Stardust moved her head into herself a bit with embarrassment. She could imagine Celeste scolding her for not taking the compliment with great poise and regard, and so she quickly straightened up again. Even with Aunt Celeste in another world, she was loud enough to hear from here.

”Why yes, thank you dear,” she responded, head high. ”You…are my best friend too,” she tried to say confidently, but she was never used to expressing emotion that wasn’t agitation, anger, or annoyance. That, she was quite good at.

Annoyance like right now, when Kirain was being all weird about the paints.

”Oh, nonsense! It isn’t like I have any particular plans!” she said, which was mostly true. She was still getting the hang of the whole process, and was very much like a pup learning to walk. Practice was needed.

Stardust shook her head. ”You don’t have to wait for Lestan to return. I mean, they don’t move much right? You can even meet him out there,” she offered, watching as Kirain groomed her little ones. Thank goodness Kirain was trying to keep them clean. They were pristine, at least right now.

It should have been comforting to hear the words echoed back to her, but Kirain had sunk too deeply into her own thoughts to truly acknowledge them. Instead, she chose to acquiesce to Stardust’s gentle insistence about the pigments.

I suppose that would be nice. As long as you’re sure it wouldn’t hinder you at all, darling. We could put little puppy paw prints all over the entrance.

A small, genuine smile flickered across her face. It wouldn’t be long before the pups grew larger and more independent, a thought that settled heavily on the new mother’s heart. She should have felt proud, happy even, but she couldn’t quite summon the emotion in this moment.

It’s okay, really. I don’t mind waiting. Besides, I haven’t left them alone with anyone but Lestan so far. You know I trust you, but my maternal anxiety would never allow it.

Nor her maternal guilt, but that, she kept to herself. Lowering her head between her paws, Kirain released a silent sigh.

You don’t have to stay if you have other things to do, Stardust. I appreciate that you visited. More than you know.

Was it rude to send her friend away? To retreat into self-pity again? Kirain’s jaw tightened as she closed her eyes, willing the loud, unwelcome thoughts from her mind.

Stardust’s eyes grew wide with excitement. She cooed happily with a grin. ”Why, that is an excellent idea! Then we can do it again after another full moon and see how much bigger their paws are!” she said happily, already thinking of this being a tradition they start for the Camhanaich puppies.

Stardust listened though, and a bit of understanding was on her face. Kirain did tend to have some nervous tendencies, and Stardust had to respect a new mother not wanting to leave her puppies.

”Well, just know it is an option, Aunty Stardust can always watch them if you have business to attend to,” she said with a wiggle of her head and chest. ”I am just a call away!” she confirmed with a nod. Kirain lowered her head again, seeming quite sad still. Stardust took in a breath.

”I will be back!” she said, jokingly reaching for Eilidh again, before waving her paw. The dark woman turned and left. There was a bit of time. Stardust had gone back to her den, gathered up the furs with three different colored pigments in them. She made sure there was plenty of each color before heading back to the den.

”I’m back! Look what I brought!” she exclaimed as much as she could holding the furs. She wiggled back in, lowering the furs with the three colors. Yellow, Green, and Violet. Stardust unraveled each one. ”Which color fits which pup?” she asked curiously, cyan eyes flickering from the colors to Kirain.

The sweet suggestion Stardust offered brought tears to the new mother’s eyes. She hadn’t intended that, but what a touching idea. A memento of their little family, their marks forever within their home.

That sounds like a beautiful idea… what a wonderful way to mark their growth.

She sniffled and blinked rapidly, trying to hold back her tears. This emotional whirlwind of pregnancy and birth really needed to fade already. Still so sensitive, it was vexing!

Yes, yes. Aunty Stardust will always be appreciated and considered. What would this mama ever do without her, honestly?

When her friend moved to leave, Kirain’s heart gave a pang. But then Stardust reached for one of the pups, and for a brief, breath-stopping second, Kirain nearly had an aneurysm. When Stardust playfully backed off and disappeared out of the den, the little dame drew in a deep breath, trying to steady her thundering heart. She’d never take them without good reason. It was just a joke.

Kirain huffed in quiet frustration at herself.

When Stardust returned, her silver eyes brightened at the sight of what her companion carried. What beautiful colors! They’re so lovely, and they’ll look amazing on the walls.

She stared at the paints for a long moment, then turned to her resting babes with a soft hum.

Yellow for Eilidh, the bright sunflower of the trio. Green for Saorlaith, the grounded one. And purple for Faolán, for his nervous heart.

Stardust grinned as they looked over the colors for the pups. Stardust did not have a great idea of the personalities of the pups. Honestly, they didn’t do much yet. They were pretty much like pet rocks right now. Warm, wiggly pet rocks. But she also didn’t get to spend any time with them or see their personalities develop. Stardust only had aesthetics to go on.

As Kirain listed of the colors for each pups, Stardust hummed and nodded. Okay. Not her choices. Eilidh is definitely more green, and Saorlaith needed the contrast of the yellow. But whatever. She was sure that Kirain had her reasons…well she did, she explained it, Stardust thought to herself. Stardust shook herself out of her thoughts.

”Oh that is just sweet, the colors will last with them for many moons!” she said, using a paw to point at the yellow first. ”Do you have a good spot in mind?” she asked, as she grabbed a stick with her mouth to quickly mix the yellow paste so it was ready. She looked over at the mouth of the den, wondering exactly where the best place would be.

Yes, it certainly will. I take it we’re starting with Eilidh? she asked gently, watching as Stardust mixed the paint. Kirain’s eyes drifted toward the den mouth, searching for a suitable spot, and soon landed on a large, flat rock to the right that made up part of the wall. It offered plenty of space for many pawprints to come and would serve their purpose beautifully. Not to mention, she and Lestan would be able to enjoy the sight of it more often there.

How about that rock? she gestured with her muzzle. Think that’ll be big enough for growing puppy paws? Her smile softened, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes. They were growing so quickly. She loved and hated it all at once.

Hm... how should we do this? I can hold the pups by the scruff while you help guide their paws, first into the paint, then onto the rock. That way they stay secure and easy to maneuver. Thoughts?

Kirain didn’t wait long for an answer before leaning down to gently lift Eilidh by the scruff. The pup wriggled and let out a few indignant squeaks at the disturbance but soon settled, content in her mother’s grasp. Holding her daughter toward Stardust, Kirain waited to see how she would react.