The two shifters stand at the threshold, waiting as decorum dictates. Eyeing them I wait a few moments before inviting them in. It seems quick, yet so slow. The silence grows the longer it's left.

"Luna Redaliya, Frayler has said so many kind things." The she-wolf exclaims, wiping her boots clean of snow. The words seem genuine yet at the same time, beneath it all, there is this feeling of flattery-nothing malicious, just a deep-felt want.

"Indeed?" I turn back to the chicken broth and throw in some more herbs. It simmers, like my feelings beneath my skin. 'Everett, come here.'

'Who'z there?' The patter of feet follows the question as he comes down the hall and into the kitchen. Everett walks over to me, hanging onto my dress. I pick him up and set him on the counter so he can watch. He points to the two shifters and asks, "Who they?"

"They are the Wulf've family," I pause not recalling if Frayler told me their names or not.

"Litae and Iket," the female supplies. They look to be older than me. The female has dark locks of hair and her mahogany like eyes seem to study the cabin. The male, on the other hand, has sandy coloured hair. Together they remind me of the sand and the sea. The pale sand clashing with the deep waters, though I've never seen it myself, I've heard many tales of the great expanses of water and warm sandy plains.

"Everett, would you like to pack up your game and set it up at the table?" He nods and races off to the bedroom. I turn towards the shifters as they watch quietly. The glazed look in their eyes gives me the idea that they are mindlinking. "I'm going to be straight forward." My mind protests to be this blunt, but I ignore the warnings. "I may not be the most hospitable for my wolf and I both view Everett as ours."

They fidget in place as a bit of colour drains from their faces. One does not get between a wolf and their pup. "Fear not. I know what is best. As much as I despise this situation I care for Everett's future more. I do want to know that Everett will not grow up to forget me."

It's a cruel wish, made from pure selfishness. Maybe it's better if he forgets, but it hurts too much to bear. He is mine. He will be theirs soon. I know it. They have good intentions, it's there, I know it is.

"Yes. Yes, we agree." Litae nods in understanding. "We had no intention of trying to erase you from his memory. Iket and I even thought it might be nice to give Everett the last name of Redwulf've as your last name isn't known..."

She leaves it open so I can add it in if I wish, but I don't. My last name can be lost within the winds for all I care. "That's a lovely idea, thank you for the thought." I stir the soup, rocking on my heels.

The male-Iket-speaks up this time. "In a few sunrises, after you two are settled, maybe we could go out into the forest and let our wolves meet. We can shift and go slowly so Everett can keep up."

Hiding my amusement, for Everett would be running around us in circles. I'm confused about why they couldn't scent Crylle, but I remember that Everett smells like Lily and I which is probably overpowering his own scent. "Everett is an early shifter. Would you like to stay for dinner? I can tell the story later," I reluctantly offer.

"That would be good, thank you," the male agrees.

Everett comes back, his wood chips in hand. He runs over to be holding them out. Leading him over to the table I motion for the Iket and Litae to join. Everett climbs into my lap as he turns all the wood pieces face down.

Everett starts, flipping the first two tiles over; it's not a match so back they go. We go around in a circle taking turns.

"How did you two meet?" the male inquires as he flips over a match, going again, now it's the female's turn.

"Everett was alone when I found him, no sign of a pack or guardian. I wasn't about to leave a healthy young pup without protection." I reach over to give Everett the tile he is trying to reach. He proceeds to make two more matches before I take a turn. "We have travelled together for a while now. His shift happened on our way to the Axinla when we were attacked by a spirit bear."

Everett leans back, curling up. I can feel Crylle peeking out-and though curious he stays hidden. There is a smug feel that I beat down within me; I don't know if its mine or if it's Lily's.

We play a few rounds, Everett mostly speaking through the mindlink. It isn't ideal, but it is our first day here. We have time.

I shift Everett so he is sitting on the bench and stand to serve dinner. Using some of the room temperature water I fill cups for everyone. Pouring the broth into the bowls, I also place some venison on the side. Cutting a few slices of bread I place them in the center of the table for whoever wants.

"Everett, take the cutlery." I hold it out for him to take. Everett comes over and I can hear him setting them down.

Dinner is awkward as Everett only says a few words, not seeming too interested in our guests. The pair seems nice, and eager enough for all four of us. Their wolves were practically out already, the only thing stopping them is decorum. What is right and what isn't. Shifting at a table, especially a house that is not your own is definitely not acceptable-the warning from before may have had an impact too.

They confuse me. I don't understand these shifters. They dangle on the edge of etiquette and decorum. Not following the rules but also not completely letting them slip away.

I don't get it and it makes me restless.

We follow these rules because it helps us not to offend and issue meaningless challenges. We live by the rules so our lives are not forfeited. Never drop the rules of society, of the pack, and you'll survive. While in our skins this is how it works, but when in fur the wolves follow their ways. The laws of the wild, the laws of the pack, and the laws of the wolf.

