The young lady tried to relax her body as much as she could despite her misgivings and the strange energies electrifying the world around her. Even during this pleasant conversation she could not shake the shadows that had been clouding her mind. Inwardly, she mourned that she would be meeting Jinx at such a time. Such a meeting should have been a light in the darkness, meeting another from the forests she had called home and getting to know her packmate as something more, and something closer. Still, she tried. There was effort in her breathing to cool her heartbeat and clear the clouds.
She nodded in affirmation to Jinx’s words. When one took the time to think about which choices to make, it was fairly clear coming to Asteraia had been the better choice for a younger Solstice and had given her ample opportunity to fulfill herself. Her brows furrowed at words which drew concern. Jinx had gone to all these places, but not by choice, but fate or the command of others. Soft eyes shined at her, head tilting to the side. I do miss the trees, sometimes. Perhaps one day you and I can go visit! If only to walk along the trails for a day. She smiled and accented her words with a wave of her tail. By your choice, of course.
Still forcing herself to rest easy and her body to remain open, Solstice settled herself on the ground, making herself comfortable for a longer discussion. The grin that flittered across her face was genuine though. Her rank was her own and in most cases she knew she would wear it well. I am the Care here. I spoke with pups, taught them things about the world around them. Having been adopted as a pup she felt a determination to ensure others were given the same opportunity to live and thrive as she had been. In her mind, there was no better way to continue the chain of life and love. Once more her smile faltered at a thought. There had been one wolf, her heart clenched to remember. Years ago she had met and lost Eto, alone in the world and to be lost again.
Shaking her head, Solstice struggled to bring herself back to here and now, with Jinx. Ears trained on the other girl curiously. Oh? What rank are you working towards? Perhaps I could help? It did not matter that Jinx was not a pup, nor that the girl was actually older than Solstice. If she could help, she would. It was one of those rules that would make a pack strong.