She’d awakened some time ago, though her body remained on its side; still, except for ribs rising and falling with slow and steady breaths. Within the safety of her new den, freshly dug and sparse, Senka’s mind washed over the latest dream.

She’d seen the earth crack open with fissures once before, though not to such a violent degree. She remembered the rolling and shuddering earth beneath her paws. Trees snapped and fell to the ground around the pack, unable to withstand their unsteady foundation. She recalled the cries of her children as she ushered them to run toward the meadow. Clumsy little paws wobbled enough on solid ground, yet she and Kian could only carry one each. Heart pummeled against her chest, breath quickening, as if she were back there, fleeing from the safety of their forest once again. The wild panic as she scrambled to keep her family together. Wishing they were birds and could simply take flight above the sudden betrayal of their home. Senka remembered the earth settling as they reached the meadow’s edge, only to find a jagged rift split through the soft grasses. Some members of the pack had already arrived and were inspecting it with wary eyes, while others had yet to escape the collapsing forest.

Her eye focused as she pulled herself from the memories. Was this dream a warning of what was to come? A premonition? The wolf rose. She needed to speak with Kirain. She needed to be among Camhanaich. Her spirit pulled her forth.

Senka slunk out of her den and stopped, jaw growing slack. The once-golden forest was shrouded with a dense, wet fog, its yellow-orange leaves now cast in a bloody hue. Everything was suddenly wrong. Unease grew. Her usual untroubled countenance felt much like that old crack in the ground - worry shone through her own fractures. The old woman gave a stubborn shake of her head and entered the thick cloud of mist. It penetrated her thin coat with each hastened step toward the stones. Reaching the fringe of Druids Rise, Senka lifted her nose and let out a rusty howl. It had grown coarse with age, much like her voice. Identifiable in a way that would have made Senka insecure once upon a time.

Kirain? She called softly, Camhanaich?

Does the pack have a meeting place among the Rise? Questions for another time. Senka’s ears pricked forward for a response.

The new mother rarely ventured far from the den, her three pups consuming nearly all her time and attention. On the rare occasions her mate insisted she take a moment for herself, she would leave reluctantly. It was never easy to part from her children, still so small, still so dependent, but she pressed on. The blood moon had left her uneasy. Something was wrong; she could feel it deep within her chest, though she couldn’t name what it was.

Determined not to let her anxiety take hold, Kirain made her rounds through the clearing, stretching stiff muscles as she went. Then, a distant howl carried on the wind, freezing her mid-step. Her ears perked sharply. One of their own, perhaps Senka, by the sound of it?

A frown touched her muzzle. Without hesitation, she broke into a steady lope toward the call, guilt pricking at her with every stride. She and Lestan had been so absent from pack affairs lately, and the thought weighed heavily on her.

It wasn’t long before Senka’s graying pelt came into view. Hello! Is everything alright, darling? Kirain called, slowing to a stop before her, chest rising and falling with quick breaths. Did something happen? Do you need anything? Are you well?

The questions spilled from her in a rush, worry softening her wide silver eyes. Senka looked healthy enough, for which Kirain was grateful, but perhaps the trouble was not of the body, but of the mind.

White sprung from the mist, quickly taking the form of the one she sought.

Kirain, my dear! A smile returned at the sight of her only friend here, I apologize for being gone for so long. I was learning the land nearby. I saw the ocean and met a poor wet sod of a lad with a personality to match his poor, soaking coat. I tried to help him, you know, same as you helped me when I arrived. He wanted none of it! Oh, and I have things for you, though I must get them at another time. I left them in my little den.

The words spilled forth to explain her absence, ears flattening apologetically. She shifted her weight, the smile slipping, Oh, it doesn't matter right now. Kirain, I had a dream about this world, Mythris, splitting open. Monsters roam this land and they run for their lives. There's so much to it, my dear, but I am worried. I have experienced the earth quake with fury before, but nothing like in this dream. It must be a warning. This sky? Has this ever happened here before?

