Oh, shush! That’s not true. I'm just a regular wolf, nothing special or deserving about me. Kirain shot back at Stardust, a flush of embarrassment coloring her tone. Compliments never sat easily with her, something she knew she needed to work on.

The gentle lick to her forehead melted away the tension. Kirain offered a soft, genuine smile at the sweet show of affection. But when Stardust spoke about not expecting to find anyone here and her eagerness to return home, Kirain’s smile faltered.

Maybe she wasn’t ready for love. That was okay. But was she really so eager to leave everything behind? This world was strange, yes, even cruel at times, but that didn’t mean it would stay that way. Not forever.

What if... you can’t go back? she asked softly. If we’re stuck here for good, what then, Stardust? Worry crept into her voice. Maybe Stardust wasn’t doing as well as she had thought. Had she missed something?

Kirain leaned in, gently nuzzling her friend, offering silent comfort. We’ll figure it out, she whispered, her voice laced with quiet determination. There have to be answers out there for you.

When Stardust voiced doubts about imprints, Kirain let out a light snort. Just because it wasn’t a thing in the Teekon Wilds doesn’t mean it isn’t real here. There’s something magical about this place, whether we like it or not. Have hope, darling.

She hoped her words would ease at least some of her friend’s anxiety. The thought of Stardust spiraling into doubt made her chest ache.

The conversation circled back to her mate, and that familiar shyness returned, painting her cheeks with heat. Uh… well, she began, glancing away. We were searching for the same wolf, someone who meant a lot to both of us. He’d just… vanished.

She swallowed, voice growing quieter. We traveled across the land looking for him. And somewhere along the way, we grew closer. It wasn’t until we reunited here that I… I finally confessed.

Clearing her throat, she blinked down at her paws. He was so kind, so welcoming. He’s been through so much, and all I want is to give him the happiness he deserves.

Stardust rolled her eyes at Kirain’s first words. Nothing special? She just doesn’t understand, but Stardust is not about to argue this particular point with her right now. Perhaps with Lestan here, they could combine their powers and convince Kirain of the truth.

Stardust frowned slightly at Kirain’s next words…about the what ifs. What if they never leave? She really did not consider it too heavily. It always felt like there HAD to be a way back. She looked up at the sky…the sky of which she came, or was it a dream?

”We were forced here, you don’t think we can force our way back? Do you plan to just…live here and give up on your home? Or…I guess, maybe for some, there is little reason to go back, but I would HARDLY assume that of you, dearest!” she exclaimed, her muzzle whirling back to look at Kirain. She had to have had a good home, with good wolves. She couldn’t imagine Kirain’s past home being any other way.

”I suppose we can find out if anyone find’s their imprint here, but who knows what could be here. The cultures you two came from and what I came from, appear so different. What if everyone else we might find can be so wildly different too?” she asks, confusion touching her delicate maw. She could only imagine what others might be dragged here, and how some might not be as lovely as Kirain.

She listened intently though, to what Kirain said about her adventures with Lestan. Her cyan eyes widened, and she lifted a paw to her chest when Kirain mentioned that SHE was the one who confessed to Lestan. Stardust practically gasped. Aunt Celeste always told her that the man should always be the one to confess, and do everything. Of course, her mother would tell her to exact opposite, but she…she was not her mother’s favorite to be around.

”YOU were the one to confess? You didn’t wait for him to do it?” she asked with great surprise. ”That is simply unheard of. I would have confessed to you immediately if I were him,” she said without thought, softening as Kirain looked at her paws. She lowered her own paw from her chest. ”But…I guess if you two are happy, that is, perhaps, all that matters at the moment…” she said, allowing silence to come…but for a moment. The thought than burst into her head and she about had a panic attack. Her form tightened, and her eyes widen.

”Are…are you two going to have…puppies?” she asked bluntly, ears forward as she awaited the answer with anticipation.

Kirain deflated slightly, her ears dipping as she offered Stardust a sad smile.

Not all of us have homes to return to, darling, she said softly. Lestan and I... we’re all we have now. There’s nothing left in our old world.

Her gaze turned distant, voice threading with quiet sorrow.

