Kirain

She knew the time had come. Kirain had become swollen with pup, and eventually disappeared into her den. Stardust knew that birthing was a private affair, so she simply kept her ears open for if she was called for. It appears that everything went well with the birth, and in the meantime, Stardust had went out and gathered various scents with calming features.

She was somewhat limited in the scents she could make. It actually had some similarities to making pigments in some ways, but instead of seeds for the oil, water was used to activate the scents even stronger. Stardust had gathered everything she needed over the past week or so, and managed to keep herself busy. She had wanted to try painting more, but the perfumes came first.

Once Stardust was confident that Kirain had her pups and gave her some time to recover for the initial birthing, she decided to make her first visit. The woman of night hues had groomed herself thoroughly. She spent the night before bathing, and ensuring there was nothing distasteful on her fur. She awoke this morning fresh, and gathered the items she was using for the perfume on a rabbit skin. Thank goodness Kirain taught her about skins.

She carried the rolled up item over to the stream between her and Kirain’s den. She unrolled the skin again, and used her paw to carefully drip water into the contents. The items were fresher than desired. Dried was preferred in many cases, but this would have to do. She got a small rock with her mouth and gently crushed the items, but not nearly the same way with pigments. It was just enough to break everything and mix with the light amount of water. Stardust rolled the skin back up, and headed to the den.

It was a fine morning, and Stardust made sure she did not come over too early. The sun was shining on this day, with a few clouds littering the sky. The trees above shaded the area, but nice dapples of light shone through. Stardust felt good this day as she approached the mouth of the den, dropping the skin carefully outside of it. She lifted her head up slightly, peering slightly in but not in a disrespectful way.

”Kirain? Lestan? It is Stardust. I wanted to bring you something, if you are well enough for a visit,” she called out, hoping she was not disturbing them. She would leave quickly if they wanted, but hoped that she could spend a little time with them.

Life had settled into one endless cycle, tending, feeding, interacting. All she saw were her children. Not that she minded in the least. Her husband was nearby most of the time, looking after her needs so she could focus entirely on the pups. Forever grateful for that man, she thought with quiet fondness.

The little ones grew with each passing day, and she couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by how big they had already become. She lavished them with tender licks atop their heads, nuzzling their round, chubby bellies as they slept in a warm pile against her side. She hoped their bond would remain strong, that they would always stay close. Her eyes misted at the thought, and she might have wept if not for the familiar voice calling from the entrance.

Her silver eyes widened, tail thumping joyfully against the ground. Stardust! Darling, come in! You must meet the little ones!

Pride swelled within her chest, bright and unshakable. As much as she wanted to shield her pups from the world, she also longed to show them off, to let others see the beauty she had brought into being. She hoped her dearest friend would share in that pride, would feel it as her own at the sight of these new additions to the pack. Breath caught in her throat, eyes fixed expectantly on the entrance.

Stardust waved her tail with anticipation. She could smell the new puppies, the scents all mixed together. Then she heard the call of Kirain, and her ears perked. Welcomed in, she picked up the rabbit skin and wiggled her way into the den.

Stardust was careful. She moved slowly and carefully, letting her eyes adjust to the darker den and filtered light. She saw Kirain then, and three little pups by her side. She lowered the rabbit skin by Kirain’s front side, and gave her friend a lick on the forehead.

”My goodness how are you?” she asked Kirain, before lowering herself near Kirain’s front side, making sure not to lay close to the pups. She was a tall woman, and by no means small, and she feared stepped on one by accident. Cyan eyes looked to the three, taking in the brown and white little balls of pup.

”Did everything go smoothly?” she asked, concerned first for Kirain. ”Look at them! Three! What are their names?” she asked quickly, excited to learn about the new little bundles. Stardust was partially relieved. She knew some litters could be absolutely huge, but three semed like a good number. The den was warm and comfortable, and she knew these little cuties were starting off well.

The show of affection was gladly welcomed, her tail thumping harder against the ground. Kirain absolutely beamed at her dearest friend. Once Stardust settled by her side, the tension melted from her body, leaving only warmth and joy behind.

I'm well! So very well! I’ve never been so in love and happy in my life, Stardust. I’m still rather emotional from the hormones, but Lestan has been by my side, comforting me through it all. She let out a blissful sigh, her eyes softening. How are you? How is the Rise? Have I missed anything? How are the pigments coming along?

As eager as she was to gush endlessly about her pups, she wanted to check in with her companion. Life in the den had become her haven, and most of what she knew came only from what her husband shared when he returned from his trips. She suspected he kept any troubling news to himself to spare her the heartache. She made a small face at the thought before her gaze drifted back to her babies.

