Tonight would be the longest night of the year: the winter solstice. It was a time of celebration and plenty for the Order of Three, who at this time of the year were given an advantage in the hunt by the snowy conditions. The wolves, who weren't prone to getting stuck in snowdrifts, could more easily get to their prey––who were. And, for the next day, each pack would be able to hunt together as one, as brothers and sisters. Yes, it was a beautiful time.
As usual, the Coast-Pack was the last to arrive at Solstice Beach, the spacious bank along the river that sustained the Order. Being the farthest, this pack usually had to leave earliest, and would often still arrive late due to their farther distance from the location. They were here now, though, a large healthy pack whose pelts almost gleamed with health.
One of the wolves belonging to this pack was Nyoraa. She trotted tirelessly alongside her pack brothers and sisters, her ears pricked and nose twitching. She'd only been to one gathering before; this was her second, and she was visibly excited. Although she doubted that she could ever bear to leave her home by the ocean, of course, a wolf her age had to consider the idea of joining another pack with a new mate. (Peh! She was going to wait that one out awhile.)
The leader of the Hill-Pack saw the mass of wolves approaching and yipped with glee: although they could be regarded as enemies most of the year, now they were all one pack. The Coast wolves joined the Hill and the Wood wolves with wagging tails and whispered morsels of gossip. It was like a family reunion, and the evening's celebrations were sure to be fun. For now though, Nyoraa wanted to rest from her journey. Soon there would be speakers from among the packs opening the gathering. She chose a nice patch of soft sand and lay down.
As usual, the Coast-Pack was the last to arrive at Solstice Beach, the spacious bank along the river that sustained the Order. Being the farthest, this pack usually had to leave earliest, and would often still arrive late due to their farther distance from the location. They were here now, though, a large healthy pack whose pelts almost gleamed with health.
One of the wolves belonging to this pack was Nyoraa. She trotted tirelessly alongside her pack brothers and sisters, her ears pricked and nose twitching. She'd only been to one gathering before; this was her second, and she was visibly excited. Although she doubted that she could ever bear to leave her home by the ocean, of course, a wolf her age had to consider the idea of joining another pack with a new mate. (Peh! She was going to wait that one out awhile.)
The leader of the Hill-Pack saw the mass of wolves approaching and yipped with glee: although they could be regarded as enemies most of the year, now they were all one pack. The Coast wolves joined the Hill and the Wood wolves with wagging tails and whispered morsels of gossip. It was like a family reunion, and the evening's celebrations were sure to be fun. For now though, Nyoraa wanted to rest from her journey. Soon there would be speakers from among the packs opening the gathering. She chose a nice patch of soft sand and lay down.