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The silent hush of the morning swept through out the hills as the morning dew
fragranced the area. To welcome the new day, Glacier the Sh'koura crept out from
the underground in his small cave, and gave a graceful yawn. Glacier had no
owner yet, but he longed for a life with civilisation to return peacefully to
his spot lounging in front of the fireplace. He wore an ID tag, a silver
engraved circle with "#010" marked on it. His tired eyes were revived as he
scoped about his surroundings. He padded lawfully across the shimmering grass
towards a small house on the hilltop that he hadn't noticed before, where he
expected to be humans. Trotting silently, not to wake them, he approached the
house. His muscular body perched itself on the window sill as he stared through
the frosty window.
An old woman was busily cleaning. When she saw him, she immediately squealed
with fright, until she realised his ID tag hanging from a loose collar buried
deep beneath his icy-coloured fur. His long tail waved softly and the bow
hanging from it jiggled about. The old woman opened the window, and gave Glacier
a long stroke. He was at first puzzled as he hadn't made human contact for a
long while. But he learnt to trust this old woman and entered her home.
For months Glacier would greet the old woman for a long stroke and some warm
milk, plus a long lounge in front of a crackling fire. He had befriended her,
and they had a strong unbreakable bond. But one day, he found the old woman did
not greet him. Her house was silent. Nothing stirred. Only the ticking of the
clock above the stove was the only sound. Where is she?, Glacier thought to
himself. He managed to push the door open with his strong paws and trotted in.
He searched everywhere, only to discover his beloved friend was gone.
Being an intelligent animal, Glacier eventually picked up her scent, and
followed it. He travelled further and further until his poor legs could go no
more. He collapsed onto the ground, a sandy, warm ground. He was way out of his
normal habitat in the hillside, he had come to the great desert. But Glacier was
determined to continue looking for his beloved pal. He longed to find her. He
walked miles and miles until he had reached a large temple. Her scent he had
remembered was stronger than ever. He believed that he had finally found his way
to her.
Carefully, he entered the temple. The sparkling marble and gold on the wall was
so clean and bright it blinded his eyes for a few seconds. It seemed a peaceful
place. As he journied further into the temple, he discovered his friend, hanging
on the wall by chains. He roared with fright, his eyes wide as he bounded up to
her. The old woman did not move. A scent of death filled Glacier's nostrils. His
friend had died. He was truly disappointed, but he wouldn't rest until his
friend was truly at rest. He carried the body back to the hillside. He buried
the body himself. Even though he was truly heartbroken, he visited her grave
every day, and laid on it, resting with his friend until the sun set.
Glacier never forgot the old woman, and was finally given his wish. A new home
with a fireplace where he could lounge all day. He also lived with children who
he gave piggy backs, or Sh'akoura Backs to. In return, the children read him
fanciful tales from their storybooks. He was truly happy and made new friends,
and learned the friendship is one of the true powers.
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