The Ceremony in the Forest

The morning of the ceremony dawned with a sense of anticipation that filled the den. The wolf pups were especially lively, darting around and playfully nipping at each other. I was still groggy from sleep, but their energy was infectious. Lorish Alba, had explained the significance of this day. It was the time when all the young ones of the forest would be presented to the Moon and Nature, becoming official members of the pack and the forest. This included my wolf siblings and me.

As I lay in the den, watching my siblings play, Mom approached me.

"Orphelin, my little baby, are you ready for today?" she asked, her voice full of warmth.

I nodded, though nerves fluttered in my stomach.

"I think so, Mom," I replied, using the term I had come to love. "I'm just worried I'll do something wrong..."

She nuzzled me affectionately.

"You will do wonderfully, my brave dragon," she reassured me.

The wolves had been preparing for days - I finally understood what this was all about yesterday. The den was decorated with flowers and leaves, creating a festive atmosphere. The older wolves were already gathered, sharing stories and laughter. The pups were given special baths in a nearby stream, their fur gleaming in the early morning light.

"Woffer noooo" my little sister was running away in circles screaming with laughter. Yeah... I think she may be the only lady I know, that doesn't like bathing.

"Today is a big day," said one of the older wolves, a grizzled male with a greyish colour decorating his once-black fur. "It's not every day we officially welcome new members to the pack and ask for protection."

The excitement was palpable. Wolves of all ages were bustling about, making last-minute preparations. Some were arranging flowers, while others were preparing a feast for later in the day. The scent of fresh meat and herbs filled the air, making my mouth water.

I noticed Lorish talking to another wolf, her voice low and serious. I couldn't make out what she was saying, but her expression was one of pride and determination. She caught my eye and smiled, her blue eyes twinkling.

"Come, my lovely baby," she called. "It's time to join the others."

Oh my gosh, I will never have enough of her calling me this way. Mom is the best!

I stood up, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was a significant moment for me. I was about to be formally introduced to the entire forest as part of Lorish's family. The thought filled me with pride, but also a hint of anxiety. What if they didn't accept me? What if they saw me as an outsider? Or worse...

I'm sure everyone knows that a dragon should have wings... What if my family will be laughed at coz of me?

As we walked towards the gathering place, I stayed close to Lorish. My siblings bounded alongside us, their excitement palpable. Their fur was so fluffy and fresh that I just wanted to take and cuddle them whole day.

"Big buo? Theue be big buos?" Lorelin asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. If anyone would wonder what did she ask about, she wanted to know if there would be creatures like me... Yeah, I totally get my lil sister's language... I know I'm an awesome bro.

"I don't know but I'm sure there will be many different creatures," I replied, trying to sound confident.

The path through the forest was lined with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. As we moved deeper into the forest, the sounds of nature grew louder—the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant roar of a waterfall.

"Stay close, everyone," Lorish instructed. "We're almost there."

I could hear the murmur of voices and the soft sounds of many weird animal noises as we approached the clearing. The gathering place was a large open area surrounded by ancient trees. Their branches formed a natural roof with only a small window for the moon to peak into the place. It was a magical, secluded space.

As we entered the clearing, I was awestruck by the sight of so many creatures assembled. Wolves of every shade, from the common grey to the rare silver and even a few with iridescent coats, filled the clearing. There were other magical beings too, such as deer with antlers that glowed faintly, rabbits with shimmering fur, and birds with iridescent feathers. However, there were no humanoids in sight, as this was strictly an event for the forest's magical inhabitants. Not to mention that even if some of the creatures reminded me of animals in my previous world, they always had something that was "different" about them. Not to mention beasts that were totally magical and looked alien to me... I didn't have any names to call them.

"Wooo," my little brother whispered, his eyes wide with amazement.

"Lofely," my sister added, her tail wagging.

In the centre of the clearing, a large rock formation stood as a natural stage. It was covered in moss and flowers, giving it an ethereal appearance. Lorish led us to the front, where we would be introduced. My heart raced as I saw the immense emerald wolf standing atop the formation. His presence was imposing, and I recognized him as the King of the Forest even before Mom told us that it was him.

The King was a sight to behold. His body was powerful and big like no wolf. His fur was a deep emerald green, shimmering in the sunlight, with green flashy stones on his head. His eyes were a piercing gold, filled with wisdom and authority. His mere presence commanded respect, and the clearing fell silent as he gazed over the assembled creatures.

Lorish guided us up to the rock, and we stood before the gathered creatures. She began to speak, her voice carrying authority and love.

"Today, we gather to honour the new generations of our forest. These young ones are our future, our hope," she said.

