Herbalists' Cache prayer of the stars

their sides meet for only a moment. something playful maybe, something budding. the fur on her spine ruffles and rises with delight; it wasn't often she was blessed with an enchanting woman's touch, no matter how innocent or unassuming. her chest wells with pride, her smile crooked and true. 

"to walk among kin again is an honor i do not deserve. a blessing." she conceded. star-woman was family now, too, and would have been considered such even without the lanzadoii life inside her womb. hawk is truly grateful, to have been ushered into saatsine with open arms. 

hawk's steps are careful, measure. slow in order to match the woman's beside her. her tail sways at her hind with contentment. star-woman asks then, with a voice so hopeful, if she would stay for the birth of new doii. 

the answer leaves her tongue faster than her brain could comprehend. immediate, instinctive. "yes. if cen cannot witness his cubs birth, i will be there." not exactly as a substitute, but as a guardian. a shoulder to lean on. her flesh warms beneath her cheeks, a flush unfamiliar but certainly welcomed. "no one will harm your children. this i promise to you."  

star-woman's curiosity to hawk's story is only natural, and it is welcomed. she looks ahead as they trek, her eyes fond, her smile less sharp. "i was chief once. my band hawks peak. strong huntresses; you would have fit right in." she spoke thoughtfully.

"plague took them from me. too soon, too quick." her tone slightly solemn now, her eyes closing as she whispers a prayer for her fallen. "i mourned for many moons." her gaze shifted back to star-eater. "i will not fail you, as i had failed them."