With a deep breath, Aurelia stepped into the vast expanse of Sweetgrass Basin. The sweeping depression seemed to stretch out endlessly before her, like a sea of vibrant green grasses. The ridges that encircled the basin on all sides gave it the appearance of a natural amphitheater, creating a sense of isolation and tranquility in this remote corner of the world. Despite the intense rays of the late afternoon sun beating down, the basin was teeming with life. Vibrant blades of grass swayed gently in the breeze, creating a symphony of movement and sound. It was as if nature itself had crafted this oasis, a peaceful haven away from the chaos and noise of the rest of the world.

As she descended into the basin, Aurelia was greeted with a rush of scents that swirled around her like a warm embrace. The grasses, now golden and dry under the waning summer sun, released their sweet fragrance into the air. It was a heady mixture of earth and sunshine, a scent that filled her senses and wrapped her in its comforting embrace. Pausing for a moment, she closed her eyes and let herself be consumed by the peacefulness of the basin, basking in the beauty and serenity of nature.

Aurelia's footsteps crunched softly on the ground as she continued to explore the basin, marveling at the incredible diversity of plant life surrounding her. The blades of grass varied in height and texture; some were tall and feathery, swaying gently in the breeze, while others were short and sturdy, standing firm against the elements. Her trained eye recognized several species known for their potent medicinal properties and she made a mental note to gather them before she left. Each step brought forth a symphony of fragrances, from the sweet scent of wildflowers to the pungent aroma of herbs and roots. Aurelia couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of wonder and gratitude towards this lush oasis of nature.

"Aurelia Veratti"

As Cadaver traced his way through the open territory- his sister in tow- they made their way across the sprawling expanse of Sweetgrass Basin. It was a change of scenery- he had never been out this far. But looking for their mother, they had gotten the idea that maybe they should look in new places. The late afternoon sun bathed the landscape in a warm golden light, casting long shadows across the vibrant green grasses. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and herbs, mingling with the earthy aroma of the soil beneath their paws. It was a tranquil oasis, a sanctuary away from the chaos of the outside world. Hopefully, it held the answers they were looking for.

As they walked, Cadaver's mismatched eyes scanned the horizon, taking in the vastness of the basin and the life that teemed within it. His ears perked up at the sound of footsteps approaching, and he turned to see a figure emerging from the distance. Part of him had allowed his hopes to get up, but upon recognition, it was merely a lone wolf, her fur charcoal and various shades of blue in patterns similar to the auroras they had been seeing in the night sky. Cadaver's curiosity was piqued, and he exchanged a glance with his sister before bounding forward to greet the newcomer. Maybe this individual would have seen their mother?

"Hello there!" Cadaver called out, his voice hesitant, but with clear intention as soon as they got in earshot. "My name's Cadaver, and this is my sister Illusion. You haven’t seen a woman out here, have you?" He couldn't help but feel drawn to this newcomer, her presence adding an air of excitement to their search. “She looks similar to my sister- but really tall. Almost twice as tall as you.” He explained, imagining his mother’s stature next to the stranger.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

Illusion's silver eyes glinted with manufactured curiosity as her brother initiated the encounter with the lone wolf they stumbled upon in the expanse of the Basin. She observed the woman, taking note of the blue markings that adorned her fur. Her own golden markings shimmered in the afternoon sunlight, outlining her soft girly features – making the perfect canvas for a doe-eyed innocence to be presented to all who beheld her. But beneath that, lay a calculating mind, analyzing the stranger's every move with a detached sense of curiosity.

As Cadaver exchanged pleasantries with the newcomer, Illusion remained silent, her gaze never wavering from the wolf before them. She studied the subtle nuances of her body language, dissecting her under the guise of awe at her beauty. No one was more beautiful than Illusion herself, after all. She offered a small smile, her small frame tucked behind her boisterous brother’s larger one. He was still here after all, he was all she needed. Would this woman try to take him away? The thought made anger boil in her belly, and she fought to keep the gentle expression on her face.

When Cadaver mentioned her mother's resemblance to the stranger, Illusion's lips curled into a faint smirk. The idea amused her, the notion of their mother wandering these lands – out of her reach. Like this strange woman could possibly deliver her to them, no. Mother needed to come home, not be out dallying around where Illusion could not see her. And Cadaver didn’t need to be asking this creature anything, he just needed to look at Illusion – mother too.


illu

The arrival of the two young wolves caught Aurelia off guard, their sudden appearance breaking the peaceful solitude of the basin. She turned to face them, her sapphire gaze sweeping over their unique markings and vibrant fur. The sight of their mismatched eyes and distinctive patterns intrigued her, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth towards them. They seemed so earnest in their search, so hopeful that she might have seen the one they were looking for.

