Dragonfly carefully picked his way across the Steam Slope, sometimes yelping in surprise when a geyser spewed steam into the air. He looked for a sign of wolf life; nothing. He couldn't help scratching the ground with slight ambition; if no wolf had yet claimed this place, it was up for the grabs for him.

The red streaks flashed swiftly as the Firefly padded higher up the slope. He slipped occasionally from the steepness that was building up. When he was at the highest of the hill that was not in the Fire Feilds, he looked nervously at the Steam Slope.

It looked perfect for him to build up a pack. The scent of elk was picked up by his nose on the breeze; and the wolves could always drink hot water from the geysers, being immune to heat. The only problem that was very obvious was finding a den. His sight could not make out any place suitable to construct a burrow or cave; let alone one that was already made.

Dragonfly took a deep breath. He licked his chest very breifly, and then tried to speak-- but no sound came out. The Firefly tried a second time; this time, it rang out loud and clear. His voice shook with nervousness and modesty, but in his mind a spark of ambition was in it (Though no one else could hear it).

"I, Dragonfly, claim The Steam Slope for my pack. I am not sure whether I have the true heart or mind of a leader, but I will try and find out. If any male opposes me, please speak now."

When he heard no answer, he lowered his head for a moment, taking a deep breath. Finally, Dragonfly let out a long, eerie howl-- it was filled with strength and youth, but Dragonfly did not hear that. The one thing echoed in his mind: "Dragonfly, you're not good enough to be an alpha. You're not good enough for anything."

Aqua stood still in front of a geyser. The steam behind her fired up and spewed into the air, but she did not flinch. Her white coat glimmered and shone in the sun and she blinked her clear blue eyes. She walked, rather slowly up to where Dragonfly was. She blinked at him and howled a clear howl into that sky that climbed up and down the music 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, Dragonfly. 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.

Dragonfly was speechless for a moment. This was a GODDESS. After he got back to his senses, he lowered to the ground in submission with his tail low and serious. His red sparks flashed as if in protest as he did so, his amber eyes gleaming with respect.

"You have my word," he whispered, knowing to be the owner of a land was to prove to himself that he was not who he thought so strongly he was. Dragonfly stood up, and gave a bow of great respect and subjectism.

The Firefly waited patiently for her answer; he was dying to know how she would respond. His tail was still low, symbolizing that he was keeping his cool. Dragonfly was a respectful wolf; he wasn't overly respectful, but more like a normal amount of respect.

Aqua dipped her head in respect to the new alpha. She swished her tail and flapped ger wings once. Then, she raised her head and howled aout a tune. Her howl slid up and down the musical scale and eventually formed a recognizeable tune.

"I wish you peace
When the cold winds blow
Warmed by the fire's glow.
I wish you comfort
In the lonely times
And arms to hold you
When you ache inside.
I wish you hope
When things are going bad,
And kind words when times are sad.
I wish you shelter from the raging wind.
And coolin' waters at the fever's end."

Then, she breathed in the Dragonfly's scent. "Goodbye, respectable Sir Dragonfly," she said. "May you always have peace in your land, but know what to do in times of trouble."

And with that she turned and walked back into The Steam Slope. The geysers let out giant sprays of steam as she passed and her coat glimmered again. Her clear blue eyes focused ahead of her, still, and she eventually disappeared into the distance.

(Author's Note: Above lyrics are from The Eagles I Wish You Peace, I did not write them.)