I stopped listening for a moment and just watched many amazing creatures. It seemed every pack, family or other group would announce their children, gifting them their name. After a name was spoken, Mom would say "Father Moon, Mother Nature, please protect them". This seemed so serious and amazing that I got even more scared.

Then, when everyone finished, it was time for us - the royals. I felt really stressed as Mom first took my siblings to introduce them.

"I present your princess, Lorelin Alba." Mom showed my little sister first.

"Father Moon, Mother Nature, please protect them," all beings said in unison. That was amazing.

The little furball squeaked with joy, her white fur with a tiny bit of green shining in the moon.

She'll be the most beautiful princess in the world... and if anyone has other opinions I will kick their ass.

Then it was time for my little plump brother which I rescued from the fox.

"I present your prince, Orsus Alba."

And again all other creatures answered. I was excited. My little siblings were presenting themselves lovely. Orsus with his silver fur sat on his plump bum and smiled at everyone. I'm sure I've heard some "awws".

"I present your prince, Orish Alba." My last little brother.

After everyone gathered again and asked Moon and Nature for protection, my little naughty brother barked a little and looked back at me with a proud smile. His fur was a mixture of dark grey and white and had mom's eyes. The other two kiddos had golden eyes like the King. Well, it makes sense... they were his children... But me?

I started to panic again. Mom loves me... but will the King accept me?

But there was no time to think anymore as Lorish looked back at me, asking me to come closer and nuzzling my cheek. I came to stand next to her, panicking internally but trying to look proud. Mom loves me. She didn't have to adopt me. I will not make her look back. So I stood there proud, with my head held high. I could see some beasts whispering between each other.

"And finally... I present your eldest prince, Orphelin Alba. Though he may not be a wolf from birth... Since today he has been reborn as my wolf son. Who already proven himself to be an outstanding wolf and brother when risking his life, he protected Prince Orsus from an attack. His name means 'precious gift' in our ancient tongue, and Alba signifies his place in our family." Her voice was so soft that I had to look at her. Those beautiful eyes were looking at me with so much pride, that I suddenly felt powerful.

"Father Moon, Mother Nature, please protect them." Gosh, I think my siblings were trying to say these words. I smiled and checked the crowd wondering if the fox I killed had a family that would be here. I guess an event like today meant peace... but to steal the Queen's pup? That seemed off. But there were no purple foxes in the crowd.

The crowd murmured in approval, and I felt a surge of pride. The King watched us, his gaze intense. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but I hoped he wouldn't suddenly say something like "NOPE" heh.

Unfortunately, as Lorish spoke, I noticed some of the creatures whispering among themselves. Their eyes darted towards me, and I could hear snippets of their conversations.

"Is that really a dragon without wings?" one of them murmured.

"How unusual," another replied. "But he seems so... small."

"Do you think the Queen rescued a leftover?" a third voice questioned.

I tried to ignore the comments, focusing on Lorish's voice and the support of my siblings beside me. Despite the whispers, there was a sense of acceptance in the air. The magical creatures of the forest were curious, but they were also willing to welcome us.

As the ceremony continued, creatures mingled and congratulated the new members. I stayed close to my siblings, feeling more comfortable with them nearby. But soon, a group of young stars approached us. A gryphon as their leader was a little larger than me, with brown feathers and a small white dot on his forehead. Next to him was a strange creature that looked like a mix of a bear and a lion. There was also something that looked like a small raptor but with fur and feathers.

Weirdos I'd say, yup.

"Look at the wingless dragon," he sneered. "And these pups? They think they're royalty?"

His friends laughed, and I felt anger boiling inside me but I was trying to ignore them.

"I can't believe these whelps could be the King's kids... Are you sure your mother didn't sleep with some ferret or something...?" They were laughing hard. But this time... It was too much. No one... I say NO ONE... says bad things about my siblings and - what's most important - MY MOM!

"Take that back!" I growled, stepping forward, my body stiff.

The griffin laughed. "Or what? You're just a defective dragon. You can't even fly."

In the meantime, the adults saw the problem and wanted to intervene, but the King spoke from atop the rock. "Let them settle this themselves," he commanded.

The adults around us stepped back, giving us space, but none of us noticed that.

I glared at the griffin.

"If you're so sure of yourself, then fight me," I challenged. "Let's see if I need wings to beat the air out of you."

The griffin hesitated but then puffed up his chest.

"Fine," he said, flaring his wings. His friends cheered on him.

We circled each other, the tension thick in the air. I remembered the battle I had fought to survive. The griffin lunged first, but his moves were sloppy, driven by arrogance. I dodged easily to the side, my smaller size giving me an advantage in agility. My long tail slipped between the other's legs, tripping him. I think there were some laughs in the crowd.

