They were settling in well in their little home on the rise. Kirain still couldn’t quite believe the relief of finally having a place to call her own. She had poured herself into tending the den and the surrounding area, so much so that it had become her entire world for a time. A break was long overdue.

So she wandered among the standing stones. Tall and unmoving, they held a quiet strength, a sense of ancient stillness that settled something deep inside her. She drew in a deep breath, savoring the crisp, fragrant air of spring.

As she meandered through the stones, her gaze softened at the lush growth around her, ferns unfurling, berries budding, moss thick and plush, flowers dancing in the breeze. Life was everywhere, thriving, and it filled her with quiet joy. A small, contented smile curved her lips as she took it all in.

Things had been…well, they had just been. She had not found her way home. She had not found anything really, other than being constantly watched by the raven she first accidentally disturbed on her great entrance. Entrance to what? Entrance to where? She had no new information on this place, no hints, no nothing. All she got was pain, suffering, confusion…and perhaps a friend.

Once the two girls had healed up, they went a bit on their separate ways. Not exactly a permanent thing, but a thing to figure out what might be going on. Maybe they could get more information if they split and met up again. Perhaps a bit risky, but potentially beneficial. Stardust had little to no luck though, which greatly irritated her.

It was a bright and sunny day, and the dark lady of night moved across the Druid’s Rise. Her nose was stuck to the air as her bright cyan eyes gazed across the greenery. It was rather nice in a way. She was used to the forest and dense trees. The crunch of leaves…an annoying thing that caught in her fur. None of that was out here. No, instead there was these plants that would deliver balls of spikes to strick to her fur. SPIKES. She constantly had to rip them out. No, they did not hurt at all. The spiky things were just spiky enough to grab onto her, but not enough to do much else. She huffed in irritation as she pulled a few off her legs, frowning slightly at the light scars.

That is right, she wanted to find Kirain again. Almost like the world was kind on this day, the wind brushed against her and she almost immediately caught her scent. Her star-touched tail lifted and had a touch of a wag. She gracefully followed the scent through the air, enjoying the smells that came along with it. It reminded her of her cousin Andriel, and his love of perfumes. She pondered on what made the lovely scents as she she continued on through the land gaining a more stoney look. More stones, and more wolves.

The wolf being Kirain. Stardust knew it immediately. The stark white fur, the touches of grey, the small form. Stardust’s entire body peeked upwards, and a smile graced her lovely dark visage. ”Kirain! Dearest Kirain!” she called out, picking up the pace and practically prancing towards the wolfess. ”Oh Kirain, it is you! You look…well, great! How has this land treated you in our parting?” she asked as she loped towards her, hoping Kirain was just as excited to see her.

So lost in thought was she that it took a moment to realize someone was speaking to her. Her ears twitched, and she turned toward the voice, only to be met with the most wonderful sight.

Stardust! Kirain cried, her voice alight with joy as she bounded toward her friend. She greeted her with affectionate nuzzles, her tail wagging furiously behind her.

You look so well, darling! I'm so relieved to see you! She took a moment to drink in Stardust’s presence, eyes scanning her to be sure she was truly unharmed.

I was so worried. How did your trek go? Did you learn anything? Meet anyone new? Have you seen anyone from your home? The questions tumbled out in a breathless rush, her eyes sparkling with unrestrained delight.

You won’t believe who I found! she continued, voice rising with excitement. My dearest companion from the Teekon Wilds, he was brought here too! I found him not long after we got separated. We’ve been exploring together ever since.

She swept a paw out toward the landscape, her gaze softening as she took it in. Look at this place!

The Rise stretched out peacefully before them, its tranquil beauty easing the edge of her excitement.

Isn’t it beautiful? We’ve decided to call this home. What do you think?

She turned to Stardust, eyes wide and shimmering with hope, waiting eagerly for her response.

She was met with great excitement from her smaller friend, and she accepted the nuzzles from the cheerful girl. Stardust returned the nuzzles gently, and she must admit she was quite glad to see a friendly face again. Stardust had never really made a friend quite so quickly before, but there was something different about Kirain.

Stardust nodded softly, her own eyes examining Kirain to see that she appears rather well. No blood, nothing broken. No attacks. That is all she can really ask for at this point in time. This was a place that steals your soul and attacks you upon arrival. Nothing is a good thing.

