You follow Kalika as she zooms off into the meadow. Rikale follows more slowly, staying with you. You ask her about the wolves in the pack.
'Well,' she tells you, 'the pack at this point is quite small. But as we rescue more and more animals, hopefully it will soon grow to a healthy size. The first wolves you will meet are going to be the alpha pair. They are the leaders of the pack and very territorial, so make sure you are polite!'
You notice that Kalika has rejoined you both. She nods at Rikale and continues the biology lesson for the day, as you think of it. 'The next pair down will be, as you might have guessed, the beta pair. Each wolf has a rank according to their station in the pack, from alpha to the lowest, the omega wolves. These are the lowest in rank and are sometimes the scapegoats.' Kalika frowns and shakes her head. 'But it is nature. Who are we to change it?'
:Who indeed...: a voice speaks in your mind. You turn and see two beautiful wolves stepping towards you. They eye you curiously, ears erect, ready for any danger. The grey wolf looks to Kalika. :Hello, Kalika. Greetings Rikale. So, I assume this is one of the humans you said would be coming.: The wolf sniffs distainfully.
'Oh come now Soven, you haven't even given the human a chance! This is no ordinary human; this particular one was able to meet the dragons, as well as the unicorns! Now if a unicorn is willing to meet a human, I'm sure you will be able to manage.' Kalika grins a tad evilly.
Soven snorts and turns to the white wolf behind him, who you assume is his mate. :Well Ilanca, what do you think? You are the one who takes care of the cubs, not I. It is your decision.:
The snow white female wolf approaches you, sniffing you, taking in your scent. :Yes... I think this one will be alright. Won't you, human?: Ilanca looks up into your eyes; you catch a humourous glint in them and relax. At least the wolves have a sense of humour!
:Ok,: Soven tells you, :but we are going to make this quick. Very quick. Is that understood?: You gulp and nod. Soven lets out a series of short yips, and four wolves run into the small clearing. A tiny pup scampers in after them, hardly able to run. You gasp in surprised pleasure.