[All Mother]

It all began with the All Mother, as most stories do.

She created the world out of moss, rocks, and clay, combining them all in to a large sphere of her own making. She blew life in to the world with one breath, and from that breath came the whispers of the names of every creature and thing known in existence today. From the moss, rocks, and clay grew large trees and forests. Valleys sprung up as the world expanded with that single breath. The moisture from her breath caused rivers and creeks to form, slowly running off in to larger bodies of water which would become lakes. It is said that as she beheld this beauty, tears ran down her face and those became the oceans. She created life as well. The first known animals were, of course, the plants that sprung up from the moss and clay earth. Next came the wolves; protectors of this world who were made to keep the balance in the world. She created smaller beasts, which would be food for these wolves as well as an essential part in the world. They would tend to the grass and trees, destroying the dead to allow for new life.

The first pack of wolves created by the All Mother called themselves the Hiraeth. They were a pack of wolves touched by her grace and blessings. You see, as the wolves of the Hiraeth grow older, moss will begin to form throughout their thick coat of fur. It is a delicate process, and once started, they believe that their time to reunite with the All Mother is close at hand. For this reason, when a child is born or a newcomer from Outside comes in to the pack, they are given a sapling to care for. It is believed that as you grow and take care of your sapling, it will in turn aide you in finding the All Mother when you have passed from this life to the next. If the sapling you are given dies, it is believed to be an omen of bad things to come your way.