Everything went well in the end. There was a moment I worried for our youngest… but he’s come into himself over the days and grown so much stronger. As she spoke, she gently nuzzled each pup in turn, helping to show which one she meant. This is Saorlaith, our second born. Aren’t her little white socks adorable? And this is Eilidh, our first. Look at her coat, just imagine how lovely it will be as it grows in. And last, but never least, this is little Faolán.

At her touch, Faolán stirred, squirming with tiny whines as he sought comfort. Kirain was quick to soothe him, covering him in tender licks and whispering softly until he settled once more beside his sisters. When she looked back at Stardust, her eyes shone misty with happiness.

Noticing the rabbit skin, her expression brightened even further. Is that the perfume? I’ve been looking forward to it so much! Not that I mind the smell, but milk breath does get a little old. She laughed gently at herself.

Kirain seemed happy as could be with her little puppies, and Stardust knew that Kirain was meant to be a mother. ”Yes you look rather happy, glowing, actually!” she exclaimed with a small grin on her dark features.

”Oh don’t worry about the rise, it is doing fine right now. The blight hasn’t moved, but poor souls keep getting transported here as per usual. Nothing new though really, not nearly as exciting as puppies!” she said joyfully. ”I have painted some of the inside of my den, but I am starting to experiment with different stems to help add the paint. Paws are just too big, you see,” she said lifting a paw. It was dark, but one could see some staining of various colors if you looked close enough. She sighed. ”I guess I gotta clean that, some pigments do NOT like to come out,” she mentioned, lowering her paw again, though her cyan eyes would flicker back to it from time to time.

Stardust looked down at the three puppies, eyes going to the young one she was concerned about. Stardust knew little about pups, so she eyed him but saw nothing of concern. ”Oh, well, he looks great to me!” she said, though she knows she is quite ignorant about the subject. She watched as Kirain introduced each little pup.

”They are all perfect! When will they start…walking?” she asked, head tilted slightly as she realized she doesn’t even know the progression to expect with pups. Quickly she was redirected to the rabbit skin.

”Oh yes!” she grabbed the skin and rolled it out, a messy moist almost paste, but not quite found inside. It was quite chunky, and the scents were light. Lavender, chamomile, and some bark. ”It is nothing strong, since you don’t want to overwhelm the pups, but it is what Andriel would make the mothers in Taviora. At least, mostly. The bark may be different, but it smelled good enough,” she mentioned, a little disappointed that she could not find the exact tree here, but it was a different type of forest than the Rise area.

The compliment was warmly received, Kirain’s face flushing with happiness as she gazed down at her children. Thank you. You know… I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to do it, that I would mess up, that I would be lost. But everything has just… fallen into place. I’m so at peace with life.

A soft sigh punctuated her words before she turned her attention back to Stardust. I’m glad to hear the Rise hasn’t fallen to ruin in my absence, she teased lightly. It brings me relief to know all seems calm. Have you been meeting more lost souls?

At that, the little dame’s bright face dimmed, her heart aching for those cast into a land unknown. Be kind to them, Stardust. I know you will.

At the mention of pigments, her ears perked with curiosity. Oh really? How is that going? Is it effective? She glanced at the stained paw and let out a soft laugh. Oh dear. It seems your pristine fur has been tainted, darling. That simply won’t do. Her tone remained playful as she nodded at the comment about her son, a grin spreading across her maw.

Her companion’s delight and joyful expressions filled Kirain’s chest with warmth. It was uplifting, freeing. In a few weeks’ time, darling, their little paws will start growing too big for their tiny legs, and then they’ll be off stumbling about. I both look forward to and fear the day they are set free.

She chuckled softly, shaking her head, then turned her attention to the rabbit skin. Leaning closer, she inhaled its gentle, soothing scent. Oh, Stardust, it’s perfect. Thank you.

Stardust rolled her bright eyes in a playful way. Unbelievable. ”What? Of course it would work out! I guess birth can go wrong, but that wouldn’t have been your fault if it did happen.”

She sighs a bit with knowing that more and more get transported here each day. Were they dead and this was the next life? Were they taken by some entity? Was it accidental? Will she ever know the true nature of this place? ”Yes a few more, but it is nothing for you to worry about right now. I make sure they have what they need,” she confirms, but not wanting Kirain to concern herself with it.

