Ever since the arrival of her early adulthood, her mind had been troubled. It was the future that was worrying her and she wasn't usually one to worry. As a pup she had led a straight-forward and carefree life. Now it wasn't that easy and simple. She had her ambitions, dreams and hopes to impress her family as she grew older. There were many things she wanted to do, many fields to broaden her knowledge in. She wanted to be important, a Destruction everyone would remember. The girl wanted to be the best she could be, but she didn't know how.
She sought consultation with her parents. They had grown up in a similar way and so there had to be some helpful advice they could share. Her head would tilt back as she let out a confident howl, calling for either her mother or father.
He knew very well the confusion of adolescence, though surely his own childhood had been much different from his children's. He only lived with his mother for the first two years of his life, marrying Novella and suddenly having an immense amount of family had been quite an adjustment. With his soul mate's help he'd found himself as alpha at her side. He'd been taught to always do his best, and apparently the strategy had worked. He'd fathered his own three children, and would be known in the Destruction legacy. Did his children aspire to do the same?
The sound of his daughter's voice would draw him from his thoughts, her need for him easily bringing him to his paws and in search of her form. His children were young adults now, it was time for them to really start making life choices. He only hoped he taught them well enough that they chose the right path. For a long time he had been sick, leaving Novella with an impressive work load. Not that he could ever doubt his wife. No, they would be marvelous at whatever they chose.
Her form would be found rather quickly, and with no shame he would draw forward to embrace his only daughter with a kiss on her head. "Hello my love," His voice would be offered as he stepped back, giving her space once again. "I suppose you didn't need me to just say hello?" He'd ask, lowering his haunches to the ground to get more comfortable.
Just as called, Frith would arrive. She had not spent much time together with her father and so she hoped this conversation would end well. It was time she learned her parents' history, if they would allow her. She returned the kind greeting with a calm smile. "Hello father."
At that point she was contemplating whether or not to inform him of her dilemma. However, it would be silly and a waste of time for her just to say hello and end the discussion there. She called him here for a reason and she might as well talk it through.
"May I ask for some advice?" She politely inquired, seating herself by his side. She assumed her father had grown up in a similar environment or had experienced the dilemma himself. She didn't want to throw at him her troubles all at once. It was better if she asked for his permission before she found herself carried away with asking questions.
The sickness had laid its claim over him for far too long, the time spent should have been with his growing children. He'd missed so much while being quarantined away from them. He'd find immense pleasure in her sweet smile and greeting as he found his way to Varda's side. His only daughter. He felt an immense pride for her as well as defensive as he wished to protect her from the world forever.
Thoughts would return to her words as she would, with the most beautiful of manners, ask him for his advice as she took a seat beside him. His adoring smile would grow a bit finding his words for her, "of course, you can ask me anything, Varda." He would do his best to reassure her and get her comfortable with talking to him. He had no intentions at all of denying his daughter the answers she sought.
Like any young wolf, her goal was to obtain a high rank within the pack. Certainly not an Author though, that seemed too big of a responsibility. She didn't see herself as a future leader. Although in her mind, a high rank seemed just as rewarding as a position of leadership. If only she knew the names of Threar's ranks. She only knew of Drafts, children of the pack, Prologues, where she was at now and Authors, a rank too far out of her reach. She knew of none that she wanted. Being the leader himself, her father would know everything there is to learn about Threar.
"What sort of high ranks are there?" However, she didn't want him to think that she wanted a high rank at that moment. So she quickly added. "A rank that I could work towards and achieve in the future."
