Tone walked to the edge of Amunga Plain. The ice expanded as far as his poor sight could see into the horizon; it would have looked like a wasteland to any animal other than an Ice wolf. To him, it was perfect for home.
The Blizzard really wasn't social any more. He was just too old to be with other wolves. But Tone was not foolish; he needed the protection of a pack, whether he liked it or not. He scratched at the ice in wait for an alpha to arrive.
He waited for a long while, and when no wolf came, he knew that he didn't really have a choice. Amunga Plain wasn't claimed yet; he wasn't interested in the Glimmering Snow Caps or The River Of Ice. He would have to become alpha until another wolf walked along to take his place.
"I, Tone, claim Amunga Plain for my pack. Any male who opposes me, speak now!" he barked, his voice cracked with age. When there was no answering call, the Blizzard took a deep breath and let out a long, eerie howl. It echoed across the land, and though it didn't sound very clear, it was good enough. He trotted off to the Claiming Grounds.
Aqua stood in the middle of Amunga Plain. Her coat glistened and shone in the light and she almost blended in with the scenery. She stood and walked towards Tone, sitting when she reached him. She blinked at him and howled a clear howl into that sky that climbed up and down the musical scale. Her howl rang for several moments before it finally took shape, and the shape it took was that of a song.
Her howl ended and she spoke at last. "You are lucky to be in the presence of a Goddess, Tone. I am Aqua, Goddess of all Wolves." She paused for emphasis and to let him absorb this information. Then she continued, "Do I have your word that you will protect and defend this land, even at the cost of your life? Do I have your word that you will protect all your future pack's members, even at the cost of your life? Do I have your word that you will rule this land fairly and justly? Do I have your word?"
She sat down, awaiting his reply, and blinked her clear blue eyes at him once more. Her coat sparkled and she looked like a newly fallen snowflake.