Quote of the day

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

- Albus Dumbledore

Chapter Four: Past, Future, and a present

It had been about a week since Winter had fallen on that shore. A week since she had been bit by that Orca Whale. And a week since she had wept because her family was taken from her.

She often went back to that shore, and sat on the sandy ground, right before sunset; so that when night came, she could wish on the first star, wishing for the same thing every night. And after she made her wish, she would sit still for hours, telling herself “Remember...”

She had not yet visited the shore tonight, so she was trotting along, back to the spot she sat every night. Winter, as brave and fearless as she was, had developed a few fears to certain things she had encountered. She always was very careful for bears when she walked through the forest.

She was careful for Orcas when near the ocean; although Luna had told her whales being this close to shore was silly (and Winter knew this too, but was cautious all the same). She also hated (and feared) hunters, and was glad she had so many fellow wolves to protect her, for, they too, hated hunters.

She was there now, sitting on the sandy shore. Winter felt the breeze blow, listening to the songs of the birds. She longed to have something to sing about. She saw the squirrels chase each other and and scamper up trees. She once again spotted the first star to show up in the dark sky, and it was shining as bright as ever.

Winter had a feeling about her wish tonight. Something about the breeze just felt… magical.

Closing her eyes, Winter wished on the star, like she did every night, for the same thing: A sign. After wishing, she kept her eyes closed, still. Then she felt something brush against her paw. Before opening her eyes, she felt it was damp, and the top was smooth, just a little worn out. It was a rounded rectangle shape, and rough around the edges.

Winter opened her eyes, and saw at her feet “A leather book?” Winter was puzzled, yet very curious, so she turned the cover and opened it up. On the first page, there was a picture of a wolf that looked exactly like her, only, younger. Winter remembered a mysterious device her father had stolen from a human’s home, which they found out produced images when you pressed a button. Underneath the picture there were scratches and paw prints that would look like a mess to humans, but to wolves were read as “Born on December 20.” Underneath that, Winter read “Name: Winter.”

Winter’s eyes were wide open in surprise and astonishment! She scavenged through the torn pages, but most of their scratches and paw prints (writing) was smeared and messed up; But, at the back of the book, something shiny and silver fell out with a piece of damp, torn paper. A note!

The note had a paw print on the back (made with ink from a human home). On the inside of the folded paper were more scratches that Winter read “You have been blessed with things beyond your knowing, yet I have been blessed equally, because you are my daughter.” 

Winter thought about this, then read on.

 “I want you to stay strong, for, if you are reading this, something truly bad has happened to me; but I will watch over you. Every night, when you howl at the moon, you will see me.

Love, Father.”

Winter looked up at the moon, and could make out a face, the face of her father, who was smiling at her. She howled at the moon, the loudest and strongest she could. She heard it echo, then looked at the glistening, silver object that had fallen out along with the note.

It was a locket in the shape of a snowflake, and it opened up. Inside, was a picture of her as a tiny little pup, and two wolves, her mother and her father. She looked at that picture for awhile, remembering her father’s face, and her mother’s soft voice. She lifted the locket up with her muzzle, and nudged it onto her neck.

It was almost the same shade of color as her fur, so it hid fairly easy if she tried to make it unnoticeable. She grabbed the book, the note still inside, with her mouth, and went across the beach, through the thick barrier of trees, and into the main den. 

All the pups were asleep, and the adults, busy, but Moonbell was awake. She was waiting for Winter, like always, in the corner where she slept. Once Winter arrived, she told Moonbell everything, and now Moonbell knew Winter’s name.

“Winter, who’s this?” asked Moonbell, turning to a page with another photograph on it.

It was a picture of Winter, a little bit older now, her mother, and a tiny pup, who was smiling. In the picture, Winter was smiling, too, and snuggling with the adorable bundle of fur and joy, and her mother was smiling as well.

Under the picture, Winter read “Born in October”, and underneath that, Winter read “Name: Autumn. The warmest thing we’ve had all fall”. It seemed to all be coming back to Winter now.

