FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The weather was fair and serene without a single cloud in the light blue sky. Across the rolling green meadows, grasses bobbed and gently swayed from the stirring winds causing them to resemble ocean waves. High above from her advantageous perch, an archer silently gazed upon the open space below. Only the mountains had a view comparable to that of the sky. The sunlight graced the female wolf's beautiful cream colored fur and long hair, mingling to create a subtle golden glow around her resembling a shimmering aura. A quiver's strap ran between her breasts from her shoulder to hip. She had a leather padded bracer on her left wrist as well. However, those were the only items that the archer "wore." Being covered in fur, clothing was more of an unnecessary option for her and everyone else living in her village. Compared to her bare front, the wolf's backside, legs, and upper arms to her shoulders had a slightly darker cream complexion with a golden hue that was only noticeable at a second glance. Her tail tip was the only outright second color, a subtle brown color just like her nose.

Another passing breeze gently blew her hair. The wolf's nose flared as she detected a familiar scent. Gamey, musky, and earthy. She had been chasing it most of the day through the mountain's forest since mid morning; but now the trees were at her back after climbing and tracking through the twisting trails. Fluffy triangular ears preened the silence through the breeze with absolute focus. Sapphire blue eyes scanned the entire area down below. Brush obscured some of her immediate view, but she could see a small scattered herd of Jumping Deer eating clover, grass, and leaves. They were named after their incredible leaps and bounds to traverse higher elevations, but also the behavior they exhibited when startled. This made the deer tricky to catch.

The archer crouched down. Reaching back with a steady hand, her gaze didn't break from the spot ahead. Her fingers touched the fletched feathers of an arrow in her quiver. She hesitated only for a moment before grasping the end with two fingers. It was the wolf's last arrow. Her luck had been thin throughout the day, but she had made several excellent shots with the final arrow in her quiver. However, the archer's quiver was now empty once again. She had to make her last shot of the day count.

Carefully holding the arrow in hand and her bow in the other, she crept down the rocky hillside on all fours. The wolf's legs were strong and well toned, and her stomach was flat. Athleticism was a must for the amount of endurance she required during each hunt. Her long light cream colored hair spilled down from the nape of her neck and trailed over the rocks beneath her. Underneath, her breasts freely hung and swayed as she carefully crept forward. Despite this, her entire focus was centered on the closest deer. The wolf always felt the subtle pull and sway of her breasts when she had to lean forward or duck as she walked. It was the simple natural feeling of her own body, and the archer thought little of it. After all, there was little difference between how her chest, tail, and hair rested in her opinion.

'A few more steps...' Her thought barely formed before a an unexpected sound broke her concentration. She tensed her body and froze as her eyes narrowed. The closest pair of deer stopped, lifted their heads, and looked around. The wolf felt herself breathing quickly as her muscles tensed. She wasn't in position to use her bow just yet. Knowing full well that her coat color didn't afford much camouflage during any of the seasons didn't help either. Luckily, the stone underneath her was a similar color lighter shade. The deer resumed grazing much to the wolf's relief.

'Phew...' She calmly exhaled. Still too far from having a decent shot, the archer popped the arrow into her mouth, gripping its narrow shaft between her teeth. She carried the arrow in her teeth and continued creeping forward to the nearest stable boulder. Once she was under sufficient cover, the wolf relaxed and plucked the arrow from her teeth.

'I should be close enough.' She glanced back and guessed that most of the remaining distance between her and the deer had been covered. Sitting up straight, she notched the arrow. Peeking around the boulder, her arm pulled the bowstring back. One deer nearby had her complete attention.

"Pfywow!" An alarm call sharply hissed from another deer she hadn't spotted, but noticed her first. Her blue eyes widened in an instant as all of the other deer rose up alerted.

'Now!' The golden archer relaxed her fingers and released the arrow just as the herd of deer leapt into flight. The projectile sailed through the air faster than her eyes could follow, but the deer in her sights was unscathed as it leapt away. It disappeared into the brush around the bend of the hillside, and then the lowland forest with the others. The wolf had missed. She trotted out into the open along the now empty hillside. A frustrated sigh of disappointment blew out of her nose.

"Rotten luck." She mumbled as a breeze blew her long hair into the air behind her resembling a cape. Bow in hand with an empty quiver on her back, there was nothing she could do except return home. Her paws carried her down the mountainside to the lowland hills and patches of woods. The natural scenic view around her appeared endless in every direction. However, the horizon was marked by two different mountain chains in the south and east. The southern mountains were covered in lush deciduous and coniferous forests and full of many diverse flora and wildlife. She frequently visited the southern area for its rich hunting grounds, but it was also home to various medicinal herbs. The eastern mountains were grayer by comparison. Few trees grew on its slopes, and wildlife was scarce, but hardy. They were well known to everyone as a natural homeland for dragons. A hidden passage known as the "Dragon Ravine" led into the valley on the other side.

The hills around the village flattened out in a few spots. To the north, several lakes and thick forests covered much of the land. The west had several tributaries converge into a main river, but the land was rugged compared to the forests and meadows. During rains, the area became impassable due to periodic floods.

"I'm back already." The wolf whispered to herself as the modest houses of a village came into view. A few had little trails of smoke leaving their chimneys. Her home was a small village mostly comprised of wolves and other canines nestled amongst the low green hills and small forests. A rocky stream meandered around the huts in a bend before joining a wider river further downstream. Small farms and orchards rested close to the source of water for irrigation. Despite the peaceful scenery and calm atmosphere, the humble village had a small population. Visitors were irregular and most were from the closest neighboring settlement, a bustling town to the southeast via a dirt road.

Before returning directly home, the archer took a detour over a grassy hill overlooking the village where several sheep were grazing. Each was fluffy with thick white fleece, resembling little four legged clouds.

"Baa." One of the grazing sheep walked up to her.

"Hey there little fella." The cream furred wolf knelt down and pet the friendly sheep. "You're so fluffy..." She hugged the thick fleece, enjoying the warmth on her body. "Just like hugging a cloud."

"Hey Okhotna!" Looking up, the wolf spotted a female border collie approaching her. She was one of the flock's shepherds.

