Stone Circle Folk Tales

Katla had gotten used to a certain crowd around her. Her favorite touch was her mother. She was just the perfect temperature, her fur the perfect consistency as she snuggled against it. She was beginning to learn the contrast between her mother and the outside. She sometimes scurried along the ground, usually when she got confused and lost her way. It was okay for a moment, the creeping coolness that was at first interesting but then quickly scary and uncomfortable. Luckily a good wail was all it took for the soft, sturdy muzzle of her mother to guide her back to her home tucked against warm fur. 

Her second favorite touch was her brother. Granted, he was often in her way which caused some irritation, but his presence was an integral part of her life, she didn’t know anything else, and rarely did she want to be anywhere aside from pressed against his familiar form. 

Third favorite was her father. The first time she had been left alone with him, she had been terrified and cried for her mother the whole time. Such an unfamiliar touch, scent, and noise. Her biggest comfort had been that at least her brother was with her. Luckily, though, that fear had faded fast when his presence continued and he ended up pretty comfortable after all. At this point he was around so often, even, that his arms felt like a second home. And then there was Skald, who though once again had taken a bit of time to get used to, Katla had learned to accept his presence as well. 

And today her universe would be expanded further, as she would meet some other pups in the pack. A rush of cold air came as Tauris lifted her paw to allow the approach of the others. The empty air was soon replaced by a large puppy. Well, large compared to her. Katla twisted around to greet the newcomer with an indignant series of whines and beeps, though she was ultimately too small to do much about her new place between the older pup’s paws. Katla had never felt anyone like Astrid before. She was a bit like a big version of her brother. But she was different, so Katla didn’t like it!

Light and shadow flickered, she could see it from under her eyelids as she faced Astrid and continued her protests. Her eyes had never yet opened, but the dark slits quivered as she tried to see what was happening around her.