Like any parent Frith wants to see his children grow up to be successful thriving members of the pack. He knew not what his children wished to study or excel in but he was eager to support them in whatever they wished to do. He would settle in comfortably before his daughter. ears erect and smile soft as he awaited and listened to her very grown up questions. He didn't know if he was ready for his babies to grow up just yet, not that he had any say so in the matter. The sickness really had stolen more from him than just Novel and Dutiron. It had caused him to miss most of his children's childhood. His regret would not be visible though, however his pride would shine through. "Well, Threar has many ranks and as you know right now you are a prologue. Your next rank will be chapter, to achieve that rank you'll need to study." He;d watch her, wondering if he was even answering her question. There were higher ranks certainly, but baby steps were needed to be taken if she wanted to step up the ladder. "So if you have some lessons with your mom and I, your uncle or even your cousins, it'll help us decide if you're ready to move u or not. After you make it to chapter with even more lessons and proof of skill you'll make it to Epilogue." He'd watch the younger girl, wondering if this was discouraging, "After you've mastered your skill you'll go on to be a plot, and by then you'll be the teacher and will have the duty of teaching those lower rank than you." It was long winded but hopefully she got her answer.
Whilst she intently listened, ranks were smoothly explained. Effortlessly, the positions would be processed and stored into her mind for future knowledge. Like any yearling, the highest rank her father brought up sparked the most interest. An image of a wise future Varda floated briefly through her mind before she mentally shook the thought away. Although she wanted to teach others as a Plot, first she had to be taught herself. Through his explanation, he mentioned studying, the way to climb through the ranks. Of course, she wanted to study right away, but how? Were there special meetings similar to hunts? Most importantly, had she already missed out on any?
"So to study I have to..." Uncertain words trailed off as an indication for her father to finish the clarification.
Varda was excellent at listening, her pristine white ears tuned into him as he explained the ranks she had to look forward to, though he'd failed to mention how it was she was going to get there. Only being a year old her experiences were not as vast as they might be in only a year's more time. Though the journey to Chapter was not so intense as the journey to Plot. "Attend a few lessons, prove to your mother and I that you are capable enough to be called a Chapter." Not that he had any doubt that she was more than capable. "How well do you think you know the three skills?"
He would ask with a tilt to his head. He knew she'd already gotten a bit of hunting training, but he had no doubt that she had little experience in the other fields. However, maybe hunting was enough.
By lessons she assumed he meant pack hunts, fight training and healing sessions, or however fighters and healers were educated. Her mind briefly pondered on those fields. Were there only three? Ironically, her father would inquire how well her knowledge stood with those three skills. She had participated in one hunt, although she was far from calling herself a hunter. Fighting and healing were new and unexplored areas, perhaps they were more interesting than hunting.
"I know how to hunt but of course I need practice." She responded smoothly with a light chuckle, unsure if she would be able to rise through ranks with just hunting. Her mind urged her to try the other two fields, if there was going to be training for them. "However, I know nothing about fighting or healing. I do want to try them."
She imagined herself getting to the point in the future she knew everything in every field. Overworking herself with knowledge and training in every skill was something she wanted to steer away from. She only wanted to see what they were like and if she would be capable with one or two of them.
His only daughter was incredibly smart, she was quick and didn't need the vast explanations that some might have. As he asked his question her answer would come quickly with a chuckle. He'd join in, it seemed though that training had been lacking, though that was mostly his own fault. He'd been sick so long he'd not been able to really train them like his mother had done with him. For that they deserved an apology. Varda would make it obvious she was ready to train in those areas as well, which made him feel all more like he'd failed them. "Well, we can train right now if you'd like. He can practice hunting, maybe teach you some defenses, or even go start identifying some of the more common herbs found here." He'd offer her the choice, and really they could do any or all of them if she did so choose.
""
He offered to teach her a few basic things from hunting, fighting or healing. Could she try all three? Perhaps one for now as she'd hate to tire him. Her mind wondered where and when her father had acquired knowledge from all three fields, but perhaps that was a necessity of being an Author. The more knowledge, the better. Having a smarter father meant she could learn more.
"Which field is more important?" It was a silly question to ask, however she was yet to learn the high importance of all fields. She had not seen wolves fight, starve or grow sick and so she didn't take Threar's high ranks as seriously as she should. As well as that, she always had trouble deciding between choices.