I am of beta blood, high ranking, not to mention female. I was expected to follow these rules seamlessly. One mistake could cost me my life. So from day one, I learned what needed to be known in order to survive.

Perhaps Iket and Litae were not taught it properly. If I remember, I'll have to see what I can teach Everett.

***

My mental timer wakes me. I fall into the routine Everett and I have created. Folding my nightgown I dawn a new dress I got from the pack. The dress is not as stiff as the last one, it looks nicer too. Tying on my apron I head into the kitchen.

The fire is small so I feed it to bring it back to life.

I spread some jam it over a slice of bread and eat it along with some dried fruit. It's a lovely change to have some fruit, even if it is dried out. The flavour is rich and satisfying.

Taking out the guide to herbs, I study them as I know less of the plants in this area. It's rather interesting, one of the things I was actually eager to learn about as a child. The detailed drawings old but accurate-these ones are less so, but they do appear to be freshly inked. Examining the few words around the leaves, it seems that the majority are under the snow.

It doesn't seem like I'll be leaving before the end of winter. Maybe that's a good plan.

I start heating another slice of bread as the rustling increases. Everett soon comes out, grinning, climbing onto the bench. "Hi!"

"Hello, Everett." I bring the food over, I smile down. "Jam and bread, as always."

The fire crackles in the background as he asks, "Where goin'?

"Remember, Iket and Litae have booked the morning off so we can all go into the woods." Everett has been practicing his shifting, so I think Crylle will be able to cooperate today. I'll have to keep a close eye on Lily, for I can feel her protective nature from a forest away. We are all going to meet as wolves in the center of the pack. "I'm going to go put my clothing away and shift. Can you open the door once I am back?"

"Okay!"

Willing Lily to the front, I feel her. She is strong but the curse of ours is blazing behind her, tied to her. The fire in my spin turns to ice and everything feels loose. A twisting, turning sensation and I'm on all fours. It's muscle memory.

Everett opens the door and I pad outside. 'Close it and then you can shift.'

He nods, and the door clicks closed. No point in carrying a key around.

His shift is fast. The fur sprouts, the tail grows, his fangs appear, and then he is on all fours. Wagging his tail, barking with excitement.

Down the path, we start the journey. The way he bounds around I can tell that the many scents no longer bother his nose, as he has probably gotten accustomed to it with our daily walks. It's important that he is able to sift through all the information. From down here in a wolf's perspective everything is different. The scent trails all tell a story and the details are so sharp. The world is just different, yet the same. The same for this is the path we have walked in the afternoon, but different because of how much I never noticed.

Everett has shed light on many new things.

He sticks close as we get further into the heart of the pack. Cabins are everywhere, smoke rising from the chimneys as the fires are roaring. The snow is so well packed down in these areas since so many shifters trodding upon it each day.

Trees and bushes litter the area, between houses and buildings as nature sees fit. It's what most packs do, though I have heard of others that try and cut some down. A waste if you ask me, for we should use our surroundings to our advantage when we have them.

The winds are low today and the sky is grey; a swirling mix of blue and grey. Lifting my head up to taste the air. The breeze creates a cool sensation as it brushes along my fur. I scent Iket and Litae before I see them.

Iket is the white wolf and Litae must be the brown one. I wouldn't surprise me if they both were born here, but my guess would be that Litae's parents joined and Iket's have been here for generations. The signature white pelt is enough to tell anyone that they are native. The other colours help when the heat comes around, but for much of the year, the white holds an advantage.

We approach slowly, making sure they know we are coming. We bow our heads, out tails kept low. A mindlink isn't possible for we would either have to be in the pack family, pack, or have a strong trust with one and other-none of which are true.

But we are wolves, we don't need words to speak. When it comes to wolves body language is key.

Everett stands on my left his short-form looking up at us all. Iket bends his head down to touch noses with him and Litae does the same. After the exchange in greetings, I follow the pair as they lead us into a different section of the forest.

There are more trees in this area, though a lot of the land seems to be flat. An unusual feeling starts to prickle underneath my skin-the feeling of a pull, a tugging sensation. I brush it off. Discarding it and focusing on where I am. The snow beneath my paws, the three shifters beside me, and the pack territory all around. I almost feel sorry for Iket and Litae; Everett hasn't even taken a moment look at them besides our initial greeting. I nudge him through the mindlink, but his wall is up. Crylle probably had a hand in that.

I decide to leave it be, it is probably pushing it too far; he hasn't been here that long. At night he curls up, his hands white as he grips onto me. I have to pry his hands away and replace them with a blanket.

Looking around I slow down. The others notice and trot over to see if anything is wrong. Holding up one paw I flick some snow into the brown wolf's face. Litae jerks her head back, before digging her paw into the snow and turning on her mate. The white wolf ducks to the side, and Everett bats some snow at my side. Picking him up by the scruff, I dump him in a snow pile. Iket headbutts my side, sending me sprawling after Everett.

