Juna: the story in her own words
Juna Shimmeroot's world shattered after a raging inferno destroyed her tribe. She is an accomplished healer and herbalist within her clan of elemental wolves. The Wood Tribe Jogauni lived a relatively peaceful existence, until her decision to save an outsider's life cost her the respect of her tribe's leader. Within the words of this story, you'll discover the events leading to her self-imposed exile, and the tribulations of her life up to this point.
"Juna: The story in her own words"
By: Juna of SoFurry
Characters (c) the author
I've never been good at spinning a tale but I will try my best. Sometimes I'm not good with people. I can heal and mend people with little effort, but get around others and I tend to be all bark and bite. In my tribe my mother, Maya, was the greatest healer. I took after her footsteps. Unbeknownst to me, I would have to become the tribe's senior healer after my mother suffered a nervous breakdown.
My father died at the hands of a rival tribe when scouting for herbs. I'd never seen my mother upset, but father's death broke her. At the request of our council, I took mother's place as chief mender to the tribe. A whole new trouble manifested into my life. I'd been successful curing the sick and providing healing to the afflicted, but the new sense of responsibility overwhelmed me. My carefree existence dwindled down to giving healing where needed.
Life changed drastically between my father's death and my ascension to chief healer. I realized personal time limited itself to who wasn't popping up pups and who wasn't dumb enough to let a forest creature claw them. It sounds callous to make light of my duties, but I was young and reckless. After two years in my position, once mother stepped down, I started to settle into the routine and gain maturity.
I've been aware of my ancestry. There is no doubt I am a powerful healer and fighter. My mother told me her grandmother, Ivalace Vinetouch, would've been most proud of me. You have to understand, Ivalace or Ivy Eyes, acted wild and crazy. She climbed trees better than a monkey! This canine was a wild child. She had powers of the earth I envied after hearing about them. I swore one day I'd follow her footsteps...Funny, I did...
I am a capable fighter, healer, mender, herbalist -this list goes on! I learned that no matter what a Katha Tribe Jogauni should never back down. We're rooted and we're strong. Ivy Eyes inspired me. Gods, did she. Her stone and feather necklace sits upon my neck. It's a reminder to my past, but a beckon to my future. Problem is my future literally exploded in front of me.
Last winter my friend Bear Strongroot assembled a hunting party. We were successful, but we encountered a small concern. Out in the woods was a small, nearly frozen to death rabbit hiding in a hallowed out tree. I had no idea how he got there, but he couldn't survive. Not like this. Against my better judgement I carried him to the village. Bear wanted to skin me alive. I mentioned, "I am a healer. I never stop healing, regardless. I'll live with my decision. Let me take the blame. Not you."
Bear allowed it. I loved Bear but I had to help the lapine. The only obstacle in my way was Roto Longleaf. His father was chieftain of our tribe. Roto knew his father disliked disobedience. I didn't care I needed to help the rabbit. Come to find out the rabbit had a story all himself.
The long ear was called Tam, no last name given. I cared for the male and after he recuperated he told me of his plight. Apparently, he existed as a plaything for some big name whoever. He'd been property to a master. I swallowed back my hatred for the individual who harmed this white furred runaway. Everything changed after that. I kept Tam safe. He became my assistant and it created a better winter for me. Those frozen days of the snow were the best ever. We shared stories, talked about the adventures of his city life and my country life.
Tam risked his freedom to save a friend from debt. In exchange for being a master's slave, the friend was no longer forced to pay up. This left Tam a collared prisoner. Why had he escaped? That question is rather obvious to the average Fur. Freedom is freedom. Take it away from a person and they fight back. Tam explained the master constantly gained new pets. He tired easily of the newest acquisitions. Master left at the onset of early winter, the guards weren't looking, and the rabbit made a break for it.
I want one thing clear. I'd never question a person's lifestyle or way of living, but I can't stand when someone tries to hurt another. Dammit, I'm a healer I protect, what more can I say? Well, helping Tam garnered me a sentence of exile from my tribe. But I decided before that council hearing I was leaving anyway. Tam hurried with me in my great banishment. I promised my friends I'd find a way back to my people -someday.
Tam and I rushed through the forest. I deemed the experience an eye opener to the world. My people must move forward and not dwell on the past customs. For all my stoic pride of healing, and my amazing talent in fighting, I couldn't save or protect...myself...
We no sooner left the village when out of the distance an explosion rang out. The sounds deafened the ears. I stood dumbfounded by the burning inferno coming from my home. My people. My friends. My everything burned in a spire of plumes and ash. I dropped my satchel and ran like the wind. The earth creaked and groaned with my pain. You don't understand. I'm an elemental canine that is attuned to the natural hum of mother nature and earth. She suffers and I feel it. I suffer and mother earth bows to me.
I couldn't save them. My...The people of my village were trapped among heat and soot. Where was the great Juna Shimmeroot? Gone. Exiled by her own paw. I screamed, howled, cried. Nothing brought back what was lost.
The next morning I opened my eyes and saw the familiar keen face of Tam. His deep blue eyes met mine with worry. I covered my muzzle with my paws. I didn't want to know, but I had to go back. The pain became sealed and I muster my fleeting strength. My legs were jelly and I heaved out sobs. The truth to my agony lied in burnt remains of a now forgotten home.
Is it so important to be the best, or to have the most? No. For me my people were all I needed. Now, they scattered. Where are they? I don't know. But the explosion was not natural. No way for fire to be that impressive, unless it had help. I'm beginning to believe someone or something wanted us out of the picture. But why? Tam and I left behind the charred mess I claimed as home. We went to the city because I had no idea where else to go.
I am now living with Tam and his friends. This is strange for me. I'm a magic user in a world I do not know. My story ends here for now. I only hope it sheds light on what you wished to know about me.