Wolfpack

The Action

The pack was hosting an annual celebration in honor of the largest moon. Excitement was palpable in the air as wolves called and cajoled each other over the pack link and aloud. Even females who Emme had not forged deep relationships with invited her to their small gatherings where they ate sweet meats and distributed responsibilities. She was working on the decorations for the stage arch, under which the first moon dance would be performed. Having no artistic skill of her own, Emme was content to watch the other females practice their dancing and singing.

"Hey."

Emme looked up from her work to smile warmly at Ardyr. The other female burst out laughing as she sat beside Emme on the ground, folding her long legs beneath her.

"Jeeze, Emme, the glitter's supposed to go on the ribbons, not all over your face," Ardyr laughed, trying to swipe away glitter that had embedded itself in her friend's hair. Emme grinned. "You look like a crazy moon goddess," Ardyr chuckled, leaning away as Emme shook glitter from her skin. She was making it worse.

"I'm sorry," Emme blurted. The other female was silent. She stared at the arch for a long time, fingering the flimsy material that Emme was trying to arrange. He eyes were large when she looked back up at Emme.

"It's okay."

And it was. Ardyr reached out to her over the pack link, exposing her thoughts to Emme's scrutiny. There was no deceit in her words. Relief washed over Emme like river water on her skin. Suddenly, she yearned to bathe in the river, to dance under the sunlight.

"Wanna go for a run?" Emme asked, eyes twinkling.

"What about..." Ardyr lowered her voice and glanced around. "You know."

"Oh come on," Emme sighed, gluing yet another glittery decoration onto the arch. "It's not as if I don't have legs. Besides, we're not going far."

Ardyr giggled conspiratorially. The luna looked over at them, her eyes light with longing. Emme blushed and shied away from her gaze.

"Come on," Ardyr said quietly. "Let's get out of here before they give us yet another thing to do."

The river was as wonderful as Emme had anticipated. The water kissed her bare skin. She closed her eyes and danced in the sunlight. The cold didn't bother her, her body temperature rose to adjust. Ardyr laughed and joined her, dancing and writhing until the water steamed around their naked bodies.

"We'd better get dressed," Ardyr said, suddenly. Emme nodded. Their luna had called out for them over the pack link. Apparently, Emme's arch was yet unfinished. Like giggling schoolgirls, the two females made their way back to camp.

The gathering barn was a different place than what Emme was used to. False snow covered the floor - white chairs were laid out, row after row like pearly teeth. The walls had been decorated with blue and white decals, and glittery moons hung from the rafters.

"Only your arch remains," the luna said as she caught sight of Emme's awed gaze. Emme blushed.

"Come on," Ardyr said, grabbing her hand. "I'll help you finish it."

The arch was done quickly with Ardyr's help. The day seemed to rush by, eager to hear and see all that the pack had prepared in honor of the moon. As soon as the first milky rays of moonlight became visible, Cryo directed everyone into the gathering barn. Emme hummed with excitement as she found Noah and sat beside him, leaning into his chest and savoring the feeling of his arm around her shoulder. She shuddered with excitement, not for the upcoming festivities, but that her plan had taken an unexpected turn in her favor.

"We must return quickly after the celebration," Noah murmured into her hair as the lights were dimmed. He traced patterns into her skin, and she ignored him and focused on that instead.