Alder is found abandoned in a shady patch of herbs. He's a small thing, it doesn't take much convincing for Mara to take him astride her still nursing pups. His red coat burns in the dappled sunlight of the nursery. Mara thinks it's a strange and so very delicate beauty to have been left to the elements. The scent of his mother still clings to his fur. Perhaps she will track the wolf down.
Mudskip takes a liking to the boy, who's eyes glisten especially bright in the light of Mudskip's stories. He has a quick nose and promising reflexes. His puppysitter is going to be sad when he job is done. Alder on the other paw, is always excited for the next adventure. It doesn't matter it he can't help but cry when a thorn gets stuck in his pad. It doesn't matter when his clumsy paws scare away the mouse in the nursery. He always gets up to try again.
As Alder grows he learns he didn't come into this family in the traditional sense. But it doesn't stop him front feeling like he belongs here.
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When he wakes up Alder sees a piles of water soaked moss sitting next to his nest. Through and rancid smell of his sickness he catches Sorrel's scent clinging loosely to the gifts.
"Good to see you're awake."
Snowdrop leans down and scents him, breathing deep and quick.
"Where am I?" Alder asks, his throat aches and his whole body shakes and clenches when he coughs.
"Separated from the others, I don't want them catching your cough."
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine, this is my job. Drink up."
Snowdrop drops a bag full of mash in front of him. Alder laps at in gently. It's warm against his burning throat, even such a small amount of relief makes him sleepy again.
"Feeling better?" Snowdrop asks.
Alder nods, and curls up again.
"Oh and for my sake drink some of the water so you friend Sorrel will stop bothering me." Snowdrop scoffs on his way out.
Alder swears he sees her tri-color coat peek around the corner as he falls asleep
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Hunter 
Hunter