Understanding Never

[Thalia]

   

A howl rose up long and loud in the distance.

Wolves came over the ice in winter, and spent good hunting until thaw. The pack was not always on the island, but in the dream it was part of their territory and they ran where they willed to. Curious attention found the stranger and her lone pup, but like recognised like without trepidation. Howl had never met one of the two-leg kin, and his ears perked curiously. Old things woke, all the wolves knew, but it was another to see it.

He was sleek and black, and followed by another wolf, this one female, who trailed after him with light-footed steps. The pup with the two-leg frisked and spoke loudly all manner of excitements. The paler wolf trotted to make her greetings and calm the young one of his exuberance, at least for long enough to make introductions.

Pack welcomes. You are far from home?

The sending of Howl’s name was a finder of kin, the wolf who howls longest and loudest for those who are lost. He paused near the two-leg, sat, tucked his tail around his haunches. The other was named Sure Foot, an image of dexterous leaps bounding over icy tundra.