Family

For Astrid, the Fenrir had become one of the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen. Silver Fenrir's hair had changed its coloring and his ears and muzzle had gained a deep red pelage, as did the end of all four legs and his tail. Even his eyes were mesmerizing and more dangerous, they continued in their icy blue tone, but in return there was a red ring surrounding the blue.

His size subsided a little and now he appeared to be a bit smaller than a normal wolf, but it seemed much faster. Astrid was really enchanted with him, her will was to go where he was and caress all that soft fur.

"So beautiful"

Astrid murmured in contemplation, without waiting to receive a response.

"Thank you"

A thick voice answered her. Astrid's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to face Fenrir's face.

"By the goddess! You talk!?"

"I always understood what you said, but I only got the ability to respond to you now that I've evolved."

"This.. This is fantastic!"

Astrid got up from where she was sitting, excitement streaming down her face, she was actually happy about it. Fenrir's tail was also wagging, as if he was being infected by Astrid's joy. Astrid approached the Fenrir and sat down in front of him, smiling happily.

"Let me start by introducing myself then. My name is Astrid and for a long time I was a witch by the Holy Church of the kingdom of Calico." At that moment Astrid leaned toward him, bowing her head politely. "Please excuse me again for the inconvenience of invading your territory."

"Do not worry about it. I understand your side and I was not really angry about being in my territory without my authorization."

"Thank you so much for that! If you'd send me away now, I have to admit I had nowhere to go."

"Hm, don't worry."

"But... What's your name?"

"I do not have a name, I am a child of this forest, and creatures have no name. We are often recognized only by our social standing and levels of strength against other beasts."

Astrid recognized this fact, but she could not help regretting the fact that such a beautiful creature did not have a name.

"Would you not allow me the honor of naming you?" Astrid looked earnestly at the Fenrir. "An old wise man once told me what names should be given, because they represent the place that person has in another person's life."

The Fenrir looked contemplative. "Was your name also chosen in the same way?"

A look of pain passed Astrid's face before she had the courage to respond.

"A long time ago, my parents chose that name for me. It was the only thing the church could not get out of me."

The Fenrir understood Astrid's sadness and said nothing more. A silence settled between them as they thought of different subjects. Names were sacred for a reason, especially for forest creatures. Names often came after the formation of a contract, but if it were given without being involved in a contract, it meant that the human regarded him as his family.

Removing Astrid from her sad thoughts the Fenrir resolved to agree to his request. Such a link was much deeper than any contract and he was sincerely willing to do so.

"I agree to your request. Choose a name for me."

Hearing the positive response from Fenrir, Astrid's face lit up in response. From the moment she saw him she already had a name she knew would match it. Astrid took a deep breath before speaking earnestly to the Fenrir ahead of her.

"Khaled, your name will be Khaled."

Khaled howled with appreciation for his name. And Astrid followed him imitating the sound of the howling in harmony with the moment. The power behind the name given by Astrid, sealed an unbreakable bond for both. Now they have become much more than known, their destinies were intertwined and both became family.

"Thank you Astrid, I will protect you for eternity, not for any contract made, but because we are family."

Tears of happiness began to slide down Astrid's face. Who would have imagined that she would have to enter the deepest of the Black Forest to get a brother, her family. Khaled licked the tears from Astrid's face, trying to console her and was received by a hug from her.

Finally, their journey was about to begin.