Mullein

Name

The name of a plant with yellow flowers and soft, pale green leaves.

Lore

0 months old: Born alongside his sister, Mistral, to pack leaders Ashen and Brontide.

1 ½  months old: Ventures out of the Nursery for the first time to meet the rest of the pack.

2 ½ months old: Becomes submissive towards his litter-sister and follows her lead in most activities. 

4 months old: Moves from the Nursery to the Den, where the pack's adults live. As he is part of the pack's first litter, this milestone is cause for celebration; thus begins a tradition within the Ashen Pack wherein a pup reaching 4 months old and moving out of the Nursery is celebrated. 

4 ½ months old: A second litter of pups is born into the pack, borne by an outsider named Cloud, but only one from the litter survives. Mistral tells Mullein that when the pup is old enough to come out of the Nursery, the two of them will need to play with it a lot so it doesn't feel lonely. Mullein imagines how bored and isolated he would feel without his sister, and wholeheartedly agrees. He proceeds to frequently pester his fathers for estimates on how long it would be until the new pup could come out and play. 

5 months old: Mistral and Mullein take it upon themselves to keep Cloud company, and spend their days hanging around near the Nursery, chatting with the older wolf, bringing her prey and listening to her stories. 

6 months old: As adolescents, Mullein and his littermate begin to explore the territory. They make sure to visit the Nursery several times a day to play with Silt, who is now 1½ months old and finally old enough to (clumsily) interact with their surroundings. 

9 months old: Mullein and his sister start to accompany Brontide and co. on hunts, with Mullein wanting to focus on tracking down prey. 

9 ½ months old: The leaders decide to move the pack into the Forest for the winter. Mullein is very anxious, as he prefers routine and familiar surroundings, but his sister is acting unbothered - probably so as not to scare Silt - so he pretends not to mind either. 

1 year old: The pack joyfully returns home, and Mistral and Mullein reach adulthood. 

1 year, ½ month old: Mullein's parents are focused on preparing for the arrival of their second litter, and he has taken to staying home with them, worrying for the safety of his father and unborn siblings. During this time, Mistral wanders off by herself for a few days, but she returns in time for the arrival of the new pups, so Mullein pays little mind to it, busy doting on his brand new sisters and brother. 

1 year, 2 months old: The usually-level-headed Mistral approaches Mullein, clearly very distressed, and reveals that when she left the pack she had a fling that has resulted in pups. She's ashamed of her recklessness and refuses to tell the rest of the pack, so Mullein suggests that they leave together, pretending to visit an area outside the territory they've been curious about, and "find" Mistral's pups on their journey. 

1 year, 2 ½ months old: The plan works, and after they leave the Mountains, Mistral bears 3 pups. Once she's recovered enough to travel, the pair bring the single survivor back to the pack, where he is quickly adopted by Cloud. 

Mistral spends almost all her time practicing hunting, barely speaking with her packmates and avoiding the Nursery like her life depends on it. Ashen and Brontide are concerned and disappointed that she seems to dislike her younger siblings so much, but Mullein quickly assures them that she is upset that they couldn't save the mother of the pup they found, and she'll calm down soon. The leaders are dubious, but agree to leave her be for a few more weeks. 

1 year, 4 months old: Mistral comes clean to her parents, Cloud and the fully-grown Silt about the origins of the pup, who has been named Kiyo. Everyone is sympathetic and Cloud continues to raise the pup as her own. The tension had been upsetting Mullein, and he is immensely relieved that he no longer needs to keep the secret. 

While his sister diligently works to make up for her absence in their younger siblings' lives so far, Mullein becomes closer to Silt. They voice their admiration towards Mullein for helping his sister; he in turn admires their willingness to adopt his nephew as their new brother. The pair begin to spend a lot of time together. 

1 year, 5 months: Silt reveals that they are expecting Mullein's pups. He is pleasantly surprised, and keeps a close eye on their well-being. Soon after, Mullein rescues and befriends Harrier. 

1 year, 5 ½ months: Mullein and Silt had been tentatively attempting a romantic relationship, but they decide they're better off just being friends. They agree that when their pups are born, Mullein will act more like a pupsitter than a parent. Meanwhile, Harrier joins the pack, and quickly develops feelings for Mullein. 

1 year, 7 months: The pups arrive, and Mullein spends their first few days in and around the Nursery, ensuring that they and their dam are safe and comfortable. He remains oblivious to Harrier's feelings. 

1 year, 9 months: Harrier approaches Mullein, acting nervous, and makes small talk. Mullein is confused and slightly concerned, until Harrier abruptly confesses that he has feelings for him, then turns to leave, apparently overcome by embarrassment. Mullein, also embarrassed, stops him and haltingly confesses his own feelings. He and Harrier begin a tentative courtship that eventually becomes more serious. 

2 years, 7 months: Silt and Mullein's pups, now a year old, leave the pack to see the world. Mullein puts on a brave face, but misses them terribly and seeks comfort in Harrier. Although he's gruff and awkward, his concern is palpable and he is reluctant to leave his mate's side; Mullein finds this endearing and becomes even more enamoured with him.