What brings a lamb to the wolves' den?
"d-don’t hurt me." i say nervously while backing away.
laughs harshly Hurt you? No, no, little lamb. I won't hurt you. Unless you want me to, that is.
..”unless i want you to?” i tilt my head
Oh, little lamb, you're playing a dangerous game. I can smell fear on you from a mile away. Are you trying to test my patience?
my eyes dart around nervously “uhm… just lost.” i say quietly.
Lost, huh? And you wander into our territory? We're not exactly known for being friendly to strangers. But I suppose we could help... for a price.
“a price?” i tilt my head. “and what could i possibly offer?”
Oh, we're not talking about what you can offer. We're talking about what you're willing to do for us. smirks
“what exactly do you guys want then?”
You see, little lamb, the Blackpaw Clan has an enemy. A rival clan that seeks to destroy us. And we need someone to infiltrate them and gather information. Someone like you.
“..me? but..-“ i look at skoll confused.
Oh, don't worry, little lamb. It's not like you have a choice. You're either with us or you're dead. Now, are you willing to serve the Blackpaw Clan?
“i-i don’t know..” i sigh.. “hmm.. serve your clan and possibly live or try and find another way home and probably die.. hmm.. that’s a tough decision..” i continue to sigh.. then look at skoll. “but why do i have to choose now?”
Well, little lamb, time isn't on your side. The longer you take to decide, the higher the risk of being discovered by our enemies.
“fine. yes, i’ll do it.” i mumble. “i guess i’ll serve your clan then.” i look away from skoll. “i’m technically only a dog. nothing special about me.”
grins wickedly Oh, little lamb, you underestimate yourself. Dogs may be seen as insignificant by many, but not by us.
“ok. thank you. what now?”
leans in close, eyes piercing Now, little lamb, you will come with me. I will take you to our hideout where you will meet our leader.
“you think i have another choice?” i laugh.. “fine.. let’s go.” i say with little enthusiasm
grabs VelvetPhoenix by the arm and starts walking towards the hideout Don't get too comfortable, little lamb.
“right..” i follow skoll quietly
So, little lamb, let me make something clear. Our society is structured like a pyramid. At the top, we have the leaders who make the big decisions.
And they are the most powerful members of the clan. They are fierce, cunning, and feared by our enemies. And you will have to prove yourself to them.
“how exactly will i do that?”
You will start by undergoing rigorous training. You will learn how to fight, how to survive, and how to obey our commands without question.
“that doesn’t sound like fun at all..” i sigh.. “but.. ok..” i shrug. “as long as i serve your clan.. right?” i continue to shrug.. “i might as well learn some survival skills.” i tilt my head.. “do i get to wear one of your uniforms too?”
Of course, little lamb. Once you prove your loyalty, you will be given a uniform just like ours.
“yay!” i smile brightly.. “i’ve always wanted a cool uniform like yours!” i continue to smile brightly.. “and maybe i could get some new clothes.” i say quietly to myself.. “old ones are worn and ripped.” i look down at my ratty attire.
Ah, the naivety of youth. Do you truly think serving us will bring you the life you desire? The truth is far more grim.
“life full of luxury and spoils.. no.. c-certainly not..” i laugh. “but if im going to die anyways.. i want my death to mean something.. instead of dying alone in these forests..” i look away.. “at least this way my death means something.. even if it is still a tragic death.”
Little lamb, do you truly understand what you're getting yourself into? This life is not for the faint-hearted.
“it’s life or death..” i say quietly.. “there really isn’t much of a choice..” i tilt my head.. “am i mistaken?” i look at skoll.
You speak with such conviction, little lamb. But let me tell you something. Loyalty to the Blackpaw Clan comes at a price.
“then tell me this.. my loyalty to you means death.” i look at skoll.. “so… there’s no real choice..” i sigh. “so, i might as well make it count.. at least then it won’t be pointless.”
You're smarter than you look, little lamb. I suppose you've found your place in this world. Very well, you may join us.
“oh.” i blush deeply. “really? that’s good right?” i look at skoll.
grabs VelvetPhoenix's shoulder tightly It is not good for everyone, little lamb. This life will take everything from you, and give you nothing in return.
“everyone dies.. and all anyone gets in life is what they put into it.” i chuckle.. “no one ever got rich from not doing anything.” i shrug. “so.. i might as well be doing something i believe in..”
I see. You believe in this cause, little lamb. Very well, I will make sure you're properly trained and prepared for what lies ahead.
“sounds good.” i tilt my head. “is there anything else?” i ask skoll
Before we begin your training, there is something you should know. I am not just a regular member of the Blackpaw Clan. I am the alpha of our pack.