Stardust frowned slightly, shaking her head at the question of the trek. The tall woman of night sits on her dark paws in the nice grass, ears falling a bit. ”Ugh. Nothing. Didn’t learn anything at all, it just seems to be a…place, similar to where I was from but totally different at the same time. Ah, nothing beats the trees of Taviora…”, she sighs, wishing that she had better news or at least some interesting information.

Yet Kirain’s eyes seemed to light up. The white woman seemed to be absolutely glowing, as opposed to Stardust’s rather grim (yet beautiful) aura. Stardust’s cyan eyes widen as Kirain said she found someone, her ears perking up quite a bit. Someone? And it ends up being someone from the Teekon Wilds? Stardust blinked, pulling back in head in shock as her mouth opened a bit.

”What??? Someone you know?” she said with a bit more excitement in her voice. She looked around, but did not immediately see anyone else. She sniffs the air a bit, and thinks that she smells another, but who knows if it is the right scent or not. Kirain looks out into the landscape that she had chosen as home. Stardust turned her head, blinking as she did appreciate the view. We? Did Kirain say we? She thrust her head back around to see Kirain eyes practically sparkling in the sunlight. If Stardust ever had a weakness for anyone, it was Kirain.

”Well, it does not have the protective nature of trees, however, there is also less debris from the trees, so give and take,” she muses, gently smiling with her dark lips. ”I bet it excels at night,” she says with a nod, looking forward to seeing the night at some point in this area. She lifts a paw and pokes Kirain playfully. ”But tell me more about this companion? How did they get here? Who are they? Are they around? What do you mean WE call this home?” she questioned, barraging Kirain with questions as her curiosity was completely taking over her mind.

Kirain deflated slightly at Stardust’s words, her expression softening with empathy. I’m sorry, darling. That sounds so frustrating. I know this land hasn’t exactly been kind to you, she said gently. But I truly believe we’ll find answers. You deserve at least that much.

She offered her friend a warm, genuine smile, her eyes full of quiet affection and unshaken faith. Kirain believed, deep down, that Stardust would find her peace in this strange world. It might take time, but Kirain had plenty of that to give, and all the willingness in the world to help her find it.

As Stardust took in the surroundings and made a comment on the scenery, Kirain let out a soft laugh. It is beautiful, isn’t it? Sometimes, little fireflies drift through the standing stones at night. It’s so... magical, she said, her voice lifting with wonder.

But then the subject shifted, so quickly, it caught her off guard.

At the mention of her long-lost companion, a blush crept up her neck, burning at the tips of her ears. She glanced away, her happiness clear, but laced with a tinge of embarrassment.

Uh, well… his name is Lestan. He’s an incredible tracker, she began, fumbling slightly. He came here the same way I did. We were separated for a time, and as he was tracking in Teekon, the world just… changed. One moment he was there, the next, here. And he’s been here ever since.

Clearing her throat, Kirain folded in on herself a little as a wave of shy vulnerability washed over her. He’s probably off finding something for us to eat, she added, voice quieter now. We, um… we have a den together.

She hesitated, worrying her bottom lip before stealing a glance at Stardust through her lashes. We’re… married, she said at last, letting the word settle in the air between them, unsure of how her friend might respond.

Kirain had such a positive outlook, and Stardust struggled to comprehend it. She was certain they would find answers, but Stardust? She was certain there would be no answers. Of course, Kirain had a more conventional arrival versus Stardust's dreamlike descent. Perhaps Stardust would have been more positive if she had just walked into the situation. They were certainly different, but Kirain had a way of rubbing off…at least a little bit.

”Fireflies, eh? I suppose I can grace this place with my presence tonight and judge them for myself,” she said with a bit of a playful smirk. This place did have a nice aura to it, and where else did she have to go right now? Go find more nothing?

Yet the situation changed with this other…companion. Stardust couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy in her heart. Kirain seemed rather thrilled though, if not perhaps a touch embarrassed. She supposed it was a matter of boys, which is a subject that many can find embarrassing. Stardust had never been involved with the other sex other than her direct family and some pack members. Stardust had very different opinions on how to handle such things from the adults in her life growing up…so she really just didn’t know how to approach it.