“My sister.” Winter answered. “That’s my sister!”

Moonbell stared at the picture. “Really?’’ she asked, surprised.

“Yes, my sister, Autumn.”

Moonbell quickly fell asleep when it was bedtime, but Winter looked at the picture in her locket, and slowly fell asleep, dreaming about her family, and she knew she was safe, until she woke up again to the real world, where she wasn't with her real family anymore.

But when she woke up, she would protect. No one was taking her loved ones this time.

"Trail of Tears"

Making a path,

Making a road,

In darkness, in warmth,

And even in cold.

Striving,

Not thriving,

Just barely surviving.

A journey so harsh,

A journey so frightening.

Trampling trees, and brush on our way,

As minutes, then hours, turn into days.

At night, all is still,

But there’s no time to rest,

For traveling in darkness is usually best.

Few creatures are stirring here in the gloom,

Perhaps they all feel the terror that looms.

Who are we?

Making journeys alone,

With dark copper skin;

With no longer a home?

Marching forever, with shaking knees,

O’er deserts, in valleys, through forests and seas;

Swimming ‘cross lakes so deep and so wide,

Feeling more tired with every stride.

It seems as though every good place is taken;

We've traveled so far, we feel so forsaken.

I've seen skies so blue, and rain pour from clouds,

When can we settle? 

Are we even allowed?

The sun, it makes us feel secure and warm,

Though we've traveled and trekked, through countless storms.

Happiness always feels just out of reach,

We've hoped and we’ve prayed for some quiet and peace.

Searching for shelter, for warmth, for wood,

We'd stop, and we’d rest, if only we could.

Nobody hears us.

Nobody cares.

All that they give us are nasty stares.

We were called stupid, we were forced and shoved,

No choice but to flee from the home we once loved.

Seems like we've walked for many long years,

As we travel along this, our Trail of Tears.

Friday Funnies

Jokes and riddles and puns, to make your friends laugh, or be stumped on a riddle forever.

1. Guess what?     What?    Gaston won an award!    Really? which one?

The No Belle prize!

2. Knock knock. Who's there? A rose for. A rose for who? A rose for you.  Aww, thanks.

3. What is a prisoners least favorite gymnastic trick?  The parallel bars!

4. So, I went to my friend's farm today, and I a saw a quite fetching cow, so I said, "You look utterly moovelous today."

5. If Pinocchio's nose grows when he lies, and he says "My nose is growing" will he be lying, or telling the truth?

6. Q: What walks on four legs  in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening?

A: A human

7. Two guys go to a restaurant, the first guy says "I want some H2O" the second guy says "I want some H2O too" the second guy dies.

15 things to do when you are bored

Are you bored? I get bored a lot, but I do have a few things that might cure it.

1. Take a shower
why not? it will get you clean and feeling refreshed, and you can't be bored in the shower, right??
 2. Write
write in a journal, write a story, write a poem, endless things to write!!
3. Make a bracelet or a necklace
be nice and make a piece of jewelry for a loved one, or, for yourself!
4. Listen to music
c'mon, turn the volume up and listen to your favorite songs and playlists!
5. Make your bed
be nice and tidy, and experiment with different pillow and blanket arrangements! wow, chores just got fun.
6. Do crafts
get artsy, play with glue, paper, cardboard and glue! what will you make?
7. Play outside
yup, you probably need the exercise. Spend a moment with nature and just.. play!
8. Read
a good book can keep you entertained, make you smarter, and expand your imagination.
9. Draw
colors or sketches, get a piece of paper and a pencil and doodle!
10. Write and sing songs
like songs? write your own! it doesn't have to be great, and neither does your voice, but, what are you gonna do when you're bored?
11. Paint your nails
this is for the ladies, but if you're a guy, maybe a dad, paint your daughter or your wife's nails, maybe paint your own! but don't invite the guy friends over anytime soon!
12. Take a nap
you are probably bored because you're tired and don't feel like you can do anything, and besides, you can't be bored if you're asleep!
13. Dance
watch music videos, or listen to your go-to songs, go crazy!
14. Practice writing with your non-dominant hand
maybe you can train your self to be ambidextrous!
15. Read my blog
of course, if you're bored, take a look at my blog! I have lots of fun ideas, and if you stick with me, I promise you won't be bored.

