It had been past sun-high when Aleu and Whispering-Wind had awoken from the dream walking session. Now, they were headed back to the cave. Aleu wanted to announce to the pack that Whispering-Wind was the official pack healer. What Whisper said was equally important as what Aleu said.

When they arrived back, Aleu made the announcement to the assembled wolves. Everyone was glad to hear they had someone as talented as Nava among them. Better yet, she was his Daughter. While this uproar happened, Aleu noticed that Nagu and Gale were sitting beside one another. They were chatting each other. Aleu couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could read their lips a little bit, and so she could tell it had to do with her, Nava, and Whispering-Wind. Aleu thought this was interesting, and made a note to check in on them about it later.

For now, she debriefed Nuk about his patrol to see if the coyotes had returned. After everything had died down, and it was the time of day when the sun was almost ready to set, Aleu came back from doing her business. She glanced at wolves in the cave, and noticed that she was, for the first time, the final wolf to come inside. All the eyes turned to her. She glanced around, observing her pack. When her eyes met Night-shade's, they both winced as Aleu felt a sudden, painful memory flash before her eyes. It was one of Night-shade's. She recalled that Elandra had stated that dream walking came with a hefty price. She now felt it's weight in the form of sharing a lot of one another's memories, though mostly just the most horrific ones.

She tried an experiment now; Aleu locked eyes with Whispering-Wind, and found a grimacingly painful image of Whisper's parents became burned into her eyes. She let out a small whimper at the pain. Whisper only winced, and she stared wide eyed at Aleu, betraying an intense, sad, pity. Aleu knew what part of her memories Whisper had just seen; it was of her terrors during the dream walking. Now she walked up to Gale and Nagu. Looking away from Nagu, she summoned forth the power of Anyu. Her eyes took on the icy blue glow again, and she looked into Nagu's eyes. Nagu let out a small gasp at Aleu's power pushing at his mind, but he'd seen a similar process with Nava. He locked eyes with Aleu, and the fire burning within her was extinguished, almost as if his own soul was beyond impenetrable. "I'm sorry mistress, but my memories should be my own." With that, he turned, and walked out of the cave. Gale, who had watched him go, turned a steely look onto Aleu. "Aleu, you are playing a dangerous game. Don't delve where you're not wanted. It's dangerous for you, and dangerous for others." Her wisdom stung Aleu, but she was occupied by the short flash she witnessed as Gale passed her.

It was a bright sunny day during late spring. Gale was out with her brother, Nagu. They were both pups. The scene was too rough to see much detail, but Aleu heard laughter, and felt happiness emanating from the memory. Then, the scene switched, and it was dark. Gale coughed with the thick stench of smoke as the forest burned around them. She called out for her mother, Leana.

Leana had plucked her pup before she'd had a burning branch fall on her. Then, she'd jumped a wall of flame, and hid Gale with Nagu in a stone crag. She whispered for them to stay hidden until someone came for them. She'd disappeared after that. Then, Aleu heard a gunshot, and dogs barking, and Leana screaming in pain. The world began spinning, and spiraling as she Heard Night-shade calling out her name.

She'd opened her eyes, and found herself back in the cave. Night-shade and Nuk were watching her concerned. She'd somehow managed to get up on her ledge. "My lady, are you all right? You look like you've seen Anyu." Nuk was joking of course. He still had little knowledge of the extent of Aleu's power. Night-shade, however, looked more serious. She jumped up, and lay beside her friend. "Aleu, what did you see?" She asked gently. Nuk looked confused, but Night-shade motioned for his dismissal. Aleu was still panting, and she felt cold and week. 'pant, pant' "Shade?", 'pant' "What caused the fire?" She looked into Night-shade's shocked eyes, and they turned steely as she watched. Night-shade was remembering now. She looked to Aleu, and nodded. Aleu was a little hesitant now, but she needed to know. She pulled forth her abilities, and walked with Night-shade through her dreams.

This time was much smoother, and easier. She and Aleu were already bonded by a dream session. Their souls had touched each other, and now they were part of one another.

Aleu opened her eyes; She was in a cave, surrounded by wolves. Some of them, such as Aga, were familiar, but many of them Aleu had never seen. Night-shade came up behind her. "These are the wolves of Nava's pack." She said. "I didn't really get to know all of them, but I did know my own parents." She motioned toward a pair of wolves approaching. They passed through Aleu and Shade like they were smoke. Aleu couldn't help but quiver a little at the sensation. Shade urged her to follow. As she left the caves, the scene changed.

