There was a strange ache in her chest, something she was unfamiliar with. It was like her last experience with imprinting was a faded memory that didn't matter anymore. It had been nothing like this and she hoped that this feeling would stay. It was warm, though she stood in the dead of winter with snow falling all around her. Her heart thundered within her chest and for reasons she still didn't understand... Gaia was excited. Tail wagging, ears held forward, bi-colored eyes searching, the russet wolf continued her trek though the snow. Her mind was with him, her Starlord. Even now she thought she could see his speckled fur against the darkness of the night, snow surrounding him like the stars in the sky. It was almost as if... that really was him! He had come for her as if hearing her heart's desire. With a happy yip, Gaia rushed forward, the slight groan of her legs all but forgotten. It was like he had healed of for the time being. She was no longer broken with him by her side.

At they neared, Zaphkiel slowed his gait until he was standing before her. Like her father before her, Gaia was vastly smaller than most wolves. She gazed up at his bright eyes and couldn't help but smile. Then he did something rather unexpected. With a deep voice, he called her princess and proceeded to bow deeply. Could she blush, her cheeks would have been as red as her fur. Taken aback for a moment, the girl just simply stared at her beloved Starlord. Then she laughed. It was a small sound and one that she had not made in a very long time. "Please, there is no need to bow like that. I am no princess. I am a lowly wolf living on the mountain."

Leaning down, Gaia touched the top of his head with her nose. She wanted to feel him, learn his scent, and know more about him. This wolf was going to be a part of her life in ways she didn't full understand yet and she wanted to know him as well as she knew herself. His scent was even magical. It was like the pure scent of mist. She would know it anywhere now. Lowering her head, she gently placed it under his chin in an attempt to get him to rise. "Zaphkiel. My Starlord. Do you want to walk with me until the moon comes out? I bet your fur looks even more amazing in the glow of the moon." She could have bitten her tongue off. What was she saying? She barely knew him and here she was flirting like a love struck puppy. Feeling embarrassed, Gaia lowered her eyes and waited for the awkward silence to be over.

Four - Loves none - Carries Zaphkiel's soul - Spirane