"Hi Laima." The wolf greeted her friend with a grin. The collie's bright and sunny attitude was always contagious. Completely naked just like the archer, the smiling shepherd was lean and athletic. Her breasts were almost hidden underneath her thick black and white fur that always seemed disheveled from the wind or actively herding her flock.

"Hello!" The border collie cheerfully waved with her staff in hand.

"Hey. You appeared out of nowhere." The cream furred wolf rose to her paws.

"I was laying down when I saw you on this side of the hill." She pointed over her shoulder. "And then you hugged one of the sheep." The collie giggled.

"I couldn't help myself. They're too soft." As soon as Okhotna spoke, the sheep rose onto its hind legs and "pawed" at the wolf's legs. "Oof. Careful you." The archer pet its wooly sides.

"Haha. Aww, she likes you." Her friend laughed. The sheep eventually hopped back down and left the two ladies alone. "I see that you've been hunting today." She eyed the wolf's bow in hand as well the quiver's strap running down her chest. "Do you need help carrying something big that you caught?"

"No, I won't need any help." The wolf shook her head. "I didn't catch anything today."

"Aw. I'm sorry to hear that." Her friend sympathetically spoke.

"It happens." She shrugged unhappily. "I stopped by here before going back home."

"I'll walk back with you then." The border collie offered, and walked down the hillside with her. They passed through a small patch of trees before the ground evened out.

"The leaves will be changing colors and falling before you know it." She remarked. The wolf quietly nodded and glanced at the trees. "Remember when we used to run around and chase falling leaves, trying to catch them for good luck?"

"Yeah, although I remember how fast you were at catching them." The wolf softly grinned.

"Mmhm. It was so much fun!" She thought of it all very fondly, but the wolf remained quiet as they walked. "What's wrong?" Laima noticed her friend's silence. "Is something bothering you?"

"I haven't caught much this year." She mumbled.

"Every hunter, no matter how great, has an inactive season every few years." Her friend pointed out.

"It's more than that." Okhotna explained sadly with reluctance. "I'm just not that happy."

"What?" The border collie tilted her head slightly in question. "But I thought you loved hunting."

"No." The wolf shook her head. "It's not that. I always love hunting, and I still do. It's just... other things." She paused and stared off for a moment while her friend looked at her curiously. "I'm getting older and that makes me think about life." She vaguely spoke.

"What do you mean?"

"You know... having a family..."

"Every male here would love to become your mate. We both know that."

"I've had to beat back several suitors." Okhotna huffed. "Maybe the men date me because I have large breasts." She wiggled her nose wondering to herself. They were impossible to miss, and the wolf always felt them move when she moved.

"I don't think so." The border collie giggled at the idea. "All women have them in many sizes."

"Then what makes so many men chase after me?"

"That's what men do." Laima half grinned. "But you are famous here for hunting the golden deer." She reminded her wolf friend. "And your fur appears golden when the sun shines on you."

"Where have I heard that before?" Okhotna comically rolled her eyes.

"Probably everyone." The border collie giggled. "You want to have a family, but don't like anyone hounding you romantically. That's a difficult problem to solve."

"Any idea how to solve it?"

"Uh. Can't say I have any." She quietly admitted. They walked over a short wooden bridge that crossed above a gulley leading into the village. The first huts were just a few yards away.

"Thanks for walking with me. I appreciate it." The wolf offered a grin of thanks.

"You're welcome. If you need anything, even if it's just to talk, you know where to find me." She gave the wolf a tight hug before walking back over the bridge to her pasture. The cream furred wolf took a few steps closer only to pause and look around for a moment. The backdrop of southern mountains and eastern mountains towered above the horizon nearby. Her blue eyes had seen the fantastic landscape countless times, but it always felt a little inspiring to see it from the place she grew up.

'Hopefully I'm just having a tough season.' Okhotna wiggled her nose dismissively, and wished that her friend was right. Still clutching the bow in her hand, she adjusted the strap across her front and walked to the modest dwellings. Despite the flicker of hopeful optimism, her paws felt heavy with each step. Coming back home with empty hands and an empty quiver was never something she liked to experience. What felt like a productive day had become wasted in her view. She kept a neutral face despite her inner feelings, and looked at the buildings to keep her thoughts focused.

The village's homes were mostly modest cottage styled houses. Roofs were either thatched or in some cases made from wood. Walls were covered in white plaster to remove a cruder lodge styled appearance. Windows were small to allow enough light inside. Small overhanging thatch structures were also used to keep piles of wood outside dry. Many homes also had little wooden fences for corralling a pet goat or two, or simply to help protect a garden from a neighboring stray goat... There were few, if any, clotheslines since laundry was mostly nonexistent for the village, unless someone was preparing to travel to an area through one of the four portals in the countryside.

As for the village's inhabitants, a mix of daily chores, activities, and games created topical scenes. A couple of older women kneading dough to make bread was always a common sight. Kids scattering about, running after one another, and crying aloud with glee was typical too. The golden archer could hear an adolescent grumble by one house that was having its roof repaired. The little village never had a dull moment.

"Hey, Okhotna." A grey fox named Urusa called out to her as she walked by.

"Hi." She glanced over her shoulder but didn't stop walking. The vulpine was modest in height, but his overconfidence soared to the sky.

"Do you need someone to go hunting with?" He asked and kept pace with her. "I've been target practicing since spring." The grey fox hoped she would accept, but he was one of many who had tried wooing her before.

"No thank you." She politely declined and kept her gaze fixed ahead. The grey fox lost the bounce in his step and retreated back with the subtle sting of rejection. The cream furred wolf arrived at her dwelling soon enough. Her home was a small humble cottage that half resembled a hut. Since the wolf lived alone, there was only one room, but it suited her needs well. All the archer wanted was a place to eat and sleep when she wasn't outside.

'I have plenty of firewood in case I need it.' She noted the small supply stacked beside her house. The cream furred wolf approached the entrance. It was a heavy leathery curtain rather than a wooden door like many of the village's homes. She checked a small wooden drop box beside the entryway for any mail, but it was empty as usual. Inside was the small cozy space she called home. A hearth for cooking was dormant for the moment, but hanging on the mantle above was a ceremonial spear. Several shelves stored food in jars or baskets; but incense, arrow shafts, bowls, and pots were also stored there. A pair of lonely reed mats were placed out to sit on. Beside the entryway hung a cape to wear for when it was raining, or when she traveled to certain areas through the portals. Lastly, her bed was a series of animal pelts covered with blankets for extra warmth when needed.

