Stardust pondered Kirain’s words. "Mixing the pigments?" she repeated softly, the idea taking root in her mind. They did sorta mix together when she was messing with them, but since she was not intentionally doing it, they were not turning out in useful ways. At least, not that she noticed right now. A flicker of a memory showed her mixing a errant yellow and a touch of blue to make a muddy green. She would need to figure out how they worked together.

The fleeting thought vanished as the reality of constantly dirty puppies took hold. Stardust swallowed hard. For now, the little ones were manageable, but she knew that wouldn't last. "Oh yes, darling, three puppies will be impossible to keep clean once they're running around! Celeste was always on us, and we were just her nieces and nephews! Auntie Stardust will have to make sure you have all the help you need," she declared with a playful grin.

Her cyan eyes, sparkling with warmth, swept over each tiny pup nestled beside Kirain. "I guess you never know what they will look like," she mused aloud, a soft sigh escaping her. "Sometimes, one parent tends to take over entirely. Me and my siblings, for instance, we took way more after our father," A secret smile played on her lips, a silent acknowledgment of her gratitude for inheriting her father's more striking features. Though, her facial features did come more from her mother. "We will just have to wait and see what their little faces look like once they are older, won't we?" she cooed, gently nudging Kirain with her muzzle, a tender touch on her forehead.

A moment of comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the soft rustling of the pups. Then, her gaze, sharp yet affectionate, returned to Kirain. "Do you need anything, dear?" she inquired, her voice laced with concern. "I am sure Lestan has everything under control, but sometimes, well, sometimes some things just need a woman’s touch, don't you think?" She crossed her paws, and blinked a few times, her watchful eyes never leaving Kirain, ensuring her comfort in these new times.

Yes, mixing the pigments. Kirain chuckled softly at her friend. How she hadn’t already discovered that was beyond her. I can’t wait to see what mixtures you come up with. I want the Rise covered in your creations. Her voice was playful and teasing, yet warm with genuine encouragement.

Another laugh escaped her at Stardust’s discomfort over the thought of filth. They’re children, darling. They’re meant to be messy. It’s how you explore the world. Any help you offer will, of course, be honored and sincerely appreciated. With everyone present in Camhanaich, I’m hoping we’ll be able to keep them safe and thriving.

She let out an exasperated sigh at the image of Granny Senka offering guidance and young Liss running wild causing chaos with them, but the thought warmed her heart. This is a true test, seeing whether we can manage the expansion of the pack by anyone else… She cast her friend a sly glance and added a devious wink. Kirain knew it wasn’t an interest or concern of Stardust’s, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t tease her.

As for the pups, she couldn’t help but nod at the sentiments. They may change drastically yet. We don’t know whether they’ll take after their father’s height or my own. Spirits, I hope they’re not as little as me! There’s so much I’m looking forward to… She gave her friend an affectionate nuzzle before leaning down to place a gentle, loving lick on each little bean’s head.

Her friend’s next question caught her off guard. I… I’m well cared for, darling. Lestan provides so much love and support. Honestly, all I can think of is how much I’d like you to visit more often. It’s nice to have someone to talk to who isn’t bound to me through mating or blood. She released a quiet sigh. And I truly appreciate you keeping an eye on the Rise. I know I’ve said it before, but I mean it. Lestan and I are so absent right now… I feel terrible about it. But it won’t be forever. I know that.

”Uhhh…well, you might regret saying that…I mean…yeah!” she said jokingly in regards to painting the Rise. She knew she was not good at it yet…but did she have the potential? That didn’t matter at the moment. Stardust’s face was aghast at Kirain’s claim of children are meant to be dirty.

”What? No! My Aunt Celeste had a system to ensure the cleanliest of children…that my father never adhered to…he got yelled at a lot,” she mused, remembering Celeste chewing her father out constantly and Starfall never caring in the slightest. ”...and I don’t really remember it, but…it is possible!” she said with a slight pat of her dark paw on the ground.

”I know we all can keep them safe, that is why we can keep them clean,” she said teasingly. Stardust was completely unaware of anything Kirain was getting at though. ”It will be managed well, I believe in you! And I suppose Lestan, since you chose him,” she said with a giggle, looking around to see if Lestan was around to hear. It was tease if he happened to be around to hear it.

Stardust was a tall woman, not super tall, but on the taller side. It had its advantages, but certainly had disadvantages as well. She shook her head in response. ”There is nothing wrong with being little…though having long legs is certainly…elegant and aesthetic, you have to dig a much bigger den and can’t wiggle your way through as many dense areas,” she mentioned, looking at her own long legs, then her brows wrinkling. ”The amount of times I avoided an area to not get junk in my fur,” she said with an annoyed sigh.

”Well, if it is acceptable I can come by and help with the daily puppy groom sessions. I know the first many suns after birth can be a lot, but now that you willed it, I will come by. Not like I am far. I will have to find good stones for the stream, so eventually the pups can cross without issue to visit my den one day. You will want time to yourselves for a day or two, one day you know,” she said with a wink, thinking of the future instead of pondering on what they cannot do right now.

