Zayla

She was only a year old when she was crowned queen.
The former pack leader, Graevale, caught a life threatening disease at age 5years and 8 months. She only lasted a week after that. While on her death bed, Graevale called Zayla to her side.
"Zay, I am dying." she said in a raspy voice. "Come closer." Zayla was scared she would catch the disease but did as she was told. She was the pack leader, no one went against her. Graevale slid a pendant over Zayla's head.
"For our ancestors to come, let this be in remembrance of all former leaders of this pack." Graevale said in a quiet voice. The realisation hit her, Graevale was dying. She would have to care for the pack. With a last mournful breath, Graevale's life was ripped from her by the wretched virus, her body going limp.
"No" Zayla whispered through tears. "No no no no no, please" tears were rolling down her cheeks like a raging river. "Please don't be gone." But she was. Graevale was never to walk the path to the crossroads again, never going to save another pup from near death, never going to place her muzzle on those scared pups and tell them that it was all going to be alright during a storm.
"Zayla, we will have to ask you to leave." One of the wolves guarding the exit told her. Bowing her head, Zayla plodded out of the cave.
She made her way to the glade where the wolf she trusted most, black tip, called home. She hoped he wouldn't be out scouting at this time. Luckily, he seemed to have just returned from the glacier.
"Zay!" black tip exclaimed but his excitement was short lived when he saw her face. "Oh dear, what happened?"
Zayla told him all that had happened. "So what should I do?" she finished.
"Take a break." He told her. "Once you become queen there will be no time for relaxation."
"Well where should I go?" she asked
"I know its a long journey but how about you go to the rainforest. I have only scouted there once but it is a truly beautiful place." he told her
"But..." she stuttered
"But...?" he repeated
"Only scouts are allowed to visit places that aren't fully explored" she said in a wary tone. "And only two scouts are allowed per pack in this region" she continued
"ha!" he laughed. Zayla didn't see what was so funny. "Glad you listened to your mentors!"
"But that means I can't go" she said in a sad tone, ears drooping.
"The other pack members do not know but scouts can give their role to another member for as long as they would like. I would swap with you but I am SO close to finishing exploring the glacier" Seeing the look on Zayla's face, he felt bad for not allowing her to take his place.
"Hey, why the glum faces?" an over-enthusiastic voice came from not to far away "Cheer up mates!" Enzo looked absolutely exhausted but somehow he still managed to keep up the good mood.
"Ah, Enz." Did black tip have nicknames for everyone? "just the guy I was looking for." Enzo gave him a questioning look. "I'm sorry to be the one to ask this but would Zayla be able to use your scout slot? She needs a break before she becomes lead." Enzo looked quite taken aback, giving Zayla a questioning look.
"Well I mean...if she is going to be the new lead..." Enzo shook himself, "Go for your life kid!" Zayla's tail started wagging uncontrollably. She was leaving their territory!
"Thank you thank you thank you thank you" she squeaked in excitement. Then a worried look came across her face, taking over all signs of her previous excitement. "But how do I get there?" she asked
"Zayla, just head south." Enzo told her "But make sure you pass through the deciduous forest, praire, desert and the swamp." he continued. Zayla hesitated for a moment, did she really want to do this? Leave Jinxed leaderless for a month?
"Zay, are you going to leave any time soon or should I escort you back to your cave?" black tip teased. Zayla grinned and went bounding off, she would leave in the morning.