She was the only one within the village who hunted for her livelihood. The other villagers who hunted only did so seasonally for sport. This was a fairly recent phenomenon for the village. Within two generations, the village went from being a predominantly tribal hunter gatherer society to a pastoral and farming one.

The wolf propped her bow by the doorway. She took off her bracer and quiver next, setting them beside several more arrows that that were prepared for another hunt. She wiped her paws on a reed mat before walking inside. She scratched her head and looked around for a moment. Her blue eyes settled on a closed chest beside her bed. Kneeling down, the wolf unlatched it and pulled out one of her most prized possessions. It was a deer hide with one special feature, the fur was actual gold. The glittering golden pelt shimmered with a radiant luster in her hands as the wolf held it up in the light. Placing it in her lap, she pet the fur, noting its exquisite softness.

An animal born with a silver pelt was said to be born only once every generation, and gold, only once every other generation. They were incredibly rare, and it was considered very lucky to merely glimpse one in the wild. And yet, Okhotna managed to kill the golden deer at the novice age of twenty.

"Six years ago..." She fondly thought of the day only to realize how much time had passed since then. There was a jovial celebration in the village, and news spread of the accomplishment. It was the pinnacle achievement of her archery and hunting prowess; but it was also the source of many suitors trying to court her. At first the incessant advances were flattering, but they had quickly became annoying and creepy. Being chased by several men time after time made the wolf feel like an animal being hunted. Most of them only chased her for the glory, and nothing else. It left the kind hearted archer wary and untrusting of strangers; but not all of the consequences were negative. She used the golden hide to swaddle her nephew for good luck, and it was exceptionally soft and warm to sleep on. After giving the pelt a brief hug she placed the golden fur back inside the trunk, and closed the top.

The wolf glanced around her home, and the empty silence felt uncomfortable.

"I'll visit my sister." Okhotna decided. She quietly rose up and left her little abode.

The cream furred wolf slipped over to her sister's house without any interference. The humble cottage looked very much like her house. It was small and quaint, but smoke was rising lazily from the chimney. Her ears perked up as she paused before the entryway. The wolf smiled as she heard delightful little cries coming from within the house.

"Hey there, Okhotna." A masculine voice interrupted her. Turning around, she found a familiar dark grey timber wolf standing behind her. He was her sister's husband, Aonghas. Despite carrying an armful of firewood, he wore a friendly smile.

"Hello Aonghas." She grinned and greeted him warmly. "Your hands are full. Need any help?"

"I would appreciate it if you could hold the curtain open for me."

"Sure." She obliged and let him pass through first. "I'm coming in behind you." The archer stepped in right behind him.

"Thanks!" You're always welcome in our home." He glanced over his shoulder. "I was just getting more firewood to finish cooking dinner."

Looking around, the home was very cozy and warm inside, as it always had felt to her. Shelves were stocked with essentials ranging from food to wool and simple tools and leather pouches. The hearth was alive and the smells of good food cooking delighted her nose. Animal pelts were spread out along one section of the house creating a space to sleep.

As Aonghas walked ahead to the hearth, she spotted a female wolf seated on the animal pelts. It was her younger sister, Aisling, who was twenty three years old. Her fur color was very similar to Okhotna's. In fact, they looked very much alike. Her coat color was a cream color mixed with lighter browns that darkened noticeably at her sides and backside. Her long hair was a light brown that matched her fur. Bright green eyes resembled pretty jewels that rivaled the beauty of gemstones.

The wolf's breasts were smaller, but well rounded from nursing. A pair of thick nipples and darkened areolae were evident of her new maternal role. Crawling beside her was Tomas, her infant pup and the new joy of her life. At six months old, the little grey wolf pup was already a handful. Constant curiosity filled his eyes, and everything around him had to be explored, including people.

"I knew I heard your voice." The young mother stood up and gave her older sister a tight hug. Okhotna felt their breasts briefly squish together.

"I just came back and wanted to visit." They touched noses. She sat down with Aisling, and their attention turned to Tomas.

"Hi Tomas!" Okhotna crouched onto her hands and looked at his eye level. The pup blinked in confusion before crawling closer towards her with an outreached hand.

"He was playing with my tail all afternoon." Aisling giggled as he took interest in the cream wolf's snout. A little fingers reached up and managed to grab ahold of the archer's nose.

"Ah! You've got my nose!" Okhotna said teasingly and laughed. "But now," her voice lowered ominously, "I've got you!" She declared and snatched him up as she leaned back. The wolf pup squealed in delight as he found himself in her lap.

"He'll grab your fur if you're not prepared." Aisling advised.

"Ah. You're right." She felt a pull on her stomach. He managed to grab ahold of her fur and reach up towards her muzzle. However, his little arms had a long ways to go before he could reach that far! Instead, his gaze lowered to the wolf's chest. The pup made several garbled noises as he leaned forward towards one breast. A hand firmly landed on the center. He wasn't shy about making his demands known.

"Oh? Is he hungry?" She glanced up at Aisling.

"You can try nursing him so he can relax some." Her sister suggested with an amused smile.

"Hmm..." She cradled the little pup protectively into her arms, and brought him to her bosom. His fluffy fur had yet to develop a solid coat, making him feel very soft and warm. His mouth had little trouble latching onto her wide areola as tiny fingers grabbed fistfuls of her light cream fur.

"Aww. He's just so cute." She smiled and watched him try suckling. "He's got a really good bite on me too." Aisling watched with a grin, and for a moment it was quiet.

"You'll make a wonderful mother." Her sister mentioned.

"Pff." She rejected the idea despite feeling her cheeks warm pleasantly at the thought. "Don't tell anyone that. I'll have even more suitors nipping at my heels."

"Many women would love to be in your position. That is, the hunter being hunted." She winked.

"No thanks. I have enough problems hunting right now." Okhotna didn't want to think about her personal issues at that moment. "Besides, your breasts got bigger when you were pregnant." She deflected. "I don't want mine to get bigger."

