This pup seemed strange indeed, but not unpleasantly so. The corner of Pariah’s lips twitched as an odd feeling of calm washed over her. The pup stayed just out of reach, even after she offered the space next to her. Though Pariah yearned for contact with others, she was still thankful this pup kept her distance. It was...companionable to her without being pushy. The woman let out a long breath and settled back into her place, enjoying the peace this pup seemed to bring with her and becoming all too happy to share in this moment.

Her ears twitched occasionally at the sounds the season made and bugs climbing here or there. It was soothing to watch the shadows on the ground lengthen and move with the sun. Deep oranges and reds on the grounds and against the rocks clashed with the growing dark blue and bright pinks of the skies. Watching the transition, Pariah could not help but contemplate the mysteries of the world and question the powers or the gods some wolves spoke so diligently of.

When the pup spoke to her again, she looked down with mild surprise. ‘Stranger-woman’ was one of the kinder names she had been given. She was not going to correct her yet. But when the pup asked her question a terrible tightness took over Pariah’s body, fear sinking into her. A twitch convulsed at her shoulders and lanced down her spine. Red eyes looked up at the shining red star and her breath caught in her throat. What if her mom was staring down at her from that star? What if it was red from the hate a mother held for her daughter? All the suffering and pain she had caused would be enough to stain a planet. She closed her eyes tight and begged her vocal chords not to make a sound of distress. She had been having such a nice time with this puppy, she did not want to ruin it and send her away. Unconsciously curling deeper into herself, Pariah tried to steady herself so she could appear normal, as if the question and the memories had not affected her. No… I don’t think so. She shivered again and tried to find the right words that would answer the girl without possibly dashing the puppyhood innocence. My mother… my mother always told me I came from hell. Scum. Wretch. Maggot. Spawn. Demon child. Once more she closed her eyes, repeating her chosen name over and over in her mind. Pariah and now Stranger was the best she could hope for and yearn that this child might think she it from the heavens instead of from hell. Do you know anyone from the stars?