Face lifted to the heavens, eyeing the odd red tinge, before sweeping over Kirain. Senka knew she'd been gone for quite some time, but Kirain was... different. Senka recalls wondering, briefly, at the possibility of new life growing within her belly at the time of their meeting, but the changes between then and now confirmed it for the greying woman. She pressed her paw softly upon Kirain's, her eyes creasing at the corners, It seems there is much I've missed.

At this, Senka felt torn between worry for what was happening and wanting desperately to lift the burden from the shoulders of what she was certain was a new mother with young ones to protect. Thoughts to her children crying during her own earthquake echoed in her mind once again, and the fear she'd felt turned to a fierce protectiveness in the present moment. The old wolf offered one last question, Have the druids met to discuss this blood moon already?

There's no need to apologize! You will always have a place here with us, Senka. If you feel the need to explore, then do so. Life has changed so drastically for you in such a short time, it’s only natural to want to seek out answers. Kirain’s tail swayed gently behind her, a reassuring smile brightening her features.

But the expression soon faded, replaced by a thoughtful furrow of her brow. Yes, we all had that dream, she murmured. It isn’t the first time we’ve received such visions. They came with the plague. Their guidance is what leads us to fight against the curse this world bears. I… I don’t know what this one means, and to be honest, I’m terrified of what it might be suggesting.

She exhaled a weary sigh, glancing over her shoulder toward the distant shape of her den. This moon… it’s never appeared before. Lestan and I are deeply unsettled by it. We haven’t called a meeting yet, though that certainly seems to be what we must do. I’m certain you’re not the only one with concerns.

Her gaze softened again as she turned back to Senka, a faintly sheepish smile tugging at her lips. He and I have been… distracted. Children take a great deal of time and energy. We haven’t been the leaders we should be, and for that, we apologize.

The howl of an old-bones woke Liss from shallow sleep, and she rolled upright, blinking. Were there elders here?

The question was quickly swept away by the far more alarming revelation that ichor-tinted mist now cloaked the moorland, and above, the moon turned red. Liss swiveled an ear, mouth parted into an o. The voice in dreams hadn't said anything about this... and she couldn't remember any lessons from Mam about it, either.

Faith had always been a bit extracurricular for Liss — fun to participate in, easy to draw comfort from, but never taken quite as seriously as her born and bred far-Northern kin. Now she wished she had a holywolf around to interpret the sky. Was father moon hurting? Hunting? Did the faces in the stars speak in voices only priests and gods could hear?

But, Lestan ! He must know, surely! Or if not, one of the other Druids. That was their whole thing, wasn't it? Nature and magic.

Hopping to her feet and shaking off the chill, she cried an answer back to the howl and galloped toward the sound. Eventually she spotted the stark white of the Toisiche's pelt. There was another with her Liss hasn't seen before. Her tail wagged, and she gave a relieved bark, Kirain! Do you see the moon! Why is it red! Is this one of Lestan's god-things? It's not one of my god-things, I don't think! Mam never told me stories about this! It looks kinda cool! That's gotta mean something, right?

Skidding to a halt on damp grass, she gave a half crouch of submission before the two older women, offering a lick in greeting. Hello Grandma, I'm Liss! It's nice to meet you! What a cool way to meet, too, huh?

The old maid listened intently to Kirain’s answers. Shared dreams? Brows knit together in fascination. It’s all so wondrous, really. Maybe ominous is a better word for it, she considered, though Senka held out hope that it wasn’t a vision foretelling something worse. As Kirain said, the visions had been a guide to help against a curse. The image of the tree shown in the dream materialized in her mind’s eye; a reminder.

Senka peered upward toward the moon, the large, ruddy sphere still visible against the morning sky. Waking to the world painted crimson, surrounded by the unexpectedly heavy fog that still clung to the earth, had been a jolt to her system after the vivid memories stirred by the dream. Having Kirain here, her voice always kind, steadied the older wolf. The knot of anxiety loosened. The fissures in her visage closed and the worry that had pulled her to these stones, calling for Camhanaich, dimmed. Despite the fog, there was clarity. A ritual for the full moon may be in order. She would love to discuss it further, yet the subject turned to a note much lighter.