While he'd allow Varda the complete freedom to choose he hoped that all of his children would learn as much as they could in every field. We only wished for them to be intelligent, well rounded individuals and he knew that they would great. Eventually maybe even one of them would think of taking over for their parents someday. He'd smile softly as his attentions focused on his young daughter, her question reaching him easily, though he hardly considered it anything but a worthy question. He would treat it as such, "They are all important to have knowledge of, though you should really know how to feed yourself as a number one priority. Being able to defend and heal yourself wont be a lot of use if you can't even fill your belly." He'd chuckle slightly, even though their discussion was dead serious. If she wanted to be an independent adult she needed to have these skills at her disposal. ""
"Maybe we should go on a quick hunt first?" He'd ask her, seeing if hse found similarities in their opinions.
Hunting seemed to be more important as food was a basic life essential. Feeding others was another priority to add to her list and so for now, hunting would be her main focus. Just as the thought appeared in her mind, her father would suggest the very activity she was thinking of. She found it an opportunity to improve her techniques rather than to start afresh in a brand new field.
"Yes, we should." She responded almost immediately. Her body turned slightly as she prepared to walk, flicking her tail once as a silent indication for him to follow. Although her belly was feeling quite hollow, she held the urge to hunt as her father may want to demonstrate vital information for her to learn. Or he may like to observe how she performs herself. Hopefully she would get some tips out of it.
Back to the basics, the very core of survival for any wolf or pack was the ability to take down prey and feed themselves. Those skills would be the most important for his children were they to succeed in their lives. Of course with out the other knowledge they were quite at a loss, and their lives could be threatened just a direly. Really though focusing on how to acquire food was the number one priority. They could go on to other lessons as well, but hunting would be the main focus for a while. Varda's answer came incredibly quick, like she'd been on the same train of thought as him and the man would smile and nod. Here they went.
He wouldn't even have to take the lead as his daughter flicker her tail and asked him to follow. Of course he would, had she already known of a place where her prey might be hiding? Did they need to stalk the creature, run it down, attack head on? "What's your game plan?" He'd ask her, giving the girl complete reign of their activity. He'd stay back and watch if she wanted, but he would gladly get in and hunt with her if that's what she wished.
Whilst deciding to follow her, he asked for her plan. Even though she hadn't thought that far, she knew she had to come up with some sort of aim. Hunting wasn't just the hunt itself. Without planning and strategising, the hunt wouldn't be as successful as it should. With only one or maybe two wolves hunting, they weren't able to take down one deer. For now she would stick with smaller prey and build on from there if the group increased in size.
"I was thinking to go on a walk while trying to find scents from smaller creatures. Once I have my scent, I can track it down quietly and finish it without a chase." Her explanation spilled from her lips while she continued her smooth wander. Because of her slight inexperience, there wasn't another worthy plan her mind could come up with that didn't involve larger hunting groups. Mentally, she was cringing after every word she spoke. Although in the back of her mind she knew her father would never criticize her choices, she only hoped she would impress him with such thinking.
He knew that she was hardly experienced in the art but already he was testing her knowledge and letting her figure out what her own instincts and smart would tell her. He knew very well how intelligent his children were and had no doubt they would take to any and all the skills presented to them. Frith would follow behind his daughter his bright bicolored gaze watching her as she began to formulated the plan within her mind. He would feel the pride in his chest increase as she spoke, her plan rather perfect and pretty much exactly what he would have suggested were she to ask him for advice. "A sound plan." He'd tell her, knowing the smaller prey would be much easier than attempting something larger. The falls held a plethora of small creatures. "Do you want to try on your own or do you want my help?" He'd ask her curiously, he was happy to do either was was quite eager to see what she might do on her own.
If only it would be a sound plan. Did he actually believe it was a sound plan or was he just saying it for support? Either way, there was no point in changing it now.