"Nah, yours won't get any bigger." She waved away her older sister's concerns. The pup started wriggling in Okhotna's arms.

"Uh oh. He's onto us." She joked. The little pup began whining once he realized there was no milk to be found.

"Oops. Now he's really hungry." The young mother took over and scooped him up from her sister's arms.

"I would be upset too if I wasn't getting anything to eat." Okhotna grinned as her sister brought the hungry pup to her bosom.

"Yep." She agreed. "I promise that mine have milk for you." Aisling whispered and brushed her nipple over his lips. The little mouth instinctively gaped open, and in a moment he was eating happily.

"And our meal should be ready." Aonghas called from the hearth as he grabbed three bowls from a shelf.

"Smells good." Okhotna hummed.

"I hope you're not going to hop away now that I have him all to myself." Aisling stuck the tip of her tongue out teasingly.

"No. I'll stay and eat." She stretched out a leg and tapped her sister on the knee with a paw. Aonghas sat down between them carrying a bowl apiece.

"The rabbit stew is ready to eat." He gave Okhotna the first bowl before handing one to his wife.

"Thank you for dinner." Okhotna happily accepted the food.

"Thank you for the food." Aonghas nodded. "After all, you caught the rabbit yesterday."

"It's no problem. Anyone can set up a snare."

"Anyone? I remember you taught me when? I think last spring, but I don't remember how."

"When I set up snares, they don't work as well as yours." Aisling added.

"I can always show you two again. It's easy to learn." She insisted.

"So how has hunting been going?" Aonghas asked.

"Hmm..." Okhotna roughly swallowed. "Not well recently." Her eyes dropped to her bowl of stew. Aisling glanced at her sister, suspecting something else but didn't say it.

"Can you feed me?" Aisling sweetly asked her husband before he could indulge himself.

"Of course." He handed the bite over to her lips instead.

"Mm!" She hummed contently while Okhotna remained silent. "Oh. Okhotna, do you think Tomas will grow into a grey fur coat, or something light and cream colored like our pelts? Aonghas is hoping the grey fur stays with him." Aisling smiled at her husband.

"Both of us were born with cream fur, so you might be right." Okhotna's eyes lifted once more, but felt happy that the conversation turned away from hunting.

"I hope you're right." Aonghas said as he looked at his wife and son with pride gleaming in his eyes.

***

Tomas had fallen asleep after nursing, and the filling meal was followed up with idle chatter about the day and a few past stories. When the hearth had become the main source of light within the home, Okhotna decided to head out.

"It's getting late." She stood up with a stretch. "Thanks again for the food."

"You're welcome." Her sister stood up alongside her. "And you can always stay for the night if you'd like."

"I'll go home." The archer didn't mind. "I'm sure you two will enjoy a little peace and quiet since Tomas is asleep." She smiled at her nephew asleep in Aonghas's arms.

"I'll see you later then." Aisling gave her sister another hug.

"Goodnight."

"Bye." Aonghas quietly waved.

The air was cooler with the late evening transitioning into nightfall. However, the change was negligible with a coat of fur. Yellow glows of light were visible from several houses. Hardly anyone remained outside while most of the villagers prepared to sleep. The golden archer meandered along the edge of the village where the sounds of crickets filled her ears. The soft chirps soothed her thoughts for a moment. Okhotna glanced around when she was a short distance away from the closest homes. Her legs halted and she gazed up at the first emerging stars above. Their heavenly light twinkled as the sun dipped below the horizon. Blue eyes blinked as she gazed up at the darkening sky. Her face was long with a saddened frown.

"What am I afraid of?" The wolf asked herself in a soft whisper, trying to force out an answer. The first thought was growing old and death, a very primal fear for anyone. But was it really aging? A greying pelt, raspy voice, sagging breasts, brittle bones, ragged hair, and lack of energy weren't good qualities to have. However, those didn't bother her so much. No. It was something else that bit into her heart.

"Loneliness." She exhaled and slumped her shoulders. Feeling discomfort from her own admission, she looked away from the sky and scanned the tree line and hills ahead. Her mind wandered to more pleasant thoughts. Her little nephew Tomas was a little bundle of joy and brought her so much happiness. She touched her chest where the infant pup was once snuggled so close. A smile found its way onto her lips. Aonghas and Aisling were the perfect family to her. The warmth between them almost made her feel jealous towards her younger sister; but she was truly happy for them. She wanted to start a family, like her younger sister had, but what if she found someone to love? What would she do about hunting? The wolf was always strong willed and independent. No one ever held her back, because she wouldn't allow it. Could she take care of a child or two while still hunting?

Her sister once worked in the orchards and foraged, but that had mostly changed once she had given birth. The trade offs tugged at her soul, and the uncertainty tainted any decision that she wanted to make. The claws on her paws dug into the soft earth as she concentrated.

"I'll talk to elder Eriu." The wolf hoped that a voice of reason would assuage her fears for the late evening and night. She didn't have to venture far. Okhotna only walked around part of the village and found an old female wolf with a pure white coat of fur.

Seated on a rock, the elder was facing away from the village and gazing out towards the hills and forests. The warm glow of the sun at her backside was waning in the last minutes of fading daylight. Her long white hair appeared frazzled as it draped down her back and spilled over her shoulders freely. Her front was cast in her own self made shadow. The tops of her ribs were fine outlined bey her white fur. A little lower, her breasts sagged flatly to a great degree. Large circles of black skin and thick nipples resembled eyes as they rested atop top her belly. Okhotna felt very thankful for her youth at that very moment. However, despite the very visible signs of age, the white wolf's black lipped grin appeared truly happy and thoughtful.

Three little golden balls of light the size of pebbles twirled above the elder's palm in elliptical motions. The moving of her fingers dictated the speed of each ball of light without her eyes needing to look. The elder wolf was one of the few who could utilize magic, and her abilities no matter how modest were impressive.

"Hello Elder Eriu." The light cream furred wolf approached the elder.

"Ah, hello Okhotna." The white wolf's aged voice spoke up. Each ball of light immediately dispersed and faded away into nothingness. "Are you enjoying the late evening hours?" She looked over.

"Yep. I decided to walk around the edge of the village after visiting my sister." Okhotna breathed through her grin.

