Hushed Willows We are stranger than earth with the seasons misled, stronger than her moods

@Morgra

Married, again. She had not expected it, yet in many ways it was no surprise to her. Love had always been what lived in her heart, the only light gleaming among a patchwork of shadowy places where loss and grief always lurked. As the days passed, that light seemed to brighten.
Still, she did not think she would give herself so wholly to any man again. Reverie still doted on Blossom, still wandered sometimes, though not so far. She allowed Boone to lead the way through the mountains, only parting for a few hours at a time, never drifting too far ahead. Her days became easier. Calmer. Yet in some ways, the sorrow still lingered. Once or twice Reverie found herself caught in a nightmare, waking to the sound of her own screams. After that she took to using the seeds of poppies to make her sleep deep and dreamless, afraid that the scars on her own heart would harm Blossom somehow.
But these little griefs were forgotten when she found the forest of willows once again. Her daughter was nearly old enough now to keep up with her, so Reverie invited Blossom to run with her under the draping trees with a girlish giggle. She leapt over a fallen trunk and whipped around to lift her daughter over it, taking great joy in her squeal of delight. Then she plucked a lone flower from the ground and tucked it into the fur of her daughter's ruff, urging her forward until they ran across a familiar stream. It was there that they stopped to drink, to take in the scenery in awed silence.
Reverie thought that she might never leave.

With so much to do, it wasn't often that Morgra left the islands. Already she missed the familiarity of the sea. It wasn't even that far from here but it was far enough. She found that being in the forest left her feeling uneasy. She couldn't pinpoint why, but that didn't really matter; she always made sure to listen to her instincts. 

In doing so, she was set on leaving, returning home, letting the ocean embrace her again. But the sound of laughter made her pause. Someone else was here, enjoying themselves, and the speaker was intrigued. 

She tracked the scents and sounds through the willows until she saw the pair of pale golden wolves. They looked like they could be related. She was sure to make herself known, letting her steps make noise and releasing a soft chuff. They looked friendly enough.

A chuff interrupted her thoughts. Reverie glanced up, immediately caught in a surge of protective instinct over her daughter. She pulled Blossom close, murmuring for her to stand behind her.

Then she called out. Hello, Reverie said, tail waving tentatively. Of course she always wanted to make a new friend — but only after she knew that this wolf was not a threat. Something about those eyes... the color was familiar, but for now she failed to make the connection.

Morgra watched the woman tuck the child behind her to keep her safe. For now, there was no reason to worry. Morgra had no interest in harming the child, though they made her think of her younger siblings. 

The speaker smiled a little when the woman greeted her. Hello, she offered in return. She wondered if they needed a place to stay. She also wondered if they could be druids. Even if they already belonged somewhere else, Morgra would try to lure them away with her 

You sound like you're having fun. Can I join?

She was pretty, wasn't she? A pale wolf masked in the colors of a vibrant sunset, silent and slinking in her gait; but it was the eyes that drew Reverie in, the eyes that reminded her of something she couldn't quite put a name to. Something like a dream she'd once had...
Of course you can! Reverie exclaimed gently, softening with the request. She surrendered her protective stance over her daughter in favor of introducing her; This is Blossom. And I'm Reverie. We're making our home here - With Boone, my husband, she almost said, but stopped herself and did not understand why. For some reason, she didn't like the idea of this woman knowing that she was married.
It's beautiful, isn't it? Reverie beckoned for the stranger to join her and her daughter, moving through the willows now. She'd show her some of the sights, maybe. But she wouldn't ask her to stay. That felt dangerous.

Morgra smiled. This what exactly what she hoped for—their trust. Now she was invited to join them. 

Blossom and Reverie. They were making a home here. I'm Morgra, she offered a moment later. Reverie pointed out the beauty of the area. Yes, very beautiful. Though not as beautiful as her own home. Nothing could ever compare to the islands. The home of the druids. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. 

Morgra stepped closer to them with a friendly smile. Maybe you can show me your favorite place?