"If it is alright with you, I would like to hunt by myself for now. Perhaps you can watch and give me feedback?" She suggested gently before slowly padding away from his position. Whether he followed her or watched from afar would be his choice, as long as he avoided any interruptions with the hunt.
After gaining some distance away her previous location, her limbs carried her around the falls in a leisurely pace. While she seemed relaxed and calm, her nose worked twice as hard to analyse the scents drifting in the air. Her eyes would not be as much use as her smell, since smart prey was usual in hiding. However, her gaze was alert and attentive, scanning for the slightest movements that may belong to a creature. It wasn't long before she found herself latching onto the faint scent of a hare. The speed in her pace decreased enormously as she followed the lingering smell, leading her gradually to a row of wide bushes. She seemed to pay no attention to the thick grass underneath making the most noticeable of noises. The chestnut creature sat only a metre away from the bushes, closer to where she crept. Although the slope provided some advantage with swiftness, her skills were far from catching the creature. Without turning around to face the predator, the hare twitched its whiskers before delving into the bushes and taking off into the forest in a frantic yet silent motion. Were her paw-steps that loud? Perhaps she waited too long and the hare managed to pick up her scent. The whole time her stance was frozen, unsure if chasing after it would be the efficient thing to do. It was too late now, and all she could do was let out a grunt of annoyance.
He believed in her, and in theory the simple plan would work perfectly. She told him that she did indeed wish to do this on her own, and he would nod proudly. Even if she did not come back with a catch the simple fact of knowing she was growing in her independence made him beam. He'd watch her as she shifted away from him, and with practiced ease he would follow behind completely silent.
He'd hide in the tall grasses as she grew more near her prey, even he knew not where the prey was, but by now he had a good idea. Before she could do more though the sound of her form slipping through the tall plants caused the rabbit to flee with no hesitation. He wondered for a moment if she might chase after the creature, but the longer she waited he realized she would not, and he'd smile softly at her disappointed noise. Rising from the grass himself Frith would step closer to his daughter, "Good try my sweet, but that rabbit was just quick enough to see another day. You'll have to practice walking in complete silence other wise..." He'd look to the forest in the direction the rabbit ran. "Do you want to try again?"
""
Now that her mistake had been pointed out, she found it easier to correct it. Of course, she wouldn't be able to change the grass, but perhaps it were only her steps that needed a change. For a few moments she practised stepping silently, turning back and forth until she was certain there would be no failures in her next hunt. Once she regained her confidence, she beamed a nod to her father as a reply for his inquiry. She was more than ready to try again.
Paws took off into the small forest, the same direction the previous hare had escaped to. By now, that creature would be long in hiding. However, if this was where other hares hid, perhaps it wouldn't be hard to find prey. Despite the fact her nose hadn't picked up any scents, her pace slowed and gradually faded in volume, just to be on the safe side. A nearby smell tickled her nose, informing her of a squirrel not far from her position. If there was anything she knew of squirrels after observing them in the wild, they appeared to be quite alert creatures. Beside a tree, a russet squirrel scavenged for food with its back turned. Avoiding any hesitation and dawdling, in long yet silent steps the catch was hers. Only a surprised squeak left the creature before it dangled limp in her jaws. Pride engulfed her as she searched for her father. Did he see it? He had to!
Varda gave no answer as he pointed out what he saw to be her fatal flaw, but even as he said it the girl was determined to overcome this hiccup. Eagerly she would practice, her form slinking through the grass until he, and obviously she, could no longer hear the foot falls she'd offered earlier. Finally with a swift nod the girl was ready and again with out a word she would be off.
Frith would follow her similarly to how he'd done before, though he'd found a slight hill that he could observe her from through the trees. He'd watch her search and finally catch sight of something. He wouldn't see her prey until the final squeak, and he knew very well that she'd been successful. The chocolate male would waste no time in reaching her side, beaming with pride as she held her catch. "Absolutely perfect, Varda!" He couldn't help the nuzzle that followed as he praised her, hopefully she wasn't to big for her dad's kisses yet.
""
