Slow death is best

Status earned by work was the answer Kione wanted to hear.  Was he really considering joining a pack of wolves?  Chimera spoke again and threw in a word that had more meaning to Kione than he might expect, ‘family’.  He knew most wolves lived in packs but some seemed content to live alone.  Kione couldn’t imagine staying this way forever, alone.  How far had he already walked in search of his own kind?  Even if he did find more there was no guarantee he’d be admitted.  It also wouldn’t be his family that he had grown up with.  They were dead.

The wolf seemed a relatively nice guy, at least so far.  Kione wasn’t so dumb as to think you knew someone after meeting them for a few minutes.  However, ‘nice’ was a relative concept.  Kione wasn’t worried about any grand morals or goals in life.  There was no set of rules of how one should behave or act aside from the pack work well together and care for their own.  If that was what the man was offering it might be foolish not to take it.  There was no reason to believe other wolf packs would make a similar offer.

“I’m Kione,” he hadn’t bothered using his last name lately.  It was the name of a family that no longer existed anywhere but in bitter-sweet memories.  “I’ve been searching for a family for some time.  I thought I was looking for more like me to make that happen.”  Shrug, “It seems my kind are in small supply,” the question of how small still flickered in his mind, “So,” the painted dog had spent enough time alone, “I appreciate the offer.” A nod given to the pelt, “I think I’d like to go where that’s going so I have something comfy to sleep on.  I wish to join the pack.  Words don't mean much but, I can assure you I can work hard and care for my family.” I wish to have a family. He'd never let another family suffer the tragedy of his.


"Speech"