Aleu and Niju

Dark Winter in the Mountains

The past few days had been odd for Aleu, as she couldn't stop thinking about Niju to the point of distraction from her duties. She looked out of the entrance to their rocky shelter and scanned the horizon. Finding the darkened snowy abyss empty, she turned back to the dim warmth of the makeshift den.

The other clan members kept to themselves more than usual, they dared not disturb Aleu or Niju. Well, everyone except for Qillaq- who had picked up on Aleu's scent and was hoping to strike lucky. Aleu remembered watching in secret approval as Niju made it quite clear that Aleu would decidedly not be "overwintering" with any other males. Niju chased the cassanova off until they were nothing but dots on the horizon and Qillaq's tail was so far between his legs it would probably be stuck there for weeks. She smiled remembering Niju's return to the shelter, musky and panting while muttering something to the effect of "Should've gutted him, damned fool."

The combination of hormones caused by chasing of a potential "rival" male and the look Aleu gave him caused him to take her then and there with unbridled ferocity. There must've been something in his system that day, because Aleu recalled him surprising her sometime later. He'd brought her the leg off a recent caribou kill for no particular reason and then he'd taken her up on her "special offer" again. This time it was by the lake with the aurora overhead lighting the way to fulfillment and exploration of each other.

"Do you still truly believe in the grand design?" Niju's hazy voice startled her from her reminiscent thoughts.

She wasn't totally sure she had an answer for that. She liked to think she was a part the the never ending circle, but sometimes her role in it was shadowed by her own feelings of self doubt. She constantly wondered if she was doing the right thing, especially up here in the mountains. Food was easy to come by, but now in the heart of winter even their thickest winter coats were stretched to their limits in the bitter cold. The mountains were far colder than the valley, and she could certainly see it on some of the older member's faces.

"I think so... I like to believe Aniu has it all figured out, I think she watches over me. She always has." Aleu didn't mention Muru, feeling the sacred bond with her spirit guide was better kept private until another time.

Niju stretched his mighty jaws into a yawn. "Why?"

"Why what?" Aleu questioned while she turned back to face him.

"Why you? Why does the mighty Aniu center on you?" Niju looked as if the thought was quite distasteful to him.

Aleu couldn't understand why he was upset by this revelation, if anything she should be the one offended. "Well I'm not sure. My father says she reminds him of his mother. He has almost no memory of her, expect for her coat and her warm voice."

"As if your father has seen Aniu." Niju scoffed.

Aleu remained indignant. "He has!" She glared at him, and he only frowned further at that.

"Before I was born, when my father was in a time of dire need. He was on a quest to save the lives of many humans and she came to him to give him the strength to carry on! Or at least, I think it was her. He doesn't think so…" She furled her brows as she tried to find a way to make sense of the phenomenon.

Niju just barked in laughter. "Now you're making yourself ridiculous! How can you deny what he says he saw with his own eyes!?"

"Ohh you just wouldn't understand! My father… He says he saw his mother. But I don't think that's possible. So maybe Aniu looks like his mother." Aleu turned away from him

"Why would she come to your father- a halfbreed who was on a quest to save humans, no less?" The large male brashly sneered at her, clearly believing it all to be folly. Talk of spirits frequently left a poor taste in his mouth and flooded his mind with a haze of generally useless stories from Nava.

"Well I don't know! But she was there." Her eyes turned steely.

Niju adopted the mocking tone as he often did when he was in that sort of mood. "Oh, I know! Maybe she is his mother! And she's watching over you as some sort of mystical guide of kinship...What a concept."

Her face stretched back into a growl at that. They were an odd pair and they knew it, at times he could really dig under her fur.

"It's not something to be made fun of! I don't know why she chose me, but obviously she has something planned. You'd see it too if you'd just stop fighting it all the time!" She had more venom in that last statement than she'd meant to.

"Keep your head in the clouds for long enough, mutt and you'll be filled with nothing but empty space. Spirits have done nothing for me."

Aleu just shook her head. She knew Niju better than that, he was bitter to a fault- but they both knew there was something more at play here.

"I was told about the spirits as a pup, but those tales were all false." He had turned away from her, but she still knew that familiar frown was there.

"So nothing then?" As the thickening snowfall blew in between the rocks Aleu was forced to move further back in the shelter for the sake of her warmth. "You don't believe in any of it?"

Niju remained stoic against the snowy wind that inevitably blew between the rocky gaps of the den. "I never said that." and after a long period of silence he sighed; "Does it matter?"

Aleu was already dreaming. She dreamt of Muru and a valley spring.