She looked back down at her stained paw, shaking her head softly. ”My paw is dark, but apparently can be stained darker. I have tried to paint the sky when the sun is on the horizon, but I can’t quite get it right. I’ll…figure it out one day…” she murmured, not wholly satisfied with what work she had done yet. ”Blending it is all together is not an easy task,” she mentions. ”Perhaps I should do something more…simple! Like…wolves or puppies” she exclaimed, her head lowering a bit as she looked to the wee ones being cute little beans.

”Paint these little cuuttiieee patoootiiees” she said playfully as she wiggled her head and paws. Kirain then explained then walking, and Stardust lifted her head blinking a few times. ”That…that is going to come sooner than you think. We will have to set up a perimeter and make sure they don’t wander anywhere near the poisoned areas! They can’t go that far that quickly, right?” she asked, turning to Kirain then. Stardust was not the type to wander from home as a child, however Aurora? ”Aurora would run off and since she could not hear, father would have to tackle her to get her to stay home. Wait, can they all hear???” she asked, wide eyed.

Casting a playful look at her friend, Kirain shook her head with a chuckle. There went Stardust’s optimism, much appreciated, as always. Yet the mention of more arrivals drew a soft sigh from her. What determined who was chosen? Who was taken? It all felt so random, so pointless. The only thing they could do was offer what care and support they could.

Thank you, Stardust, for keeping an eye on things. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lestan or me if you need help.

She listened gleefully as her companion went on about her pigment struggles, pride warming her chest. Kirain had known Stardust would take to the craft quickly, and now she was already attempting something so beautiful! I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You’re clever like that.

A melodic laugh slipped from her as she watched her friend’s antics with the pups. It delighted her endlessly to see Stardust interacting with them. She would make an excellent aunt, though Kirain couldn’t help but wonder what sort of trouble she might lead them into once they were older. The thought earned a humorous sigh.

You’re right, it is just around the corner, much to my dismay. No, no, they won’t be able to reach dangerous areas so soon. They’ll be stumbling about for some time yet. A perimeter is an excellent idea. I’ll have to run it by Lestan.

Then came a question she hadn’t quite considered. She hesitated, thoughtful. I… I believe so. They’ve been responsive since their ears opened. They’ve even started to babble at their father, which is so devastatingly adorable.

Stardust nodded, knowing that the couple was always willing to help. However, Stardust did not want them worrying until the pups were old enough to somewhat take care of themselves. Stardust had to do what she could.

”Ugh, I don’t know if I will figure it out anytime soon! Might need to go hunt for different flowers and such for colors…I need a good…orange,” she pondered, not knowing where to get this color quite yet. She had seen it, but she could not think of where exactly.

The little pups did not seem to do much at this stage, but Stardust still watched them and took in their looks. Lots of whites and browns on these pups, and none of them contained star-marks or angel marks. Which, of course, made sense considering their origin. Perhaps they simply look exactly how they are expected to look with their lineage, but Stardust did not want to pry about Kirain’s…she knew how sensitive that subject was still.

”Well, I will have to keep my eye on them once they are running around. The puppies, they have NO sense of cleanliness. They must be taught it, you know! Otherwise they just…let it be!” she said wide-eyed, like it was shocking news. Celeste is the one who told her this, and from Stardust’s observations from afar, they were true.

”Oh good, that is very good. They appear to have all their toes, ears, and taaaiilllsss,” she said playfully, booping the tail of Eilidh lightly with her nose. The little one babbled back in response. ”Do they look like you expected them to? Listen to those little noises!!!” she said with a smile, tail thumping lightly behind her. Stardust had completed forgotten about the perfumes at this point, her attention focused simply on the family before her.

You know, you can mix pigments to create new shades. You don’t always have to search for the exact plant you want. Though, I imagine come spring and summer, orange will be plentiful in the surrounding areas. Kirain’s thoughts wandered to the possibilities, imagining the pups smearing colors over themselves, the rocks, and the trees of the Rise. The image pulled a soft laugh from her.

Oh, yes. They’ll be dreadfully filthy! Whatever would we do without you there to guide them? To let your pristine coat stand as a glowing example. It’s not as though we’re druids or witches… creatures of the land. She snorted, trying to smother her laughter. She knew Stardust’s intentions were kind, and any help would be deeply appreciated. Still, the little dame felt certain the three would keep them all busy.

A gentle smile touched her lips as her companion gushed over the pups, the sweetness of her affection warming her heart. Hm. Truthfully, I expected more gray in their coats, that was a large part of the palette from my birth pack. But I’m not at all disappointed with the browns. I love that they take after their father. Just more proof that they’re little pieces of us.