Before I met Wake, I was completely alone. My birth pack was... taken by illness. And then, Wake led me to Lestan. I don’t want to go back to that empty life, not when we’ve finally found some semblance of peace here.

She looked to her friend, eyes earnest.

What if this world isn’t so bad? What if happiness can be found here?

A pause. Her voice grew gentler.

I suppose I can’t fully understand your point of view. You had a pack, a family. You had something to fight to return to. But the thought of desperately trying to claw my way back to the Teekon Wilds... it just saddens me. That’s no way to live.

She paused again, letting her words settle before continuing.

But— she added with sincerity, I’ll support you, whatever you choose. You’re my friend, and I only want you to be happy.

Kirain turned away for a moment, thoughtful, letting Stardust’s words about imprints linger in the silence.

Is there really something wrong with having so much variety? she murmured. So many different points of view? Maybe... it’s our differences that make this place special.

She fell silent, turning back to study her companion with soft eyes.

Was she being fair? Stardust had been ripped from her world, tossed into the unknown without warning or choice. Of course she had her reasons. The weight of those uncertainties... it must have been overwhelming.

Kirain’s heart ached for her, for the struggle, the loss, the longing. She only wished Stardust could find her peace.

And then, just like that, Stardust’s vibrant energy burst forth again, and Kirain couldn’t help but laugh, a light, airy sound, genuine and free. She would never tire of that spark.

Lestan... my dear, sweet Lestan never saw himself as someone I might choose to spend my life with. He was content just being by my side. So I was the one who confessed. I gave him hope. And I don’t regret a thing.

But then Stardust asked that question.

Kirain gasped audibly, eyes flying wide as she slapped a paw to her mouth in shock.

So blunt!

Her entire face flushed, ears burning, as her mind scrambled for words. Speak, Kirain! Say something!

Uh, um... I...

Her voice faltered. She turned away, flustered beyond reason.

It wasn’t a big deal, was it? It was... natural, right?

W-well... it is only n-natural, she stammered. Her voice cracked slightly as she struggled to rein in the panic.

I th-think we’re just waiting f-for it to... happen...

That last word barely made it out, more breath than sound.

She could die.

Stardust was aware that loners exist, or those without packs existed. They would come by Taviora every now and then, and she knew they existed in the lands beyond between the other packs of Moladion. However, she rarely interacted with them. She was so entwined and enmeshed in Taviora and her family, that it was hard to imagine something different. Not impossible though.

Kirain apparently was on the side where there was not much to want to go back to. She listened as Kirain spoke her birth pack, and how an illness destroyed them. It appears basically from there, she had Lestan and that was it. Her tail was dropped. Although she had her problems with others in her pack, she couldn’t imagine them all dying from sickness. Her pack was very healer focused though, so perhaps that knowledge was important. She wished she had listened more to those lessons, although some of that knowledge did impart on her. Stardust nodded slightly at her question. Kirain’s perspective was simply different.

”I can’t imagine, darling. That is…really rough! Illness? That your healers could not cure?” she gasped, saddened that Kirain spent time alone afterwards. She had found Lestan though, and Kirain only said good things about him. With this context, she felt that this male must be good. ”I suppose, if you have nothing in particular to go back to and your mate is with you, then perhaps the location doesn’t particularly matter. As long as this place isn’t dangerous but…how can you trust a place that just…STEALS you?” she questions, her less-trusting nature towards pranks exposed.

”You see, I almost thought my sister was playing a trick on me. Taking me and bringing me here. She always pulled pranks and tricks on me. ALLL the time. It is hard to trust a…PLACE that tricks you,” she looks down at her paws, touched with knicks if you looked really, really close from where her sister would bite her paws and ankles. ”I want to ensure you are happy, and if you can find that happiness here without going back to your old home, then that makes sense. However! We must ensure this isn’t a place that would further harm you!” she said with a slap of the paw on the ground, determination in her voice. How was she going to figure this all out? She had no clue, but it was all she could try to do at this point if she can’t find a way back home.

”It may be interesting to see where everyone comes from…maybe we can get some hints and answers from it. I will have to go…find others,” she says, cyan eyes looking across the fields again, wondering how many have been brought here.

