AN: Theres a few definitions and such at the bottom for certain words, if you're interested. You can use it as reference before, during, or after the story This background is written for my character from a Furcadian Dream called "Wild Wolves' World" The website can be located at FreeWebs(dot)com(slash)Wildwolvesworld So yeah, check that out if you want to.

Antiquity of a Leader

There are many ways to begin a story; ‘Once upon a time’, ‘It was a dark and stormy night’, ‘Once upon a midnight hour’. All of which are reputable ways of beginning a fable; but this tale will begin in no such way. Our story begins not too many Summers ago, but still long enough to seem horribly distant in time. It begins in the Forest of the Four Packs, also known as the Forest of the Dragoness; more widely referred to as Wild Wolves’ World by outsiders.

The Oceanid Leader still held the same contempt his forefather – now part of the Great Dragon – held in his own time. Though no longer the oldest of the four leaders, he was still in the mind set that it should be he to lead the entirety of The Forest. Many had died in the past battles, with not many pups to fill in the gaps, as the Wil’kar would allow no other wolf to breed but he and his Cil’karina (who, at the time, held no more power in the pack than the Venra). The pack was small. It consisted only of the two Alphas – Jivehln, and his mate Shirai. Four Venra: Kilarv (Jivehln’s Nivarn), Grenil(Kilarv’s mate), Presalrin(Shirai’s Nivern), and Nimpherhn(Presalrin’s mate, and the Healer of the pack). And lastly, the Wil’shiron, Maccorinous, highly respected by all, and revered for his wisdom.

It was no secret that the pack was split in half. Presalrin and Nimpherhn believed Jivehln a horrible tyrant, trying numerous times to convince Shirai that she needed to take up the power that she rightfully should hold as Cil’karina. But Shirai refused all times, perhaps herself fearing Jivehln as well. Kilarv and Grenil followed Jivehln without question, agreeing with him that it should be Oceanid to rule the Forest, despite the various battles they’d lost comrades too. Maccorinous took no part in either side more-so than the other, remaining neutral in his own pack, giving advice where he saw it needed.

There came a time when, at last, new pups graced the territory of Oceanid. Shirai gave birth to three pups, two boys and a girl, proclaimed in perfect health by Nimpherhn. That night everyone slept peacefully, their growing fear appeased by the knowledge that there were three new Oceanid wolves to keep their line running strong. But the morning came with grave news, Shirai had staggered out of the Kar’s den, her face horror stricken. The white wolfess was seemingly wounded on her side, her eyes deep and pain ridden, as if a bit of her soul had been torn away. Nimpherhn hurried to her side, quickly starting to tend to her wounds. But the wolfess denied him, snapping for him to see if he could save them. Confused and a bit frightened, the Healer hurried into the den.

During the night, as Shilrai told afterwards, a lone wolf had entered the den, mercilessly slaughtering the two boys of her litter – the runt and the largest – leaving only the middle strength, the daughter. She’d fought, of course, but had been overpowered. The news stunned the wolves of the pack, but Jivehln seemed to have no reaction. Outwardly, the pack accepted this explanation. But the two loyal to Shilrai pulled her aside that night, finding out the truth. It had been no lone wolf...but the Wil’kar himself. They kept quiet, of course; but could only wonder why he would have done this.

The young wolfess grew, quickly reaching her seventh moon in age. She was named Kinarai, her Mother’s pride and gem. Jivehln insisted that he Kilarv would be a welcomed tutor during Kinarai’s Sifern years of life; but it was the Mother’s choice who should be the one to train their pups, and Shilrai chose Presalrin to teach her daughter. The pack watched Kinarai grow, moving just as quickly through her adolescent years. During this time she was spoken to often by Maccorinous, the Wil’shiron having taken great interest in the life of this wolf, perhaps feeling it his duty to see that the newest leader of Oceanid would not follow in the trend that he had watched. For Maccorinous was older than any would realize, believed by many to be graced by the Dragoness herself with such a long life, and had seen the leader before Jivehln teach the Wil’kar his ways.

Kinarai’s second Summer of life came, and a pack meeting was called. Jivehln stood on the base of a tree near his den, the rings polished from generations of wolves sitting in the same spot. By his side was Kinarai, beaming with anticipation and pride despite that she had to sit next to her Father. (Being trained by Presalrin, she’d been told of what a tyrant he was, and had grown to hate him for all he had done.) “Wolves” Jivehln began, sweeping his gaze across the six that sat before him. “My daughter, Kinarai, is now of Vilarn ranking. Her training is complete...but I will continue it, as my father did with me, to ready her for the task she will someday have to take up: The task of leading our pack.”

The wolves had remained calm throughout the announcement, all having known that there would be something of the sort to come. When Jivehln announce that he would continue training her, All but two (Kilarv and Grenil) seemed perturbed. “It’s not needed, Jivehln.” Shilrai protested from in front, trying to keep her voice level. “Kinarai has learned well.”

“I will do as has been done for generations.” Jivehln snarled lightly, his eyes boring into Shilrai’s own. The Cil’karina recoiled, backing away to stand with the two loyal to her. Nimpherhn stepped forward then, his hackles raised. “And what would you teach her?” he demanded of the Kar, “How to be a tyrant as yourself? As all of Oceanid’s leaders have been!?” Shilrai kept quiet, looking horrified at the defiance the Healer was showing. Presalrin was quick to join her mate, both staring at their leader. It wasn’t long before a tensions had run too high. Presalrin leapt at Grenil, Kilarv turning on the Cil’karina.