Now they were in the forest. Before her, Night-shade, Nagu, and Gale were all playing together in a pile of autumn leaves; They were all pups. Suddenly, Aleu heard the 'pop' of gunshots in the distance. Whispering-Wind arrived; she was a little more mature. She told the young pups that the sound was coming from hunters, and they needed to get home as quickly as possible. Gale was the youngest, so Whispering-Wind carried her, though she wasn't exactly a lot larger than Gale.

Aleu followed them, but as she did so, Shade spoke from nowhere. She said, "We didn't understand what was happening. In a single moment, Whisper's news shattered our entire world." The landscape began warping around her, and Aleu smelled smoke.

She blinked, and found herself at the top of a ravine near Nava's caves. She was overlooking a scene of horror. Wolves were scrambling to get their pups out of the caves before the hunters arrived. Aleu looked around, and saw a bush fire in the distance. She heard men calling and yelling from nearby. It was a tactic of using fires to scare the wolves in a certain direction. Now, Aleu watched as the group of pups emerged from the forest. The parents intercepted them, thanked Whispering-Wind, and took them away. Aleu heard Shade speak again. "My parents came and found me, just like all the others. We weren't the only pups, but Nagu, Gale, and I, we would become the orphaned ones." The scene changed as she followed Night-shade carried by her mother.

It was the same scene she'd seen while under the pine with Shade. This time, however, she had no perception of her own memory. The brightly colored meadow was filled with death. She saw fires were spreading now, and the meadow had began burning. A burning tree fell, and blocked the path of Shade's parents, while the sounds of hunters were very near. Aleu held her breath, for she knew how this ended.

She was spared by Night-shade; Instead of the death scene, she found herself standing in the infinite white of the room she had discovered with Whispering-Wind. Night-shade appeared before her. "You know what happened next Aleu... First my father. Then my mother. Marigold arrived just in time to see them go; a little past the felled tree actually." Aleu could only stare, for she had no words. "The hunters started the fires Aleu. Then, they chased us from our home, and killed many of our pack. Our parents were such victims. Nava took us in after that." Now Aleu had questions. "Nava took you!? All of you!?" "Yes Aleu. Marigold looked after me like a mother, but Nava took Nagu and Gale. They were his grand kids after all." Aleu was almost dumbstruck. The life of her pack had a history riddled with sorrows and death.

Aleu told Night-shade it was time to go back. She stopped the flow of power, and there was a flash of white. She awoke, blinking, to find herself in the cave again. She looked around, and found Nuk still walking away. "Thank goodness." She thought, for only a few seconds had passed.

Aleu could scarcely believe it. Night-shade, Whispering-Wind, Gale and Nagu, they were all connected. The real question was why;why were they all orphaned? Why did the humans seek the annihilation of Nava's pack? Humans didn't just go and attack wolves in one fell swoop unless they had been provoked. So... what provoked them. Her thoughts were cut short when she heard the familiar sound of squabbling wolves just beyond the cave opening. She sighed, "I'd better take care of this before someone gets hurt." She exited the cave.

Aleu didn't need long to find the source of the disturbance. A group was forming around the two wolves. Aleu recognized Nuk and Naynack. For a moment, Aleu only watched. She couldn't interfere if it were a fight of dominance. However, she came up behind the wolves, and they parted for her, becoming silent as she passed. Obviously they knew they weren't supposed to be there, so Aleu began to believe this wasn't a normal battle. She passed through the final few wolves, and now the battle was before her. Nuk and Naynack were wrestling on the ground. She watched as Naynack broke free, and whirled around in time to catch Nuk by the tail. Nuk groaned in pain, and reached back, and bit Naynack on the scruff.

Aleu had had enough of this. She stepped in front of Nuk, stopping him cold before he could throw Naynack. He gulped, and dropped the smaller wolf, who landed with a thud before Aleu's feet. She growled at the cowering wolf, but then looked back up at Nuk. "What is the meaning of this Nuk? Explain; Now!" Her eyes burned into the top of his head, as he also cowered before her. They knew better than to try to challenge Aleu. "Sorry mistress. We had a bit of a misunderstanding." Her stern expression hadn't changed. "What kind of misunderstanding?" She asked. Nuk replied, "Well mistress, I had this rabbit, and...". She stopped him there, and growled at the smaller wolf, Naynack. "Naynack! You know better than to steal another's food. You're lucky I was here to stop Nuk from tearing you limb from limb! It's his right you know." She looked up to the onlookers, and shooed them away, saying, "Everyone else, I'm sure you have better things to do. There's nothing more to see here. Leave, now!" They dispersed, and she gave Nuk a hard look of warning as he growled at Naynack beside him. "Nuk, the last thing I need is another injured wolf. I know it would normally be your right as Beta to punish him, but this time, I need you to let it go. For me, and for the pack." She whipped her teeth by Naynack's head in a final warning before turning, and walking away, before they could respond. She expected she'd not have anymore trouble from those two again that day. That aside, she couldn't help think about the problem still. Prey was getting scarce again. The hunt with the musk oxen had been almost two days ago. It was high time she set out on another hunt.