"Your sister's pup is adorable, and he's growing so fast." Eriu remarked with a grin.

"Mmhm. It feels like he was just born a few days ago, but that was in the first days of spring." She noted how much time had passed so easily.

"Oh, you and your sister grew up just as quickly." The white wolf remarked. "I remember when the two of you were only half my height, and running around the village playing together." She smiled fondly. Okhotna nodded and thought about her more innocent memories as a child.

"Have you been doing alright?" She asked.

"I think so." She blew a sigh and hesitated before answering further. "Well, it's complicated." The cream furred archer stared ahead with a serious look. Her thoughts filled with uncertain questions that she didn't know how to explain, or really want to discuss.

"I see." The elder wolf calmly nodded as Okhotna hesitated to answer any further. She leaned forward and plucked a little white petaled flower from the grassy field at her paws. Sitting upright once again, she held onto the base of its stem dearly.

"Don't lock up your feelings. There's no need to regret doing something when you're so young." Eriu wisely spoke.

"I know." She trailed her fingers through her cream colored hair. "It's just... Ugh. It's late." She observed the darkening fields and forest ahead of them as the sun's strength waned at their backs. "I feel like I'm bothering you now." Frustration nipped at her mind.

"You're hardly bothering me." She chuckled and rose to her paws slowly. "I have an idea though."

"You do?" The blue eyed wolf looked at Eriu with interest. The white wolf grinned and gave a slow deep nod.

"Go to the Dragon Ravine with me tomorrow morning." The elder spoke. "We will meet at my house just after sunrise to prepare for the hike." Okhotna blinked in surprise. Located at the entrance of the eastern mountains, it was the secret passageway into the valley inhabited by dragons.

The early morning sunrise was a brilliant mix of red, orange, and yellow towards the clouds on the eastern horizon. In minutes the colorful array vanished as sunlight permeated through the entire sky above. Watching from her home, Okhotna decided it was time to depart. The air was cool and mild, but she didn't feel any chill through her bare fur. Waking up early was normal for the archer to cover enough distance within a single day. It also gave her a little quiet privacy to focus on an upcoming hunt. However, she was prepared for a different journey this morning.

'I hope I don't need to bring anything.' The female wolf noted that she didn't have any of her usual items on her person. Her bow, quiver, and knife amongst others were resting at home. Her gaze glanced up at the sky once more where she could see the faint trails of smoke from a few chimneys. Several married women were likely preparing breakfast for their families. The faint tasty smells reached her nose.

"Mmm." Okhotna quietly hummed to herself. 'When I catch another deer I want Ihkanu to cook the meat.' She thought about a particular female wolf in the village who could cook delicious meals. She could hear someone humming a little song as she passed by one modest cottage home. However, her wandering gaze and thoughts could become a distraction. The cream furred wolf came to an abrupt stop as she nearly ran into another villager around a home's corner.

"Oops. Sorry for almost running into you, Arias." She flashed an apologetic smile. The male mottled grey wolf was her height, and built slim but not weak. He was the son of two wolves who tended to one of the farms outside the village. Having grown up in the same village, they were well acquainted with each other. He was also one of the few males who hadn't doggedly sought her hand in marriage after she killed the golden deer.

"Hey Okhotna. You're up early as usual." He grinned happily.

"Yep. I have to go somewhere soon."

"Where are you going?" He curiously asked.

"With elder Eriu to the Dragon Ravine."

"Oh?" He looked at her with intrigue. "Why are you going all the way out there to the east? Is it for a special hunt?"

"No." The female wolf shook her head only to pause. "Well, I have no idea." She admitted. "She didn't say what we were going to do there."

"It must be important then." He guessed, but Okhotna only shrugged.

"What are you doing up so early?" She asked in turn. "You typically don't go out into the fields yet, or are you carrying messages again?"

"Ah, no. I haven't carried messages in a while since we started receiving messenger birds from town." He smiled and dismissively waved a hand. "I've been helping my parents manage their field for the past year. It's hard work, but rewarding when you reap a good harvest."

"So then what brings you out this early?" She asked again with a little grin.

"I was wondering what you were doing today, but it looks like you are already busy." The shy male glanced away wishing to say more.

"Yeah. I'm not sure when I'll be back either." She shrugged. "Sorry."

"No, it's fine." He insisted. "I'll go so I won't hold you up." The male stepped aside. "I hope you have fun."

"Thanks." She flashed a final smile before hurrying to Elder Eriu's house. The elder white wolf was standing outside and smiled happily seeing Okhotna approach her home.

"Ah, I see that you decided to come with me." She happily spoke. "Are you ready?"

"Yes. Did you want me to bring anything?"

"No." Eriu shook her head. "I will carry anything that we may need." She picked up a small bag and carried it over her shoulder. "Unless there's anything else you need to do, we can go before my grandchildren wake up." Okhotna gave an affirmative nod, and they left the village. Both wolves hiked together along a path through the lightly wooded hills to the east. Unlike the nearest town to the southeast, there was no well worn road to guide them, but both females knew their way through the beautiful land. Dew glistened like wet frost on the blades of grass, and the air tasted refreshingly mild. The greenery of the trees would eventually be replaced by the dazzling multicolors of autumn. The early morning was beautiful no matter where or when you looked.

"Are you excited?" The white wolf looked over and asked.

"A little." Okhotna grinned, not knowing what to expect from the journey.

"Good." She nodded. "Since you aren't bothering me," the elder wryly pointed out, "what is on your mind that worries you?" The younger wolf's ears briefly fell back from the question. She was silently hoping that elder Eriu wouldn't ask.

"I guess part of it is about hunting." She began after a long pause.

"Don't you enjoy hunting?"

"Of course." Her response was immediate. "There's nothing that makes me happier than to be in the forests, hills, or mountains hunting." The golden archer found herself smiling as she looked around the lightly wooded path. "The land is beautiful, and I am able to see every view. When I have a bow and arrow in hand all of my focus is brought to a single task..." She held up her hands and looked at them. "However, I am the last person in the entire village who hunts every season."

"You are the last one in the village to hunt during all seasons." Eriu nodded as she spoke. "Since I was your age more people began farming, herding, building, or tending to orchards. I watched the village change from huts to houses over the course of my life."

