Akela's Quest
A creature padded silently through the whispering trees, its pawsteps made no noise against the fallen snow. This strange soul was that of a wolf, a lone wolf. It is often said that wolves travel in packs, or at least amongst the company of others. But here, it appears that this statement is not true. However, one does not know the intentions of this wolf, and everything has intentions. So what of the intentions which apply to this wolf? This wolf, or rather, she-wolf, has the intention of finding company, goodness knows - maybe even starting a pack. However, if it were to complete these intentions, then she would have to find other lost souls amongst this darkened forest. And what better place to call upon fellow wolves, than the peak of a mountain?
The she-wolf found her paws going up a slope, it seemed to be a gentle slope at first, but then it became steeper. Here, the snow grew thicker under-paw, and the trees grew bare and brittle, until the only cover was that of looming leafless branches, which were being swayed by the breeze, creaking as they did so. It was a hospitable environment.
However, after a while of trudging through snow, the trees began to thin and finally the she-wolf found herself in the open air, near the peak of a mountain. She slowed, her pace could not quicken for the amount of snow which had accumulated on the ground was thick, and even with her tall frame, the snow came almost to the tops of her legs. But the end was in sight. A tall, gnarled tree, the only one which could survive these winds, stood at the top of the mountain, upon... It seemed that it stood on a large cluster of rocks, it's roots entwining them, keeping it firmly put on the ground.
The she-wolf reached the rock cluster, and was able to get a closer look at it. It was as though boulders from the sky had fallen and landed on the mountain peak, crushing the rocks and earth beneath them. And, there seemed to be dark tunnels which led underneath them, just about large enough for a wolf to fit in.
By now, the winds were ferocious, and the she-wolf could barely keep her foot in the snow. In desperation, and seeking shelter, she padded into one of the largest dark tunnels. Though dark and musty, she could stand up to her full height, and no winds reached her. Feeling a little more positive about venturing into the unknown, the she-wolf began to pad down the tunnel. At last, she found light at the end, or was it the end...
She found herself in a large cavern, the walls and ceiling made out of rock and soil, all kept together by the mighty tree roots. She was in wonder. And as for the light, it came from a gap in the ceiling, where she could look through and see the trunk of the old tree growing. It was wonderful, and she could only gasp. There was other tunnels too, five in total, some smaller than others, but they all seemed to be entrances to the cavern.
Swept up in amazement, an idea shot into the she-wolf's head - this place would be perfect for a pack. And it would. Imagine the whole pack making shelter in the cavern, with escape routes if they needed, a light for all to see... It was a whole different world down here, and it made her wonder things which she had never thought of before - what if she was a leader of a pack, her own pack, living on the mountain. The thought was tempting, and she could hold on to it no longer.
In a sudden rush of excitement, the she-wolf scrambled out of the cavern, into the dark tunnels, and out into the wild winds. She leaped onto the boulders, and the stood beside the old tree. Her snowy white fur was buffeted by the winds, her blue eyes glinting with her racing thoughts. Throwing her magnificent head back, the she-wolf let out a tremendous howl. Calling all wolves, calling all wolves to her and her new home.
The she-wolf's howl echoed through the lands, and through the other, smaller mountains, and through the surrounding valleys. It seemed the infamous Akela, for that was her name, had risen again.
After Akela's howl had finally ceased, she paused. The echo of her voice hung poignantly in the air, and her ears pricked slightly for any sound of an answering howl. But, if any wolf had heard her, she would not have been able to tell - the winds were too high. Slightly disappointed, but only a little disheartened, Akela waited, her paws itching to move from the chilled rock beneath them.
But wait, what was that? Akela could have sworn that she just heard something - pawsteps? And if she did hear pawsteps, then it would stand to reason that they belonged to another animal. Hopefully, a wolf. Suddenly, she wished she'd chosen a meeting point which wasn't so hard to get to. It had seemed great at first, and she'd cleared the overhangs and steep slopes and miniature avalanches to get up to the peak, but often Akela found that because she loved to take to a challenge, that these things were just fun. Others might not find it so.
However, that worrying thought quickly left her, as she saw at first the head, then shoulders, then full sight of another wolf. It seemed that she had been successful, as now another wolf sat roughly five feet away from her, presumably in mutual respect. It was a male wolf, and his fur was white, yet it had a faint russet tint to it. His eyes were a pale blue, except they resembled the icy landscape around them more than the blue of a sky.
The wolf spoke, "Hello I am Akemi, you?", causing Akela to smile widely. She had found another wolf, which she deemed to be friendly, and quite pleasant.
"Greetings Akemi - I am Akela, daughter of Elmar and Libonatti."
She barked, her voice carried by the breeze, making it sound louder than she had intended. But really, the she-wolf couldn't care less - she'd just found another wolf, which may or may not become part of her pack.
And it would be her pack, Akela was sure of it now. She would host one of the greatest packs in wolf history.
Or at least try to, anyway.
"Why did you howl for other wolves?" Akemi asked, his eyes betraying his curiosity.
It seemed that Akemi wasn't very bright, either that, or her point wasn't as obvious as she'd hoped. Somehow, Akela wasn't sure which of them was correct, and which would be the best option to be correct. If he wasn't very bright, then that would mean that she'd have a not very clever wolf in her pack. If it were the latter, then it would mean that Akela had done something wrong. And that she didn't like.
Still, that was the way it was, whatever way it was. Shrugging inwardly, Akela put her ochre yellow eyes on Akemi, and gave him a hard stare. He certainly seemed competent. Perhaps it was just her. Nevermind. Akela raised one eyebrow, and twisted her head a little, so she was seeing him mostly with her right eye. Something she did often when she wanted a closer look at something.
"I, Akela, am creating a pack, of which I shall be the leader. I have found a suitable unclaimed territory, but one wolf alone cannot keep it with much success. Will you join me on my quest?"
Akela demanded, wanting to know about what Akemi would say. She could be stubborn and impatient at times, and this seemed to be one of them. She'd tried to make her words sound noble, and in reality they hadn't sounded as good as they had done in her head. But it was a start, at least.