Stardust listened intently as Kirain explained. Lestan, a tracker. And he came the same way Kirain did. Her cyan eyes blinked and her dark head tilted, her fur touched with wind which was more apparent out in the open land. This land had separated them, and then brought them back together. She smiled at first, but then it became an awkward smile.

”Well that is…good? That he is here? Good maybe? Maybe because you are not alone and found each other…and yet, bad because you were TAKEN FROM YOUR HOME,” she declared, her voice rising to a yell directed at the sky, accompanied by a snap of her jaws. Stardust was determined that there was…something, or somewhere, or some power that could certainly hear her words of displeasure, especially if she yelled it out. It was certainly a contrast to how Kirain was a bit shy about the subject of Lestan. Stardust was always so open and…loud about everything.

Kirain continued though, and the woman of night listened as she confirmed they had a den together. And married? Stardust’s brows furrowed in thought. She had never heard the term before, and thus she was trying to put things together through context clues.

”A den? Married? What is this…married? Is he your mate…or…” she gasped before her next words. ”Or your imprint? Don’t tell me he is your imprint!” Stardust said with a hurry, standing on her long legs as she awaited the answer. While a mate was one concept, an imprint was entirely different and profoundly significant within her culture, a concept she assumed was universal.

With Stardust agreeing to stay, if only for one night, Kirain beamed and nuzzled against the dark-furred dame.

That would be wonderful! You'll see how perfect this place is. I'm so excited!

She spun in a joyful little circle, her tail wagging like mad as she celebrated more time with her beloved friend.

At the mention of her mate, Kirain turned with a fond smile and gave a soft nod. We're just glad we're together again. We've been through so much... Her voice trailed off, thoughts flickering across memories too heavy for words.

But before silence could settle, Stardust suddenly began shouting at the sky.

It wasn’t the first time Kirain had seen her do this, but that didn’t stop the quiet giggle that bubbled up from her chest.

She’d grown to adore Stardust’s vibrant expressiveness. It was such a refreshing change to be around someone so open, so genuine.

Ah, marriage... she said with a soft smile, her tone tender. Yes, it means we’re mates now. It’s a word he uses from his culture.

She glanced away, her voice barely above a whisper, less from embarrassment, more from the overwhelming joy that still bloomed in her chest at the thought. She adored him, everything he was, everything he brought to her life, and she dearly hoped Stardust would come to see just how wonderful he truly was.

Hearing a word she didn’t recognize, Kirain perked up and turned her attention back to Stardust.

Imprint? she echoed curiously. What’s an imprint? Is that different from being mates?

Her tone was gentle, genuinely inquisitive as she leaned in, eager to understand the meaning behind her friend’s words.

Stardust was a little surprised by the nuzzle. To be honest, she didn’t come from a particularly touchy family. Her mother was the kind to get up and leave without feeding them all the way when they were still on milk. If it wasn’t for the traumatizing entrance to this land and the absolute pure goodness of Kirain, Stardust would probably cringe at such touch. It came so natural with the woman though, so she allowed it and even gave a nuzzle back. It was…nice.

Stardust stepped back and giggled as Kirain spun happily. Her cyan eyes softened at the sight of how happy Kirain was in this moment. Kirain even mentions how they are just happy to be together. It was adorable, and she supposed it sorta made sense. Stardust…didn’t have anyone like that. She wasn’t exactly alone, but she didn’t have any deep relationships with anyone outside of her blood relatives.

”Well, I guess that makes…sense. I am going to be honest, I don’t know what it is like or what you two have been though, so I cannot say that I completely understand being okay here in that circumstance. Perhaps you can share more another time?” she pondered, curious what all these two have been though…and curious to meet this man.

She explains marriage and that it is a mates system from his culture. She nods with some understanding. Of course Kirain would find a mate and this…marriage, she is but a pleasant cloud on a sunny day. Stardust smirks slightly at the fact that Kirain gets embarrassed by it though, and she pokes her gently with a paw.

”You think I will meet him tonight? I have to ensure he is proper for you…marriage,” she says properly, puffing her chest up and sitting up very lady like. Her face changes a bit with speaking in regards to imprints though.