"Since I am the only hunter in the village," Okhotna glanced up at the sky as she thought aloud, "I feel like I am expected to do well, and catch many things. Have you ever felt that way, or am I talking nonsense?" She looked over at Eriu.

"Hmm... The feeling is familiar." The white wolf calmly spoke with an affirmative tone. "Although, I believe every emotion is unique because of a person's situation. No one else can perform magic in the village, so I feel obligated to use my skills to someone's benefit when the need arises. It's natural to feel some pressure if you are doing something on your own." She wisely spoke.

"You're right, but it's not just about hunting." Okhotna forced herself to say. "I also want to have a family." She admitted. "But I've had many males chase after me, and I don't want any of them. They see me as a prize."

"For the golden deer pelt?" Eriu correctly guessed.

"Yeah." She plainly nodded with a lengthy sigh. "Every male who desires me only wants the fame that I achieved with that pelt. Now I'm the deer, and everyone else is the hunter."

"That's one way to look at the situation." The white wolf commented with a humored grin. "How do you feel about having the golden pelt?"

"I'm proud to have it." Okhotna didn't hesitate to say. "First, it's warm and silky so I enjoy holding it. Second, it's something I accomplished when I was so young, and I'm still young. It reminds me of all that I can do." She looked forward to achieving more feats in her life. "Even though I'm proud of it, I never mention the golden pelt to anyone I do not know. Sometimes I wish I didn't have the fame of catching the golden deer." The wolf admitted and rubbed her side.

"Then you wouldn't be known as the Golden Archer." Eriu said.

"Well, I like the nickname since I have cream colored fur." Okhotna glanced over her arms and front.

"It is a fitting nickname. You're very beautiful." She commended the younger wolf.

"Thanks." The archer subtly grinned. "At least I have that going for me."

"Oh, you possess much more than beauty." The elder beamed a toothy smile as they walked by a sunny open field. "Everyone thinks very highly of your accomplishments." The elder nodded slowly. "But you desire someone who may only desire you for your past actions, not who you truly are. Is that right?"

"Yeah, that's right." She sighed. "But it looks like I will be alone..."

"Whether or not you choose to marry someone doesn't mean you are choosing to be alone." Elder Eriu pointed out. "You will always have family and friends to surround you."

"Right." Okhotna softly acknowledged. "But I haven't found anyone worth marrying."

"There are many men in the world. I am certain that you will find someone to love, who loves you in turn." She promised. The golden archer didn't appear as enthusiastic or optimistic as the elder as another thought worried her. She wondered if it was true. As the silence passed between them, Eriu seemed to notice something amiss as their paws softly crunched over dead leaves.

"There is something else troubling you, isn't there?" The elder correctly guessed. The archer's ears perked up at the question, but she twist the look of concern on her face away. The worrying thoughts were beginning to gnaw at her.

"Will I still be able to hunt when I become a mother?" Okhotna plainly asked. "I've asked the elders who used to hunt like I do, but they told me that nearly every female quits hunting to raise a family... As much as I want to raise a family, I don't want to quit hunting at any point. That's what I love doing." The cream furred wolf said as they walked through another patch of woods.

"That is a very personal decision to make." She agreed. "Raising a family involves making a lot of personal sacrifices, but putting all of your energy into creating one will give something new for you to cherish and enjoy." The white furred elder wisely told her.

Okhotna thought about what Eriu had said as they continued walking through the patches of grass resting in the dappled shade of pines and mossy oaks. It was a little embarrassing to confess one's problems, but the wolf was glad to be able to confide with someone knowledgable about her troubles. The two hour walk passed by with ease from their discussion.

"Are we climbing part of the mountain?" Okhotna asked as they neared the towering mountains overhead.

"No. Not on this side." Eriu said much to her surprise. The cream furred archer looked over at the white furred elder with a little confusion etched onto her face, but didn't say anything more. Everywhere she looked was impossible to climb. The sheer walls of overhanging cliffs gave her the impression that a cave or tunnel would enable them to travel through the impassable terrain. The answer rested around the dense growth of underbrush and a willow tree. The cream furred wolf's blue eyes widened in surprise. Directly in front of her was a tall yet narrow ravine resembling a deep chasm within the mountains. The passage twisted and turned, but appeared wide enough to walk through. Elder Eriu glanced over her shoulder without stopping.

"It's this way." She led Okhotna into the narrow ravine of grey rock. The cream furred wolf stepped over a handful of uneven rocks and glanced around the tight passageway. She could touch both walls of the ravine at the same time without any difficulty. Looking up, the wolf could see the sunlight reaching the rock higher up, far beyond her reach. It was a little spooky and eerie. There was no sound, except for their soft paw steps. The golden archer felt the need to look over her shoulder despite knowing they were safe.

"How did you-" She heard her voice echo and stopped talking. "Eriu," she whispered this time, "how did you find this passageway?"

"I've known about it for a while." She gave a vague, but kind answer. "It's the secret ravine that leads to the Dragon Ravine." The narrow ravine snaked through the mountain and finally opened up into a wider entrance on the other side. Okhotna was surprised to have a view full of greenery before them. She looked up at the visible sky, but didn't see any dragons flying overhead. The steep rock walls were incredibly high, but hardy vegetation managed to cling onto the surface and thrive. Bushes, grasses, and skinny trees all grew plentifully. They paused at the edge of a wide stream that stood before them. The waters were shallow, but led downstream into a rocky section before disappearing amongst two moss covered fallen logs and young trees.

"Come on." The elder wolf waved. "We only have a little further to go." She walked across the shallow stream. Their quiet splashing paw steps reached the opposite shore, leaving only paw prints behind in the sand and dirt.

"I didn't expect to see a lot of plants in the Dragon's Valley." Okhotna quietly remarked as they walked through short grass and a sparse patch of little ferns. The vibrant greenery was a stark contrast to how the Eastern Mountains appeared from the village and countryside.

"A lot of this vegetation is new, maybe only a few years old." The elder Eriu remarked.

"Why is that?"

