Hushed Willows i ka hale

Thankfully, Lily was born and bred for these winters, shaggy coat and all, so the cold didn't bother her so much. But in the wake of the last few frigid days, the picture Noelani painted of her homeland was idyllic; she couldn't help a wistful sigh in response. But the woman gave a similar story to her own--that no matter how perfect it might be back home, eventually, you had to venture outside, see the rest of the world.

I did the same thing, she said warmly in response. Left home and didn't look back, and fate happened to lead me here. Isn't it fascinating? Turn left instead of right, or go south instead of north, and we could have ended up in completely different places.

Would she have found a mate like Khali, in this hypothetical home? Would she be facing the prospect of motherhood?

Her ears canted forward. You said you come from a sanctuary, too? she asked. What was that like? I've never heard of a place quite like ours before.