The sun was bright the next morning, but the weather had begun to turn cold again. Winter was on it’s way. It would not, however, stop this day’s purpose for Achak, Takoda, and Ayashi. Their father Cheveyo was going to take them around the rest of their pack’s territory. Takoda and Aya were not quite as excited today, still a bit cautious from their encounter with the four wolves the previous day. But their father gave them comfort in saying that those wolves wouldn’t be back. Encouraged by the reassurance, Takoda and Ayashi forged ahead once they were off, exploring again. Achak also explored, of course, but remained closer to his father. The large black alpha was teaching him, telling him what to do if he got lost, or showing him how to see what time of day it was based on the sky. The young wolf took in all the information seriously, knowing it was important in learning to survive.

The day was danger free, as the four wolves trekked around the border of their territory. As promised, there were no sign of the wolves from the day before. Eventually though, Takoda and Ayashi got tired, unused to traveling long distances. Achak seemed fine, though a little weary, was still eager to know more. Cheveyo inwardly smiled at that discovery. Yes, Achak would, indeed, make a good alpha one day.

“Dad, can we go home, my paws hurt…!” Little Aya padded up to her father, Takoda soon after, both looking tired from the long day. A little ways away Achak rolled his eyes. Not that he was mad; if anything he was sympathetic towards his siblings. It had been a long day, and even his own paws were a bit sore from the walking.

Cheveyo gazed down at his two pups, then smiled crouching down a bit to their level.

“Yes, we can head home now, it’s been a long day for you three, I’m sure.” Ayashi and Takoda nodded, tails wagging slightly in agreement. Straightening once again, the large black alpha started forward, back towards the caves. Achak was slightly disappointed in having to go back already, but followed obediently by his father. Soon enough his disappointment was spoiled as Takoda started to try and get his brother to play, biting at his legs and tail, making little growling noises to try and engage his bulkier, quieter sibling. At first the silver streaked wolf shook his brother off, not really in the mood for play. But when Takoda surprised Achak, and tackled him, it sent them both rolling over each other. When they stopped, Takoda ended up on top, being the lighter of the two, with Achak on his back looking up at his lighter colored sibling in surprise. But that seemed to cause the reaction Takoda had been looking for, as the black and silver wolf pawed at his brother’s stomach, and biting at his legs until he was free. Darting off with Achak in chase, Takoda didn’t get very far before being body tackled by the larger of the two. After tumbling a few feet, it was Achak that came up on top this time, smirking down at his brother. Takoda grinned back, tail wagging. Suddenly a weight plowed into Achak, though it wasn’t enough to knock him over. Looking down, he saw Ayashi gnawing on his leg playfully, looking back up to him with her blue eyes. But that seemed just the right amount of time for Takoda to wiggle out from under his bigger sibling and take off again after kicking some snow at him. Ayashi then giggled and ran off after Takoda. Shaking the snow off his muzzle, the silver streaked black wolf gave chase once more, and once more quickly cornered the two.

“I’ve got you now…” Hunkering down on the ground, looking ready to pounce, he paused at hearing something approaching him. Before Achak even knew it, Cheveyo had charged up and tackled him, chuckling and pinning his son with a paw.

“Who’s got whom, now.” he watched in amusement as the younger under him squirmed and kicked, biting at his father’s legs. It was all play of course, Achak enjoyed rough-housing, but since neither Takoda, nor Ayashi could match up to him, Cheveyo often stepped up to fill in. Besides, it was good practice for him for when he would have to fight. Although the great black alpha was his father, he was also still the alpha, which meant he wasn’t always free to play with the young wolf. That was when Kanook, the second in command, and Cheveyo’s best friend came in. Kanook was a deep chocolate wolf with cream-colored markings and dark blue eyes that almost always shone with mischief. The older wolf was also Achak’s adopted uncle, and often looked after him and his two siblings if his parents were busy hunting or anything else related to the pack.

After some good-natured rough-housing, Cheveyo gathered up his children and they all set off toward their caves again, and although the young wolves were beat by now, they still ran to greet their mother as she came out. Aya yipped happily and jumped up to lick at the silver wolf, who returned the affectionate gesture.