I would never regret making such claims. You are an integral member of the circle. I love and adore you deeply. You hold so much promise, you just need to let it free. Tilting her nose beneath Stardust’s chin, she gave it a playful nudge upward, a gesture both teasing and encouraging. Kirain truly wanted to see her dear friend thrive, and thrive she would, if Kirain had anything to say about it.

The little dame laughed softly, picturing Stardust running about, corralling pups to streams to wash them clean, only for their father to send them back covered in dirt from his tracking and exploring. I’m eager to see you try to keep them clean. In my birth pack, it wasn’t so difficult. We were surrounded by snow and rarely passed through flora or mud. We stayed relatively clean. But here, in the Rise? There’s mud everywhere! So many plants and creatures… We’ll have quite the pawful with three.

She could easily picture Lestan fretting over their messy children, an affectionate grin curving across her muzzle. But pups were pups, they played, they got dirty, they explored. Kirain could never hold that against them. I’d love to know what it’s like to be tall, just for a day. To look over things with ease, to keep pace with those long strides. I bet it’s wonderful. Still, Stardust was right, there were pros and cons to everything.

When Stardust offered to come by and help more often, Kirain nearly felt like crying. Her mate was dutiful in every way, but Stardust was her closest friend. Having her near to support her through new motherhood meant the world. It’ll be sooner than you think! Soon they’ll be waltzing out of the den, playing in the clearing, pushing boundaries… You’d better hurry. She teased playfully, her tail thumping lightly behind her.

Then, the air shifted. The den grew tense. Her smile vanished, replaced by wide, fearful silver eyes that darted about as though a villain lurked just out of sight. Her breath came shallow, heavy with feigned terror. Stardust… choose him? I didn’t choose him. He’s taken me hostage. I… I’m so scared. He won’t let me leave. He made me have his children… Kirain threw herself into the dramatics with full conviction. Help. Me. The words came as an urgent whisper, tears glinting in her eyes.

She let the silence stretch, her pleading gaze fixed on her friend. Was it cruel to joke like this? Probably. But she couldn’t resist. Take the pups and run. I’ll distract him… get out while you can. Another urgent whisper, more desperate glances.

”Snow? Yes, I suppose it is easy as long as the snow doesn’t melt. Do we even know if it snows here? Well, we do know what it IS like most of the year…and yes it will be a task to keep theme pristine,” she said, knowing she had a lot of work ahead of her. At least it was only three pups, and not multiple litters for the whole pack.

”Hmm, yes, I can indeed see over things. I can ensure that nothing unsavory gets on your head!” she said jokingly, booping Kirain’s head with her nose. ”And you can make sure I get all the dirt out of my nails,” she said as she lifted her paw, observing the stained color on them and huffing a bit.

Kirain mentioned that they will be out soon enough, pushing boundaries. She took a deep breath, cyan eyes gazing off into the distance before looking back down at the little bundles. ”Oh my…I will have to clear out any plants that have thorns, or stickers, or that shed really within sight of the den!” she said heavily, fully planning on executing on this even though she highly disliked the task. It was for the greater good!

Suddenly though, the tone of the situation changed, and confusion made its way on her dark visage. What is this? Stardust pulled back her head, blinking with narrowed eyes. She placed her paws apart, and her body grew tense simply by Kirain’s own body language. The words came then, and Stardust gasped in horror. How could such a thing go unnoticed by Stardust? She was speechless…for about one second.

”Wha…What? He did WHAT?” she yelled, her voice in a rage at the end. ”Why I otta…get the pups? The pups?” long limbs suddenly pushed her up, a frantic movement with little regard to personal space. ”Wha...I can’t carry THREE, what the hell how is anyone supposed to… but I,” she reached out and nabbed Eilidh. ”I’ll be back,” she said in a muffled voice while holding the small pup, who whimpered softly. Stardust was gentle enough, but she certainly was the best at handling small puppies as she turned, ready to leave the den in a rush with Eilidh without question.

The sudden movement of her friend startled Kirain, and she stared at her in wide-eyed surprise. That… wasn’t what she’d been expecting. This… this could be a problem.

You would leave the other two?! Her voice came out sharper and higher than she intended, and she immediately blanched at herself. Stardust, there are furs! You can wrap them up and carry the fur. There’s no reason to escape with just one! If he comes back and sees you with only one of them, what do you think he’d do to me? Letting you run off with his child, that could spell my doom, and the demise of my other children!

The remaining two pups began to squeak and wriggle, alarmed by the tension and the sudden absence of their sister.

Hush, little ones… Kirain whispered softly, trying to soothe the tiny, frightened things.

It was all hypothetical in Kirain’s mind, but clearly not so lighthearted in Stardust’s.