When Kirain spoke of Lestan though, she lit up like a golden light. The woman of night could only hope to feel like that one day, but such thoughts were barely a concern to her right now. It appears that he was the kind to simply be content, and perhaps he did not want to scare her away. Stardust’s question though? She watched as Kirain became completely flustered. Stardust kept her eyes wide as Kirain’s voice cracked, and she giggled slightly.

”Oh, I see! I just thought, I mean, that is what mates do right? But…” her smile fades slightly. Thought creeps upon her face and melts into a terrified concern. She bumps into Kirain to sit next to her as closely as possible, almost a panic on her face.

”Kirain, listen to me. If you have puppies with Lestan and…and the world changes and brings you back home without them…. I swear to you if I am still here, I will watch them and protect them. We just…don’t know, but just…know that I would not abandon them,” she speaks, quickly and with great concern. Stardust was completely unphased by Kirain’s embarrassment at this point…there was so much to talk about and figure out!

My birth pack was small, Kirain began, her voice quiet and distant. We were nomadic by nature, always wandering the winter white of the north.

Her eyes grew glassy with memory.

We had a healer, devoted and wise, and she was teaching me the art of healing. But then... the illness came.

She hesitated, the pain tangible in her voice.

It took their minds first. I can't describe the agony of watching those you love go... mad. And there was nothing I could do to stop it.

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

I wanted it to take me too. But it wouldn’t. It just... wouldn’t.

A sigh escaped her, heavy with years of solitude.

I wandered the arctic realm alone for so long. The silence, the cold... they became my only companions.

She fell quiet a moment, then spoke again with a bittersweet resolve.

It would seem nature and fate had different plans for me.

Kirain listened as Stardust voiced her distrust of this strange land. She understood. The way they had all arrived here, ripped from their lives, thrown into the unknown, was heartbreaking. But even so, Stardust’s fierce determination warmed her heart.

You’re right to be cautious, she said gently. There’s still so much we don’t understand about this place. But I have to believe it can be a good place. A real home.

Her gaze softened.

What would doubt and fear bring me now? I’ve already lived in that darkness. I let it take root in my heart... let it nearly consume me.

She glanced down, a flicker of sorrow crossing her features.

But then, kindness found me again. Hope found me. And I realized—I don’t want to live like that anymore. I won’t.

Her voice steadied, warm and resolute.

You have to keep your head up, darling. It’s the only way through.

As her thoughts drifted, she felt the heat rise in her face again, flustered all over. She dropped onto her haunches and covered her face with her paws.

Y-yes! It’s what mates do! she stammered, muffled and mortified.

This is normal! We c-can’t help it! He’s just so—so handsome...

Her voice cracked completely, and she practically folded in on herself with embarrassment.

Stardust! Why must you torment me so?!

But then her friend’s tone shifted, serious, somber, and Kirain’s heart stopped. She dropped her paws at once, ears perking, eyes searching.

The words that followed hit her like a falling stone.

I... I didn’t consider that, she breathed, her chest tightening as dread took hold.

It wouldn’t. Right? My pups... they’d never lose me. This land wouldn’t be that cruel..!

Panic bloomed, quick and suffocating. Her breathing grew ragged as fear clawed at her.

My family... my children... Her voice broke, tears springing to her eyes. I haven’t even met them yet and the thought, just the thought..

She choked on her words, voice shaking.

You will? You promise?

Her gaze locked onto Stardust, desperate, pleading.

I don’t know what I’d do if it happened. I-I'd fall apart.

The tears spilled freely now, trailing down her cheeks as the full weight of the possibility bore down on her.

And yet, even in her panic, she clung to Stardust’s presence like a lifeline.

Stardust listened to the details of Kirain’s past, and it was amazing how completely different their lives were until they got here. Stardust came from an established pack in a land that has been occupied by wolves for decades. She knew the stories of leaders pasts, fights, and wars. It was a complicated and rich history all in a singular spot. Kirain though…their pack wandered a frozen land, and then caught an illness and went…mad. Her heart hurt for her friend.

It appeared Kirain wandered alone for a long time after her pack when mad, and Stardust could not help but let out a whine at this fact. She licked at Kirain muzzle in a pathetic attempt at comforting her. Kirain had already lost mostly everyone before coming here.

