She made sure the scarlet wolf was following behind her before she continued along her chosen path, her oversized paws thudding happily along the forest ground. The company was nice, for she would have either continued alone or sought out her father, who was also fond of patrolling the forest when the moon was out. She maintained a leisurely pace, for she did not want to rush their midnight walk. The night was on their side—the quicker they walked the less they would be able to enjoy.

His question caused her ears to tip in his direction. Sometimes, she mused in response, her tail swaying gently behind her, M’dad likes to be out at night, so sometimes I find him. Or I explore on my own. She shrugged. But I try not to leave Hearthwood at night. Unless I’m with someone. Because, unlike her sister, she was responsible. For the most part. She liked to venture outside pack territory during the day, without the company of a packmate. But the night still frightened her, which was another reason why she patrolled the territory by moonlight. To get over her fears. 

The little Stark liked how everything looked different under the cover of darkness. Familiar surroundings took on a different appearance when kissed by the moonlight, and places that had once been recognizable were now foreign. But she still knew how to navigate her way through the Kingswood—that would never change. She had learned a lot by patrolling with her father, for she was confident no one knew the woods better than him.

Her lips twitched in amusement at his question, her chartreuse eyes rolling in disbelief before she responded. How did the scarlet wolf not know who her father was? They were almost identical in appearance! Lachesis, duh! She answered with a soft laugh, her peridots landing on her travelling companion for a brief moment before returning to the path before them. This wolf really was new! I’ll keep that in mind! She added with a lazy wag of her tail, a wide grin unfolding across her pale features. I like bein’ out at night, but I’m too scared to go off on my own, she admitted, her brows furrowing together. She wished she could be more confident, like her sister. Perhaps that was why she picked on Lilliana so much… jealousy was such a fickle creature.

Although she was a little amused by her companion not knowing that Lachesis was her father, she couldn’t fault him. There had been five puppies running around Hearthwood, so it was difficult to keep track of them all and their parents. Especially since Risaela and Mathéo’s mother was no longer around… and Oksana’s father. The little Stark was thankful that both her parents were still around, but she still felt a little guilty. She didn’t mind sharing her parents with the others, especially the orphans, as she didn’t want anyone to be left out.

She nodded absently at his comment about the sunlight, for she had noticed the pain that was associated with staring into the bright orb in the sky. It was one of the reasons why she preferred the night, too. And because her father enjoyed the occasional night stroll… she always hoped to bump into him during one of her nocturnal excursions. His question, however, intrigued her. The little dove’s head tipped to the side, her lips tightening as she considered his question. What I might find, she responded thoughtfully after a brief pause, her tail swaying nervously behind her. The darkness is comforting, but it’s harder to see. So things might be lurkin’. She shrugged. It seemed like a reasonable explanation. 

She shrugged at his suggestion. It made sense, to get stronger. But she didn’t know if it would hep ease her fears. There would always be things lurking in the darkness, whether she got stronger or not. She had gotten good at avoiding them, for she was quick on her toes, and had no desire in confronting them. I suppose you’re right, she hummed in response, her tail swaying behind her as she glanced up at him. Perhaps she would ask her mother to spar with her… she had more history in fighting than her father did. He was a little more soft around the edges, whereas her mother was gruffer. Tougher. Her ears twitched in amusement at the thought but she remained silent as they continued walking through the trees.