I had no hope, there in that mess of a trading center.

But somehow she found me, picking her way back into areas of trades long forgotten. Her pale blue coat shone, like a soft beacon, beckoning me. But I was told not to move, to stay still until I was bought. She came straight towards me, considering for the briefest moment before sliding over some glittering golden cones, and then beckoned for me to follow her out. 

The first thing she did was introduce me to the pack, a loveable bunch of misfits who I couldn't help but smile around. She was Moonstar, leader of the Lunar Pack. She immeditaly promoted me to a royal, making sure I had fresh food and pure water. I was well cared for.

After washing of in a nearby stream, I noticed something about my coat. My faded merle patches shone brightly, a deep black that stood out on my redish coat. When I asked Moonstar, she revealed to me that it was a stream running directly from the mountain peak that could enhance your markings, but required a small sacrifice of a single golden cone to keep the stream fresh.

"Let all wolves, young and all, come together to hold a pack meeting" Moonstar announced, and the pack began to come closer, drawing around for a ceremony they had done countless times "We are here to name our newest pack member. Please, come forward." I hesatinly took a step, then another, until I was right beside Moonstar. "Do you swear to uphold the wolf code with you life" She questioned. 

"I do swear, Moonstar" I said, trying to muster all the courage I had into my voice.

"Then I do give you your warrior name, one of the tribe of rushing water. You will now be known as Power in the Shadows." She touched her nose to mine, and I felt an odd surge run through my body. I nodded respectfully, and then exited the cave with the other warriors. I felt myself drawn to a small pond, and looked at my reflection.

I noticed within seconds that my skin had turned pure black, deep ebony without light. Suddenly, it all made sense to me. The surge of power I felt, that must have been what changed my skin. I also noticed tiny gold specks in my fur, and on closer inspection realized they were... pinecone bits?

GC spent: 5 so far