Tic Tock [ All Welcome ]

Taktuq’s hindquarters suddenly buckled and forced the wolf to sit. His knees rattled as he turned an ear towards Orabelle’s strange voice.

”It make me happy helping others, like you.”

The words resonated far deeper with Taktuq than he would’ve imagined they did within her. Others like you. His voice echoed back to him softly. The young wolf’s throat tightened painfully as emotion welled up behind his eyes once more. ”Like me.” he parroted in a quakey voice. ”There are more?” While he was truthfully confused by her words, Taktuq’s heart swelled with the idea of belonging somewhere. He envisioned other wolves who’s faces also twitched, who’s paws would itch. Just like him. Taktuq did not realize this was not the meaning being her words, but it gave him hope nonetheless that he would not die without being remembered by someone.

While he became overwhelmed with the notion of others similar to him, Taktuq mindlessly took several steps toward Orabelle. ”I talk to Akna.”He said after a moment. His spine twisted and forced his posture into a hunch. ”At least… I used to.” No, he was not worthy to speak to his god. Nini was the All-Mother’s speaker. She was blatantly clear that Akna rejected him and surely would punish the wolf for even speaking her name. Taktuq was silent for some time, his muscles softening and allowing him to sit up. Though it was a rather pitiful sight as the position accentuated his bony ribcage and hollow shoulders. What a pathetic excuse for a wolf. ”What am I supposed to do?” He asked after an uncomfortably long silence. Tears threatened to spill from his round innocent eyes.

Orabelle had such a powerful maternal aura about her that Taktuq was troubled by how infectious her calmness was. It comforted him in a way he could not understand. It was that feeling that he desperately craved. He was not mentally ready to be on his own. The wolf had not been properly prepared to be cast out alone. What was a lone wolf supposed to do with his time? Taktuq’s tongue suddenly lashed about in his mouth, causing saliva to drip from his chin. When the tremor subsided he took in a sharp breath and held it, trying to blink back tears. ”Orabelle, I want to go home.” His voice was soft as he tried to hide the tremble in his vocal chords. He felt so lost. Where was he to turn? What course was he to take?