Chapter Three: A Wolf, a Bear, And a Scar For Life

Winter suddenly woke from her slumber to a flash of white light and the booming sound of thunder. She decided to investigate. She knew she had heard thunder before, but maybe only once or twice, and she still did not like it. Winter slinked out from under Moonbell, who had fallen asleep on her. She went outside, ‘The rain is dying down, and the thunder isn’t happening as frequently anymore’ she thought. 

Winter just now realized how incredibly hungry she was. Maybe she could take a quick hunting trip. She turned her head in the direction of the hunting ground. Hmm... A little meal of fresh rabbit wouldn’t hurt, and it would aid her aching hunger.. Finally, Winter quietly trotted into the large forest, but didn’t go too deep. Her ears twitched, she heard a twig snap, and her keen eyes spotted four, furry feet scamper away. ‘A rabbit!’ she thought. Winter got lower to the ground, her stomach almost touching the soil, edging closer, following the sound of teeth gnawing on dandelions, and a small nose sniffle. Her ear twitched. She glanced behind her. ‘Nothing, just a rain drop that had fallen on my ear.’ she thought. She heard the sniffles getting louder with every tip toe step she made.. She pounced! Then, disappointedly watched the white, fluffy tail bounce away. 

She looked up, and found herself in a clearing. She looked around briefly. Her ear twitched once more. This was getting kind of annoying. ‘Must be another raindrop.’ she thought. She thought she heard thunder, but it was tremendously close, and sounded... different than normal thunder. And ew, what was that terrible smell, it almost smelled like the breath of a, a... BEAR! 

 She turned around slowly.. Winter froze with fear, the bear snorting, sounding not very happy, and worst of all, hungry. Winter howled for help, waited for its echo, but no one answered; so, until someone did, she was on her own. Winter growled. The bear roared, and they made eye contact, both glaring disgusted looks at one another. Lightning flashed, and Winter was ready to pounce on the unsuspecting bear, and this time, she wouldn’t miss. 

Suddenly she heard the sound of paws trampling small bushes and snapping twigs along their way, running, getting louder as they got closer to her. She looked in the direction of where she heard the sound coming from. While Winter was distracted, the bear violently scratched her on the ear. She whimpered, then growled, enraged at the bear. Then, her anger became so intense, her wild instincts, and the biological predator she was, wanted to kill the bear, who dare challenged her. She charged at the bear, full force, claws out, and teeth bared. 

At that moment, Moonbell, Moonwatcher, Luna and Fang arrived, the second Winter was a foot away from the bear, ready to slay him. Suddenly, lightning flashed, illuminating Winter’s face, the light almost blinding her. A loud roar from the bear echoed throughout the forest and the mountains, before he fell, dead, on the ground. There, right before Winter’s eyes, almost blinded from the lightning, was a fried and sizzled bear, with burnt fur. The rain stopped, and the rain clouds rolled away, the sun now shining, and a double rainbow had formed in the sky. Winter was trembling, and her ear hurt badly, ‘But what a scar, and what a story to go with it!’ she thought.

“What in the world happened??” “Are you okay?!” Moonbell and the others bombarded Winter with numerous questions, but Winter was still in shock. She looked at the bear, whose life had been taken by a single bolt of lightning. Still shaking, Winter admired the sky, and the double rainbow. The sky. Amazing things happen there. She had spotted the first star, howled at the moon, who is a well known resident of the sky, the rain, which falls from the clouds, in the heavens, in the sky, which breaths life to plants and animals, the lightning, which had saved her life from the bear, who lay, slain, before her, ‘Although I could have totally taken him on myself.’ she thought. And the beautiful rainbow, which she looked at now. The others were still overwhelming Winter with millions of questions. But then they decided to give her space, and help her back to the medical den. 