Take it easy, darling! Give me back Eilidh. Everything is fine. Nothing’s happening. Nothing at all, everything is so good. She tried to sound reassuring, but her tone came out too sweet, too forced, as though she were overcompensating for the panic rising in her chest.

Take a deep breath… Everything’s okay. Lestan wouldn’t hurt me… right? He’s a good man. Everything is fine.

Kirain rose to her feet and gently nipped at her friend’s shoulder, trying to stop her from bolting from the den. Come on, Stardust. It’s okay. Really.

She managed a small, wavering smile, though the shock still shone clearly in her wide, trembling eyes.

Stardust was halfway out the den when Kirain mentioned the other two pups. Stardust turned her head around, Eilidh in her mouth completely compliant with being held. Stardust blinked as Kirain explained trying to get them all out at once with furs, but Stardust couldn’t see how that was possible without them falling out.

”I…I don’t think it is..possible!” she said between her lips and Eilidh, the little pup looking wide eyed at her mother but otherwise indifferent to her situation. ”I can take him!” she said confidently as she turned around again, ready to dash out of the den with Eilidh and stash her somewhere safe. Could she actually take him? Probably not. Could she use her assassin training from her mother? Sure…but she was never that good at it, and didn’t pay attention properly. She most certainly was not her mother, who she knew didn’t even like being a mother.

It took a moment for Kirain’s words to sink in. Her head was out of the den, looking around for Lestan or any of the other girls in the pack. Perhaps she could hand off the puppies. She hears Kirain’s words but doesn’t know what to make of it as she looked around holding Eilidh, who giggled a bit on her little adventure.

She feels Kirain’s nip then, and she turns a bit confused. She pulled herself back into the den, breathing quickly. ”Wait…what? Are you sure?” she places Eilidh down gently. ”Wait, were you pulling my tail? ‘Cause I WILL take them away if I need to,” she stated firmly, taking a deep breath. Was Kirain just joking with her? Was there some truth in her words???

The thought of Stardust "taking him" nearly sent Kirain into a fit. What did she mean by that? Take him, as in fight?!

Darling, I do not advise that. Ever. Lestan is a very capable wolf. That would not end well for anyone.

There was a frantic edge to her tone as she nipped at her friend’s shoulder again. Stardust hesitated at the den’s mouth, turning back toward her. Kirain let out a shaky breath of relief.

I’m sure, darling. Everything is fine. I shouldn’t have teased you like that. I was only trying to stir a little chaos, blame it on being den-bound. I’m so sorry.

Her gray-tipped ears dipped back as she reached for Eilidh, gathering the pup and placing her gently beside her siblings. This could have gone so badly. She knew Stardust would never harm her children, her actions proved she was trustworthy beyond doubt, but if Lestan had been here? Oh, spirits. The thought made her stomach churn. Her best friend and the love of her life, fighting… over a joke.

I’m so sorry, Stardust…

Her voice was softer now, weighted with guilt, as she lowered her head between her paws.

Stardust picked Eilidh back up and placed her in the appropriate spot with her siblings. She let out a sigh of relief as she plopped her backside on the ground again. ”You know I would take them if I needed! Now…where, I don’t know, but…I would!” she said taking in a deep breath.

”If he ever even looks at you wrong…” Stardust said with narrowed cyan eyes. She meant it too. She had thought he seemed to be a good man, but Celeste and her mother always said to watch out for males. And well…Stardust took that seriously.

”Being den bound must be rough. Do you want me to bring you some paints? We can paint the entrance or something!” she said as she calmed herself, somehow not too upset with the situation. Perhaps it was the adrenaline that caused her not to think too hard on it…also, Stardust could not imagine being stuck in a den with pups. She realizes now that Kirain was being a bit dramatic, and she had simply not caught on.

Stardust lowered her head to be in line with Kirain’s, her bright eyes looking at her and nudging her muzzle gently. ”You’ll be able to go out real soon! If you need me to watch them, I can! You can go get a drink and take a bath! I promise I won’t steal Eilidh”

You have no idea how much trust and faith I have in you, Stardust. You're my best friend. I know you’d protect them until the very end. Thank you.

Kirain offered her friend a tired smile, the weight of guilt still pressing heavily on her mind. She felt undeserving, more than ever now, and the familiar dark spiral began to take hold. Desperate to keep it at bay, she curled protectively around her children.

Paints would be really nice, she murmured, but I don’t want to steal your materials. You work so hard to create those pigments, it wouldn’t be fair for me to swoop in just because I’m getting a little stir-crazy.

The urge to cry tugged at her, but she swallowed it back, masking it with a faint smile. I appreciate the offer, darling. Lestan gives me breaks; I’m okay. I wouldn’t want to burden you over a bit of restlessness. I’ll wait for him to return.

With that, she fell quiet, turning her focus to grooming her little ones, something, anything, to keep her mind from the dark tendrils slowly wrapping around her heart.