The hold winter had on the land was dwindling, the days growing slightly warmer with each one passing. She knew spring was nearing, if having not already arrived, which meant the flora of the area would soon begin to flourish. With her interest in their medicinal uses, the thought of so many being there for her to study as an image of near perfection. There would be no shortage, she would make sure of that. Thus, the girl had been stalking through the lair, eyes scanning every inch in search of plants she recognized, as well as areas that would be suitable for introducing new life into them. She'd been halfway through her search when a howl had rung out, creating a faint echo as it'd bounced off some of the cavern's walls. Curious, and knowing it to be her duty to investigate, the dragoness had set out in search of the voice's owner.

As Asterr neared the scene, she was both surprised and pleased to see that Noctura had already arrived to greet their visitor. When he'd asked a question, she awaited the stranger's answer, closing the distance between them as she came up along her tribe mate's side. He was greeted with a gentle nudge to the shoulder, but other than that the chieftess made no further movements. She was quiet as she observed the other female, taking note of her submissive posture and wondering what had brought her to them. To join, perhaps, but the Draconid knew better than to assume another's intentions. Her own stance was neutral, needing not display her authority just yet. The girl had decided to see how Noctura would both respond and treat the unknown wolf, though her reasoning for doing so was undecided.

When the stranger spoke, she was quiet, but also straightforward. She knew what she wanted, she'd known probably even before summoning members of the tribe, too. Asterr could appreciate that, if only for the time it saved. She was not the impatient sort, but even still, the constant flow of roundabout questioning was something that could wear even the strongest of nerves thin. She was thankful for Noctura's presence, letting him lead the conversation in whichever way he saw fit, while she silently assessed the loner. Very little was known just yet, but within the next few moments, the chieftess wished to change that.

"Begin with your name, please," Asterr had voiced, adding onto the male's words. "My name is Asterr, and this is my companion, Noctura." The yearling's slim muzzle had tilted in the larger wolf's direction as she'd introduced him, a smile lingering across her lips. After, her gaze had returned to the other female, the fact that she'd started introductions off for the lot of them inspiring the hope that, perhaps, the stranger might ease up around them.

The stutter was something she worked well to look past, acting as if it wasn't even there. Acknowledging it, in her mind, posed the risk of making it worst, and such was something she held no desire in doing. So she listened, nodding slightly as the girl answered, and then glanced to Noctura for a moment. It seemed he was done speaking for the time being, though she appreciated his presence even still. He had done well, she'd noted, inwardly smiling to herself when said realization was made. The man was a natural, in her opinion, and she was glad he had been the one to greet the outsider.

"How far along might you be in your studies related to medicine?" the dragoness had asked, more so out of personal curiosity. As an aspiring medic, she was never disinterested in meeting another of her kind (so to speak), nor could she carry on without exchanging little bits of information with them. Of course, she would not ask for so much just yet, wishing to learn of the female's skill level beforehand.

Similar to her companion, the female had felt the pull of temptation towards the notion of testing out the girl's knowledge. In the end, however, she had decided against it. Even if the stranger was only a beginner, that did not mean she was worth any less than someone who'd been practicing in the medical field for years on end. Of course, the latter would have far more experience and knowledge, but in teaching a student, a mentor could discover so much more. Asterr hoped to accomplish just that, to observe things from numerous points of view and concoct solutions based on both proven and theoretical fixes. If the thought of doing so hadn't been enough, then Noctura's query was the final thing needed to push her over.

"That is true," she'd murmured, looking to him with an expression of gratitude. He had assisted her in making a decision and, whether she realized it or not, that meant more than she could ever think it to. "I believe you would make a wonderful addition to our tribe," the chieftess had voiced, her head turning to regard the other girl. "There are a number of plant species that can be found within our home—perhaps even more so than we can count—so I do not believe you will encounter any issues in furthering your studies." Of course, the dragoness could not stop there. "However, before truly welcoming you, I must know whether or not you can give to us your loyalty." It was always the deciding factor, in the end. No matter how much of a fit she believed an outsider to be, it meant absolutely nothing if they were of traitorous character.

And of traitorous character the other made herself out to be. For rather than accepting the terms of her stay there with them, the female had departed without so much as a proper goodbye. It was discerning, but not at all something new. At times, the pressure simply became too much, and Asterr could not blame another for choosing to take a different path in life. Thus, after having watched the girl take her leave, she'd looked to her companion. A smile was tossed his way before he was motioned to follow, and back into the heart of the lair they'd gone.