2 Weeks Later

Meal with the clan

Winter was slowly nearing the end, and the spring melt would be upon them in a few weeks time. However, due to the sheer volume of snowfall, passage down to the valley was quite impossible for the caribou or the clan at the moment. Aleu wasn't sure if the humans had left the valley, as her visions had predicted they would. She would wait for the spring melt to tell her.

Much of the clan ate together that morning, with Niju chastising Nuk for doing minimal work in catching the prey he was stuffing his face with, as was typical.

"Bu-But I'm hungry! I need this food to stay warm!" Nuk had whined.

"Then maybe you should've thought of that before you sat around and watched us catch this caribou!" That wasn't one of Niju's better retorts, but he was far too busy burying himself in the carcass to care.

The older silver male, Ikun was already in hysterics that they would be stuck in the mountains forever until they withered away from the chilling wind, also typical.

Rinna, a female with a fiery temper had had enough. With an "Ikun, please." She attempted to silence his carrying on.

His aged mate Sura knew better, though. "It's no use Rinna, once he gets going… He just needs to chase his own tail."

Amongst the chatter and bickering Aleu found she wasn't very hungry during this meal. She was feeling slightly ill at the thought of meat. Which wasn't too terribly peculiar either as it had been happening for the past 3 days. Perhaps it was the effect of eating too much caribou, which was almost all they had up here. Picking at the leg meat, the thought of chewing sinew almost caused her to be sick- again. Yesterday she'd made the mistake of stuffing herself despite the protests of her insides, and she'd nearly spewed Artok with the result of her misjudgment. Fortunately, the elder wolf had moved out of the way in time.

Alue scanned the meal for signs of the elderly wolf but found none. It was strange he hadn't turned up here. She nudged Niju who was still feeding. "Have you seen Artok today?"

Niju turned to face her, dark congealed blood running down his maw as he did. "Eh?" He grunted towards her.

Aleu's stomach turned as she backed away. "Nuh-Never mind."

She set off for Artok's den, in high hopes of finding him there. The severe cold had been brutally hard on him and he'd been especially unwell these past few days, she'd considered taking some meat back for him. However, she knew it would be in vain, he was likely far too dignified to take it.

Artok's den wasn't far away now she noted as she trekked downhill through the icy blanket of thick snow. It was a little out of the way, and she almost never came down here- she figured the elder liked his privacy.

She was careful to weave in and out of the underbrush, knowing the snow was not always steady underfoot; a lesson hard learned last winter when she was first attempting to establish herself as a leader in the new-lands. She had badly sprained her hock by falling through some snow covering the cliffs and onto the rocks below, which would have certainly slowed her caribou hunts down- that is if she'd even known the basics of hunting a caribou last winter. Which she had not. She grimaced at the ice shards wedging their way between her paws and the unbidden thought of how her reckless ignorance that could've disbanded or wiped out the entire clan just a few seasons ago. She grew more and more thankful for her fellow clan member's loyalty during the period of turmoil as time went on, not realizing how badly she had failed to deliver on her role as a leader until it was nearly too late. She didn't know much about how other packs functioned, but she had a hunch not all would be nearly as forgiving.

"Artok?" She peered into the snowy mix of dirt and roots at the entrance of Artok's den. She sincerely hoped he was here, and not lost in the brush somewhere. She had become quite close with the elder- almost as if he was the last living connection with Nava, whom she also sorely missed along with Siluk and Ulva. It was then to her horror that she suddenly laid eyes on his motionless form in the corner of his den, her eyes burning with the prospect of another loss.

"Artok! Artok… Are you okay?" Fearing the worst she immediately ran to his side and nudged his head.

"Oh.. Aleu?" His voice was thin and very nearly delirious.

Her heart jumped at his voice, meaning he was still with her. "Artok, what's happ-"

He abruptly cut her off as he struggled to stand. "Aleu! Come away from me!" His breathing was labored but the clarity of his voice somehow managed to cut through it and echo in her head with his bizarre request.

"What?! No I'm not leaving you here, what're you talking about?" Aleu couldn't make sense of his words, though she'd heard them plainly.

"Aleu, I am not well. You must go… I am sorry." His breathing sounded more pained with the effort.

She could only smile warmly and seek to reassure the elder. Of course she wouldn't leave him here. "Artok, I'm here for you. I'll see to it you get well again!"

Artok only shook his head and pressed on with renewed urgency. "No, you don't understand, I'm sorry. There's no time to explain, you need to leave."