"Hello, Cadaver, Illusion," Aurelia greeted them with a warm smile, noting the subtle differences in their demeanor. Cadaver's hesitation was endearing, his concern for his missing mother evident in his voice. Illusion, on the other hand, exuded a quiet intensity, her gaze sharp and calculating. It was clear that she was not one to be underestimated.

"I'm sorry, I haven't seen anyone else out here," Aurelia replied gently, her tone soft and reassuring. "But I'll keep an eye out for her as I travel." She offered them a sympathetic smile, hoping to ease their worries even if just a little.

"Aurelia Veratti"

Cadaver's heart sank slightly at Aurelia's response, the hope that had flickered in his mismatched eyes dimming ever so slightly. He exchanged a glance with Illusion, the unspoken worry passing between them. They had come so far in their search, only to be met with discouragement once again. But he refused to let it deter him. They would find their mother, he was absolutely certain of it.

"Thanks, I guess" Cadaver replied, his voice tinged with disappointment "We'll keep searching. Maybe she's just farther ahead." He tried to sound optimistic- especially for Illu’s sake, but the uncertainty gnawed at him. He turned to his sister, offering her a reassuring smirk before turning back to Aurelia. "If you see her, please let us know. We'll be around here for a while." They were hopeful words, but in the back of his mind a part of him had already begun to accept that they might never see their mother again.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

The woman was useless, her voice giving them nothing but what they already knew - their mother was not here. Useless. Useless. Useless. Illusion glanced at her brother’s face, watching the disappointment wash over his expression for a moment before it was replaced. He was doing that for her sake, she could tell, even if he didn’t know she needed no such protection. But still Illusion returned Cadaver's reassuring smirk with a subtle nod. Inwardly she frowned, the biting of anger beginning to crack her mask of innocence. How she hated to see him deflate in that moment. Her irritation for the stranger was overtaken by the displeasure at their mother for having made Cadaver upset. “Brother, what if mama got taken from us? What if we never seen her again?” She shifted her tone into a meek one, a fearful one. Looking at her brother, her protector, with  tears beginning to brim in her eyes. Illusion wanted him to focus on her, only her. Wouldn’t he comfort her? Embrace her, lead her away where they didn’t have to think about their mother or this blue woman anymore?

illu

Aurelia's heart ached at the sight of Cadaver's disappointment and Illusion's fear. She wished there was more she could do to help them, to ease their worries and bring comfort to their troubled hearts. But the harsh reality of their situation weighed heavily on her, reminding her of the fragility of life and the uncertainty of the future.

"I understand your concern," Aurelia replied softly, her voice gentle and compassionate. "But try not to lose hope. Sometimes, things have a way of working out when we least expect it." She offered them a reassuring smile, hoping to instill a sense of optimism in their hearts. "Keep searching, and never give up on each other. Your love for your mother will guide you, even in the darkest of times."

With a final nod of encouragement, Aurelia watched as Cadaver and Illusion walked away, their figures disappearing into the tall grass. She remained standing there for a moment, her thoughts consumed by the encounter and the struggles of the two young wolves. Then, with a heavy heart but a determined spirit, she resumed her exploration of the basin, hoping that somewhere out there, their mother was watching over them, guiding them home.

"Aurelia Veratti"

Cadaver listened to Aurelia's words, her reassurance providing a small glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. He glanced at Illusion, seeing the fear in her eyes, and felt a surge of protectiveness towards her. Despite his own worries, he knew he had to be strong for his sister, to show her that they would get through this together.

"Come on, Illu," Cadaver said softly, nudging his sister with his nose. "Let's keep looking. Mom wouldn't want us to just give up." He tried to sound confident, to be the pillar of strength that Illusion needed. Deep down, he was scared too, scared of what might have happened to their mother, scared of what the future might hold. But he knew that they had to keep moving forward, to keep searching until they found her.

With one last glance at Aurelia, Cadaver turned and began to lead Illusion away, his heart heavy but his resolve unbroken.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

The stranger tried to cheer them up, Illu guessed. Her eyes studying that blue marked face, the way her features softened and her eyes looked... well, the girl couldn't tell what they was. But her voice was soft. Through her irritation she noted the tone, setting it aside to practice later. It seemed like Cadaver liked the way she spoke, and she could do it for him too after she practiced! He didn't need some strange woman to do it. Illu sniffled, her eyes flitting from the woman to her brother -- smiling weakly at him and giving a delicate nod. "Okay, brother." The silver eyed girl squeaked out, mustering up her best holding-it-together expression as she followed after her brother, still in search of their mother.


illu