Marigold

Name when received was Sunny

A playful youngster scampered over the Stinging Nettle's boundary line one day and found himself at the feet of a scout. His worried caregiver paced and called out for him nearby, at last braving the crossing into enemy territory when she scented strange wolves. Before she could snatch him up, Mayfly licked Weasel's chin humbly and trotted back to the older wolf. Marigold whined at Weasel and flattened her ears to show she meant no harm. "I'm leaving, I swear. I'm so sorry he came in here. I can't keep track of this one. He was my sister's and I'm no pupsitter, and yet I find myself all alone with this little one for company. We'll be on our way." Weasel took pity on the lone wolf and her charge, making one of her snap judgements that led Mist to trust her so deeply as a scout. She led both back home to Stinging Nettle.

Mist spoke to her then. "Raising a pup alone is not the way. If you feel so inclined, you are welcome to stay with us until he is grown and then strike out again. Perhaps we will even find that Stinging Nettle is the right home for the both of you."

The wolf bowed her head in deference. The wind stirred her fur into waves like it did the golden stalks of wheat in the fields she had recently passed through. "Thank you for your kindness. My sister's death rests easier on my heart knowing her child has this chance to live."

"What is your name?"

"I have left it behind with my pack. I will need a new one."

"I see. And his?"

"Gone, too. But I've called him Mayfly. They live so sparingly, not unllike an orphaned pup."

"Then you must be Marigold, leading little Mayfly back to the living."