Chimera Fields i'll burn my eyes out before i

for @Sophy
other tag is for reference

Even the unfortunate encounter with Engel ultimately could not quell Cortland's wanderlust; unfortunately, @Phocion would need to learn to cope. The Mayfair slipped off again in the dead of night, alone and rather bored. Poet seemed to be traveling quite a bit lately— he could not fault her, but he was terribly jealous. He would give much to be able to travel great distances again. Perhaps soon he could. For now, he would stay close to Silvertip Mountain.
He found himself again looking to the stars as he wandered a field of wildflowers, and something stirred in his chest at the sight of them. His gaze went automatically to Chrysos; the star Phocion had named his one night, though it was not as clear now as it had been then. Cortland had not forgotten it. Many nights he found himself fixated on that star, the sweet sound of the priest's voice filling his memories. He found such peace in it. Settling back on his haunches among the flowers, a thought struck him.
Truth be told, he had regarded his priest's stories as only that until recently. Stories. Cortland sucked in a breath, gaze trailing across the full night sky now. He considered Phocion, and the ideas he presented; he considered his own place in this. The sunset boy had taken so easily to a nocturnal schedule, had quickly picked up the habit of idle stargazing. It was likely he could recite the stories the pale priest had shared verbatim, if he chose, though he had only heard each once. Things he had dismissed as products of their close friendship, of his own attachment, but there was no denying the peace he felt now. He turned argent eyes on Chrysos once more, mind filled with a question now. The answer, he knew, would determine his future.

She had come back, after so long. It had been, how long now? A year? Months? It had been a long time, that was for sure since Sophy had been here last. She had lost her sisters and ended up here again. And she was scared, alone out here. Sophy curled up on the ground, scared that she was somewhere that she did not know. Somewhere unfamiliar. She was afraid.

The sound and scent of another nearby drew Cortland from his thoughts. He turned, lifting his muzzle to better catch the source. When he thought he had it pinpointed, he rose to move in the direction; a few beats later, he tripped over something warm and furry. A brief cry of surprise slipped from him as he stumbled back, fur on end. Sss—orry He managed to choke out, gaze immediately fixing on the woman he had literally walked into.

Sophy gave out a squeal of surprise and fear as something hit her, and she was up quick and looked. To see a male wolf before her, who apologized. She stayed still, not saying anything. Fearing that she might need to run, but was just frozen in fear essentially.

The woman said nothing— she seemed... terrified. Cortland tilted his head, confused at what about him might prompt such a reaction. Arrre... y—ou— okay? He forced each word out with no small amount of effort, inevitably growing distressed. He always did, now, listening to himself speak— the words came out strange, lilting in ways that sounded so off to him. It was unsettling to hear from his own mouth.

She still remaind silent, even though the male seemed to be worried. What else would he be if he was not asking? She had her tail tucked around her rear legs, and shook her head as she took one step back. Though there was something that did have her somewhat curious, and that was how he spoke.