| Nanook, Master of Bears |
Nanook went to the Indar village, and located the Unnamed Guardian, now a full-grown woman. She had the sharp eyes of intense awareness and intellect, and Nanook followed her through the stars. As she was alone, he appeared, calling out with his mind into hers. She winced, staring at the great white beast before her.
"Do not be afraid; I am Nanook, a servant of the Winter. I am here to teach you. The time for you to gain your name is drawing close."
She didn't blink, but slowly reached for her dagger.
"You where chosen by the goddess to be her prophet among your people. You are gifted with a mind far beyond your kin. Follow me; I have something to show you.
She felt calmed and comforted by the growling voice in her head, though she didn't know why. She followed the great beast, hustling to keep up with the beasts giant steps.
They traveled for hours, until they reached a great forest. The Unnamed Guardian had never seen such a place before - so large trees, and so many. A giant wall of wood, stretching as far as she could see through the snowy mist. Nanook slowed down, and began to move more softly, sneaking in between the trees. The Guardian followed, stepping softly on the roots.
And there, between the trees, stood a magnificent creature. Larger even than the great white bear, with a mighty crown of horns, it was taller than any person could ever grow.
"The Winter favors your people greatly. But she also favors the great beasts of the wild. These are the moose, a young creation. These animals are also favored by the White Wolf. You may not hunt them, or imprison them, just like your people may not hunt or imprison the bears. And under no circumstance may your people lay a finger unto a white bear such as me. Several of your people have tried to hurt us, when we have approached you. You will tell the Indar to stop this, and they will listen." The great bear fell silent.
The Guardian nodded, not sure what to say, if to say anything. They watched the magnificent creature striding through the forest. After a while, Nanook spoke again.
"But I am not here to scold your people. I am here to teach you. Look into my eyes."
She looked into the shining eyes of the bear, glowing with stellar brilliance. And as she gazed into them, she saw a tune, a melody, playing in vivid color from Nanooks eyes into her own.
"Approach the moose, and while you do, hum. It will listen, and know you mean no harm."
She did as the bear told her, and as she approached the king of the forest, the king actually started moving toward her. As they met, she snuggled the great beast as she snuggled the calves in her home, feeling its warmth shine right through her.
"I will leave you here, favored of the Winter, so you can become familiar. Live with the moose, hunt with him, forage with him, and he will be your friend. Learn to ride him. In a month, you will be companions. I have much more to teach you, but the friendship of the wild is the most important lesson - the lesson your people seem unwilling to learn."
And with that, Nanook left the Guardian with her new-found friend-to-be.