Sanctuary: Safe Haven

The celebration was in full swing, and the sanctuary buzzed with life. Everywhere Canna looked, there were groups of people engaged in lively conversation, recounting stories of the recent war with animated gestures. Some were reenacting their most daring moments on the battlefield, while others were comparing the scars they had earned as badges of honor.

The air was thick with laughter, the sounds of clinking glasses, and the rhythmic beat of drums played by a group of beastkin who had turned one corner of the gathering into an impromptu dance floor.

Even the younger inhabitants of the sanctuary were caught up in the excitement. They darted between the legs of the adults, playing games and imitating the warriors they looked up to. Every now and then, a small scuffle would break out among the more competitive of the group, and Canna would nod approvingly as they were encouraged to spar in good nature.

This was a night to let loose, to celebrate survival and strength, and Canna was happy to see everyone enjoying themselves.

In the midst of the festivities, Canna made his way back to the stage, his presence alone enough to quiet the crowd. Conversations dwindled, and the sanctuary's inhabitants turned their attention to their leader, knowing that whatever he had to say would be important. With a smile, Canna raised his hand to signal for silence.

"Everyone!" he called out, his voice carrying easily across the gathering. "I have a quick announcement to make!"

A ripple of curiosity passed through the crowd as they awaited his words. "First, I'd like to introduce our newest guardian—Solara!" Canna gestured toward the edge of the stage, where Solara, the disaster rank wolf, stepped forward with a grace that belied her size.

Her presence was commanding, and as she looked out over the assembled crowd, the sanctuary's inhabitants responded with cheers and applause.

"Solara comes from a noble lineage," Canna continued, his voice filled with respect. "She and her pack have faced great trials, but today, she joins us as one of our own. A guardian of the sanctuary, a protector of our home."

Solara dipped her head in acknowledgment, though a small part of her still struggled to comprehend how quickly her fate had changed. The sanctuary, with its diverse population and its strange, comforting warmth, was unlike anything she had known. Yet here she was, being welcomed as a guardian—a title that carried immense responsibility and honor.

As the applause died down, Canna's tone shifted to something more practical. "In addition to Solara, we'll also be welcoming a new addition to the sanctuary—an entire pack of direwolves."

A murmur of excitement ran through the crowd at the mention of the direwolves. Some of the warriors exchanged knowing looks, already imagining what it would be like to ride into battle with one of those formidable beasts by their side.

"These direwolves are strong and capable," Canna explained. "But I want to make it clear that this isn't just about adding numbers to our forces. Each of you has the opportunity to form a bond with a direwolf, to make a contract with one and fight alongside them. However," he added with a note of caution, "this will be a mutual decision.

No one will force a direwolf to accept a rider, and no one will be forced to bond with one. Some of the direwolves might test you, while others may accept you immediately. But know this—they are now a part of this sanctuary, just as you are."

The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers, the promise of new bonds and new alliances igniting their spirits. The idea of working with such powerful creatures excited them, and the thought of expanding the sanctuary's strength gave them even more reason to celebrate.

As the noise of the crowd began to fade back into the general merriment of the night, Solara quietly approached Canna, her expression serious. "Canna," she began, her voice low so as not to be overheard by the revelers. "May I speak with you in private?"

Canna nodded, sensing the urgency in her tone. "Of course," he replied, leading her away from the main gathering to a quieter area on the outskirts of the sanctuary.

When they were far enough from the others, Solara hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to begin. "I'm not sure how to address you," she admitted, her voice carrying a hint of the uncertainty she rarely allowed herself to show. "Especially after I said that I wouldn't submit to you."

Canna waved a hand dismissively, his expression warm. "You can call me whatever fits you, Solara. I understand that you didn't decide to follow me out of reverence, but rather because of Aurelis. And that's perfectly fine." He smiled softly, trying to put her at ease. "But know that you are welcome here, Solara. I know you've been captured and chained, but that will all change today.

I gladly welcome you as Solara, the guardian of the sanctuary."

The sincerity in Canna's voice touched Solara deeply. She had not expected such acceptance, and the weight of his words made her feel something she hadn't felt in a long time—hope. With a sense of profound respect, she bowed her head, a gesture that felt both natural and right, despite her earlier resistance to the idea of bowing to a human.

"Thank you, Canna-sama," Solara said, her voice steady but laced with emotion. "For letting me join. I know this might sound pretentious of me, especially when I've only just arrived, but… I need your help." She bowed again, this time lower, the gesture speaking volumes of her sincerity.

Canna's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just a simple request—there was something deeply personal at stake. "Mortem," he called out.

From Canna's shadow, a figure began to manifest, materializing with an eerie, almost ethereal presence. Mortem, Canna's firstborn, appeared beside him, his dark, imposing form towering over them both. "Yes, Master," Mortem intoned respectfully, his voice deep and resonant.

"I'll need your opinion here as well," Canna said, turning back to Solara. "Go ahead, Solara. What do you need help with?"

For a brief moment, Solara was taken aback by Mortem's sudden appearance, but she quickly composed herself. The urgency of her request overshadowed her surprise. "I have been taken away from my pack," she began, her voice filled with a mix of longing and determination. "I only wish to be reunited with them and for them to be part of this sanctuary.

This place…" She paused, glancing around at the sanctuary's peaceful surroundings, the warmth of the gathering still echoing in the distance. "I want them to be a part of this as well."

There was sincerity in Solara's eyes, and perhaps a bit of pleading. It was clear that her pack meant everything to her, and the thought of them being left behind or in danger was unbearable.

Canna looked at Mortem, who had been listening intently. "Let's talk later about your collection," he said, referring to Mortem's ongoing mission to gather strong corpses. "Do we have anything pressing to do?"

Mortem shook his head, his gaze steady. "None, Master. You may do as you wish, whenever you wish, and I shall follow."

Canna smiled, relieved that there were no immediate concerns that required his attention. He turned back to Solara, his expression softening. "Alright then! We'll just wrap things up at the orc settlement, and then we'll head over to your forest, Solara."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

A flicker of hope sparked in Solara's eyes, and she bowed once more, this time in gratitude. "Thank you, Canna-sama," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "Thank you so much."

Canna chuckled, waving off her thanks with a smile. "No need to thank me, Solara. We're all in this together. And besides, I'm curious to see your forest."

Solara's heart swelled with a mixture of hope and happiness. The thought of being reunited with her pack, of bringing them to this sanctuary where they could live in peace, filled her with a renewed sense of purpose. She had been lost, chained, and broken, but now… now there was a path forward, one that she could walk with pride.

With the serious matters addressed, the three of them returned to the gathering, where the celebration was still in full swing. The music had picked up again, and the air was filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. It was a night to remember, a night of unity and newfound hope.

As Solara rejoined the crowd, she felt different—lighter, somehow. She looked at the sanctuary's inhabitants with new eyes, seeing not just a collection of different races and creatures, but a family. And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she belonged.

The night carried on, with dancing, singing, and sparring matches that were more about fun than competition. Canna moved through the crowd, sharing drinks and stories with his people, his heart filled with pride for what they had built together.

And in the midst of it all, Solara stood beside Aurelis, watching as the sanctuary celebrated. She knew that there were challenges ahead, that the journey to reunite with her pack would not be easy. But she also knew that she wasn't alone anymore. She had found allies, friends, and perhaps even a new family.

As the night deepened, the stars overhead twinkled like distant lanterns, casting a gentle light over the sanctuary. And in that light, Solara saw a future—one filled with hope, strength, and the promise of a new beginning.