”Imprints…well, yes, it is different from mates. Everyone has an imprint, out there, somewhere. They are your very soul. You are bound to them in ways unexplainable. It is supposed to be a magical thing, and you know immediately the moment you set eyes on them and them on you,” she says as her eyes drift to the sky, her words fading a bit at the end. ”I never found my imprint, so I don’t truly know what it is like. Some become mates, some become good friends…I have heard rumors that some imprints are like…polar opposites, like good and evil, and they must exist to counter each other. My parents were imprints, and it was sorta…odd. You probably would never guess it,” she mused, realizing that she was talking a bit too much. She felt a bit…sad speaking about it, and perhaps it is slightly reflected in her dark visage. Finding your imprint was such an important part of life, and now she felt like, if Kirain had never even heard of it as a concept…perhaps it does not exist here…and perhaps she will never find her soulmate.

Kirain nodded along as Stardust spoke, her eyes warm with affection.

I’d be more than happy to tell you some stories, she said, her voice light with fondness. We didn’t start out romantically involved... it just happened. It felt so natural, so comfortable with him. I’m finally, truly happy.

Then, with a sudden burst of energy, she leaned closer, eyes sparkling.

Now it’s your turn! We have to find someone who makes you feel this way. You deserve that, more than anyone. You’re beautiful, Stardust. Inside and out.

She couldn’t stop the gush of affection that poured from her heart. Stardust just had that effect on her, genuine, grounding, like a kindred soul. She felt seen, understood, safe.

I hope he’s back soon, Kirain added softly, her thoughts drifting to her mate. He’s a bit of a wanderer, but he’s been staying close since we built our little den.

At the mention of their budding home, a shy warmth crept up her neck. Why did she always get this fluttery, bashful feeling when she spoke about him? She was proud of him, felt safe in his presence, and yet, here she was, fumbling over her own emotions. It left her both flustered and full of joy.

She listened intently as Stardust explained the concept of imprints. As the meaning sank in, Kirain’s eyes widened with wonder.

That’s... so beautiful, she breathed. To share your soul with someone... what a tender, intimate thing.

Her heart swelled with hope, and with a soft nudge of her nose, she encouraged her friend.

We’ll find your imprint. I just know it. Don’t you worry.

The promise hung in the air, sincere and bright, like sunlight through trees, gentle and warm and full of possibility.

It was no surprise to Stardust that Kirain naturally found love. She was a naturally lovable creature, so positive in a situation that Stardust found rather negative. She knew she needed to learn from Kirain, but old habits die hard.

”Well, if ANYONE deserves it, it is you. I can see why he fell for you,” she said quite sweetly, nodding gently with a rather large grin on her lips. Kirain was so cute talking about her new found love, Stardust couldn’t help but give her a unexpected lick on the forehead.

Stardust pulled back in surprise at the next words though. Her turn? Beautiful in and out? Well, at least one of those statements makes sense. Finding love has NOT been on her mind at all since she got here. She shakes her head slightly.

”Ah, I don’t know about that. Well, the finding something part. I dooo agree with the beauty,” she said a bit jokingly, fluffing up her fur and pushing her muzzle to the sky a little bit as a way to show off.

Her mood shifts. ”But, I don’t think I am meant to find anyone here. I…I just can’t accept not going back home,” she says, her fur deflating a bit in response. ”For now though, your mate better come back soon!” she exclaimed, trying to look forward to SOMETHING right now.

”Yes, I suppose it can be a beautiful thing. Most the time it was, what I saw. Not sure how it is for the whole…good and evil opposite pairs. That doesn’t seem so great. I can only imagine finding your soul and it is…vile to the core,” she wonders, almost shivering at the thought. She feels the nudge from Kirain then, and softens up again. ”Oh…don’t worry about that right now. If the time comes, it comes. I am…not even sure if that happens here? You have never heard of it, so…who knows,” she questions, although Kirain’s everlasting hopefulness was a nice feeling. It doesn’t matter right now though. Stardust was most curious about this male. ”There is something to be said, I think, for finding love in something that is not your immediate soul, yes? Lestan, tell me more about him, what is it at brought you to him?” she asks curiously, knowing that Kirain was somewhat shy about him, but sometimes verbalising your feelings out loud can really solidify things.