“This is Mercury-” Moonbell started. 

“Dr. Mercury, thank you.” he interrupted. 

“Anyway, he is very smart, and has things to help you recover.” said Moonbell reassuringly. “Oh, and I think Luna might like him.” She said in a whisper then laughed. Winter looked at Luna, who was looking at Mercury like he was the most amazing thing she had ever seen, and Winter laughed as well. Moonwatcher had to push Luna out of the way to explain to Dr. Mercury what had happened to Winter. Luna still lingered near, but finally Moonwatcher dragged her away. 

Once the others had left, Dr. Mercury, the medical wolf, walked over to Winter. The light of sun shone in the cave’s opening, and making Dr. Mercury’s already bright yellow and white fur look even brighter. Winter was sitting on a wooden log table, which was covered with a giant leaf; She was holding her bleeding ear with her paw, which really hurt at the moment. Dr. Mercury was a tall, proud looking wolf, who didn’t look all that strong, but he did look smart and caring, and kind, and he even had a little scar right by his nose. 

“Pleased to meet you, my name is Dr. Mercury.” He introduced himself. “I am the medical wolf here, who works in the medics den.” he said, with a welcoming smile on his face. Dr. Mercury removed Winter’s paw from her injured ear gently, so he could take a look at it. She tried to cooperate, but whenever he touched her ear she growled slightly. He was very gentle when touching and cleaning the wound, and even talked to Winter and asked her questions, which sounded funny when he talked because he had a wet, human’s cloth in his mouth to clean the blood from Winter’s ear. Winter also noticed that he was considerate enough not to bother asking where her parents were or what happened to them. 

In the blink of an eye, he was finished already! Her ear was bandaged up with a human’s cloth, which was very clean and soft, and tied on tightly with a human’s rope strand. Winter saw the leaf that was on her leg had fallen off, and there was a big scar in the place of the wound from the bite. Moonbell was right, the wound did heal fast. 

Winter felt her stomach growl, and heard it too, for it was loud. Then she remembered the whole reason she got herself into the situation with the bear was because, she was simply hungry. Dr. Mercury must’ve heard her stomach rumble, because he now got out a big, juicy, delicious-looking piece of rabbit meat. Winter’s mouth watered, the meat looked so good, she jumped off of the table, and snatched the rabbit meat from his grasp, as graceful as an acrobat. She then scarfed down the fresh, yummy meat. She jumped up and down and her stomach rumbled in pure satisfaction. 

“I see you’re feeling better.” Dr. Mercury laughed. She nodded. She was feeling better. She wiggled her ear, it still hurt a little, but it did feel a lot better. Dr. Mercury told her a few more things, like, don’t scratch at it, and get rest, and when it would be better and all those things. Then, Moonbell came and said thank you and goodbye to Dr. Mercury, and Winter did the same, and then took her to leave. 

While on their way to the river to get a drink, Moonbell decided to talk and explain a few things to Winter about her pack, but the most intriguing thing to Winter was about the different clans some packs belong to. Moonbell said there were usually about 3 or 4 packs in different kinds of clans, who had ancestors with magical powers associated with different seasons and elements. Each clan had one head pack in charge of getting ready for the meetings and celebrations, and who were the most respected of the whole clan. 

Moonbell said that her great, great grandmother was one of the many ancestors, who, long ago, could control the moon and stars and the whole Night. This meant, Moonbell had the potential to also posses that power if she could unlock it. 

“And can I tell you a secret?” she asked. 

“Of course you can.” Winter said. 

“Well, my mother, Moonwatcher has those powers that my great, great grandmother had, and she unlocked them! And so does Aunt Luna! So maybe I will be able to unlock my powers too one day, when I’m older.” Moonbell said excitedly. Moonbell also explained that her clan that she was in was allied with other clans: “The Forest clan”, “The Sky clan”, and “The Winter clan.” Winter... Where had she heard that before..?