“You all had fun, then, I presume..?” glancing up at her mate, she nuzzled him as he approached.

“Yes, now they have seen our territory…” At that Aya had to pipe in.

“It’s so big! My paws hurt from all the walking..” he pouted, her ears dropping tiredly. Olathe smiled at her daughter, turning to go into the cave with her.

“Why don’t you go rest then, hm?” As they disappeared, Cheveyo turned to glance at his sons, one looking about to fall over asleep, being Takoda, and the other just as weary, but trying to hold out. It had been a very long day for them. Calling their names, the large black wolf soon sent them inside to sleep as well. Soon after, Olathe returned from inside, padding over to join her mate at a cliff. The sunset that was painted across the sky gave everything purple, red and pink hues, even glittering off the midnight black of the alpha’s fur. Sitting down and gazing out at the sky, the female sighed. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Spring is nearly over…winter will soon arrive. It will be their first winter…” Their, referring to Achak, Ayashi and Takoda. A soft smile stretched across the black male’s face.

“It will…And the caribou will be migrating again as well.” It wouldn’t be long now until Cheveyo would take Achak out to achieve his first kill. He was sure the young silver streaked wolf would succeed; it shone in his bright eyes.

The two wolves sat together in silence, just watching as the colors in the sky blended together and darkened as the sun set behind the mountains. Tomorrow would be a new day, and for their offspring, even more adventure was to come.

The days had soon grown shorter as spring died, and winter was born to the land. The nip of the cold winds confirmed the season change, and a light snow often sprinkled, covering the ground and trees, and making them glisten in the dim sunlight. But as cold as it was already, nothing could dampen Achak’s spirit today. Today, his father was taking him out for his first real hunt. The caribou were beginning to migrate, the perfect time to stock up on meat for the winter months ahead. The sharp winds played with the young wolf’s fur, which was beginning to lengthen and thicken to keep him warm. His bright ice blue eyes scanned out over the cliff surrounding the caves, anxiously awaiting his father.

“It looks like your ready then..” Came the smooth laid back tone. But it was not Achak’s father who had spoken. Kanook walked up next to his adopted nephew, looking out towards the river where they were to head that morning. Achak gazed up at his uncle, looking a bit irritated.

“Is my father ready? Shouldn’t we go before we miss the crossing?” Kanook smiled patiently.

“He is coming, be patient. And do not worry, we will not miss the crossing, even if the sun rises high into the sky. There will be plenty of caribou for weeks.” But the older wolf could understand Achak’s anxiousness. He wanted to prove himself, become a true member of the pack; not just the alpha’s son. Light padding aroused the two wolves attention and they turned, seeing Cheveyo emerge from the cave with the other members of their pack. Olathe was going to be staying behind to watch Takoda and Ayashi, who weren’t quite ready for hunting yet. The alpha walked up to his son, seeing with pride as he noted the fire in the bright eyes. Achak was ready.

“Lets head out then…” yips and howls sounded at that. Everyone was excited. Following his father and Kanook, Achak stole a quick glance at the three staying behind. Olathe barked encouragingly at him, followed by Ayashi and Takoda, tails wagging. Replying back with his own bark, which had already deepened with age, the young black wolf ran to catch up with the pack.

The pack stayed together until they reached their destination, where they broke off into smaller groups. Achak stayed with Cheveyo of course, his nerves buzzing with anticipation. He could barely sit still, but forced himself to pay attention. His father was teaching him about how the pack worked in one unit, first surrounding their prey, then herding it away from the rest of its kind, then finally taking it down together.
“Now, Kanook will give a signal when he and the others are in position. They’ll then chase out a few of the caribou from the herd. That’s when we jump out and help attack. But be careful of their hooves and antlers, they’re sharp, and they are capable of tossing you right into the air.” Nodding, Achak watched from their position in the trees as the caribou out in the open began to cross the river. They didn’t seem very big now, but what his father had told them, caribou were