I have never really considered how much I walk around until I feel how heavy my legs are giving. With each step I take it gets harder and harder to move forward. Yet I am determined to follow what my gut is telling me. It is not surprise that with the winter months I am much more lethargic. I am quite tired and being sick only adds on to it. Yet there is something else that I feel that I think is out of place…perhaps I am getting worse. Though I did not realize that as I am on the cusp of adulthood I am also about to become…a fertile woman. Sadly no one ever taught me these things, this is pure instincts that I have yet to figure out. Yet as I move along the lightly snowy swamp I see the familiar figure of Starfall. I sit myself down as I notice him walk towards me, but he seems out of it, like he isn’t there. My bark must have woken him up, because as he shakes his head side to side to rid himself of his haze, I tilt my head to the side concerned and curious. When his opal orbs meet my own, I notice the awkward smile with his muzzle, still carrying the bird, and I cannot help, but flick my tail to the side with amusement. It is kind of cute I think.

It is when he drops the bird unceremoniously on the ground do I stare at his kill. I lower my head, wincing as I do, my limbs strained from resting on them too much. As I sniff at the dead avian my nose briefly touches his and I jerk it backwards quickly, as if I was zapped with electricity, my eyes staying focused on the bird. I did not want to see the reaction on his face. So I just study the bird. I notice how his feathers, although drenched with his own blood, hold not just ebony, but a beautiful sheen of green, blue, and purple hues, even a speckle of red. The eyes are empty dry blood sockets that I find odd. It is when he explains this odd sight that I lift my eyes towards him. I notice the anxiety in his voice and how he holds his large frame in a nervous stand. I do not know why he should be so nervous. I am not anything to be frightened of. Mother yes. I find it odd that he would kill a raven just because it had my eyes, I doubt it would, I mean my eyes are purple with spotted icy blue – ravens typically have depthless ebony eyes. But I find it sweet he thought of me. I don’t think I have lost anything, but my health. Softly my voice trickles out gently as I attempt to give him a small smile.

“That was very kind of you to…give me the bird that stole something of me…Thank you.”

It is when he declares he needs to leave that my kind and easy smile falters. He just came and I do not want him to leave. I need…I need someone at my side. I would like to have a friend and I think he can be one. My first friend. Yes, I like the sound of that – my friend. My ears fall back in an anxious fashion as I lift myself from the ground, lowering my head to pick up his gift, and attempt to follow after him. I am far too tired to keep up and when I try to pick up the pace I wince and stay still.

“Starfall, I need to go to my den and rest, but I wouldn’t mind your company. Our packs are allies and Sen is here, I am sure my Alpha will not mind your presence.”