Apollo

APOLLO
Hailing from the cold north that never thaws, Apollo finds himself eager to escape the snow and frost of his past. He had been born in a harsh winter that left him the only survivor of his litter, and as he grew he watched the rest of his pack suffer through it just the same. Left and right, wolves fell to sickness and hunger; Apollo became the sole youngling of the new generation. With such a weight on his shoulders, he sought to discover a newer, richer territory for his pack. He was going to be the savior they so desperately needed.

As soon as he hit the yearling mark, he set off; every moment was spent running tirelessly across plains and valleys too frozen-over to harbor any sort of support for such a frail number of wolves. It wasn't long before his own strength was beginning to fail him, however, and Apollo was starting to feel the effects of a youth spent in starvation. But as the last hope for his pack, he knew he could not stop for a moment. He had to show his mother what was underneath the snow and ice.

Rounding the top of a cliff led him to a wondrous sight of green trees out in the distance. The weather had become warmer here, and he could catch the scent of bountiful prey on the wind. Apollo was filled with hope, and after gathering his strength and filling his belly, he sought to return to what was left of his pack and lead them to their new home.

But what he found upon his return was that the only remainder of his home was the feeble form of his mother. She was but skin and bones, and every step was a struggle. Apollo swore that he'd lead her to her new home, that she would see the land he'd scoped out for them. There, she would lead them to new heights, and they'd thrive under the canopy of trees he'd found. Unfortunately, though they began their journey, his mother only lasted but a few days before succumbing to starvation.

Though stricken with grief, Apollo once again knew that he could not stop here. Though his pack may be gone, he was not; and he would not let their legacy die in this bitter wasteland.

And so, he began the journey back to the land he'd discovered. It seemed much harder now, knowing that he was alone, and every little setback seemed to drive him further into despair. Just when he thought he'd never make it back, when his strength was at its lowest, there was a small snowslide that nearly took him along the cliffside with it - if it weren't for the stranger that came to his aid.

She introduced herself as Corvus, a yearling dispersal who had, admittedly, taken a wrong turn. She sought to leave this frozen expanse, clearly confident she could make it out on her own despite not knowing where she was going. Apollo, with renewed eagerness, easily persuaded her to come along with him when he divulged the knowledge of the land he'd discovered. For the journey's sake, they formed a hesitant alliance, though it was clear the two disagreed on who exactly was in charge.

By the time they made it to the lush forest Apollo was hoping to call home, a few brushes with death and successful hunts had solidified their bond. Corvus was a fine companion and - if he could dare to call her it - packmate. After the first night under thick branches, with the sun warming their fur, Corvus admitted that she had decided a while ago that she would be staying with Apollo. A few more days of searching for a true den to call home, and a shaded grove became the center of their new pack.

Apollo's past may have been cold and unwelcoming, but a life with Corvus at his side felt like a warm promise.