poor unfortunate child

His surroundings were changing. As Seattle traveled further west, a briny scent permeated the air and the dark earth grew pale and soft beneath his paws. He was near the sea. Though he had never been this close, he knew the ocean would soon yawn before him. His mother had told him all that she knew about the ocean, how everything around him would change when he was near, and how nothing in existance would compare to its beauty. For the first time in months, the boy felt excitement, and jogged with his tail level to his back, rather than limp between his heels. It was as if in seeing the ocean he would also capture one last, fleeting image of his mother, whose face he barely remembered.

But salt was not the only scent he detected. The snowy creature smelled wolves, as well - or rather, an entire pack. Up to now, Seattle had carefully avoided contact with others while the shock of losing his family ebbed away from his heart. Today was different. Suddenly, he was somehow strong enough to approach the borders of this pack, despite the terror that strangled him as he thought of facing a leader and seeking acceptance. Seattle did not have reasons for his decisions lately; he just went with how he felt, and accepted the consequences. His feelings were good, today.

The pale wolf paused just short of the marked border. He took a deep breath of cool air that was seasoned lightly with salt, tilted his slender muzzle and announced his presence through song. Usually, Seattle had a beautiful, soulful howl, but his anxiety was clear even in song. He backed up a few feet as his call ended, ears lowered, bright green eyes darting around worriedly.