Confused as she was, Aleu walked further into the narrow den with the intention of helping the elder any way she could. " Niju might've once said that only the fit survive, but you don't think I really believe that do you? I believe in what Nava taught me, and what my family taught me. We have to help each other!"

As if on cue, Niju came crashing through the brush and his eyes were immediately set on the Artok's prone form.

Aleu gave an acknowledging turn towards Niju before turning back to the elder. "Artok, you see? Niju is here to help me, now tell us what is ailing you?"

Artok didn't seem to register Aleu's voice, for he was too busy staring intently at Niju beyond from under his bushy brows. "Niju, I am old and sick now- I fear it won't be long until I join the others. Please do forgive me, I admit I too judged you harshly about Kanu's death, but now I see him live on through you. Nava would be very proud of you both."

Now Aleu had all but had it. She was perplexed to hell and back.

"Kanu? Who is Kanu?" She raised her voice considerably while glancing between Niju and Artok. "Niju I don't understand… What is he talking about? Artok, what's going on?!" Aleu demanded answers.

"Please, Aleu you must go! I am gravely ill and know not what I carry. You both must leave, for the sake of your pups!" Artok pleaded as he rose again with great difficulty.

"I..what?" Her eyes grew wide with the shock. Did he just say… How could he know. Could it be..?

Aleu backed away slowly before breaking into a run, leaving Niju and Artok standing alone.

Niju turned towards Artok, looking possibly more puzzled than Aleu had. His usual frowned expression had given way to one of pronounced shock.

"What did you just say?"

Artok sat down on his shaky legs, his tranquil demeanor was returning now that Aleu was gone.
"I said, your mate is preg-"

"I heard you!" Niju snapped back. His first reaction to many things was often anger, even if he didn't mean it. He just hadn't known it would happen so fast. He was having puppies with this 'mutt' and the thought flooded him with emotion.

Niju attempted to regain himself, breathing deeply. "How did you know?"

"How? I may be old but my nose still works after all! For weeks I've been smelling you all over her, and her all over you, I figured you'd finally gotten around to it." Artok prattled on.

However, Niju looked downright disturbed and violently shook his head. That wasn't what he was asking about at all. He was very nearly embarrassed by Artok's response... Which made him angry yet again.

"No,no- you old idiot, the pregnancy! How do you know she's pregnant?"

Artok might've snickered had he the energy for it. "Oh right. Well, she hasn't been eating much lately and has been sick several times. Haven't you noticed? She very nearly got sick on me yesterday!"

Niju blinked. No, he hadn't really noticed. He internally chastised himself for not paying better attention.

"You must give Aleu my regards, I am sorry I brought up Kanu again, I don't know what came over me. Aleu would've liked to meet him I imagine. But alas, he is gone- but at least the family is complete wherever they are now. I imagine I'll join them soon." Artok hung his head and resigned himself to slumping over on his side.

"You should go, Aleu can't raise this litter alone. I know you're healthy now- but this sickness has moved through me swiftly. It could be contagious, and likely make quick work of anyone during winter." He lamented further.

Niju briefly wondered what Nava might have done in this situation.

"I don't know if I can just leave you here to die."

Artok's bushy brows parted as his expression turned soft.

"You know, I see more and more of Nava's spirit in you everyday. Fear not, I am frail but I'm not dead yet."

Artok missed Niju's expression as he turned. "I'll make sure Sumac brings you some food."

"It's better if he doesn't. I still have my dignity, you know." A retiring creak of a voice.

Niju shook his head and began to leave. "Forget dignity old-one. I need you to be in shape to hunt with the clan once you are well again. Come the winter break-up, we'll need all the help we can get." Niju turned back, his expression steeled.

Artok's tired old eyes grinned with him. The hopeful sentiment Niju had given in that last statement hadn't been lost on him. The thought that he might actually live long enough to attempt hunting again was a kind one. Perhaps foolhardy, but kind.

Aleu didn't know what to think as she mindlessly ran back to the makeshift den among the rocks. An unbidden sob racked her body for a moment, but what exactly it was from she couldn't pinpoint. She was exhilarated, confused, horrified and angry simultaneously. Artok had been struggling for at least 3 days, and told no one. He was clearly nearing the end, and she'd had no idea. Even if she had known, what could she have done differently? Especially if she truly was… Pregnant.

An outpouring of joy flooded over her, and she smiled to herself. She wasn't exactly surprised at the news; she knew the last few weeks spent with Niju would likely result in this. However, the novelty of the notion that she was actually "pregnant" now was something she couldn't wrap her mind around.

She had temporarily buried her head in her paws when Niju returned, in an attempt to cover her recent outpouring of emotions.

