Formation of the Pack

<Internally thinking> Something is wrong. There's a strong scent of blood...and it's getting closer. What could be causing something like that? 

Chris isn't back yet. It's going to be dark soon. This is most unusual. It's not like him to spend this long on a hunt.

<Muffled; is outside. Deliver out of breath and exhausted, Chris has been running for a long time> ILA!

...Chris?

<Closer> ILA!

<Bursts through door; muffle ends, still out of breath> ILA! Please get the medicine kit! Immediately!

[Horrified] M-my love! You're covered in blood, what happened?!

[Out of breath] Medkit first, talk after.

<Ila moves off to get the box; Chris lays something across the floor>

Shh, little one...it will be okay soon. We'll help you, we'll help you. 

<Ila returns>

Y-you were holding something in all of that? I couldn't tell...

<Set the box down>

Is that...is that a human girl? My mate, we had agreed no humans—

She's not.

But...but she....

Wolf. They clipped her. Look here...

<Chris, holding in tears; Ila gasps>

Most of this ear has been cut clear away. The other isn't too much better. I...I didn't have time to try and find a tail.

She's losing a lot of blood. Are you sure this is something we are going to be able to handle?

I don't see us having much choice. Where else could we even go? Certainly no human hospital. I don't want to apply more pressure to her head any more than I have but it might be our only course of action to stop the bleeding.

{To the pup} [Pressing in, gently but firm] I'm so so sorry, I know it hurts. It's going to hurt a little bit but we will make it better. Shh shh shhh. Save your strength. You've fought enough.

Chris...what happened out there?

Start on the arms, please.

<Bandaging sounds while speaking>

<Recollecting breath> I was hunting on the west end of our territory. I heard a lot of movement—too much to just be a herd of deer or something similar. Then came the scent of another pack...just like you said, it'd be sour and heavy. I decided to sneak closer and investigate. I watched as this pup tried to fight five or six other adult, grown wolves.

I couldn't make out most of it on account of being too far away and high up. But to my understanding, this is the runt of the litter. They said something about not dying like she was supposed to, and that...[sigh; shiver in fear] they would take matters into their claws personally. 

What kind of sick wolves would pick on a pup like that? That's extremely un-pack-like.

Her own parents tried to kill her. Not just tried to walk out and leave to die, but to do it themselves!

And...I just jumped into action. I wasn't thinking. Instincts, I guess. Scooped her up as she lie there bleeding, mid fight. Sprinted like hell to get back here. I think I startled them enough by jumping down from the trees to scare them off and away. My hunting gloves probably seemed enough like real claws to know that I'm not to be trifled with. Or that I'm...like you. 

I knew they might follow. Tried to mask the scent of her pack with mine, hence the blood everywhere. I realize that's very difficult to do in my case...and a bad move politically, but I couldn't think of anything better in the moment.

[Fighting tears] I'm so sorry.

Hush now, beloved. You did a noble thing. Absurdly reckless, sure, but you did the right thing for this poor pup.

She doesn't even seem like much of a runt to me, honestly. Quite muscular, seems to at least not be starving. Very much has a fighter's spirit. I think she's probably forced herself to survive through a lot of hardship, but she seems quite healthy...all things considered. 

You got there just in time though. I'm not sure she would be able to survive more slashes like this. 

{Pause}

Y-you're not hurt are you?

A few scrapes here and there. Nothing to be worried over. My legs feel like they're on fire...I don't think I've ever run that fast before. I didn't even know I could. 

I need this tunic off of me. It's soaked and starting to freak me out a bit.

<Fabric sound of shirt removal>

Please try to grab a few berries from the reserves. I think she probably needs to eat something.

I think it's too soon for that. She seems close enough to unconsciousness that I'm not sure it's wise to try and keep her awake.

Perhaps you're right. But...urgh, water at least. She'll need that.

One step ahead of you. [Softer, to pup] Here now...this will help...

<Slow, few sips/gulps of water>

Well good, she's still responsive. [Sigh; exhausted] Gods, Ila, what are we going to do?

I...I really don't know. We can't just let her wander out there on her own. If she even gets better.

I...I know.

Her ears being cut is bad for hunting. I'm not sure how well she could even hear us right now, let alone prey. She has the benefit of being very young, so maybe there will be some kind of regrowth, but...

Ila...are we going to have to take her in?

Mate...you did just rescue her from a different pack. That's not a terribly surprising outcome.

We did always talk about starting a family together. A life. A pack. Maybe...maybe this was our sign to start. 

But...are we ready for that? Am I ready for that?

I think we must at least try! Surely we can't abandon this pup now...

You are a wonderful hunter and an inspiring leader. I think you would make an excellent father. Your humanity will bring wonderful culture and ingenuity to her upbringing.

Besides...that gear you call "augmented hunting" gives you the advantage of being able to hunt like me even when your body lacks the sufficient...parts. She might be able to rely on those claws you made or your workaround solutions. 

I guess you're right...I don't know. Will she even accept us? I don't know how she'll react if she wakes up.

Honestly...I'm worried she might not react super well seeing a different wolf so quickly. Might lead her to hostility or fear.

I understand. We may want to continue discussing this later. I don't want to stress the poor thing out. I can try to ease into introductions. 

<Ila starts to try and leave, but stops as the pup reacts>

{Pause; pup stirs very slightly}

Was...was that a whine? Is she still awake?

I'll just hold her paw for now. Get her used to our presence and to feel that safety is close by.

<Gently massaging hands/paws>

I'll take the other.

It's okay, little pup. You're safe with us now.

We won't let any more harm come upon you. Not now, not ever. You're such a brave little one...

Get some rest. We will watch over you, if you need anything at all.

{Unison}

Welcome home.

Welcome home.

<Fade out; optionally expand with light cabin noises>

END.