a place to jump at. She was juts standing there, and easy target. She remembered how she had injured Hetcha last night, by tearing at his leg. She decided to start there. Here back legs sprang and she opened her jaws to grab her front leg, but unexpectedly her mentor swerved and pinned her down, although she was careful enough not too hurt her. She struggled to slip out but she was too strong.

 

“Try not to aim low, its too easy. Try again”

 

Saba got up and shook the dust from her fur and spat some dirt that was in her mouth. This time, she decided to go for the chest.

 

She tried again only to get held down once more. This went on all afternoon until she finally caught him off guard and gained a small victory.

 

“Great Job” he said

 

“Thanks” she panted “When do I get to start hunting?”

 

“Not for a while. The hunting part becomes easier after you learn how to fight. You’ll just hurt yourself.

 

She felt a bit disappointed, but she didn’t argue. As they entered their camp she saw Michigan a few lengths away and ran over to join him. He also noticed that dinner had been served. She also caught Orkney looking at her who looked away when she noticed. She nudged her brother.

 

“Hey, who’s that brown wolf over there?”

 

“Oh, that’s Orkney”

 

Duh, thought Saba to herself

 

“He’s about our age. He's a junior too."

 

“A what?”

 

“A junior. Oh, I forgot to explain. You are what we would consider juniors, young and learning to be a warrior. One you become a warrior you’re known as Varsity. Once you become too old to fight any loner, you retire and become an Elder. Juniors look after the Elders daily needs. But not you, you have him” he gestured towards Hetcha “over there to look after. You better get going before Nikano yells ay you”

 

“Who?”

 

“Nikano is our chief, the second in command."

 

Nikano look strict in Saba’s opinion. He was a dark grey with grey streaks. He had a scar running across his muzzle. Saba bounded away to grab a slap of meat. She got a little extra for Hetcha and made her way over.

 

“Hey”

 

She turned to see Orkney padding up beside her. She blinked at him and found herself unable to respond since she had food in her mouth. She dropped Hetcha’s share in front of him, ignoring his dirty look.

 

“Hi” she finally responded

 

“ Erm...you just looked sort of lonely so I decided to drop by”

 

Saba wasn’t so sure if she looked that lonely. She was just talking to Michigan about a minute ago. But still, she appreciated his kindness, seeing that he was the only one who really talked to her at all, besides Michigan of course.

 

“Thanks, that’s nice of you. I wont be too lonely though. I have this guy over here” she flicked he tail over at Hetcha “to keep me company”

 

She meant it in a sort of sarcastic joking manner. Orkney chuckled.

 

“Then I really need to stick around”

 

Saba only smiled at him

 

“You know, I can take over for you tomorrow” he said

 

“That’s nice of you to offer, but I think its better for now for me to do it. Besides, you already had your turn today. You must really like him if you’re so desperate to look after him” she teased

 

“Is it really that obvious” he joked.

 

They both laughed at that. Saba found herself feeling, well…. good. Back at Nome all of the huskies mad her feel intimidated. As if she wasn’t good enough for them. She often got along better with guys, because they were so cut-loose and fun. Maybe that’s why she felt so nice around him.

 

There was bark of “Orkney!” and they turned to see Nikano waiting for Orkney.

 

“Time for me to go. Bye Saba” he stood up and walked away

 

“See ya”

 

She watched him walk away before turning to Hetcha, who has his usual grumpy look. But somehow, it felt easier to look after him.

 

 

It had been a two weeks since she had joined. Her skills were steadily improving and her bond with Orkney was better too.

“You know, I think you’re ready to stat hunting” announced Kalaa.

 

“Really” said Saba excitedly

 

“It doesn’t mean you’re a very good fighter, but good enough to get started with hunting”

 

“Are you just saying that so you won’t have to admit that I’m becoming a better fighter than you?” she joked

 

Kalaa only raised and amused eyebrow

 

“Very funny. Before we get started, I want to you to take Hetcha out for a stroll. His mood is getting worse everyday and its like a rain cloud that won’t go away. Maybe some exercise might to him some good”

 

Saba’s ears lowered in disappointment. She really wanted to take on a caribou NOW. Not waste time baby-sitting some bad tempered flea bag.

 

“Now?” she asked

 

“Now”

 

She groaned and walked off. This was going to be a long morning.