Now it was Senka’s turn to wave off needless apologies. With a shake of her head, she smiled widely, Your priorities are in the right place. How are the little ones? Oh, I wish they stayed that small forever. They–

A fellow howl drew her attention. Another? How wonderful!

A young wolf bounded toward them and Senka found her tail wagging at the arrival. Words tumbled out in greeting to their white companion, and Senka nodded along with regards to the strange moon above. A rough chuckle fell out as the young wolf, introducing herself as Liss, addressed Senka.

Hello, darling! What a pleasure it is to meet you, Liss, The energy was contagious, You are right, this is quite a way to meet!

A twinge of guilt crept into the little dame’s thoughts. Here she was again, bringing heavy news. Could she, just once, be the bearer of something joyful? She sighed softly before returning her focus to the conversation.

They are well. Three healthy little ones to add to Camhanaich. I know! I had the same thought…

Kirain startled slightly at Liss’s sudden appearance. Had that been her howling back? Gosh, she was good at sneaking around, quite the contrast to the way words always seemed to tumble freely from her mouth.

Hello, Liss. Are you alright, darling?

Off she went before Kirain had even finished her sentence. A quiet laugh escaped her at the other’s eagerness.

Lestan says it’s a sign, although of what, I’m not entirely sure. He wants to perform a ritual in response, but I don’t know what he intends with that either.

Liss’s energy was always such a bright, uplifting thing. Watching the two meet and greet for the first time, Kirain smiled warmly.

This is Senka, she introduced. Another wonderful member of the circle. She’s been off traveling for a while, probably why this is the first time you’ve met.

Exuberant in the face of the warm welcome, Liss's entire backside shook with the force of her joy. Senka! I've been traveling, too. I went up North and found a bunch of kingdoms, and some caribou hunters too but they weren't very nice. Has Kirain told you about my family? I'm trying to find them, maybe you met someone from the Vale?

But Kirain had spoken of magic! A ritual! Will we all get to help? I can help! Or at least watch! I can be quiet if he needs to concentrate!

A ritual. Grey ears perked forward as if Kirain had read her mind. In this world, Senka would not be surprised if that is exactly what had happened. She wished to meet Lestan and see what would be needed for his ritual to this moon. It’d been some time since her last group ritual. She’d grown accustomed to practicing on her own in her later years. If only she’d been able to bring her supplies with her to this new world!

A whirling, rapid tail stirred up the fog enshrouding the trio, belonging to the youngest, and yet another rasping laugh escaped. The warmth of joy began to seep beneath her skin, replacing the tense worry that had brought her racing to the Rise. Muscles relaxed and her tail swished in response.

The Vale? I have not,” Though, Senka wasn’t positive the wolf she’d met had even mentioned where he was from, You must tell me about your family and the Vale, and I can certainly keep an eye out.

Senka winked her green eye. She then pressed her wet nose gently to the forehead of Liss, the gesture soft and habitual; forged over many years as a mother and grandmother. It happened swiftly and without thought - a gentle surprise to Senka herself. She stepped back and looked between Kirain and Liss, If your family is up for a visit, Kirain, I would love to meet your Lestan. Then we can ask how to help with the ritual, my dear. I’m sure there is much you can help with, Liss!

Liss’s ever-bounding energy drew a soft smile to Kirain’s maw. To be so young and full of life. Her own children would go through this phase soon enough! The thought made her chest tighten, but she pushed it aside to stay focused on the conversation.

Yes, Liss. Everyone will be welcome to participate, she assured gently. As I said, I’m not entirely certain what he has planned, but he wants the entire circle involved.

At the mention of her husband, Kirain’s gaze drifted over her shoulder toward their den. I think he would like that very much. The pups will be excited to meet you too. They’re such curious little things… Her voice softened as her thoughts began to wander.

For a brief moment, she was lost in the growing personalities of her children, their laughter and mischief flickering across her mind. A pleasant sigh escaped her before she turned back to her companions.

Shall we go? she asked warmly. It isn’t far, and I’m excited for more of the circle to meet one another.