A full snow war starts and amusement is thick in the air.

The longer we stay out, the more comfortable Everett seems to be. He no longer comes to check up with me every few paces, but now tumbles through the snow chasing after Iket. Somehow it turned into a game of track'n'chase. Iket seems to have been touched and I dance to the side as he changes towards me. His white fur blends in with the surrounding, he sneaks up in my periphery. Those grey eyes not doing anything to help.

Lily pushes me to move. I sprint forward as I feel a presence. Litae barks, taking the male's attention off as he charges towards her instead. Everett bows, small yips escaping his mouth, as he jumps up and down.

Folding my paws underneath, I settle down in the snow.

The three shifters look like they are meant to be together. You'd never know Everett wasn't their pup by blood. His ashy-brown pelt, with an almost unnoticeable tint of red looks to be a combination of Iket and Litae.

Scrambling to my paws, shaking the small body from my back. Those small claws gripping onto my pelt. Everett falls in a heavy, barking with laughter. His tail wags, whipping through the air as he runs circles around me. Giving him a wolfish grin as I snap my jaw in a playful manner. My frosty red pelt is coated in white as the tips are frozen, but the cold doesn't penetrate into my skin. I'm used to the cold seasons and harsh winds that come with the snowstorms.

With these conditions, I won't be leaving for a few moon cycles at least. The journey is long, and I have to do some thinking as to where to go after this. Until the snow starts to melt, I will stay and help Everett get acclimated. It settles my nerves to know I have a plan, the tingles under my skin fade for the meantime.

***

The sun is starting to sleep by the time we trudge back. Communication has become easier, but none of us risk the chance of trying to form a mindlink. If it worked, great, however, if we failed it would hurt and none of us wanted to attempt. I think inside we all know it would fail if we tried.

Everett happily trots between me and Iket, with Litae slightly ahead, leading us to the clearing. The pack shifters are around, but I avoid them when possible, and they seem to do the same-a mutual avoidance. They aren't wary, because they see two of their pack members with us, but still, they skirt around giving us space. Or rather, it's me they keep a distance from.

It's a good pack. Everett will be happy. They'll take care of him like their own. I've seen him approach one or two to ask a question and none turn him away. Though he always turns to see if I'm watching, I don't go closer. These moments are important ones. Everett starting to come out of his shell and rely on the pack and for the pack to start seeing him as theirs.

All the members seem to be healthy, no one looks to be underweight or particularly unhappy. Males and females alike go about their business in a friendly manner to one and other. I wonder what it would have been like to grow up in this kind of environment. I love their laid back ways, yet at the same time, something smolders telling me it's all wrong. The lack of what appears to be etiquette doesn't sit right, however, I've approached a few when needed and they are very decorous.

We reach the center and we all bow our heads. Not in a submissive way but a farewell nod, we will meet again soon. Litae touches noses with Everett and Iket touches his snout to Everett's shoulder.

Everett leans against me, a sudden sweep of exhaustion overtaking him. His paws start to drag and his pace slows down. It's no wonder with the running around all afternoon.

Picking him up by the scruff, he dangles in my mouth as I follow my memory. Down the path, my scent memory kicks in helping me recall the exact trail back. The mindlink unblocks and I can feel serenity and joy through it. He must have fallen asleep for the link to open up like that. It's not uncommon for newly shifted wolves to block and unblock the mindlink subconsciously. Most get the hang of it, but Everett is so young.

Putting enough pressure on the door, it swings open. Setting Everett on the floor, I shift and get changed into my nightclothes. Taking his fluffy form, I pat him off, and wrap him up. Placing him in the bed, I light a candle to help see. Lily is tired and I want to let her rest. She's earned it.

The soft glow of a candle flickers, casting shadows against the walls. Slipping out of the room I rekindle the fire and add some branches to last until morning. No sense in making our wolves work extra hard to keep us warm when a well-kept flame will do the trick.

Carrying in some more logs in to dry, I stack them up in an empty basin. The embers flare, the fire dancing in the evening. The stars are starting to twinkle through the small kitchen window.

Warming up some bread, I cover it in a layer of spread. Then taking out some smoked meats for the side.

It hurts to lose my pup to someone else. The chilling ache in my bones and the constricting on my heart hurts with every day passing. Sometimes he asks if we are going to travel again or if there will be another adventure, but he likes the ease of pack life. He doesn't ever have to be hungry or thirsty, wondering when his next meal will be. He doesn't have to be isolated with only a two-hundred and thirty moon cycles she-wolf for company.

As the moonrises, I turn in for the night. Getting into bed, Everett's small fluffy form is still in the center. I curl around him, bringing him closer.

Who knows how much longer I'll be able to stay with my pup.

~~~

Question for today: what do you think of Litae and Iket?

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