Ekis (Pupsitter) 🧸

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...Lāči! Lāči! Uzmanies!

Bio
♀ Ekis was a Latvian she-wolf known for her gentle spirit. Once a spirited pup, she faced a life-altering challenge after a bear attack in her adolescence left her with head trauma and a speech impediment known. This unfortunate event led to her being chased from her pack, leaving her feeling isolated and traumatized. Despite her struggles, Ekis found a new purpose when Zogarth appointed her as a Pupsitter.
PTSD - Ekis's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder stemmed from a traumatic bear attack. As a result, Ekis often experienced arkoudaphobia when she encountered bears, and feared loud noises and sudden movements.

Chapter ? Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!

Zogarth, the wise and noble leader of the Kafila pack, recognized that beneath Ekis's sadness lay a treasure trove of knowledge and experience. With a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye, he approached her with a heartfelt offer: to become the Pupsitter. In this new role, Zogarth envisioned not just a task, but a chance for Ekis to share her wisdom and nurture the young ones of the pack, forging a bond that felt almost familial.

At first, Ekis hesitated. She worried that her speech impediment would make it difficult for the pups to understand her. But Zogarth nudged her with his nose and reassured her, saying, "Your heart speaks louder than words, Ekis."

Embracing her new role, Ekis began to teach the young wolves about the dangers of the forest. She gathered them around her in a sunny clearing, her voice soft yet steady. "Listen closely, mazulis," she would say, "the forest is full of beauty, but it is also home to our enemies. Kas meklē, tas atrod."

The young pups tilted their heads, their ears perked up in curiosity. One brave little wolf piped up, "Ekis, what does 'Kas meklē, tas atrod' mean?" Just then, one cheeky little wolf playfully bit the ear of the curious one, grinning mischievously. "It means shut your muzzle, furbrain!" he teased, causing a ripple of giggles among the group.

Ekis barked once, a sharp sound that cut through the playful chatter and brought the pups to attention. They stopped their antics, sitting obediently with ears perked and eyes wide, ready to absorb her wisdom.

"Good," she said, her voice calm yet commanding. "Now listen closely, my little ones. 'Kas meklē, tas atrod' means 'Those who seek will find.' It's a reminder that the forest is full of wonders, but also challenges. If you're not alert and resilient, you might stumble upon something dangerous."

She paused, letting her words sink in. "Always be aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts, and if something feels off, don't hesitate to retreat. The beauty of the forest is matched only by its unpredictability. Remember, my dear pups, do not leave yourselves unguarded."

~

As the days turned into weeks, Ekis found joy in her new purpose. The pups adored her, hanging on her every word, captivated by her tales of bravery and survival. She shared stories of her adventurous past, of climbing the tallest trees and racing through the meadows, reminding them that even in the face of danger, courage could shine through.

~

The Departure

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the Kafila pack's territory. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the soft rustle of leaves, but an unspoken heaviness lingered as Ekis lay nestled in her favorite spot—a sun-drenched clearing surrounded by wildflowers. The vibrant colors seemed to fade in her presence, as if the world itself was holding its breath.

Zogarth approached slowly, his heart heavy with the weight of impending loss. He knelt beside her, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and reverence. "Ekis," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, "I'm here."

She turned her gaze toward him, her once-bright eyes now clouded with age, yet still shimmering with wisdom. "Dēls," she said softly, her voice fragile like the petals around her. "I can feel that my time is drawing near. I wanted you to know… I am at peace."

Zogarth's heart ached as he leaned closer, brushing his muzzle against hers in a gesture of affection. A gentle smile graced her lips, and she let out a soft sigh, as if releasing the burdens she had carried for so long. "Thank you, my dear. You've led with strength and compassion. I've watched you grow, not just as a leader, but as a son. You've given me purpose in my twilight years."

Tears welled in Zogarth's eyes, and he fought to keep his composure. Ekis's breathing grew shallower, but her spirit remained steadfast. "Remember, Zogarth, the forest is a cycle. Life and death dance together. I will always be a part of this pack, watching over you all. Teach the young ones to be wise and resilient, just as you have learned."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange hue across the sky, Zogarth felt a profound sense of loss and gratitude intertwine within him. He nuzzled her gently, his heart breaking yet filled with love. "I promise, Ekis."

With a final, serene smile, Ekis closed her eyes, her body relaxing into the earth. Zogarth stayed by her side, feeling the warmth of her spirit envelop him, even as the chill of loss began to settle in. In that moment, he understood that while she may be leaving the physical world, her essence would forever remain woven into the fabric of the Kafila pack, a guiding light in the shadows of the forest.