# 2 Werepups~Galena

#2: WerePups~Galena

One Moonlight nigh, the air crisp and fridged. The sweet sound of hooves crunching the autumn leaves through the forest echoes a melody. A Dunalino Roan/ Appalossa mare casually walked through the forest, looking at all the leaves and the nighttime scenery. This sweet mare is named Galena. As she continued her walk, everything seemed to glow around her, including herself. Her tan Dapples shimmered on her flanks like starlight, her dark face markings giving her an air of mystery. 

Her curiosity about the forest often had her galavanting away from her paddock and exploring the brisk autumn nights. This night, however, seemed to be special. As Galena neared an open pasture that was littered with autumn flowers and leaves, she heard a faint rustling in the nearby bush. With much caution, she slowly walked toward the bush, head hung low, ears faced forward. Nickering softly, her eyes trying to focus on a small bundle hidden in the brush. 

Moving the brush with her nose, Galena saw two glowing golden eyes staring back at her.  Tilting her head, she smiled, looking at those two small figures stumble into her view. The leaves kept them warm and blanketed them; they were pups- but not any ordinary ones. Their limbs were too long, and their ears slightly sharper than normal pups. Galena watched their movements be clumsy compared to others, so she concluded these were Werepups. The smallest one looked deep into Galena’s eyes and barked joyfully while trying to stand and walk toward her. 

Its tail wagged happily, almost knocking it over. The other pup followed, thought more cautious but still curious by the majestic mare that smelled of hay, crisp apples, and peace. Galena nickered softly toward them but didn’t shy away. She giggled as the pups circled her legs, sniffing her hooves, then darting away with a sudden burst of energy. The Oldest one leaped into a pile of leaves and poked their head out with a joyous howl. 

The Smallest pup pawed at Galena’s tail, trying to bury itself in her hair. From afar in the darkness, a larger shadow stirred-likely their mother- she watched the cream/ roan mare play with her pups. The Moonlight reflecting off her watchful eyes, the mother seemed content with her pup being around this mare. Galena lifted her legs and stepped carefully around both pups, like a playful dance- the pups mimicked her movements with their gangly legs, as if they were her backup dancers. 

They played beneath the silver moon for hours-galena trotting gracefully around them and the pup nipping and punching playfully at her hooves. Their tiny howls echo through the trees like a winter lullaby. Eventually, their mother gave a low, soft howl towards the little ones. Instantly, the pups froze mid nip, they looked at Galena one last time- eyes shining with amusement and wonder-before scampering back into the bushes. The forest grew deathly quiet. Galena stood still, her breath rising like a warm fog, her body and heart warm from the wonderful encounter. 

She had wandered into the forest out of curiosity, but in return, she shared an autumn night with some magical children of the moon. As Galena turned back toward her home, she glanced one more time at the bush line, and for a moment she could have sworn she saw two golden eyes peeking back at her, watching their new companion disappear into the starlight forest.