Trepidation

The tents outside were a soft twinkle from afar, that escalated into an explosion of color, lights and sound as you approached. There were 3 huge marquees set-up in a beautiful grove, surrounded by pecan trees, an area big enough to hold the hundreds of wolves that had shown up to revel in the excitement and represent the 5 other major packs in their region. Wildpaw and Brokenmane, the more vicious warriors came from the south and east of this land, respectively. Moonvalley, whose residents were known to be especially beautiful and full of knowledge about the history of their clans, came from the north. Wintercrown from the north west, were particularly skilled with forging tools and weapons, skills passed down through the generations, constantly evolving as the world around them changed as well. Last but not least, was Swiftcrest. Their pack was the one most closely aligned with Sableridge, their land bordering each other, and their members even working together on matters of security and diplomacy with the other packs. Of course such alliances are strong for as long as they are useful to those with the most to gain, but the two packs had co-existed peacefully for many years, and there wasn’t anything to suggest a change in that relationship.

The three sisters arrived at the party and were immediately overwhelmed by the sight of everything before them. Nora, of course, was at once entranced by the soft, twinkling lights, hung as if by magic, throughout the tents. Thousands of flowers lined every available surface that wasn’t laden down with delicious foods, and delicate music filled the empty spaces, coming as if from nowhere, as they couldn’t even see a band for all of the people in front of them. Chagrined though she was to admit it, even Evelyn found herself bristling with growing excitement at the chance to enter the party and experience all of the new sights and sounds for herself.

They had barely entered the first tent, when they were immediately accosted by a group of self-important, sneering young men. “Hello ladies,” said the leader of their group, his voice greasy and dripping with an unwavering belief in his own self-worth. “Looking forward to the party? Of course, we could just dispense with how completely unnecessary this all is, if you would just do what’s right and select us as your chosen mates. Like any of these fools would be a good match for our Alpha’s daughters.” “Fuck off, Randolph.” Spat Evelyn, barely waiting for him to finish his sentence. “We’re not cattle to be bought and sold, and even if we were dying to meet our mates and run off to start families, there is no way in heaven and earth that we’d willingly choose any of you neanderthals. You overbearing, pompous…” Cassie cut her off, knowing that Evie would sooner pass out from lack of breath, than finish this tirade anytime soon. “Enough, they know we’re not fated to them, they’re just grasping at straws.” “I don’t know,” said Damian, a weasley looking man to the left of Randolph. “I’m sure we could persuade you if you’d give us a chance.” The other man laughed, their tone making them seem all the more revolting. “I don’t know what you’re getting at,” said Nora, evenly, “but we are leaving before you feel entitled to any more of our time.”

With that, the sisters moved fully into the party, engulfed in the sights, sounds, and nervous scents that surrounded them.