Aleu had found Gale in the den, speaking with Aga. She still seemed hoarse from her illness, but at least she was functioning.

Aleu went up to her, and they planned the hunt to occur the next day. This time, Aleu planned to take Nuk, Nagu, and Night-shade with her to hunt musk ox beyond their east border. She was even considering that maybe they ought to expand their border for the winter, so they weren't at as much risk when leaving it for the Oxen.

With the hunt planned out, she decided to have a chat with Gale. After all, she had nothing better to do at the moment. And so they talked. They talked about the prey, and the weather; They talked a lot about how Nagu seemed more distant lately. Apparently, Aleu had upset him when she'd attempted to delve into his memories. Not even she knew all of what was hidden there. It was a matter for him and Nava. This, of course only made Aleu curious. Unfortunately, she couldn't talk to Nagu about it, for he had stormed out, and since gone hunting. She made a note to make up with him later that night. The last thing she wanted was for her and Nagu to become bitter with one another.

Aleu had nothing more to do. Whisper was occupied with patients, and Gale had gone on patrol. Nuk was nowhere to be found after the fight she'd broken up... It seemed she was alone today. She decided to go visit the lake. She often went there to be alone, and just think. Today, however, the skies were darker than she'd expected. She thought a storm may be brewing. She might not be able to stay at the lake for too long, or she'd be snowed in. Still, she was hoping she'd be able to speak to Muru about all her discoveries lately.

When she arrived, she breathed in the familiar beauty of the frozen lake. It didn't seem dead, and frozen, but rather, serene, as if it were only asleep. She decided she'd go for a walk around the circumference of the lake. She didn't realize, however, that she was being watched.

At one point, she stopped, having heard something in the forest, which had barely caught her attention. 'It might have just been a falling stick.', She told herself. The forest creaked around her. She felt a shiver run down her spine. The forest itself seemed to be hiding something. She didn't let it bother her much though, and she resumed her pacing. She'd gone on like that for a few minutes now, trying to make sense of the situation, and trying to contact Muru. However, for reasons she couldn't imagine, Muru simply wouldn't come to her. Not him, not his voice, Not even Anyu showed up as a raven today. She once had the feeling that something was up; something was wrong. She heard a twig snap in the woods beside her, and could've sworn she'd heard something breathing for a moment. However, the wind came up, and the forest began creaking again. She was upwind of the tree line, so she smelled nothing out of the ordinary. She continued her pace around the lake. She thought to herself, "Why did all this happen? Why would humans attack Nava's pack?" Aleu didn't get very far with her thoughts, as she once again was interrupted by the sound of something moving, just beyond her vision, past the tree line. The wind was still blowing, and it made an eerie groaning sound as it whistled threw the forest around her. She carefully scanned the forest, and jumped in surprise, when she saw a pair of yellow eyes appear through the darkness. She blinked, and they had gone. She dismissed it as her imagination, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't safe here.

Aleu decided she had better leave. She had completed a lap, and was about where she started, at her and Nagu's den. She turned to leave, but paused. Now she was certain something was watching her. She reached out with her senses. It was large, fluffy, and... behind her.

She jumped and whirled around in time to see a grizzly, silhouetted against the white snow, rise up from its hiding spot beneath a hollowed tree stump. She gaped as it stood on it's hind legs. It was enormous. When the bear reached it's full height, it roared, and Aleu flinched as a memory flooded her vision. It was the same face as the bear which stood before her. It was the one-eyed face of a killer. She felt that the memory was from Nagu, and she saw it. It was the bear that had been on Nava's territory before she had come. His name was Sukko.

Aleu came back to reality in time to see the bear begin to make a move to attack. She narrowly dodged an enormous paw as it crashed down where she had just been standing. Aleu landed, and looked back, only to see a long-clawed paw bash her face. She landed with a heavy thud, feet away, and gasping for breath. She felt the wind leave her lungs. She sat gasping for breath. "This one's too smart!" She thought to herself, struggling to her feet. She felt teeth meet in her scruff, and she was flung into the air, against a boulder. A sharp pain broke in her chest as she heard something crack. As she landed, her right foreleg couldn't support her weight for, it was broken, along with at least one rib. She gasped with the pain as she landed, and saw stars. Aleu could barely remain standing. She looked up and saw the bear swipe again. Aleu felt very little this time, as she was quickly going numb. She landed on the hard ice, and slid for a ways. She opened her eyes and saw a trail of blood had followed her. "This is it, isn't it?" Aleu could feel it. It was her time now; yet, she was at peace. Nagu would take her place, and the pack would survive. 'But wait, she was on ice. Maybe it would be weak enough that the bear would fall in?' But no, the lake wasn't deep enough. Aleu watch the bear lumber toward her broken body. The ice didn't even crack of shift, it was too thick. She prepared to meet Anyu, her only regret was that she'd never even said goodbye to her mother, and now would never see her until whatever lay beyond this life.