"Fire." The white wolf plainly spoke. "Not every dragon breathes fire, but those that do can change the entire landscape." Okhotna noticed how few mature trees were standing. It also explained why there were plenty of fallen logs amongst the new growth. Eriu led the archer through a cluster of young trees.

"We'll go up that way." The white wolf pointed ahead to a navigable path that led up the naked rocky slope.

"Up?" She was surprised to hear that after they had just crossed through the narrow ravine.

"We're almost there." She reassured the younger wolf and walked over an old fallen log. They ascended the pathway together, however, the elder female wolf was noticeably slower at climbing than her younger counterpart.

"Need any help?" Okhotna stopped and offered a hand.

"Thank you. I have a difficult time getting my old bones to climb this high up." She huffed and gladly grabbed ahold of Okhotna's hand. They walked up the barren dirt path and loose gravel rock that hugged the mountainside. The saplings and modest vegetation mostly disappeared as they climbed higher. Only bushes and sparse grasses greeted them along the way. The chirping and tweeting of birds dissipated and the only sounds remaining were their paws walking over the rocky path. To the right, giant stone and sheer walls of rock made it impossible to climb any higher by other means. To her left, Okhotna was almost at eye level with the nearest pine trees. She wondered if it was possible to see down to the ground at the edge of the steep drop.

"There should be a cave right... here." Eriu looked ahead as they rounded a large boulder. A wide and tall cave mouth silently gaped back at them as they approached. There was a small flat section of dirt and loose rock at the cave mouth where the tree line opened up. Okhotna could see far into the valley's rolling hills and forests. However, the white furred elder wolf wasn't interested in the view. She walked into the cave without worry. The archer keenly looked at her surroundings. Some of the larger stones had noticeable claw marks, undoubtedly from an adult dragon. She entered the cave more cautiously. Her ears preened the air, noticing the silence around them.

"Isn't it dangerous to pry around a dragon's cave like this?" Okhotna looked around hesitantly as her voice echoed. The light from outside spilled far into the cavern, making everything but a few shadows discernible. Deeper into the cave there were few stalactites, only rocky shelves leading to impossibly narrow nooks and crannies.

"Not if you know what you're doing." The elder wolf kindly smiled and cautiously walked a few more steps inside. The white wolf stopped and looked around. Okhotna paused close by and watched her.

'Is there a special precious stone that she's looking for?' The younger wolf thought to herself. However, Eriu didn't search along the rock wall.

"Hellooo! I'm here!" The white wolf softly howled a happy greeting.

'What is she doing?' Okhotna glanced around suspiciously, half expecting someone to emerge from the cavern. The wolf's blue eyes widened as something much smaller crawled out of the shadows. Walking on all fours, it had tall pointy ears, and a long skinny neck connected its head to its body. Large feathery wings were folded atop its back that tapered down to a long tufted tail. Despite how alien the creature appeared, the look of excitement on its face was uncanny.

'A dragon!?' The archer realized what she was looking at. The little dragon froze upon seeing the golden archer. When their gazes met, it quickly scurried back into hiding amongst the shadowy rocks like a frightful insect. Okhotna found herself staring with an open mouth at what she had just witnessed. She turned her attention to elder Eriu who was wearing a slightly amused grin on her face.

"How did you come across a baby dragon?" She was shocked.

"Poor thing was terrified and hungry when I found him whining by this cave entrance one day. I couldn't leave him to such a terrible fate." She explained. "I fear that he was abandoned by his mother either because of hunters or a much larger dragon invading their space." Okhotna watched as Eriu reached behind her shoulder and pulled something out of the pack. The white wolf leaned forward and offered a piece of fruit to the baby dragon to tempt him out of hiding.

"Come here. I have something you'll want to eat." She tempted him by twirling the fruit from its plucked stem. The lure proved successful as he cautiously crept out of hiding before darting for the low hanging fruit. Okhotna watched with intrigue as the little dragon snatched the fruit from the elder's hand and scampered back a few steps to eat it.

"He loves chasing after things that dangle in front of his nose." The elder wolf glanced over her shoulder wearing a humble grin. Okhotna watched with intrigue as the dragon ate everything in mere moments.

"Come here. Up." The older wolf extended her hand. The dragon quickly scampered onto Eriu's hand and crawled up her arm. "He's very fast!" She chuckled as he reached her shoulder and then her back.

"And smart." Okhotna added as the dragon slipped into her pack.

"Uh oh. You get out of there!" She started laughing and shook her shoulders. The bag jostled around on her back, and the dragon's head soon peeked back out. He quickly slipped out and crawled up to her shoulder where he perched himself steadily. Using his long neck, he peered around to see her.

"You find trouble wherever you can." The old wolf smiled and turned her head. She licked his face and he made a high pitched reptilian chirping noise.

"Aww, he's cute." Okhotna grinned.

"Hold out your hand." Eriu started shifting towards Okhotna. Reaching out, Eriu's claws touched the tops of her fingers, creating a bridge for him to cross. However, the little dragon perched on her shoulder was cautious.

"It's alright." She encouraged the little dragon with her sweetly aged voice. "Okhotna is a good person." The dragon's head bobbed and looked around using his long neck before making a move. His facial expression changed into one of confidence as he stepped onto the archer's arm. His claws gripped her arm firmly yet gently enough with each move.

"He is lighter than I expected." Okhotna whispered so she wouldn't startle him. Elder Eriu retracted her arm as the dragon's hind leg stepped off. He was now completely on the archer's cream furred arm. At such a close distance, the wolf could see the young creature in great detail. Unlike well known dragons of the ravine, he bore no scales or leathery tough skin to speak of. His body was covered in a light brown downy fur along his underbelly, and a denser coat on his back. Large ears were barely covered by any fur, but thicker tufts ran along the entire length of his cheeks. Large wings in terms of body size were covered in dark brown and white feathers that extended down to the base of his tail. The tail itself tapered down to a puffy tuft of chocolate brown fur.

Okhotna felt little warm puffs of breath blow into her fluffy cheek fur as he curiously smelled her. And then with quick steps the little dragon crept behind her head. She turned her head and looked over her other shoulder where he was now perched. Still curiosity looking around, he examined her long hair before peering down her naked front. The baby dragon crawled forward and onto the top of her chest, using her breasts as extra footing.

