The Sentinels evanuris

@Solenya @Kirain <3

She was getting close. The plateau where she'd been raised was somewhere nearby, and next to that, the weald where she'd been born. Seelie wondered if her family ever missed these places; wondered if they ever missed her.

She'd been a long time gone now, and she missed them less every day. All wolves went their own way eventually, and she'd always known that. Even so, it seemed terribly sad to her. Sad and lonely.

Maybe that was why the scents of others within the ruined forest drew her in. Two wolves here, no more than that. Seelie wondered what could keep a pair in a place like this. She followed an old trail left by one of them at a nearly-idle pace, nose low to the ground.

The Sentinels were quickly becoming Kirain’s favorite place. The scarred trees, flourishing flora, and winding stream offered everything she needed to feel at peace.

Now, she bounded through the forest, stretching her muscles after a long day of work on the dens in their little clearing. She was so used to it being just Solenya and herself that she nearly barreled straight into a stranger.

At the last second, she veered off course, trying to slow down, but instead, she went sprawling.

With a huff, Kirain lay on the forest floor, smeared with dirt and catching her breath. When it finally registered that someone else was there, her head snapped up, and she beamed.

Hello! she called, nearly shouting at the dark-furred wolf before her, excitement bubbling over.

After meeting Sunchaser, she returned home swiftly, excitement spurring her steps faster. She had so much to tell Kirain, especially the contents of her meeting Alaric. The lupine would have to first apologize for staying away for so long; it wasn’t intentional, she didn’t expect to meet three other packs, but she got something out of it that helped Solenya to keep her promise to Kirain.

A smile broke as she heard the familiar voice of the lily, and she returned the greeting, assuming it had been for her. Kirain! Hello, I’m—OH! She broke through the shrubbery and ran into what she thought was a burnt stump, confusingly furry, but as she back away, she eyed what she truly had run into—a living shadow with crystal blue eyes.

I am so sorry! I didn’t see you. Her ears flattened apologetically, head tilted down. She spied Kirain and backed herself to the girl’s side, whispering from the side of her mouth. Is everything okay, here? She smiled at the other, her own gaze unreadable.

Seelie found the first of the strangers promptly: a small white wolf, nearly as small as herself and brimming with enthusiasm. Such intense cheerful energy caught her off-guard for a moment. She could no longer recall a time when she'd been so bubbly herself, though it had been true in her early childhood. Too long ago now.

Before she could utter a word, a second wolf was darting toward her. Seelie stared uncertainly, expecting the darker stranger to stop — but she didn't. The woman slammed right into her.

Seelie crashed to the ground with a small oof! and a broken half-growl, taking the collision as an attack for a heartbeat. The grey wolf was so heavy. But the stranger backed off quickly, all apologies now, so Seelie only scrambled to her feet and shook the dirt from her fur with a huff.

Hello, Seelie said after a moment, composed but still showing a hint of her wariness. Her gaze moved between the two strangers expectantly.

Solenya! You’re back! We have a new friend! Kirain called out as she scrambled to her paws, giving herself a vigorous shake. Most of the forest debris flew free, though a few stubborn leaves clung to her now tousled pelt. She paid them no mind.

Instead, her attention locked onto the stranger. Tail wagging furiously, she trotted forward with eager steps. Are you alright? Who are you? Where did you come from? Why are you here? Do you need help?

The questions tumbled from her in a breathless rush, classic Kirain. She couldn’t help it. The Viridian Sanctum had sparked something inside her, a joy she longed to share with everyone.

My name’s Kirain, and that’s Solenya! she added brightly. Welcome to the Viridian Sanctum!

Her eyes flicked between the two she-wolves, newcomer and companion alike, gleaming with warm curiosity and uncontainable delight.

Solenya leaned away from the flying debris with a soft chuckle in her throat. Her lily had quite the enthusiasm and energy, something she was envious of since her own energy was very much depleted thanks to her recent journey to the surrounding areas.

I’m indeed back, my lily-girl. I have much to tell you. She paused her words, and in the silence that followed, Kirain sent out a line of questioning that made the lupine’s head spin. An amused smile creased her eyes as she swung them from Kirain to the stranger.

Yes, welcome to our Sanctum. Kirain and I are happy to come across another soul. Her head titled as she eyed the female, curiosity dancing in her gaze as she wondered silently—what does your soul look like, my dear?