Epiphany

⠀⠀When one of the regularly scheduled scouting patrols from the Ironridge Tribe discovered Epiphany resting expectantly along the territory's borders, they were already somewhat familiar with the concept of a traveler wolf. As she explained her origins and her desire to journey and learn about distant packs, the scouts recalled that fate had recently brought another traveler to their tribe not long before Epiphany's arrival.
⠀⠀Given their positive experience hosting the other traveler, the scouts saw no harm in bringing Epiphany before the tribe's leaders, Thor'veckar and his deputy, Drah'vden. Much like they had with their first guest, the two leaders welcomed the idea of an extra set of paws—so long as Epiphany contributed her fair share to the tribe's well-being. At her assurance that she would, they granted her a place among them.

⠀⠀Epiphany was only the second traveler to stay with the Ironridge wolves. The first had been another she-wolf named Amn, who had already been with the tribe for about a month. Though Amn's fiery personality initially clashed with Epiphany's, the two discovered enough shared qualities to bond over. They both took up roles as huntresses—albeit in different hunting parties—and later became scouts together, traversing the vast territory the Ironridge had claimed.
⠀⠀When Amn eventually departed after two months with the tribe, Epiphany was saddened but hopeful that her friend would find many more destinations along her journey. Perhaps, one day, their paths would cross again.

⠀⠀In Amn's absence, Epiphany found solace in her growing closeness to the tribe's deputy. Since her arrival, Drah'vden had taken particular care in helping her acclimate to the tribe's ways. As an experienced scout himself—the Ironridge's main scout, in fact—he often accompanied her on expeditions, where they developed a deep understanding of one another. It was during one such journey that they finally admitted what had been growing between them: a fondness neither could deny. Though Drah'vden knew her stay was temporary, he cherished what time they had together.
⠀⠀Soon, Epiphany came to expect Drah'vden's pups—four sons, each bearing striking coats reminiscent of their parents. Drah'vden was smitten, ensuring Epiphany had everything she needed as she moved into the nursery. Yet, as their family grew, an inevitable conversation loomed—the fate of their pups, and of their relationship.
⠀⠀Despite his earlier acceptance of her transient nature, a part of Drah'vden had hoped that, with their children's arrival, Epiphany might choose to stay. Her confirmation that she still intended to leave struck him deeply, for he had grown attached to both her and their sons. Epiphany reassured him of her affection but remained steadfast in her purpose. She had always foreseen taking her sons with her, introducing them to the world beyond the Tundra. However, she also offered to leave them in their father's care if that was his wish. Though heartbroken, Drah'vden respected her decision, unwilling to persuade her against something she was so sure of. Instead, he devoted himself to her and their pups for the remainder of her stay.

⠀⠀During this time, the rest of the tribe grew even more welcoming toward Epiphany, their warmth only deepening after the birth of her sons. They assured her that she and her pups would always have a home with the Ironridge, should she ever wish to return. Yet, they also respected her nomadic spirit and her desire to pass that on to her children.
⠀⠀And so, when the time came and the boys were old enough to venture out, Epiphany led them away from the tribe. Drah'vden, though heartbroken, considered their time together a blessing and bid his family farewell. As they departed into the tundra, all five wore carefully crafted bear-fur coats—gifts from the Ironridge, a reminder that they would always have a place to return to.