You asked for it, so here it is - Chapter Two: Friends are Found

Before Winter opened her eyes, all she could think was she was doomed. Fate had in the worst for her. Her mind was clouded, thoughts flying in her head like birds flying in circles. She even thought she heard voices in her head. 

“Is she awake?” she heard one say.

 'Wait a minute' she thought. This didn’t sound like in was in her head. She blinked her eyes open, and saw a wolf (female) staring at her, right in the face! She blinked again in disbelief. No, she wasn’t imagining things.

 She finally opened her eyes all the way, but was cautious and jumped to her feet. 

“She’s awake all right.” said the same female wolf as before.

 The wolf was silver and white as the moon, her fur as silky and glistening like the waves, which gently crashed on the shore. 

“Who are you?!” asked Winter.

“My name is Moonwatcher, and this is my sister, Luna.” she answered.

 Sure enough, the two wolves evidently looked like sisters. Luna was a lighter shade than Moonwatcher, but was purple, kind of, in some places, on the tip of her ears and tail; the shade of purple that the sun makes in the sky when it sets in the evening.

 “Where am I? And, ow, my leg really hurts!” “All I really can remember is.. I swam in the water.. And, something bit me. After that, my leg burned like fire.. When I reached shore, I felt dizzy and nauseous and weak.. then, everything went pitch black, like the night sky without the stars or moon." Winter explained.

Luna nodded with understanding, then looking at Moonwatcher.

 “Do you remember anything else like your name or age? Something that can help us find your family?” asked Moonwatcher.

Winter’s head was spinning now. How could she not remember her own name or age?

“I...” said Winter, “Don’t remember..” “But there’s no way to find my parents..’’

The two sisters looked confused.

“Because they’re.. gone.” said Winter as she shed a tear.

 “Oh, I’m so sorry you poor child.” said Moonwatcher.

As they walked through the forest, Moonwatcher insisting to make Winter apart of the pack, Luna looked worried in some way.

“How are you going to tell Fang you brought in another pup?” asked Luna. “I don’t think she’s going to be thrilled.” she said.

“It’s just Fang, Luna, we’ve known her forever.” Moonwatcher replied.

Amongst a few thick trees there was the place where the wolf pack Moonwatcher was talking about lived, where Winter would soon live too. It had dens (caves), a food storage area, even a river with flowing fresh water, and hunting grounds in the forest. Everything a wolf could ask for and more. Luna realized how silly she had been. 

“You’re right, Moon, it’s just Fang.” Luna chuckled, and cleared her throat and made her voice deeper. Luna pretended to be Fang, “Oh, we don’t have enough food, We don’t have enough room, It’s too much..” 

It looked like Luna’s face turned pale and red all at once. Winter wondered how this was possible. She was still as a statue and on her face was a look of pure fear and embarrassment. 

“I think Fang might have heard you, Luna.” said Moonwatcher, looking like she was about to burst into laughter. 

“Oh, um, hi Fang, we were just talking about you...” said Luna to another wolf, who was black and gray, and looked very angry at the moment. “Um, oh, look at the time, I-er, gotta go do something, somewhere else, now! So.. Bye!” and Luna bounded away. 

“Moonwatcher...” said Fang as if she were about to explode with anger. “What have I talked to you about? I’m the main provider of food for this pack, and if you keep bringing in pups then I won’t be able to get enough food to feed everyone!” Fang said. 

“Fang it’s okay, besides, you were a lost pup and I convinced my mother to let you into the pack!” Moonwatcher said, but right after she did say it, she looked like she regret it. 

“I thought we were never to mention that, Moon...” Fang whispered.

 She took a long sigh.

 “But I guess you’re right. You’re the pack leader and I should trust you to make decisions, besides, I guess I’ll have to start training pups to hunt so there’s enough food to go around.” Fang said. “Take this pup to get some sleep, whatever happened she looks exhausted, and that leg needs some rest.” 

“Yes, I was just about to take her to meet Moonbell. This pup here needs some friends, and, thanks, Fang.” Moonwatcher said with a smile, and led Winter to the Main Den. “Here we are.” said Moonwatcher as they walked in to a colossal cave.