”You have gone through much, Kirain. To some, that is a nightmare. Perhaps, I have much to learn from you,” she said with a nod. Yet the subject of her new found love and potential pups was too much to hide from. It was the now and the future, a hopeful one perhaps, that Stardust just had to throw in her touch of paranoia.

Stardust smirked at how she kept mentioning how handsome he is. Stardust always considered physical beauty as peak interest thanks to Aunt Celeste, but it was much more in regards to the feminine than the masculine. Her cousin Andriel was a rather…beautiful boy. Not so much handsome. That is something that Stardust didn’t consider very much. The two were very different in her mind, and curiosity spiked. She certainly wanted to meet this man.

Stardust did not exactly intent to drop Kirain’s heart. She simply wanted to consider all possibilities, and the fact that they were taken from their homes…means that they could be taken from here. Stardust did indeed want to find a way back home, but how does this place work? Would the children transport back too, or are they tied to this place? She didn’t know the rules. Physics deemed that one cannot teleport to a new sky and fall into a new world, and yet here she is.

”Oh sweet Kirain, I meant not to distress you!” she said as she wrapped a large leg around the shoulders of the smaller wolf, pulling her in closer for a wolf-like hug. ”It is something to always think about, the possibilities and planning for them. In my pack they would often assign god parents if something happened to a parent on the hunt- those who would take care of the pups if their parents died. It is just…planning is all! You are right though, Kirain, you are you! You must have…hope! And do not…worry about the future, just prepare! You must live well with your Lestan!” she blabbered, a bit flustered that she upset Kirain so much without intending to. Look, she would upset her siblings sometimes and that was intentional at times. This though? She couldn’t stand it. She sure talks a lot, but sometimes she doesn’t know what to say.

Kirain gratefully accepted the comfort offered, leaning into Stardust’s embrace. She knew her friend meant well, and her concerns, though difficult to hear, weren’t without merit. Still, here she was, unraveling over a future that hadn’t even come to pass. Tears streaked down her face, and she hastily wiped them away with a paw, feeling foolish.

I'm sorry, she murmured. You didn’t upset me, Stardust. I just... I can’t bear the thought of losing more than I already have. It hurts to imagine putting everything into building a bright future, only to see it vanish in an instant. We don’t know this place or its rules, but I have to believe it won’t end like that.

She exhaled a shaky breath and shook her head. Planning for the future was wise, necessary, but letting the unknown consume her like this? She needed to be stronger. For herself. For Lestan. For Stardust. Drawing in a deep, steadying breath, she calmed the frantic beat of her heart.

Stardust meant well. That was what mattered.

With a faint, rueful laugh, she added, I don’t know if there’s much to learn from me, darling. I survived, that’s all. It’s a basic instinct we all carry. Some of us are just forced to face it sooner than others. I’m glad you didn’t have to. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

Kirain offered her companion a small, sorrow-tinged smile, doing her best to hold back the memories clawing their way to the surface.

What are you planning to do? she asked gently. You’re welcome to stay here with my husband and me. Or, if you’d rather travel, we’ll go. Whatever brings you peace—I want to support you.

Stardust is not used to making others cry. Sure, she can be bratty, but usually she was the one who ended up crying. She had never seen Aurora shed a tear, and Polaris was just…well normal. She had never encountered the situation where she needed to comfort someone else in this situation, and she found herself feeling rather guilty.

She knew that she did not exactly CAUSE the tears. She simply pointed out concerned with this weird place they ended up in. Kirain had a fear that she would lose everything, because the poor girl had already lost everything before- something Stardust was unfamiliar with. She holds Kirain closer to her.

”I guess, really, that could happen to anyone at any time, no matter where we came from really. Death is always a thing that can take us, but look at how many wolves and other creatures still have their pups and such? Yes, you still move on with your plans! Maybe, this is death and we ended up here. Who knows.” she said, not knowing if that was more comforting or would simply make things worse. It was true though, there was always a chance death could take a mother from her pups early. Being teleported to other worlds? Perhaps this was death indeed, and it was a cycle of death to other worlds. The thought was…annoying really.

