//set after "the pup gang"

Skoll had left him once they'd gotten close enough to pack lands. Or, more like Ciel told him he didn't need help anymore. The other boy was kind of dead weight to him right now; he had no answers, and provided no stimulating conversation. Normally, Ciel wouldn't mind carrying their chat, but after waking up all alone, he just wanted some space, funnily enough. No one else could fill the gap left by his family. Not even this Kirain, whoever she was. He just hoped she could give him actual answers, not just something vague to placate him.

Ciel huffed, watching with irritation as its breath clouded in front of it. It was too fucking cold. Hopefully the leader could provide him with a way out, and he could get back to normal. Normal weather, normal conversation, just... normal. He was a creature of habit, he was learning. Ciel honestly didn't know what to make of that anymore. Normally, it wasn't an issue, but now...

He huffed again, and gave a short howl, hoping to gain the attention of Kirain, or someone who was an adult. It doubted anyone his age would know what he wanted, if Skoll was any indication.

A howl carried on the wind, but this one was young.

Gray-tipped ears flicked as a frown tugged at her maw. There was no hesitation as the mother set off toward the sound. The weather may have been more forgiving than the wicked winds that had torn through the Rise, but it was still far too cold to be alone.

Making quick progress, it didn’t take long to spot the smaller cream wolf against the endless white.

Hello! Are you alright, sweetling? Are you lost? she called in a gentle, maternal tone, coming to a stop a few feet away.

Are you cold? You shouldn’t be out here by yourself. I am Kirain, one of the Toisiche of these lands. You stand at Camhanaich’s border.

Her voice softened.

You are safe now. Do not fret.

The response was fairly quick, though Ciel had taken refuge under a tree by the time Kirain had arrived, attempting to warm his frozen pawpads. He stood as she approached; for a moment, he couldn't make her out against the snow, but he spotted some darker patches of fur along her back, which he held onto like a lifeline until he could meet her eyes. Her greeting was... unusual. Ciel was never abused, but its parents were never soft on their children. Gaius could be gentle, sure, but he was more reserved, not tender like Kirain very obviously was.

It was enough to throw the boy off, blinking at the tiny woman for a moment. "Hello," it said, dumbly, "Um, yes, I guess I am. Lost, I mean." It was enough of a surprise to completely knock the denial out of him. Was this normal here? He wasn't sure if he liked it yet. At least he was on Camhanaich’s land, just as Skoll had told him. That was relieving, at least. It could only stare at the woman as she attempted to comfort it, reassurances falling on confused ears.

Though... he couldn't deny he felt slightly more at ease, despite the strangeness of it all. It was intimidating being on his own after so long of being with family, so he'd take anything at this point. "Thanks," he managed, shuffling his paws awkwardly before clearing his throat. "My name is Ciel Bissette. Skoll told me you could give me some answers? I just woke up here."

There was no surprise left in her when the boy confirmed his predicament.

I see. I’m so sorry to hear that. It is lovely to meet you, Ciel. A friend of Skoll’s? He’s a good boy, I didn’t realize he had stumbled upon someone.

Letting out a quiet sigh, she gave him another once-over, checking for any clear signs of injury or illness. Aside from being lost and cold, he didn’t appear to be in poor shape.

Come. Let’s get you out of the cold. I will answer what questions I can, though I cannot promise you will like what you hear.

Preparing him for that reality, she stepped closer and offered a gentle nudge with her nose, encouraging him to move deeper into the Goldenwood.

This land is called Mythris. It is a place of many strange magicks, a land that is deeply unwell as it stands.

If the blue fissures didn’t make that clear, the distant, echoing tremors certainly did. They were far enough from the sea to avoid the moving isle’s direct torment, but its fury still carried.

This land… it steals people. Takes them from their lives without warning. It does not seem bound to any one world, I have met many like you here. The stories are often the same. They fall asleep in one place, or begin walking in a familiar direction… and then suddenly, they are here.

She fell quiet as they walked, giving the pup time to process. It was a heavy truth, one many struggled to accept.

Friend was... a bit much, but Ciel nodded anyway. Too much effort to explain they'd only just met, and he wasn't too sure if he liked Skoll yet, or anyone for that matter. It wasn't like him normally, he loved a good chat, but without the safety of his family, he was out of sorts. Skoll was a good boy, apparently. Ciel didn't know if he believed it or not. He stiffened a little when Kirain looked him over, but forced himself to relax.

This must be why there were so many kids here, he supposed. If she treated everyone like this, everyone must feel safe and at home. Motherly was the word he was looking for. It was something he had never felt before, despite having a relatively safe upbringing. "Oh," he said, before he could stop himself. He didn't like the sounds of that, but at least she promised him answers. "Okay, thank you." Ciel allowed the touch to move it closer into the territory, keeping pace with the tiny woman as she spoke. It took more effort than he thought; he was used to lengthening his stride to keep up with his huge parents, not the other way around.

He stayed silent as she explained, nodding here and there. It was appreciative of the pause, giving it time to furrow its brows and contemplate. It was like Skoll had said: lots of wolves simply fell asleep, or got lost, and ended up here. At least he was trustworthy. "What are magicks?" He said, instead of the question he desperately needed to know the answer to, even if he already knew what it was deep down. He wasn't too sure how land could be unwell either, but maybe the magicks explanation could help.

What is magick?

An excellent question, truly. What made up magick, its essence, what made it unique, something to treasure and respect.

Kirain let out a quiet hum as they walked, searching for the best way to answer.

Well, magick is many things. It is the snow that flutters around us, the flowing of rivers. It is the shift in sunlight during summer, and the gentle changing of colors in autumn. The earth carries energy, spirits. There is a give and take, a natural flow.

She paused briefly, her gaze drifting before returning to him.

This land is… different. It has been touched by something else. Spirits of another time that ache for resolution.

How else could she explain the strange dreams? The way the ground trembled as the moving isle cried out?

Something has hurt it, wounded it deeply. And we have been tasked with helping it heal, through our actions.

She gave a small, almost apologetic smile.

I don’t know how well that answers your question, but… that is the truth of it.

Silver eyes softened as they lingered on him. So young. So inexperienced.

It made her heart ache, for a child forced into such a troubled world.