 Winter looked around, still walking, and almost ran into a wall, in awe of the amazing natural architecture of the den. 

“Pup, this is Moonbell.” (Moonwatcher’s daughter)

In the corner of the den was a pup who looked about the same age as Winter but maybe a little younger. Her face was creamy pink and white, like the clouds and fresh, pink cotton candy, mixed together. The rest of her body was a consistent cream color, with some more pink at the tip of her tail. Winter had never seen a wolf, young or old, quite like the one she had her gaze upon right now; but to be fair, she really hadn’t seen any other wolves, besides her family up until now.

“Hello.” said Moonbell. Her voice was small, quiet, sweet and charming.

“Yup. This is Moonbell.” said Moonwatcher.

 Later that evening, on the brink of nightfall: “All the pups need to go to bed in the main den please, to get rest.” Announced Luna as the sun set on the plant covered horizon, making beams of red and orange and purple paint the sky. The sky looked like a piece of art.

Before going into the main den, for, Winter was exhausted, she climbed on top of a high rock and examined the darkening sky. There! She spotted the first, twinkling star of the night. She made a wish, that, much to her surprise, came true later that night.

 “Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight. I wish to make a friend.”

Once she went back to the den, Winter bashfully looked around the gaping space for a place to sleep, but all the sleeping spots were taken. ‘So many wolves’ she thought, still looking around, tossing her head this way and that. Moonbell saw her, before going to the corner where she slept. 

“Hey.” Moonbell said to Winter. 

Moonbell had caught her by surprise, and startled, Winter jumped.

 “Phew.” sighed Winter, relieved it was only Moonbell. “Hi.” 

   “I saw you were looking around for a place to sleep.” 

“Um, what makes you think that?” replied Winter.

 “It’s okay. You can sleep with me.” said Moonbell.

 Winter thought this was so nice of her. She felt a warm feeling inside as if she finally was at home again. Moonbell led her to the same corner, in the same spot as before; but this time there were leaves, soft pines, and some hay and moss on the top, at the head of her “bed”, like a pillow. This time, Winter looked around more, and noticed the corner had a removable curtain, made of huge leaves almost bigger than herself.

 Now she remembered seeing a type of tree with leaves on it like that when she had been outside. She went past the curtain, along with Moonbell and she lay down.

 “Ahhhh.. This is so comfortable.” 

Moonbell laughed a little. “Glad you like it here.” Moonbell said with a smile.

 She then closed the curtains, making the “room” dim and mysterious. 

“Wow.” Winter said.

 “You haven’t seen the least of it!” exclaimed Moonbell. Winter’s attention drifted to another set of huge leaves a little higher, and there were only two leaves, so it was probably a small window. Moonbell pushed the two leaves aside, and moonlight shone through the opening in the cave wall. The “room” lit up with beautiful white moonlight, in a single ray, that shone on Winter’s completely white fur like a spotlight.

 Moonbell smiled and looked a Winter, who was beaming. Winter’s jaw dropped as she looked out the window from where she was standing. Even from a distance, the many constellations and stars looked like they were dancing, shimmering, looking even brighter because of the darkness surrounding them. 

“It’s a full moon tonight.” Moonbell said, hushed, admiring the sky. “Gasp!” “I know!” said Moonbell like she had an idea, which, she did. Moonbell went right up close to the window, peeking out. “Come on!” she urged Winter. She didn’t have the slightest idea why, but Winter went to Moonbell.

On her way to the window, she tripped on a small stone and slipped on a leaf that was out of place, falling on the spot where the killer whale had bitten her, making her yip and then whimper in pain. 

“Gasp! Are you okay? You have to get that bandaged up!” Moonbell took a leaf and a strand of rope that looked like it used to be a human’s, wrapped the leaf around Winer’s wound, and knotted it with the rope (Which is very hard to do when you have paws).

 “Ow!” said Winter. 

“Be still.” Moonbell said.