Now Sukko was almost upon her. Aleu felt his hot breath upon her face. The bear roared, and reared itself again, ready to make the final blow. Aleu braced herself, ready to die.

Sukko began his downward swipe, and time seemed to slow. Aleu watched as the bear came close, and almost missed Gale's battle cry.

"Gale?" She thought to herself. She wasn't imagining it. Gale leaped onto the bear's leg, biting his shoulder. Sukko stumbled, and landed his blow, missing Aleu by inches. Gale released the bear, and goaded him onward, away from Aleu. She called behind her to Aleu, "Get up Aleu. I'll need your help." Aleu hadn't yet registered that she was still alive. However, she watched as Gale was flung from the grizzly's back, against a tree, snapping something, and making her cry out.

Gale's cry of pain struck something in Aleu. Now Aleu was angered, albeit dizzy. This bear, no, this monster, had lured humans to destroy Nava's pack, and now was hurting her friends. Aleu's eyes began to glow, this time with an inner fury. "No more; Not this time." She struggled to her paws, and stood. She saw the bear lumbering toward Gale. It was her chance. Aleu felt within herself, and drew upon the spirit of Anyu, as she'd done before. She felt the broken rib, and her leg set. The pain was incredible, but then so was the following relief. She felt stronger as her cuts stopped bleeding, and her vision cleared. The bear was almost to Gale. Aleu drew herself up, took a breath, and howled at the bear, while also calling her pack.

Hearing Aleu's call, Gale looked up to see the bear turn away from her, and begin running toward Aleu. Gale whispered, "Sorry Aleu, but I'm through."

The bear was coming toward Aleu again, but she was ready this time. She wouldn't let the bear destroy her pack; Not this time. She ran for the bear, her strength almost fully returned. She dodged another swipe, and bit into it's leg, and pulled. The bear lost it's balance, and fell onto the ice. The ice had since been weakened, and now it cracked under the impact. The bear broke through, and began to sink.

As Aleu watched, however, her fear became true; The lake was not very deep at that point, and the bear was able to keep its head above the water. She watched in horror as it roared in fury, and she understood it was cursing at her, though her thoughts were too clouded to understand what he said. Aleu took the time while Sukko was pulling himself out to run to a better location.

Sukko now was above the ice, and running toward her. She was poised for another attack however, and readied herself, for she had the high ground. The bear had almost reached her, when she heard a miracle: the sound of her pack, running to her aid. She heard them all; Nuk, Nagu, Night-shade; Even Whisper's howl was heard. Sukko was smart enough to realize he hadn't a chance against a whole pack. With a final roar of anger, he turned and fled north.

Aleu allowed herself to relax, and she ran to Gale's side just as her pack emerged from the tree line behind her. Aleu could tell Gale was hurt badly. She nudged Gale's face with her muzzle, and spoke softly. "Gale, it's O.K. The bear is gone. We did it." Gale's breathing was shallow, and ragged. Aleu jumped slightly when she began coughing blood. Gale said, in almost a whisper, "I'm you're safe Aleu." Aleu could see where this was going, but she refused to let it go there. Her voice starting to have a hint of pleading, she said, "Listen Gale, Whisper's here now. We'll get you patched up." As she said it, Whispering-Wind ran up beside them, and began examining the broken she wolf. She paused, and nudged Gale's rib gently. There was a sickening crack, and her ribs moved unnaturally. Whisper looked to Aleu with a desperate, though stern look, and slowly shook her head. Now Aleu looked desperate, and she spoke again, her voice cracking now. "Please Gale, please! Don... Don't do this... We need you. I need you!" Gale's breathing was becoming shallower, and she coughed additional flecks of blood onto the snow. She replied, in a raspy voice that bubbled slightly, "Sorry Aleu." she paused, and grimaced at a shock of pain which made her grimace. Then she continued, "I'm done. It... It's my time now." Nagu was present now, and he began wailing. He spoke whispers to Gale as Aleu walked away. She was willing to give Nagu time to say good bye. As she walked, she barely noticed all the assembled wolves as they stared at her or the two wolves on the ground. She walked over to where she had first seen the bear. She noticed her own blood had been sprayed upon the ground in several places. She asked herself, "Why was it Gale instead of me?" It hit her then, that maybe she could do for Gale what she'd done for Night-shade.

