Hemlock

*Mother is Nightshade, Adopted parents are Vermillion and Glacia*
When Hemlock was born, Nightshade was struggling to raise her alone, so Glacia offered to help raise Hemlock alongside Nightshade, Vermillion (Glacia's mate) also agreed and is very fond of his adopted daughter. All three of them worked together to create a form of language relying on lip reading and watching body language which they taught eachother and the pup.

Glacia constantly praises Hemlock and is so proud of the studious little pup, Nightshade is also amazingly proud of her daughter and makes sure to praise her constantly. This unfortunately has led to Hemlock being babied by all of her parents and her being incredibly stubborn as Glacia assumes that Hemlock wants to take after her in the herbalist role, while Hemlock wishes to sample each division; Glacia does not let Hemlock do this since she is worried about Hemlock getting hurt or not being able to communicate with her packmates as well as she does with her parents.

As she got older Hemlock became increasingly annoyed at the (unintentionally) overbearing nature of Glacia and longed to train with her friend Avalon. Glacia tried to discourage her for fear that Aysu's guards would accidently hurt the adolescent as they where more powerful and trained under the lead. Hemlock didn't really understand the importance of their role and often would demand that Ix and Chac get herbs that Glacia had asked her to collect, claiming Glacia would be upset if they didn't.

One night when she was four moons, Hemlock broke free from the confines of the apprentice den and joined one of Avalon's training sessions, she did not inform Glacia that she would be missing the herbalist training to train with Ix, but informed Avalon she had asked for permission which had been granted. Hemlock approached Ix Chel and demanded she to train her, Ix Chel accepted and rushed at the wolf in a typical hunting manoeuvre, expecting the pup to parry her. Hemlock panicked and screamed causing Glacia to rush out and shouldered Ix Chel out of the way. Ix chel landed on the ground with a pained noise escaping her, Glacia immediately started to fuss over Hemlock, ignored her wounded packmate. Hemlock stuttered out she was fine and tried to engage with Ix Chel to try again, Ix Chel simplied whined in pain for Chac Chel, who having seen the whole thing, snarled at Hemlock and fussed over her sister, barking out at Glacia to do her divisions work and look after someone who was really injured. Hemlock looked around for Avalon expecting her friend to agree with her that Ix Chel was in the wrong but Avalon was simply too shocked and rushed over to her mentor whining and trying to get them to stand up.

After speaking with Vermillion about the incident, Glacia decided to approach Hemlock and apologised for babying her so much. Glacia told her about all the times she had been ill as a pup which had caused Glacia to worry about her so much, although Glacia did admit it was no reason to treat her differently. Glacia's apology and stepping back allowed Hemlock to experiment with the different divisions and discover by herself that she adored being a herbalist. She also began to realise (over a course of a few months) that she was in the wrong and apologised profusely to Ix and Chac. She also apologised to Avalon as well. All three apologised as well and lead a pack wide effort for everyone to learn the language Hemlock's parents had learnt so that everyone could communicate with her.

When Avalon and Hemlock became yearlings, Hemlock started to realise that what she had perceived as feelings of friendship towards Avalon where in fact stronger. She didn't know what to do until she mentioned it to her parents; Vermillion immediately started crying about his baby growing up with Glacia comforting her mate smiling, Nightshade took her daughter to one side and asked her if she truly loved Avalon and was ready to spend the rest of her life with her. Hemlock replied without hesitation that she adored Avalon and would do anything to make her happy. Nightshade smiled proudly at her daughter and encouraged her to tell Avalon about her feelings.

Hemlock waited patiently for Avalon to return from the hunting party; her claws where worrying away at the dirt under her paws. The hunting party returned and Hemlock approached Avalon and asked her to take a walk with her. Avalon agreed and followed Hemlock to a quiet area where both sat down. Hemlock wasn't to sure how to air her feelings but gazing into Avalon's brown eyes filled her with courage. Hemlock started to speak about her feelings and how she didn't want that to change their friendship but she simply had to tell her feelings. Hemlock suddenly felt the wind knocked out of her lungs when Avalon gave her a massive hug and a ton of kisses. Hemlock was really confused until Avalon said that she had loved the she-wolf since they where both puppies. Hemlock was overwhelmed with joy and asked her to be mates which Avalon immediately agreed to.

Francis forever by Mitski:
I don't need the world to see
That I've been the best I can be, but
I don't think I could stand to be
Where you don't see me