Eclipse snapped her eyes open, instinctively scrambling to get up. A voice made her freeze.

"Stop! You'll make the wound bleed!" The brown wolf called.

Eclipse tried to relax and examined her surroundings. She was on a bedding or moss and dried grass. She was in the part of the forest she never went. The wolf was gathering moss to her right, to her left, there was a small stream, curving around an old oak tree, it's branches sheltering her from the sun.

Eclipse gingerly turned ti look at her wound. It was bright red and tender, blood trickling at places, and felt like fire!

The brown wolf put down the water filled moss wad by her face and said,"It's healed a lot since I dragged you out of the territory," then wailed," I was so worried! I thought you died!"

"I'm ok now," Eclipse replied, "And... thank you."

The wolf nosed the moss to her mouth, "Your welcome. Now drink," a hint of worry stuck in her voice.

As Eclipse lapped up the water, she watched the wolf carry on with her things.

"How long have I been asleep?" Eclipse called over.

The wolf looked over, "About a day"

A day! That long? Eclipse tried to get up frantically.

"Slow down! we are ok! we're far from Night Pack," The wolf protested.

Eclipse relaxed a little, but being by another loner made her nervous. She tried to listen to the birds chirping to a new day, the slight breeze blowing between the leaves and branches, the stream bubbling and gurgling, splashing out of line.

"Whats your name?" Eclipse realized the wolf was watching her.

She hesitated. Should she trust her? Eclipse realized, she would have to trust the wolf, she was living with her for until her wound heals, "Eclipse."

The wolf looked back to what she was doing. Eclipse began to think the wolf wouldn't respond until she spoke, "Sapphire. My name is Sapphire."

The day carried on slowly, Sapphire tending to her wound, giving her food, feeding her water. Eclipse feeling helpless the whole time.

Sapphire made her own bed by Eclipse's and laid down, foe the night. Eclipse listed to her breathing until it turned into a soft, rhythmic breath.

The breeze died down, making the night silent. As stares started to appear, angry howls from Night Pack started to be heard. It became louder and louder.

"there really mad!" Sapphire woke.

Eclipse looked over and saw fear in her amber eyes. She gave Sapphire a reassuring glance, but said nothing.

When light hit the horizon, the howls disappeared into the morning mist. Birds took the place of the howls, like a melody, the birds chirped to the morning sun.

Eclipse realized Sapphire fell asleep. Her steady breaths calming the forest. Eclipse found herself fawned of the wolf that saved her.

She rose gingerly and limped to the stream. Eclipse sat beside a slow moving bend and lapped at the water. Her wound felt better but stung.

Eclipse looked over at her gash. It was a dark pink and inflamed around the edges, it looked better.

Eclipse looked over at the sleeping lump of fur next to her bedding, her chest rising and falling with each breath. She new she should wake her and head away from Night Pack's territory since they were wanted, but Sapphire looked tired so she let her sleep.

By mid-day, Sapphire woke with a start and jumped up, realizing what time it is, and said, "What are you doing up! Why didn't you wake me?"

Eclipse turned from her reflection in the stream and replied, "I can walk now. I'm ok. And you were tired so i let you sleep."

Sapphire relaxed and walked to the side of Eclipse. She dipped her head and drank, Eclipse watched, knowing she couldn't leave her since her wound was healed enough to take care of herself, though she had to be careful, it was still tender.

When she was done she sat up and looked over at Eclipse, "I guess I'd better get going. You can take care of yourself now right?"

Eclipse looked into her amber eyes, searching for the words to tell her the truth. But she was a loner. She never lived with anyone until now. And, besides, Sapphire probably doesn't feel the same as she does, "Yes," was her answer.

She was silent for a moment, then her amber eyes filled with tears, "I don't want you to leave! We could be good friends! You'll see! Please, travel with me."

"Ok," Eclipse answered.

Sapphire yelped with joy and ran in a wide circle, tail in the air. Eclipse watched her vowing she will never let any wolf hurt her. Even if it means she must loses her life.

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Hi! Animal_maniac again! How do you like it? Please comment and tell others! Hope you enjoy!