children in the dark

The sky is awash with the brilliant colors of the setting Spring sun. Plants have sprouted where once they had laid dormant and the beautiful cycle of rebirth is in full swing. There should be joy in the young girl’s heart at watching the yearly change and hope of a better future but, for Haydée, a heaviness seems to loom over her. Being the new leader of Ethne comes with new responsibilities and the young girl feels woefully unprepared for them. Thoughts swirl around in her head as she walks, making her steps feel heavy and causing her small head to bow. The Falls are such a familiar land that she can walk through them without paying much attention which she seems to be doing a lot lately.

Suddenly, in the midst of her tumultuous thoughts as she treks along, an unknown scent hits Haydée’s nose. Pulling to a stop, the girl pulls in a deep breath to read the different smells on the air. Underneath the blooming flowers and heady herbal aromas is a new, strange one. It seems to be canine but it is not a wolf. More curious than mad that there is a trespasser in their lands, the red girl delves into the depths of the forest that surrounds the Falls to intercept the stranger. Soon, a slightly taller, shaggy, wet and yet thoroughly happy looking form comes into view.

Moving to stand in front of him, Hay halts their forward progress while offering a welcoming, warm smile. Gently, the new Leader of Ethne says, “Hello there. Is anything I can do to help you? You find yourself on Ethne pack lands but, if you mean us no harm, then you are welcome here.” Her mother had stressed that everyone is welcome within their pack and that they should not judge others. This stranger is different but she finds herself smiling because he just seems so happy. Her own tail begins to slowly wag behind her the longer she is in his presence.


"Haydée Kedieo"