 

 

Hetcha was taking a nap when Saba found him. She didn’t want to disturb him and put him in an even fouler mood. But she had to. She prodded him with one paw

‘Hey, hey you. Wake up”

 

He didn’t wake up or respond

 

“I said wake up”

 

He finally woke up and raised his head, looking bleary eyed.

 

“What? What the heck is your problem, waking me up?”

 

 “I was told to take out for some air. Now come on”

 

“What? I’m not going anywhere. Its pointless”

 

“Its an order” said Saba

 

“Are you gonna make me get up and walk?” he challenged

 

“She can’t, but I can”

 

Both heads turned to see Orkney standing there

 

“You’re leg is still injured to you’re in no real condition to fight. Besides, if you injure me enough you’ll have the whole tribe set on you. So, are we going go the easy way or the hard way?"

 

Hetcha gave him a hard look of hatred. He snarled in defeat and got up. He shoved past the two joiners and limped his way out of camp.

 

“Thanks “ said Saba as she flashed him a grateful look.

 

“Anytime” was his response “Do you think you can handle him on your own out there?”

 

Saba wanted to say no that she couldn’t but many wolves of the clan already looked down on her. She had to prove them wrong.

 

“ I think I can manage”

 

By the time she caught up with Hetcha, he had gone a long way. They only walked, not saying anything to each other. After a few minutes had passed, Saba glanced sideways at Hetcha. She was surprised to see that his expression was no longer hardened with hatred, but dull with….sorrow? His eyes seemed glazed, deep in thought. The she noticed to her amazement that his eyes where a striking gold color. She has seen brown eyed and blue eyed wolves, even a really light brown color, but never gold. At least not that bright of a shade.   Her eyes traveled over to his scars and she began to wonder what sort of accident or battle he went through to receive them….

 

“You’re staring”

 

His voice startled her for a second. He wasn’t looking directly at her, but he must’ve of felt her gaze burn on him. She looked away hastily.

 

“Sorry. I was just-“

 

“Just trying to figure out how I got them?"

 

“Yes” she mumbled “Erm, how did you get them? Training accident?”

 

She knew it was somewhat rude to ask, but she was fairly curious. She glanced at him at a flicker of sorrow returned to his eyes, then vanished within a heartbeat. He didn’t respond for a few seconds, and Saba was wondering if he was debating whether to tell her not.

 

“Yes” he reluctantly answered

 

“Oh. Well, I’m sorry”

 

“Don’t be!” he snapped, his aggression flaring “I never asked for your sympathy”

 

“I’m not being sympathetic! I’m just trying to understand you a bit better” she argued

 

“Why would you want to understand me at all?”

 

Saba opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She didn’t even know why she wanted to understand him. Maybe it’s because she knew how it felt to be look down upon and treated like dirt. She disliked seeing anyone in that position, because she knew how the pain felt. As she looked at him she began to wonder if he even had any feelings to begin with. Everything about him made felt hard as a rock, and she figured that his heart was no different.

 

“I don’t know” she muttered “but as far as I can see, you seem as if you WANT everyone to hate you. I don’t know why I even bother to be nice to you”

 

She strode past him and while she was at it, she slapped her tail against his face to make her point. She didn’t even bother to turn around to see his expression, but by the deep rumple she heard from his throat, she figured that he must be pretty angry. She didn’t care though. Why should she?

 

 

As soon as she said that, she quickened her pace to get away from him. He opened his mouth to retort something to her, but was silenced by the slapping of her tail against his face. That action surprised him a bit. He always new and assumed that all house dogs were wussy and soft. But not her. He noticed that she didn’t take crap, meaning that she made her point clear.

To be honest, this sort of impressed him. If he were her, he wouldn’t have dared to touch him like that. He shook his head and kept his mouth shut. She was far from him and he could tell that she wanted to keep it that way. He found it some what fun to make her angry, but felt sort of bad. Her intentions were good, he sort of appreciated her kindness. But he shook it off. Those feelings only interfered his plans…….

 

   

When Saba returned she found Orkney waiting patiently for her. She smiled at him and strode over. She glanced over her shoulder to see Hetcha retreat to the old oak, looking rather disgruntled.

 

“It’s a miracle, she actually survived” joked Orkney

“Yeah, just barely. I can’t stand him, what’ll happen

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