”Well, survival is important and you have shown to be good at it. Let this be a place where we don’t have to fight it often, eh?” she hoped, knowing full well their first days here were absolutely miserable, but afterwards it was…okay at least. Much like any other place.

”Plans? Travel? I would not ask you and your husband such a thing. You have chosen a den and a home to raise your pups!” she said, shaking Kirain lightly with a bit of a grin growing on her dark maw. ”How about, you two stay here, and I will go out traveling every now and then to see what others have found out. Then I will come back and let you know my findings. I mean…I DO enjoy a bit of relaxation, so I would plan on…oh you know, sunbathing on that rock over there? Or my cousin Andriel taught me about perfumes, I could gather flowers so that you will smell divine for your husband!” she mused, pointing her nose to a nearby large stone, that truthfully would be great for a good sun bath. ”And someone has to teach your pups about prim and proper grooming! Not that you are not groomed, but I am a…specialist!” she said prospering herself up, trying to lighten the mood even just a little bit. It was sorta nice to think about…having a nice place to return to while still searching for the way back home. Why not?

You’re full of bright and cheerful topics today, aren’t you? Kirain quipped, letting out a small laugh. If it’s not things vanishing, it’s death!

She shook her head, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. I know it’s a natural part of life’s rhythm, but that doesn’t mean I want to dwell on it. I’ve seen more than enough. It never gets easier.

Glancing at her friend, her expression softened. You’re much wiser than you give yourself credit for, darling. Thank you. I’m lucky to call you a friend.

At the mention of fighting, Kirain shifted where she sat, a comical grimace crossing her face. Yes, yes—no more badgers, please! This time her laughter came brighter, more genuine, ringing with the kind of warmth that had been absent for too long.

Those days had been brutal, yet they’d proven something important: she could survive, and so could Stardust.

And then, there it was again—pup talk.

She was warming to the idea, truth be told, even if it still made her feel exposed. But still..

If they ever happen, she muttered, eyes flicking away. Who knows… maybe Lestan will find someone more suitable before we ever get the chance.

Her words surprised her as much as they stung. She shrank inward, expression clouding. Why had she said that? Did she even believe it?

Awkwardly clearing her throat, she turned away from Stardust’s gentle cyan gaze.

Yes, yes… Auntie Stardust, prim, proper, and adored. A soft smile returned. They’d be lucky to have you.

She meant it. Truly.

You’ll always have a place with us, darling. No matter how far you travel, or how long you’re gone.

She meant not to dwell on such dark matters for too long, but there are simple facts to be considered. Stardust shook her head with a laugh at Kirain’s comment. It saddened Stardust that Kirain had to deal with so much death in her life, so early on. She had to do her best to make sure no much such things occurred. Kirain’s words on being lucky to have Stardust as a friend though? She felt…odd about it. Undeserving, really.

”Naw, I am lucky to have YOU,” she protests, knowing full well that she finds herself correct in this manner and that Kirain just hasn’t dealt with…the real Stardust. Perhaps this world had somehow changed her for the better, no longer as bratty and prissy. She shook her head at the mention of badgers. ”Well, we know what to do if we encounter one again, team work!” she exclaims, puffing her chest. It was actually an easy battle with the two of them.

Then the unthinkable- sure Stardust had no met Lestan yet, but Kirain brought up a fear that he may find someone more suitable than her. Stardust pulled her leg away, her face wrinkling in confusion. An almost menacing look came to her visage, as she gently tried to bop Kirain’s nose with her paw. ”You will say NO such thing, dear. How dare you think there be anyone more suitable!” she scolded, knowing full well there probably was not anyone more suitable. She is more determined to meet this man now, though.

”Yes, Auntie Stardust will make sure they are well cared for whenever I puppy sit them,” she said, but deep down she feared all the…biting and chewing. Pups used their mouths a little more than Stardust preferred. The woman looked around, eyes attempting to spot where Kirain’s den was to be.

”Okay dear, where is it exactly you two are staying? I must get started on my own spot,” she asks, nose to the air as she sniffed the freshness of the area. It smelled much less…intense than forest areas, much more clean and clear. She lifts herself up, stretching her legs out as she awaits Kirain’s confirmation.