Hurriedly, she ran over to where Gale lay with Nagu. Her emotions were running too high to properly activate her power, but she didn't care. She made her eyes glow, and she prepared to take a dream walk with Gale. She hardly paused to ask Nagu to step aside a little to allow her enough space. She took a moment to collect herself, and bit down onto Gale's scruff.

Once again, Aleu was plunged into the darkness of coma before she awoke in the dream world. She opened her eyes, but instead of seeing anything, there was still only darkness. She heard several whispering voices, and something like someone calling her name from far away. She called out, saying, "H... Hello? Gale? Are you there?" Gale did appear then, however she was not as Aleu would have imagined she'd look.

Rather, Gale was glowing with a iridescent halo of bright white light. She spoke with a voice smoother than Aleu had ever heard her speak with. She began, "I'm here Aleu. However, you really shouldn't be." Aleu began to reply with a "But...", but Gale stopped her. She continued, "I told you Aleu, it's my time. You must let me go. It isn't safe for you here." Aleu was on the verge of tears. She replied, "I've already lost someone Gale. I don't want to lose you too." Gale came over to where Aleu stood, and nuzzled her cheek, saying, "Don't grieve for me too much Aleu. I'm sure you'll see me again. As for me, it's time I joined my family." Four wolves Materialized with the same look of a halo about them. She recognized two as Gale's parents. They nodded their thanks to Aleu, as though thanking her for taking care of their daughter. Honestly though, Aleu felt Gale had helped take care of her more.

The other two she guessed were Gale's other siblings. Gale began again, "I'm home now Aleu. Don't be sad for me, please. And tell Nagu goodbye for me." With that, all five haloed wolves slowly faded. Aleu caught Gale say one thing: "Goodbye Aleu." Gale was dead.

Aleu detected a new presence behind her. She turned to see Anyu, as white as ever, but with her own halo. She had a look of great sorrow upon her face. Aleu, by contrast, displayed great irritation. "Why didn't you tell me?" Anyu's sadness was replaced by a matter of fact look. "It is not our place to tell one or another when or where they will meet their ultimate destiny Aleu; as I have said before." Aleu barely managed to control herself. She knew the ancient white wolf spoke truly. She turned away, no longer repressing a stream of her tears. They fell uninterrupted for many seconds. Before long however, Anyu interrupted her, saying, "Your friend is gone Aleu, but you are still here. You must return soon, for Gale's soul is gone." Aleu was sitting now. Her breath was coming in sobs. She paused long enough to nod. She let go of the flow of power, and was slowly drawn from Gale's now empty mind.

She could here several voices calling her out. She blinked, and found herself in a tunnel there was a light at the end. The voices of her living friends were emanating from it, and so she ran to it. As she approached, she heard Whispering-Wind, and Nagu's calls loudest of all. She reached the light, and closed her eyes as she prepared for the flash of waking.

She awoke to find herself in a bed of cedar boughs. She sniffed, and smelled Whispering-Wind, and Nagu. It was dark, but she was able to know where she was. She was in the den Nagu had made before. He was in the opening, blocking the cold. Aleu could also hear that he was awake. She looked, and felt a wave of grief flood over her. Gale was there, beside her. Her body had been patched with sweet and bitter smelling poultices, as were her own injuries. She watched as the worst of her cuts began healing. The relief was bitter sweet. Gale had blocked her from using the same power on her own body. She coughed, as her throat was dry. Nagu looked up and turned to see her. His ears were already drooping. "She didn't make it, did she?" Aleu looked down at her feet with a sense of shameful defeat. "No." She replied simply. She got up and walked out, leaving Nagu to grieve for his sister. She went over, and lapped from the lake, since the ice had yet to freeze over again.

Whispering-Wind had come along in time to see her walk out. She was carrying a new package of herbs. Aleu smelled her and the herbs before she saw them. They were herbs of strengthening, not healing. It was likely she hadn't expected Gale to get better. Whisper came and sat down beside her. Together they simply sat, staring out over the lake. It wasn't yet night. It was dark, she noticed, because the sky had turned a dark gray, thick with a coming winter storm. After a minute, Whisper spoke up in a stern tone. "You almost died today Aleu." She stopped herself from snorting. "I know I almost died Whisper. I was ready too. My blood stains are still out there, on the ice." Whisper replied, "I don't mean that Aleu. That couldn't be helped. You were ambushed. I'm talking about how you nearly died trying to save Gale." Aleu was confused. Surely it wasn't that dangerous. She'd walked in dreams before. Whisper clarified, saying, "You entered her mind with the intent of healing her body. However, she was already about to leave us the moment the bear injured her. Healing her broken body would have taken all your energy, and then some." Aleu hadn't realized that she had been so clumsy with her abilities. If Whisper was right, she almost got herself killed. "Gale must have known. She stopped me from trying to heal her." Whisper looked surprised, but then nodded. "She knew you would have been willing to sacrifice yourself Aleu, and she didn't want that; not for you, and not for the pack." Aleu recalled that she had a pack to look after. It had taken her a few minutes, but she suddenly came to realize, she wasn't alone, and she had a duty. She also remembered her promise to Gale.