"Ah, he's taken a liking to you." The elder watched with glee in her old eyes.

"He's climbing wherever he wants." Okhotna brought her hands towards him. The dragon hopped into her arms, and looked at her curiously. She cradled the wriggly little creature to her bosom like a mother would to an infant.

"Be careful." The elder white wolf warned. "He can bite." His jaws opened up as she spoke, but Okhotna was completely unprepared for a surprise bite.

"Ouch!" She yelped as his teeth chomped onto her breast. "You little..." The wolf growled angrily. The little dragon was quick to release his bite and scurry down the wolf's front to the cave floor.

"Hahaha!" Eriu's raspy laughter echoed throughout the cave. "I wouldn't allow him to try nursing from you!" The elder couldn't help herself.

"Sheesh..." She growled and rubbed her nipple and naked skin. Thankfully, there was no cut. "He's full of sharp teeth." The wolf held her breast defensively close to her chest while the little dragon huddled behind the elder wolf's leg.

"Don't feel too bitter." The elder wolf insisted as her giggles ceased. "I've learned the hard way before... several times." She cupped and lifted one of her sagging breasts. "I would hate to see the same thing happen to a male though." She mentioned.

"Ohh. Ouch." Okhotna grimaced at the thought, feeling lucky by comparison. As the pain from the harmless bite dulled and ebbed away, more questions intrigued the cream furred wolf.

"Why is he crawling around? Can't he fly yet?" She curiously asked.

"I'm afraid he hasn't been able to fly." She informed the younger wolf. "But that's why I brought you up here with me. I wanted you to help him learn how to fly." Okhotna's blue eyes looked at elder Eriu skeptically for a moment.

"How am I going to help a dragon learn to fly?" She giggled at the idea. "I obviously can't fly."

"I have tried everything that I know of, but your resourcefulness and determination will likely succeed where I have failed." The elder said while the dragon climbed up her leg as if it was a spiral ivory tower. He made a growling chirp to catch the white wolf's attention.

"Can't you use your magic to help him fly?" Okhotna watched Eriu hold her arm so he could safely climb back up to her shoulder. The little dragon looked at her with some nervous reservation.

"Dragons are naturally resistant to any magic, no matter their age." The elder explained and rubbed his chin with a finger. "The magic that I possess wouldn't effect him at all."

"Oh." She gave a slow nod. "But I'm not sure I can help." Her blue eyes didn't see what the elder saw in her. "Isn't he dangerous? Doesn't he breathe fire?" Okhotna suspiciously looked at the cute little dragon perched innocently on Eriu's shoulder.

"No." The white wolf held back a chuckle. "Only certain dragons can breathe fire. I think the worst you can experience from him is a bite." She pointed out.

"Hmm. Okay..."

"I know it was sudden to ask this of you, so please take time to think it over." Eriu stepped forward. The dragon darted behind the elder's neck to her other shoulder. "Don't hide from Okhotna. She isn't angry at you anymore." She lightly chided the creature. He poked his head out, still clinging to her shoulder. She slowly reached out and gently pet his head.

"His ears are soft." She grinned at the velvety soft fur.

"He's a little mischievous, that's all." Eriu smiled, and reached into her pack a second time. The dragon immediately took interest in what she pulled out. "And I have one last fruit for you before we leave." The wolf stated as his tail comically wagged like a canine's. "Come on down and I will give it to you." Eriu crouched down and stretched out her hand. He scrambled down her side once again and jumped down onto the cave floor. She handed over the treat before standing back up.

"Let's go back outside." She motioned to Ohkotna. The dragon followed them for a few steps with the last fruit in his mouth as they left the cave. Okhotna glanced over her shoulder, and saw the little dragon scurry back into his home.

"Will he stay in the cave by himself?" She asked after they descended down the rocky path.

"Yes." Eriu nodded. "He doesn't stray far from it unless I am with him." The elder walked through the ferns, grasses, and young saplings to the creek they had crossed before. The white furred wolf stopped at the water's edge. She stepped her paws into the clear shallow water before deciding to sit down. Her white ears briefly fell back as she closed her eyes and blew a relaxed sigh.

"Why did you want me of all people to take care of a baby dragon?" Okhotna crouched down and asked the elder wolf. "There must be plenty of other people through any of the portals who know more about dragons than I do. Even the closest town has several people who can use magic."

"Well, it's difficult to trust someone with raising a dragon." She opened her eyes and rubbed her neck. "There are many people, like dragon hunters, who would capture and sell one so defenseless for a small fortune."

"Oh. I didn't think of that..." Okhotna realized Eriu's dilemma.

"I'm also very old, and walking out this far easily tires me." She added, and Okhotna nodded understandingly. "Can I trust you to help me and return here?" The white wolf turned and asked the archer. The cream furred wolf thought to herself for a moment. The task didn't sound easy, and she wasn't exactly sure what to expect.

"How often would I have to come by here?"

"Every few days. He can hunt for himself, but bringing a treat or two for him won't hurt." She explained with a grin. "You won't have to do this entirely alone. I will help you with anything that I can." She promised. "Oh. There's one more thing." Elder Eriu added. "I believe that by helping the baby dragon learn to fly, you will in turn learn something about yourself." She wisely spoke. "You will have a better understanding of what decisions you want to make in life."

The cream furred wolf paused and thought for a while. Her gaze looked between the elder white wolf and the rippling water of the shallow creek. It wasn't an easy decision to make so suddenly, but the younger wolf wasn't afraid of the responsibility.

"Okay... I will help the dragon learn to fly." Okhotna finally gave her answer. The white wolf beamed a hearty smile.

"Oh. Thank you." She placed a hand on the younger wolf's shoulder, and gave her a gentle hug. Okhotna kindly returned the hug. "I know you will find a way."

"I'm happy to help-"

"Oh! Look!" Eriu suddenly pulled back, and pointed at the sky. "A gryphon!" Okhotna stared up at the sky and saw the elusive mythical creature soar through the air before disappearing over the closest treetops. She blinked and realized in an instant that the sighting may never have happened if Eriu hadn't looked up.

"That must be a good omen for both of us." The elder sounded optimistic about their luck. The archer wondered if she had made the correct decision, or if her new responsibility would create new challenges to overcome.