What Now?, I'm lost . . .

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A small, red wolf wandered through the empty forests. He had just arrived here, and he was lost. These lands still seemed to be generally unoccupied, and the lost Dragga felt lonely. He whined slightly, and kept his ears close to his skull red-brown skull. His deep brown eyes looked up curiously through the dark green leaves above. It truly was a beautiful land, and safe, too. But where was everyone? He scented the wind, but found no other sign of canine life. However, everywhere he looked he saw other wildlife and vegetation.

The Dragga sat down exasperatedly, still helplessly lost. He wondered when someone would find him here - or if anyone would, for that matter. Suppose he died out here, cold and alone? No, he shook that notion quickly from his head. He was going to live to find a home of his own, all he needed to do was wait . . .

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As Pan was gazing down towards the beautiful, green forests below he noticed a slight disturbance. His bright, shining eyes peered down at the strange newcomer. Who was this who trod upon their lands? And why wasn't he asking for a claimance in another part of the forest? Pan sent a short, hypnotic wave to Athena to summon her towards the spot to show her what he had found.

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"What is it?" Athena asked as she came upon the god. She seemed a bit angered, for she had been hunting when Pan had called her away. "What could possibly be this important?"

"Look who's come to visit us," he muttered, still gazing down at the lone Dragga. "He seems sad. I wonder what he's doing here?"

Athena took in a deep breath and gazed down at the Dragga. "Well, let's go down and see what he wants, then." And with that, she began her desent into the forests that she loved and cared for. The gods and godesses could come down in whatever form they wanted to appear in. Most appeared as wolves, just to make conversation easier. But Athena enjoyed her wolf disguse. In fact, it was her favorite form. Her manicured, gray-white paws landed softly upon the fertile ground. She breathed in deeply, enjoying the scents and sounds of the forest.

Pan landed beside her, and stepped towards the Dragga. "Hello," he greeted the newcomer. "I am the god, Pan, and this is Athena, godess of the forest. Now, who are you and what do you want?"

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The Dagga jumped in surprise as the god and godess appeared before him. "Um, h-hello," he stuttered. "My name is Jake." His eyes shifted between them frantically.

Athena eyed the male wolf up close. "Well, what are you doing here?" she asked. "If it's a land you wish to claim, then you must let us know first which land it is."

"No, I don't wish to claim a land," he murmured. "I just want a home, and I got lost." He turned his attention to the shadows of the forest around them. "Um, does anyone even live here?"

Pan stepped up, shaking his head. "No, not yet," he admitted. "But if you wish to, we can set you up in a land."

"I don't wish to rule a land, you see. I'm not so sure if I'm up for that." Jake shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "I do wish to live in these forests, though. Do you know which land I could perhaps find a home in?"

"Well, all of the lands are open for claimance right now," Athena informed him. "But we can place you in a land and keep you safe until a fellow Dragga or Drappa comes to claim those lands."

"Yes, how do the Glistening Waterfalls sound?" Pan asked, smiling widely. "They're a wonderfully beautiful and safe land. You'll live safely there until an alpha comes to claim them."

"Well, that sounds great!" Jake exclaimed, his tail beginning to wag. "Thank you both so much." He lowered his head and panted, his long, pink tongue hanging out goofily.

Athena smiled at the Dagga's submissive and grateful motions. "We hope to hear from you soon, Sir Jake," she muttered, beginning to disappear into the forest's dark shadows.

"Safe travels!" Pan called over his shoulder.

Jake smiled after them happily. Finally, a home of his own where he could be safe! He also liked the sound of the deal they had made: living safely in a beautiful land, but not having to worry about ruling it. How grand! Maybe he would learn how to make a happy life for himself yet!