The alphess was taken easily, her fear overcoming her and leaving her easy press for the Nivarn. Presarlin and Grenil fought formidably, each dealing each other wounds deep enough to take the other’s life. Nimpherhn was soon enough leapt upon by Kilarv, but the Healer was stronger than he appeared, and Kilarv was next to fall. The Healer and Wil’kar fought then, each fighting far better than the other would have guessed. Kinarai had hidden herself, afraid, within the entrance of the Kar’s den, watching in horror as all were killed. Nimphern went down, Jivehln standing over him; but as the Wil’kar would deal the last blow, the only wolf left to fight fell upon him. The deed would go unsuccessful, as Nimpherhn fell to his wounds only moments after. Maccorinous, though old, still held surprising strength, but the Kar’ soon had him pinned; despite his wounds, the Wil’kar sneered at the Wil’shiron.

“You thought you could beat me, elder?” he snarled, stepping back as his confidence gained, “You are old, weak, and now wounded. To prove that you are no match, I will allow you one final attempt on my life before I take yours.”

The chance was all that Maccorinous needed, getting numbly to his feet and sauntering painfully over to the Wil’kar. “You are brash, Jivehln. You are an arrogant tyrant, whom I never have, and never will revere with the title of Wil’kar.” He curled his lip back in a snarling expression that Kinarai – from her spot in the den – had never seen grace the wolf’s features. “And you are a fool for giving me an opportunity that you will not have long to regret.”

Maccorinous leapt forward then, latching his teeth into the throat of the Leader. Jivehln struggled, pressing his claws into the earth as he tried to pull away; but to no avail, and in moments the Wil’shiron let the leader go to lay limply on the ground amidst the rest of the death. He turned then, looking into the den where Kinaria cowered, and started towards her. But the wolf didn’t make it far before he fell to his side, his breathing coming in rasping gasps.

Kinarai, stricken and ashamed for having hidden during the battle, streaked out and to Maccorinous’ side, crouching beside him and going closer as she heard him start to speak. “Kinarai...” he whispered hoarsly, “You will be Wil’kara now...tell me...” he pausing, inhaling painfully, “...tell me how you will lead. Tell me that the wolves here did not pay a price of something that will never be given.”

The young wolf was trembling, her eyes widening at the words as her mind raced to think of an answer. Maccorinous was a great Elder, more of a Father to her than Jivehln had ever been; more of a mentor than Presalrin (who had been a good mentor as well). “I...” she began, looking into the old wolf’s pained eyes, “I will be a great leader. I will rule not with fear, but with respect. My Vilarn will not live their lives as you have seen them live in the past. And-” she cut off as the wolf heaved harshly, blood leaking out among his crimson stained teeth, and quickly went on, desperate to finish before he should die. “And there will be no more of this! No more unneeded bloodshed. I p-promise you, Maccorinous...no more.”

The Wil’shiron smiled faintly, his eyes looking distantly ahead and through the young wolf, unfocused and staring. “Then know that those you held dear did not die in vain, Kinarai. Know...and thank them. Let the Great Dragoness guide your steps, and help you forge a path of grandeur with destiny at your side.”

Those were the last words that were spoken that day, and for a long time. Kinarai was left alone, left to deal with the cadavers that surrounded her. It took the rest of that long day to bring each fallen wolf – treacherous or not – to the Field of Endsjourney; where all Oceanid wolves were taken to begin their last jaunt to the life in stars. She waited no time to begin trying to figure out what to do next. What was a Wil’kara with no pack to lead? The next day she traveled to Neutral, stalking past the other wolves there to delve into the entrance of the Dragoness’ home, seeking wisdom.

The Dragoness’ words were simple. “Wait, my child. Others will come, those who have lost sight of the path of their life. Some old, some young. Some lost, and some simply seeking to find a new existence. The Forest is no longer as secluded as it once was. So wait, Kinarai.”

And so she had, grateful that none of the other leaders had yet questioned her as to what had gone on. By their stares she thought they must wish to, but had yet to do so. Other wolves did come, sorted into their rightful packs – as all newcomers were – by the Great Dragoness. And some, of course, were brought to Oceanid. Kinarai settled almost instinctively into her position as Wil’kara, reveling outwardly for the fact that none questioned her past, mourning only to herself about what had befallen the Oceanid Pack only moons earlier.

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Word Key and Definitions

Wil'kar/Wil'kara: The Leader of the pack. Wil'kara being femenine, Wil'kar being masculine

Cil'karina: The mate of the Leader, usually weilding just as much power as the Leader. (Cut 'a' at end for masculine)

Vilarn: A general term used when referring to all general members of the pack

Nivern/Nivarn: The advisort of the Cil or Kar, Nivern being femenine, Nivarn being masculine.

Healer: The 'doctor' of the pack, whome tends to wounds and such.

Wil'shiron: The 'elder' of the pack. Highly revered and respected, as they are wise. ('shiron' to 'shiren' for femenine)

Field of Endsjourney: A field in The Forest bordering Oceanid Territory where the boides of the deceased are brought. There is no burial, as the bodies are taken care of by the Forest and the Earth, brought back from whence they came, leaving their souls to travel to the Stars.

The Great Dragoness: A white dragon, residing in a forested area under the surface of the Forest that the Four Packs (Oceanid, Wildfire, Umbra, and Lumin) reside in. She was created when the four souls of the original Pack Leaders melded together as one, living forever in the forest to offer guidance and wisdom. The Protector and Keeper of the Forest of the Dragoness.