She went back to speak with Nagu. He lay there with his sister, his eyes solemn, with his chin resting on her head. Aleu approached him, and started gently, saying, "Nagu. I'm so sorry. I feel like this is my fault, but you should know, before she left us, I saw Gale ascend with your parents, and you other siblings." His ears almost perked when he heard this, though he remained in his state of sorrow. Aleu continued, "She asked me to tell you to remain hopeful. She is happy where she is, and she can only say goodbye until the day you meet again." Nagu lifted his head now, and looked to Aleu. "You did try to save her right?" Aleu felt a spark of hope at his response to her. She replied, "Yes. Yes, I'm told I almost killed myself in the process. Gale must have know that, because she stopped me from healing her." Nagu nodded thoughtfully. 'That sounded like Gale alright. She was loyal to the end.'

Nagu stood now, and sighed, sounding exasperated. He said, "No Aleu. It wasn't you fault. My patrols never even found that bear's den; we never even found any trace of its activity this far into our territory." "Maybe if we had caught him, you never would have been in danger, and Gale would still be alive." He looked to Aleu with a guarded look of desperation. "It's my fault Aleu... And my sister is dead because of it." Aleu had been about to say something, but Nagu ran off into the forest. She let him go, knowing it was folly to track him with a storm on the way. He'd likely be home soon anyway.

Later that night, it was snowing outside of the cave. All of the pack had assembled. Even Nagu had since returned, though he hadn't spoken once since earlier in the day. Everyone else also looked solemn, for they were about to go through with the funeral for Gale.

She had been laid to rest by her brother, with the help of Nuk, and Whisper. Aga had been there too, in order to deliver the traditional funerary rights of the deceased. Aga didn't blame anyone for making the occasional, passive statement that she had died before him; after all, he was almost as old as Nava, assuming he was still living. When all was set, the wolves gathered at the mouth of the cave, with Aleu sitting in the middle, at the forefront, facing her pack.

She addressed the assembled wolves, saying, "Before we begin, I'd like to thank all of you for taking the time to gather here tonight as we pay our final respects." Aleu looked around to her pack. They all wore solemn looks, but the look of greatest sadness was unsurprisingly upon Nagu's face. She continued, "Gale was a good wolf. She was a valuable asset for this pack. She was hard working, loyal, and kind." Aleu had to suppress a a wave of shivers that had begun to rise within her voice. "She was a good friend to me." She paused, to think about her next statement. "She saved my life today, even at the cost of her own. Twice." She turned now to the grave where Gale was buried. "I can never thank her enough. Gale, if your listening, Thank you. You will always be remembered by us." She stepped aside to let Nagu deliver his final respects.

After Nagu, was Night-shade, followed by Whispering-Wind. They all delivered a moving speech which included the memories they had shared as pups, memories Aleu hadn't seen yet. It was a ceremony which nearly brought several wolves, including Aleu, to tears. When all was finished, Aleu led her pack in a chorus of howls to the almost full moon, which was now high in the starlit sky, illuminating the area in its pale, translucent light. As the chorus was ending, Aleu could have sworn she'd just seen Gale's spirit, a ghost-like apparition, sitting by her grave, with Muru sitting atop the pile of stones beside her. They nodded goodbye to Aleu, and disappeared, vanishing into the cold night air. When Aleu looked to Nagu beside her, he seemed to have seen the vision as well. "It looks like Gale said goodbye to Nagu after all.", she thought to herself. Still, she couldn't help feeling a gaping hole in her soul.

Before the ceremony had truly ended, Aleu had one final matter to attend to. As the assembled wolves went off to do their business, most of them sharing tongues, Aleu intercepted Whispering-Wind, and Night-shade. She began, "Night-shade, wait." Night-shade stopped, and looked to her alpha. "Yes mistress?", she inquired. Aleu responded, "I asked you before if you would be willing to take Gale's place as one of my advisers. I wanted to keep my word. You are now my number three wolf." Night-shade displayed a look of happy shock, though it was quickly replaced with the per-existing flood of grief. She replied, "Yes Aleu. I'll assemble a hunting party for tomorrow immediately if you would like." Aleu replied, all too quickly, "No!" She paused, seeing the shock on Night-shade's face. "Errm, I mean... No, Night-shade... Thank you, but I'd like to go with Gale's final assemblage. She'd planned out tomorrow's hunt earlier this morning. I, uh, I think it's only right." Night-shade understood completely. She nodded her affirmation to Aleu. "Is there anything else Aleu?" Aleu replied, "No." Aleu dismissed Night-shade.

