🦊 River Clay

River Clay speaks bluntly at times and can be a bit facetious, but she means well. Camomile appointed her as the new alpha wolf because she believes River Clay has a way of discerning fanciful ideas from realistic ones. Though River Clay has lessons to learn about Camomile's philosophies, she is guaranteed to grow into a great leader.

"You want to learn how to be a great leader, yes?" Camomile asked River Clay as they walked along the patrol route.

"That's the only reason I'm here, studying under you," River Clay answered. Camomile already knew that.

Camomile smiled softly. "A leader can give orders, but a great leader understands those they lead and how their choices affect the world around them. Have you thought of the Wolf's Cry?"

"I- I've thought about it," River Clay said,, shifting uneasily.

"And what do you make of it?"

River Clay took a moment, rounding the Lightning Tree. "We should be aware of those around us and be thankful for things we see and don't see."

Camomile looked up at the light filtering through the braches and closed her eyes as she inhaled. "That's part of it. I think you'll understand more in time. Experience and thoughts on that experience are impeccable teachers. Tell me, have you ever wondered of where dreams come from?"

River Clay stopped, caught off guard. "Huh? From your head, clearly. Where else?"

Camomile seemed to frown slightly. "I suppose." Then they continued to walk.

River Clay felt bad, wondering why Camomile seemed disappointed. Was I harsh or something? Maybe I hurt her feelings, she wondered. They walked in silence for a little while until River Clay finally spoke up. "I'm sorry if I said something wrong,  Camomile.Where do you think dreams come from?"

"Why do you only remember fragments of dreams?" Camomile asked. "Do you dream anymore, River Clay?"

"I- sometimes. More so recently, I guess."

Camomile smiled. "It's because of the time. Towards the end of each moon phase, dreams become more vivid."

"Why?" River Clay inquired.

Camomile paused then drew two wavy lines in the dirt. "Perhaps dreams come in fragments because they aren't a thing to be grasped by our minds. Instead they could be a journey our spirit takes along a river, flowing along the merging currents of time. Catching glimpses of the past, present, and future."

River Clay stepped back. "That sounds made up."

Camomile snapped her gaze up at River Clay. "Then come with me to the brook where it splits into three parts. We'll sleep there tonight, and you can tell me for yourself."

River Clay bowed her head submissively. "Yes, Alpha."

Camomile nodded her approval and added, "Who knows. Maybe you'll have a change of thought, a transformation so to speak." She chuckled as a sly grin crawled up her face. "There's a certain afterglow to some knowledge."