Horizon Ridge Arsenic and Lace

"It works either way," Pump explained to Thistle, "for example, my grandma gave me my name, but she was the leader and it is a great honor." Dear, old gran, who had had a very nasty character with rare soft edges and moments of kindness and selflessness. She had survived very harsh times in her life and had made sure that every member of her family - young and old - knew the unforgiving rules of survival and "eat or be eaten" rule of the wild. Her teachings had had great influence on Pump's life and this explained a lot, why she did some things that others didn't like or find acceptable.

"Or they choose themselves," which was more common. If they had worked so hard, they had earned the right to make their first decision in life. "Me - quite young," younger than the rest, who had had the courage and drive to earn the privilege of being named.