Aleu was about to head to her ledge, but she spotted Nagu up on the hilltop above the cave, seeming to talk to the moon. She guessed he was having a debate with the spirits. She could only guess his pain, but she knew he would have to snap out of it sooner or later, else he may become a liability. Aleu sighed, and headed off to bed.

That night, she didn't dream much. It was a cold night, and she was alone. She didn't have either Gale, or Nagu to keep her company, and whenever she fell asleep for too long, she found herself jolted awake by some nightmare she couldn't recall, though she guessed they had to do with Gale and Nagu.

It was almost morning now, and Aleu was once again awaken by herself, but this time, she awoke screaming "Gale, wait!" A few wolves had raised their heads in alarm, Night-shade included. Aleu was a little embarrassed, and sympathetic that she'd awoken them almost an hour early. She decided that she'd had about as much sleep as she was going to get that night, and she got up to urinate.

As she returned to the cave mouth, she noticed Nagu was still on the hilltop. He wasn't frozen or anything, so she let him stay a little longer. Thus, Aleu would have to take someone along on the hunt to replace Nagu. Even if he remembered, he probably hadn't slept enough that night to say so.

Entered into the cave, and found that most of the wolves had since become active. Several had already left, presumably either on patrols, to go hunting themselves, or attend their own hygiene. Aleu located Night-shade, and reminded her to attend the hunt that morning. She also asked Night-shade her opinion on who should be the wolf to replace Nagu, and Night-shade suggested that Honeysuckle should attend, being an excellent tracker. Aleu confirmed this, and found Honeysuckle returning from the forest. She had been talking with the lithe wolf Naynack. Apparently they were getting very close lately. Aleu thought nothing of it, and asked her to attend. She was happy to help the clan with a hunt out beyond the borders, but she had asked if Naynack could attend. Aleu was willing to allow this, on the condition Honeysuckle didn't let his presence interfere with the hunt.

Within the hour, the five wolves were set to depart. Aleu noticed how Nagu had returned to his bed recently, and she asked him to speak with her later. His response had seemed almost devoid of emotion, but for now she needed to focus on hunting.

The patrol walked for about an hour and a half, toward the east border. She found herself thinking yet again, how this was an enormous land. By the time they'd reached the border, there hadn't been a whiff of caribou scent in the area, but the strong scent of the musk oxen was only growing stronger. They stood on the edge of a small plateau, and looked out over a snow covered plain. In the distance, the herd could be seen, covering a vast expanse. The group which had migrated there a few days ago was vast, and would soon eat all the remaining grass and plains moss. Aleu thought to herself, "This may very well be our final hunt of the oxen, so we'd better make it good."

They carefully climbed down from there position overlooking the herd. There was a smaller group of about four oxen not far from them. It was an excellent opportunity.

Aleu quickly located two ideal candidates: the largest bull, and an adolescent female. The others would have to be misdirected away. Aleu had Nuk poised to attack the bull from the side at her signal She would distract him front the front, while the others would scare away the others. They would focus on the young one as soon as they got an opening.

Everyone was in position, so Aleu began the battle. She crept up to the bull from just behind his eye. She was almost ten meters away when he first noticed her, and took to the defense. As predicted, the others took up positions around the youngest ones. Aleu stood now, gave the signal, and rushed the bull, snarling with her teeth bared, and stopped five meters away. While the bull's attention was on her, Nuk had rushed in from side, and now he pounced. The bull bellowed in pain and rage as Nuk bit the back of his neck. By that time, the remaining three wolves had begun the attack, and had distracted the other three adults. Aleu leaped in to take the bull's other side, and began tearing at the dense, tough flesh. It was over quickly, and she and Nuk went to aid the others.

The remaining adults were difficult to manipulate, so Aleu gave an order to focus upon the one they had gotten away from the group. That too ended in a quick success. The remaining three musk ox had since run away, and were now more than two hundred meters away. It didn't matter however, as They had enough meat to feed the clan for two weeks. Thanks to the cold, any extra they didn't eat today would actually keep. Thus, Aleu and her patrol ate their fill, and began dragging the remaining carcasses to the cave. Nuk was able to handle the remnants of the bull himself, while Aleu, Honeysuckle, and Naynack hulled the untouched Adult to their border. Night-shade had gone ahead to inform the pack of the drop site, so they too could eat their share. After about ten minutes, they were well inside their border, and they stopped the haul. Aleu dismissed her patrol; Honeysuckle walked beside Naynack, headed somewhere she didn't care at the moment. Nuk had excused himself, as he had other duties to attend. Night-shade wouldn't be back for a while, and if she kept moving, Aleu knew they wouldn't likely meet up again until much later. Regardless, she was glad for a little time alone. She wanted to mull over her thoughts and emotions.