The arrogant kid seemed angrier and angrier as he trashed and threw himself at me all the time. Let's not mention that he was not able to fly from the ground yet, so... well - what was the point of laughing from me?

But still, our little fight was intense. The griffin slashed at me with his claws or beak, but I anticipated his moves, using my speed to avoid his strikes. I countered with swift bites and tail whips, landing solid hits that left him reeling. I noticed during my fight with the fox, that my forehead was one of the toughest parts of my body, so I sometimes blocked his attack with it.

"Come on, is that all you've got?" I taunted, feeling my confidence grow, as I dug claws in the ground, stood proudly and snarled showing off my teeth.

The griffin screeched in frustration, launching a desperate attack. But he was uncoordinated, his anger blinding him. I seized the opportunity, knocking him off balance again and pinning him to the ground.

"Yield," I growled, my claws at his throat. The griffin squirmed but realized he was beaten. He finally nodded, and I stepped back.

The crowd was silent, watching us. Seeing that he had trouble getting up, I offered him a paw.

"No hard feelings," I said. "Let's be friends instead of enemies."

After all, he's a kid... I should be the adult one, right? I mean, ok I'm a kid but I was an adult back in the other world soo... yeah. Let's be better.

The griffin looked at me in surprise but then took my paw.

"Ok," he said quietly, and after a moment added a few more words. "Sorry for what I was saying... You're pretty awesome..." I think I heard awe in his voice. Wow.

As we turned back to the crowd, I saw the griffin's mother approaching. She was the same griffin who had tried to kidnap me when I was still in that rocky cave after being abandoned. Wow... what a coincidence. She looked at me with a mix of respect and gratitude.

"Thank you for sparing him," she said, bowing her head.

Not like you wanted to spare me...

"Maybe you could take an example from me... Hurting children isn't very mature" I said a bit coldly. I knew she understood. She bowed her head in shame. I also saw my Mom looking at her with anger and suspicion I think. She then looked at me and smiled.

I nodded with a smile, feeling a sense of closure. Suddenly, the King stepped forward, his eyes on me.

"You have proven yourself today, Orphelin. Both in your strength and wisdom," he said. "You are worthy of the title of Prince of the Forest. From this day forward, you will train under my guidance, son."

He just called me son...

I think my brain stopped working for a moment there. I hope I didn't look dumb.

The ceremony resumed with a sense of renewed respect. I stood beside my siblings, feeling the weight of my new title. Orphelin Alba, Prince of the Forest. The name filled me with pride and a sense of responsibility.

As the moon started to cast a silver glow over the clearing, Lorish approached me.

"You did wonderfully, my baby," she said, nuzzling me. "I am so proud of you."

"Thank you, Mom," I replied, my heart swelling with love for her.

The King stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.

"Tonight, we celebrate not just the new generation but the unity and strength of our forest," he announced. "We stand together against any threat, and we honour those who show courage and loyalty."

He looked directly at me.

"Orphelin Alba, you have shown both. From tomorrow, you will begin your training with me. You have much to learn, but I believe you have the heart and spirit of a true leader."

I bowed my head in respect.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I said. "I will do my best."

The King nodded, his expression softening.

"I know you will," he said. "Welcome to the pack, my son."

I had a strange feeling that he'd like that so... I tried...

"Thank you, dad." 

The smile he gave me reached his eyes. Yes. He liked that!

The night was filled with celebration. Creatures of the forest prancing in circles or having small wrestling matches, their joy echoing through the trees. I stayed close to my family, feeling more at home than ever. The King joined us, his huge body making me feel safe. He was still imposing, but I felt a connection forming between us.

As the festivities wound down, I looked up at the sky, the full moon shining brightly. I thought about the journey that had brought me here, the challenges I had faced, and the family I had found. I was no longer the defenceless hatchling. I was Orphelin Alba, a dragon with a family, a purpose, and a future filled with promise. My journey was just beginning, and I knew that with love, courage, and unity, we could overcome anything.

As the night grew quiet and the creatures departed to their lairs and dens, same as our wolf pack, I curled up beside my siblings in the den, their warmth comforting me. I closed my eyes, a sense of peace washing over me. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, I was content. And when I felt King's and Queen's fur around us I knew... I was home.

---------AUTHOR'S NOTES---------

MC: BOW IN FRONT OF ME YOU PEASANT!

Author: ...You talking to me?

MC: Of course! Now bow before your prince!

Author: ... maybe I should make them kick you out -.- all the power doesn't work well with your bird brain.

MC: What? I am no bird! But a mighty dragon! RAWR!

Author: U hatched from an egg?

MC: Yes!

Author: Like a bird. So you've got a bird brain

MC: ...DAD! She's being meaaaan!

Author: SHUSH YOU IDIOT!

*sounds of fight*

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