Like A Thousand Stars

Listening to the little girl go on about how much she wants to explore this world, to concur every terrain in her path and become well known, it made the fawn woman smile warmly. It was sweet how passionate a young soul could be about their goals in life, but it was also concerning how unafraid Aerndis was about the unknown. Sure Serene was probably the last to lecture about how scary the world could be; she herself had only just begun to explore beyond the very woods she grew up in. But Aerndis was so young, so alone... she should still have someone to look out for her. Then the pup spoke of mastering the art of hunting; a very basic skill of survival, but one could become an unstoppable force if they could master all the elements included in the art. If Aerndis was serious about wanting to travel, learning to hunt would be extremely important to her survival. She would need to learn how to tackle creatures of every size, shape, and color.

"You cannot have one without the other. To travel this world you must be able to take care of yourself first. Becoming a master hunter will suit you well, but don't forget the other essentials, like basic healing or fighting." Her words were soft as she spoke them, but the wisdom that she intended to share with the pup was evident. After Serene had scatter the lightning bugs about the meadow, the blonde woman would glance back over her shoulder to watch the colorful girl stalk and pounce. An adorable scene of course, but there was actual technique in her movements that made Serene wonder if they were taught or natural. Hearing her name turned her attention away from her thoughts, and quickly did the woman bound through the tall grass to find Aerndis. Low and behold, she had captured one of the tiny critters. A wide smile spread across her maw, like a proud mother, her tail wagging lightly behind her.

"Well done Aerndis!" She praised, happy for the young girl. Hearing the concern in her next question almost had the woman laughing, but she managed to suppress it just enough to answer her question. "No, sweet girl. The bug's light is only a display, not an actual flame. They are beautiful, aren't they?" She hummed, watching as light would flicker slightly within the girl's paws. Amber orbs would then turn to focus on the pup's face once more, wonder and amazement on how such a wonderful child could exist, and be alone. Once more Serene would prod at Aerndis's situation, trying to better understand her predicament.  "Aerndis, where did you last see your mother? Maybe I could help you look for her?" She so desperately wanted to help this pup. To help her find her family and to make sure she was safe. Every fiber in her being told her to do all she can to ensure Aerndis happiness.