After the bear attack, Aleu couldn't stop thinking about the situation of her friends for very long. They had been orphaned by humans, but the humans attacked because Sukko, the grizzly, had made several attacks on livestock, and angered the humans. Now, he was back. He had somehow also crossed the ice bridge to this new land, and was here now. If Sukko was going to try the same moves, he would have to be stopped, preemptively.

Aleu almost bumped into Nagu, since she wasn't looking ahead. He sighed, "You really should pay more attention to where you walk Aleu." He kicked a stone and triggered a snare. It wouldn't have been dangerous to Aleu, but it would definatley have hurt had it caught her foot. Nagu had been looking at the snare when he triggered it, but he now looked to Aleu, a void look in his eyes. He continued, " It's a fox trap. The humans have always done such hunts during the summer, fall, and often the winter. This one seems old, so there probably aren't many hunters currently here to be worried about." She allowed a sign of concern to cross her face. "How many signs of hunters have you seen; Rather, is it something to be concerned about?" He replied, "I don't think so Aleu. We just got here, so there probably aren't many humans who care about hunting us yet. They may eventually come however, and then, well who knows?" She nodded thoughtfully. She noted that at least Nagu was still able to do his duties well.

Aleu couldn't hold herself back much longer, so she let her question out. She asked, "Nagu; You've changed. I know what you'll say if I were to ask if you were alright, but I'm still worried." His response surprised Aleu. His wisdom once again blew her away. He said, "I'm not alright at all Aleu. My emotions are a wreck. My family was killed when I was young, and my last remaining sister died horribly yesterday. I can handle myself and my duties fine. They don't require emotion; but no, I'm not fine." He looked to the pale winter sky. "For the first time, I'm alone." Aleu saw her chance. She forced herself into his chest fur, and snuggled against him firmly. Before he had a chance to pull away, she said, "You're not alone Nagu. You still have me." He was shocked by her intensity, and almost jumped back, but he felt something within him. She was right. Also, it wasn't just her he still had. He still had most of his childhood friends around. There was Night-shade, Whispering-Wind, and several others. He could hardly believe he had been so blind. Aleu was still rubbing her head under his chin. He replied, "I'm sorry Aleu. You're right." She paused, and looked up at his eyes. He met hers. She noticed that there was a sense of emotion returning to his gaze. She smiled, and resumed cuddling with him, more gently now. Nagu continued, saying, "I was never alone either; I've always known of my friends, my family... my guides. They've always been there for me." He paused, before saying, "So have you." Aleu's ears pricked at this. She stepped back a little to look at him more fully. She replied with utter confidence. "I have always been there for you Nagu... For all of my pack. If there was ever at time when any of you felt I wasn't, I would hope you'd tell me. I would be certain not to let it happen again. I would do everything I can to always be there."

Nagu knew she was speaking mostly to him right now. He nodded his thanks, grateful that she'd helped snap him out of his grief. True, he still felt sorrow for his lost sister, but he felt more whole in general now, know that he'd come to realize that he wasn't truly alone.

The two wolves walked back side by side, their tails occasionally getting twined together. After a few minutes, Aleu actually did meet up with Night-shade. She was leading a group of twelve wolves, including Aga, to the drop site. Aleu waited as they passed, nodding to some of them as they greeted her. Aleu watched them shrink into the darkness of the forest, making sure all were fit. She didn't smell any sickness, and saw no limping, so she was satisfied. She brought up her observations with Nagu, and he confirmed that they'd all seemed healthy.

They were almost to the cave now. Aleu could see that it was almost sun-high by now. She realized that she had nothing else to do. Nagu had patrols to organize, so Aleu offered to join him. "Hey Nagu!" She called from across the cave to her friend. When he acknowledged that he was listening she continued, saying, "I've got nothing to do. How about I come with you to check the west border." Nagu yelled back, "Sure thing Aleu. We could use another wolf. Everyone else has hunting plans." He had walked over to her by now. He continued, "I'd... I mean, we'd love to have you with us. That is, as long as there isn't anything you think you might be needed here for while we're gone." She was certain that Whisper and Night-shade would be able to handle any further small disturbances. When she told Nagu the same, he told her that they'd be leaving in five. Aleu had no intention of taking over his strategy, so she let him give the order to leave.