5 - Evar's story

*Evar's POV*

Growing up in a small village nestled near the mountains, amidst a tight-knit pack of wolves, life was never dull. From a young age, I had a knack for sniffing out trouble—not just the ordinary kind you'd expect living so close to the untamed wilderness, but the kind that seemed to seep out from every shadow and whisper with the wind.

"I always expected trouble," I'd say, whether it was lurking in the dense forests that bordered our lands, or rolling down from the craggy peaks above, or even from within our own ranks. Lycans, humans, spirits of the old world—no matter the origin, I could sense the brewing storms.

My pack, they were a sturdy bunch, hardened by the harsh conditions of mountain life, but even they weren't prepared for the kind of trouble I'd stir up. It wasn't that I sought chaos; it was more that my curiosity often led me down paths others in my pack avoided.

Take, for example, the Festival of the First Moon. It was supposed to be a night of celebration, marking the growth of our youngest members into the fold. To me, it was an opportunity to explore the old myths, to challenge the boundaries set by traditions. I thought, why not add a bit of excitement to the old rituals? Why not test the limits of what I was told was the 'safe' way to honour our ancestors?

Well, as you can imagine, my ideas of 'adding excitement' didn't sit well with the elders. I turned a sacred ceremony into a spectacle, a misjudged prank that led to uproar and chaos. My intentions might have been pure, but the consequences were disastrous. For my actions, I was branded a menace—a disruptor too dangerous to keep within the safety of our community.

So, I was exiled. Sent away from the only home I'd ever known, pushed out into the wilds with nothing but my wits and my will to survive. But you know what? Being cast out was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Living in the wild, I learned the true ways of the mountain and the forest. I became a part of the world that I had only ever touched the edges of before. Each day brought new challenges, and with them, new opportunities to grow stronger, smarter. I met creatures and spirits, made alliances with exiles and outcasts like myself. My reputation grew—not as a troublemaker, but as a wolf of uncommon skill and cunning.

I traded protection for secrets, knowledge for aid. My network of allies expanded, spreading through the mountains and forests. I wasn't just surviving; I was thriving in a way I never could have within the confines of my old life.

Looking back, I see how each challenge, each setback was necessary. They taught me the value of truth, the importance of trust, and the power of a well-timed move. Unlike the boy who cried wolf, I learned when to speak and when to hold my tongue, when to fight and when to bide my time.

Now, standing here before you, I am no longer just Evar, the exiled youth. I am Evar the cunning, the connected, the free. And all those paths I once roamed so recklessly? They've led me right here, to this moment, with you.

*Nemesia's POV*

The moon had long adorned the night sky, and the campfire had dimmed. Yet, sleep eluded me. Athena and I reflected on Evar's tale. After our conversation and my openness about my situation, as well as making plans for the expedition into the mountains, Evar offered to hunt something for dinner. During the meal, he shared his story. I wasn't sure if he was trying to boast, or if he thought that by doing so, I might trust him more... or perhaps he was simply returning the favour after my own revelations. I had to admit, he had a knack for storytelling and winning people over. I still didn't know why... I just felt that way... Having such an ally might prove useful. And Ragnar was utterly charming, acting like an oversized puppy.

A smile graced my lips as I slowly drifted off to sleep, recalling how Ragnar, the wolf with jet-black fur, had brought a rabbit in his mouth and wagged his tail joyfully. Even Athena wanted to go out and play with him. And rightly so... we must enjoy this moment of peace we have... I don't know how far the news of my escape has spread, but I need to be ready...