 She gave one last tug at the rope with her teeth to make sure the leaf stayed in place. 

“There.” she said, finally. She was done. “My mom taught me how to do that.” Moonbell said proudly. “This is a type of special leaf from the healer’s tree that has special fluids and vitamins in it, so it can heal your bite faster and more efficiently.” “Now, come on so I can show you something!”

Winter followed her, and was careful not to trip or slip this time. She looked out the window with Moonbell.

“Howl at the moon with me.”

Winter looked puzzled. Moonbell lifted her head high, pointing at the Moon, then closed her eyes, and howled. It looked fun to Winter.

 “Now you try.” Moonbell said.

 So she did try. She held her chin high at the moon, closed her eyes, and howled. About half as good as Moonbell did, but she howled. And it was fun! So that night, Moonbell helped Winter get better at howling, and they howled together. Winter thought she had made a friend. ‘Wishes do come true.’ she thought.

Original work by Riley Holt

(with no help from Daddy this time) 

Chapter One: The Runaway. A story by Riley

Once upon a time, there was a wolf family who lived in the icy Arctic. To a mother and father wolf were born two beautiful wolf pups, named Winter, the eldest, and Autumn, the youngest. Autumn was always cheerful and full of wonder, but Winter, as compassionate and kind as she was, saw the coldness of the world, and was willing to do anything to protect her family. This family of four wolves wasn't exactly what you would call normal, for one, they could talk, but in this book, all animals can talk, and only you and me can understand them. But there were a few reasons why they lived in such a cold and snowy place. For one, most humans (especially hunters) wouldn't go through so much to get to them, even though they're rare and beautiful fur could sell at a high price. Two, it was their nature, they were wolves meant to live in cold, and wolves who enjoyed the cold too, but they could almost live anywhere if there was food and water. No, they could definitely live somewhere else, but mother and father wolf assumed this secure location would be safe from hunters, or at least, that's what they thought...

BOOM!
Click
BOOM!

Gunshots were all Autumn could hear as she scampered around the cave.
"Humans!" she tried to scream.
"Shhh." Father said. "Not a word or they'll hear you. To humans, even our whispers sounds like barking."
Mother told Autumn and Winter to stay hidden while her and father went to "deal" with the hunters.
"Protect Autumn, I'm counting on you." She said. Winter took Autumn closer to her. "I love you." Autumn said, snuggling close to her big sister. "I'll never let you go...'' Winter whispered.
Suddenly, instead of mother and father dealing with the hunters, two men, wrapped in coats of fur, rampaged into their den! Father and Mother were growling fiercely, the hunters laughing at their effort, which would soon go to waste.
"Feisty lil' things aren't they?" one of them said, chuckling.
"Har, har, I'm sure you'll sell for a small fortune, and you'll make a fine winter coat." said the other.
"Let's take care of business then shall we?" said the first one. Autumn was shaking with fear, whimpering, but Winter was too focused on what the hunters would possibly do to Mother and Father.  Then she found out exactly what they did to them.  They started talking to each other and then nodded their heads.  It all happened so quickly, but they threw Mother into a sack and tied the top with a rope.  She was still growling and then trying to get out of the sack.  Then, Winter gasped and felt a tear run down her face, as the hunters took out a scary looking gun and pointed it straight at Father.  Father looked at this darling pups for the last time, and Winter listened desperately as his last words sunk into her heart:  "I love you," "I will always be with you," and, "Run!"
Winter's father was mercilessly shot and Mother howled from inside the sack.  Winter felt several tears roll down her face.  Then, without control, she burst out of the cave, not looking back, only glimpsing enough to see Autumn safely out of the cave and running in an opposing direction to her.  Tears dripped from her eyes as Winter ran, and ran, her mind only concentrating on her father's death, and if she would ever find her mother, or her sister.  She must have run for several miles before reaching the Arctic Sea.  Even though she was desperately thirsty, she knew sea water was not the right water to drink, and if she had a bowl, she probably shed enough tears to fill it to the brim.  She leaped in the water and swam.  It was tiring, and she was only a pup with little legs.  She found an ice floe floating only a few feet away from her; she paddled with her back legs and held on to the ice with her claws.  Then her back legs got tired, then she was tired, she was starting to lose hope. Until she saw land ahead!
Just then, she saw a huge black and white figure, with a round nose coming at her.  About 30 feet away is the land, 25 feet, 21 feet, 15 feet away is the ginormous orca whale, still edging closer in the water!  She paddled and paddled and the famished whale tried to bite her a few times, mistaking her for his snack.  She finally reached the shore and the whale finally retreated, at least that's what she assumed.. But really the whale was coming back, he swam away a little ways, then looped around, charging at Winter, then biting her on her leg. She was then on land where the whale couldn't reach her. Maybe it was because she was so tired, or she had lost some blood from the bite, or maybe it was because of all the dangerous excitement, but she fainted on the sandy beach, the last thing she saw were trees, and the whale going away back to its home, Winter hoping to never swim again.
(And if I went through all that, I wouldn't blame myself if I fainted, too.)