"If you were feeling unwell, I don't understand why you didn't tell anyone. These things are important." Niju cautioned her, as he was prone to doing when trying to mask his own insecurities.

Petty arguments were the last things on Aleu's mind at the moment. She even brushed the thoughts of a possible pregnancy aside for the more disturbing situation surrounding Artok.

"I.. I just can't imagine losing him too. He was our last connection with Nava, the last of his generation." She remained on her belly, not turning to face Niju- who was silent for a long time.

When he finally spoke he breathed a heavy sigh. "I suppose it's about time I told you about Kanu."

Aleu's ears perked up, she remembered his name being mentioned by Artok, and she assumed for him to mention it at a time like this it must've been of great importance. "Oh yeah! Who is that guy?" Then she remembered something about his death being mentioned. "I mean, who was he? Was he part of the clan?"

Niju nodded, but only faintly. "He was Nava's son. His only surviving kin."

"Kanu's mother died along with his sisters, before I joined the clan. Besides Nava, Kanu was alone- as was I. We sought solace in each other."

" This was many seasons ago, but Kanu was my friend. He was very nearly my brother. We'd hunt together and frolic and play as yearlings do." Niju seemed farther away. His mind was in a meadow, chasing birds, following tracks; it was where the lightest parts of his dark youth was centered.

Aleu sought to bring him back to reality. "So what happened?"

Niju narrowed his eyes, pained as if something invisible was clawing behind them. "One day we were walking the territory together and we got into an argument over who'd be a better leader -as we often did. We were so competitive at that age." Niju briefly smiled at the memory.

Aleu could only role her eyes, as Niju referred to his competitive nature in the past tense. Ha. As if.

"That day Kanu wanted to prove he was the best by racing me to the top of the cliffs. He'd always been the more reckless climber, and I was far behind him. I heard the beginning of a slide, and that was it. He was swept over the edge. I watched Nava search for his body, but we never found him underneath the piles of snow and rock."

"I…. I had no idea. No one ever speaks of him." Aleu tried her best to banish the mental picture of Nava frantically looking for his lost son.

"The clan elders of Nava's generation never formally blamed me, but they made it clear they fully believed I was at fault or even went so far as to deliberately cause it. The only one who didn't seem to blame me was Nava himself. He knew we were close enough to be brothers; I suppose so much loss had made him a more forgiving wolf. I'm sure if it wasn't for Nava, they would've banished me long ago. " She could hear the years of bitterness in his voice.

Aleu became suddenly aware of the massive loss Niju had also suffered throughout his life, and of her own losses. While hers were not caused by death, but rather a likely permanent separation. "Did it make you more forgiving?"

"No. The clan seemed to believe I was guilty and treated me as such, but I had nowhere else to go. No one dared say it to my face, but I knew they blamed me- and I hated them for it. Nava opened his mind to the path of forgiveness, but I kept mine firmly shut and wanted nothing to do with him or his ways afterwards. He made himself into a sage who relied on magic tricks and spirits instead of the sense he once knew. Maybe that was his way of staying stable after losing his family. He remained a leader until the end." Niju seemed far away again, as if the memory had made him temporarily disorientated.

Aleu knew enough about Niju to understand the makings of the perfect storm of his youth. He would've retreated and outcast himself even more after the accident, causing him to look even more guilty in the eyes of the clan. His resentment making him more bitter, lashing out to those that might offer a helping paw. It became clear how he'd ended up with the likes of Yak, Nuk and Sumac for friends. There was a time when she'd thought she'd been dealt the harshest hand, the day she learned what she really was. But in her oblivious teenaged mind, she hadn't a clue how bad things could've been. She'd never known true horror, or grief until she'd matured and come face to face with the unforgiving tendencies of nature.

"Oh Niju…I'd never known such grief and suffering when I came to the clan. I learned quickly how unforgiving the wilderness can be, something my mother and papa managed to shield me from while growing up. I was unprepared for this life. "

It was then Niju suddenly remembered she was carrying their future. "I can only hope our pups will never know such suffering. I worry for them already." He shook his mighty head.

Aleu was still prone on the stony floor, but stretched her neck to offer him a nuzzle on the underside of his chin.

"Everything will be alright, the sun will return, spring will come and we will return to the valley. We will be together as a clan, and take care of the future as one." Aleu seemed to speak wisdom beyond her years or personal insecurities. He found himself comforted and astounded by her as he drew close to her. He glanced down and noticed that sapphire glint in her eyes and a thought came abruptly through winter's darkness: wisdom never looked more beautiful.