The wedding festivities had already begun across Tianlong’s territory, welcoming guests from several packs to gather beneath unfamiliar skies in celebration. Yelena and her family were among those visitors, though her siblings had already ventured away from their temporary den to co-mingle with wolves they had never met before. Their willingness to mingle was something Yelena couldn’t quite bring herself to imitate. Instead, she remained tucked within the den, anxiety coursing through her veins while her heart stumbled through an erratic rhythm. Every so often, a nervous quiver traveled through her frame at the mere thought of stepping outside and facing so many wolves at once.

Left alone with her thoughts, Yelena only managed to worsen the situation. Every possible interaction played through her mind until she had nearly thought herself into oblivion. It wasn’t until the faint sound of shuffling came from the mouth of the den that her spiraling thoughts abruptly ceased. A nearly inaudible gasp slipped from her as she glanced toward the entrance, her body instinctively tensing.

Then the familiar scent of pine tree and cloves reached her… Alder.

Yelena released a quiet sigh of relief as soon as she recognized her father, the tension in her frame gradually beginning to ease. For that fleeting moment, Yelena could have sworn Alder was psychic; somehow, he had appeared precisely when she needed someone familiar most. Not only that, but he was able to pinpoint her personal dilemma within seconds of laying eyes on her.

Her ears pinned sheepishly against her head as embarrassment settled over her, her features gradually drooping with disappointment in herself for allowing her fear to overwhelm her so completely. Still, she listened closely as her father spoke, especially when he admitted that he had experienced similar struggles himself. The confession eased some of the weight pressing against her chest; perhaps her anxieties weren’t as isolating as they felt, and knowing her father understood made her feel considerably less alone.

Instinctively, she rested her head against his leg. I… I don’t know if I can do it… Yelena finally spoke, uncertain how to correlate how she felt into words— words Alder could comprehend. I’m sorry, Dad… I’m not trying to be a problem… She sighed, her apology sincere. Weddings were supposed to be entertaining! Not one for babysitting those who can’t muster up the strength to say hi.

As Alder bent down to offer her a reassuring lick, one of Yelena’s ears flicked instinctively when the strands of his fur brushed and tickled along its outer edge. The familiar affection helped, even if only slightly. A quiet sniffle escaped her as she remained close to him, her senses still overwhelmed by everything occurring beyond the safety of the den. So many unfamiliar scents mingled together outside, accompanied by voices and movement that left her unsure of where to focus her attention.

Still, her uneasiness did not prevent her from listening. Yelena remained attentive to every syllable that rolled from her father’s tongue, absorbing his reassurance even while her nerves continued to flutter beneath her skin. When Alder asked whether she wanted to help him make a few friends of his own, her attention shifted more fully toward him. Her head tilted backward, chin lifting so she could gain a better view of her father’s face from where she stood beneath him. B—… But… What if they don’t like me…? She asked, a lip beginning to quiver while tears began to well in her eyes. Only Stellan plays with me… Yelena added, concluding her dialogue then.

Her ears remained folded backward against her head, betraying just how overwhelmed she still was by the thought of venturing out and speaking with strangers, causing her to nestle herself closely to Alder again. Yet, if she could remain beside her father, and perhaps help him along the way as well, the idea did seem a little less frightening than facing all of it on her own.