Original work by Riley Holt.
(With help from Daddy with typing)

School, school, school,
Rules, rules, rules
It really is quite fun,
But sorry everyone,
I guess i was so caught up in it,
I didn't have much time for this,
But yes, Im back, I'll try harder to upload,
And it will be better than you've ever known!
So, sorry I've been pretty lazy,
But I promise you, I'm not crazy,
I'm back, I'm back, I'm back, I'm back,
On this blog, laziness will lack!

-Sorry i haven't been posting lately, I'll try to post more often.

Secrets, a poem by Riley

Photo by Riley at Crystal Bridges art museum, January 2015

Do you know the secrets of the pink blossom trees?

Do you know the secrets of the warm spring breeze?

Do you know the secrets of the fairies who care?

And have you ever wondered at whom the owl stares?

Why do the birds talk in song?

Have you ever wondered what could have gone wrong?

Have you ever seen a wolf howl in the day?

Have you ever seen a winter owl dance in May?

All the songs and secrets of the creatures in the wood,

Would you like to know them? That is, if you could.

From the lions to the birds to the wolves to the sheep,

All their secrets are forever so deep,

Hidden in our hearts is where we will find,

Search your soul, and search your mind.

The pixies help plants,

So do the ants.

All the animals work together,

No matter the cost, no matter the weather.

They sing songs, and dance, and rhyme,

The daylight fades at day’s end each time.

The animals in the woods, the animals in the sea,

They are all so dear to me.

Nature is a gift, treasure it with your soul,

Now you know the secrets no one has ever known.

Sun and Moon, a poem by Riley

Photo by Riley at Crystal Bridges art museum, January 2015

In the night, the stars and moon shine so bright. 

What can the sun do?

The sun, in the day, makes all the animals play. 

What can the moon do?

The moon is asleep at noon, in the day when animals play, 

But sleep, sleep so deep, 

gives them rest to haul and heave for their life that is so precious to them. 

What can the white clouds do? 

The clouds make everyone wow, in awe, 

At their lightness, at their whiteness and shade; 

For they are beautifully made. 

What can the stars do? 

At night, it is not so bright, so you can slip past anyone, 

And monster are asleep as well, and animals are under a sleepy spell.

And the horses dance into your dreams,

They follow  the stars, at a steady speed.

What can the day do?

Without the day it would be gray,

Without green grass and trees,

With every sunny season,

There is a warm breeze

What can the night do?

The night, more than alright,

Has a breeze of its own,

Whispering, “Goodnight”

To all the creatures in the realm.

What does light bring?

The light, better than night,

It can help you see,

The light can help you have fun,

And play with lots of glee.

What does the dark bring?

The owls and wolves howl at the moon,

Because the dark is their home.

The dark, in it,

You can play hide and seek,

Out where the raccoons roam.

The dark and light, the sun and moon, 
The sun, which makes all the flowers bloom,

But the night, the moon, have a secret of their own, 
One so deep, we will never know.