Echo

Echo sat inside Jay's Grotto, the wide cavern illuminated by the gaping mouth in the celling where the morning sun's warmth poured inside. She listened to Jay grumble about how his apprentice, Bonnie, had mixed the wrong herbs while making a Pox Balm that almost resulted in throwing the mixture away altogether. "I'm glad she's doing well," She said when he finished recounting the story.

Her response made him look at her with a start that turned into a scowl. "Doing Well?" He huffed and turned back to sorting his herbs. "It'll be a miracle if I shape her into a decent Herbalist by the time I become a part of the dirt. And later, the herbs she will no doubt destroy trying to make the simplest of salves," he muttered under his breath, but always loud enough for wolves to hear.

Echo smiled. Despite his negativity, she knew Jay adored the young apprentice and enjoyed her company more than he would ever tell. He would never admit it, but she knew these couple of years had been exceptionally hard on him. He missed his mate dearly and without Banshee by his side she hardly saw the male smile, but with the addition of Bonnie's presence it had become more of a common occurrence. She had a positive effect on him and for that Echo was grateful.

"The Ceremony will begin soon, we're only waiting on two hunting parties."

Jay grunted his acknowledgement, not bothering to look her way.

"I will see you there." She said tenderly, but her words were strong in the command it carried. Echo rose to her paws and saw herself out of the softly lit cavern and into the bright world outside. The blinding difference forced her to blink a few times before she gingerly hopped over the steady stream and into the center of the pack. Her pack was bustling, wolves already gathering in waits for the Pair-Bonding Ceremony to officially begin.

She cast a glance toward the Nursery Burrows where Abyss and Sterling waited, her grandchildren tussling and grappling with one another. The sight warmed her heart and pulled at a memory of when Sterling and Hail did the same right outside the Burrows. Two balls of fur growling and yapping as she watched fondly with Solaris.

"There you are," a familiar deep voice interrupted her daydream. Solaris touched her nose with his and smiled. "Happy Anniversary."

Warmth spread through her. "Happy Anniversary, my love."

"Crater is back with his party, Rolon should be back any moment."

"Thank you." She nuzzled into him, her own eagerness to commence the ceremony slipping through her usual calm demeanor.

He melted into her, allowing her a moment, before he pulled away with a look of conflict. "I should check on the Bonded Den before the ceremony starts."

Or more precisely, the wolves that slept in the Bonded Den. This year's Pair-Bonding ceremony would be hard on Clover and Sun Bear, both losing their mates exactly a year ago during the season, but Echo worried for Brutus. She knew Solaris had the same concerns and his attentiveness was admirable.

She nodded, supporting his decision. "That would be best. You'll know where to find me when you're done. I'm not going anywhere." She smiled softly at him.

"You better not." He grinned and left her side. "I won't be long," he called behind him as he headed toward the Singing Tunnels.

Echo watched him disappear into the crowd of wolves when excited yipping caught her attention. Coming from the Training Grounds, pairs and groups of pups were being led by Arcane and corralled by a few other Pupsitters. The Junior Apprentices talked amongst each other with excitement, their eyes bright and wide as they took in the busy clearing. Prowler caught her eye as he made a beeline for the apprentices, their gazes met and he bowed his head with a soft smile. She offered the same before he was swarmed by his apprentices. His hearty laugh made her smile.

Before long, there would be more puppies walking in their footsteps and promising a thriving future for the pack.

Echo pushed forward, greeting her wolves as she made her way through the sea of packmates and toward the Gathering Stone where the Senior Apprentices waited. The young wolves sat patiently in front of the crowd, although their excitement was not as pronounced or loud as their younger packmates, the buzz of anticipation was undeniable. When the last hunting party finally arrived, that excitement doubled. Every apprentice jumped to their paws, tails wagged without restraint, and wolves greeted them with elation.

It was time.

Before the pack could grow more impatient, Solaris appeared around the bend and joined her. "Shall we?" He asked.

Echo nodded and led them up the stone and to the peak. A hush fell onto the clearing and every wolf stared at her expectantly. She took a moment to drag her gaze over the entirety of her pack. With every year it grows, and more wolves call the Songs of the Forgotten Pack their home. More wolves sing the songs of their loved ones and those of the past that have made all of this possible. Her gaze focused on the frosty grey pelt and olive eyes sitting on the edge of pack gathering, not far from his cavern. He was accompanied by his daughter, Aspen and Helio. The young male's golden pelt gleaming in the sun reminded her so much of Solaris. In more ways than one the two were alike and she knew Jay was in good paws this year.

Echo lifted her head toward the sky and howled. Her ears rang as Solaris matched her and the rest of the pack joined. When their voices harmonized, she fell silent and her pack followed. Only when met with complete silence did she begin. "It is known to everyone that Spring has arrived after its long slumber and that life is eager to greet the season once again. Prey is bountiful and the mountains are born anew. With the season, our pack also welcomes the start of new beginnings with the Pair-Bonding Ceremony. From today forward, while Spring revives the new year, I welcome all unpaired wolves to pursue a deeper connection with someone dear to their hearts and if both are willing, create a bond that will tie you to each other as one for many seasons to come. This ceremony is for everyone of age so I welcome those who are already of one to strengthen the bond you have created during this season. For wolves who are bound but their ties lead to the Dreamlands, I hope you feel the warmth and weight of your mate at your side for I know they will be with you this season. Now let us enjoy the blessings this season has to offer and commence the Pair-Bonding Ceremony!"