They say home is where the heart is. Mine is among the stars, across the universe    The morning skies parted with renewing light, warming rays cascaded down upon the two tones face of a sleeping fae. Thin eye coverings moved ever so slightly as the sun’s bright light fought to wake her from her deep slumber. But the question that rang through her was did she wish to wake? When her dreams had brought about a swelling happiness that had once flourished in the home they had left behind. Oh how she wished they did not have to leave what she believed to be key parts in her family. The father her mother had once claimed to love, enough to go against a cruel man's words only to steal him away. It was a thought that made her quivering lips let out a small whimper of distasteful sadness that crippled her life as of late. Oh how she missed the pure white man with his yellow stained eyes but most of all his gentle ways when she would walk to his beat. Father had been a kind man at least when she was around, someone who could cheer her up when she felt she was at her worst. A side of herself that she did not let anyone else of the family see for they were strong each in their own right, even her elder brother who had stayed behind. ’was it Diaval who truly sent your family away?’ was a question that had rung through her head when she allowed her mind to stray. For before he had snapped at father for running back to a wolf who he had once served, not only did her elder sibling not ask why he had aimed to kill which in turn only insured each to become damaged in their own way. One that day both had been quite daft she would willingly admit but not only daft they sewn the seeds of discontent. Mothers star stopped shining with pure happiness, something she had missed with each day that passed but Eclipsie herself seemed to pull away. Oh how she missed the day when they were pups nestled up against their mothers side listening to the lessons they were taught from their mentors mouth’s. Her favorites were the lessons of healing from the mentor she had left behind. For not only did she speak of the healing ways but offer warnings of which herbs would maine all who would become an enemy. It was with this thought that her yellow stained eyes tinged with the blood orange of the mother she all but adored had fluttered open to catch the sight of snow kissed wings shuffling about upon the vines that hung above. Had she been foolish enough to allow herself to rest outside the protection of a den or her own mothers sombering gaze? Where was Uncle Lupa and Aunt Izanami? Or even Eclipsie? Had she gotten lost in her own mind and pushed herself too hard to escape a overbearing past that wanted to pull her back down into its own depths to break her already shattered heart. With an unhappy sigh of defeat her tongue ran against her blackened lips before her gaze went back to the mourning dove who had found its place in her broken world. ”Good morning Ruaisar, did you have a nice slumber?” came her gentle voice that rang with it’s own melody. It was spoken in a calming way to help her upturned heart skitter back into its own pace. It was the simple things that crept back from her old life that had held her in place, not fully broken but falling apart. Without the family she had come to love and trust to be by her side, ’but at least I still have Ruaisar right?’ was a semblance of a thought that passed through her mind as she looked up to see the crisp winter wings fluttered about until they rested once more capturing her plumping chest. ”Should we start the day my friend?” came the calming river as she moved to stretch her slightly cramping frame. Yes it was time to start their day with high hopes of finding the family that she seemed to stray from.

The Warlord's son strayed from the borders of his home more and more frequently of late. He chafed at the familiarity of home, looking for... something. Something different then the fate lined up for him. The burden of leadership destined to fall on his feathered shoulders. To lead beside a brother who whipped back and forth between displays of cruelty, and off gestures of kindness. From the place that he had made a best friend, only to lose her again without a trace. To find a girl who’s light blue eyes were brimmed with joy and kindness, and then to understand his brother's feelings for her. Lately, his emotions had felt as though they had been dragged through the mud on the wrong end of a fishing line. He wanted to break away, to find the courage to rip free of his father. Like the younger sibling in his litter had. He knew in his heart of hearts that Sirius would never grant him that freedom. He was first born of the Armada Warlord, and he would always have plans for Mortis. Mightier than his heart desired. He yawned into the morning sun, his paws taking him north-west from the pack borders, and into the rich-smelling lands of the orchard. He had fallen into an easy run, letting his paws swallow ground as he moved, mindlessly, aimlessly taking him on through until his alpine-parrot whistled softly in the air above him, alerting him to the fact that he was no longer alone. A touch late, as the winged Dire came through the trees, and suddenly - she was there. He put on the breaks, wings flaring on either side of him as he sought desperately to keep himself from crashing into the sunny-eyed wolf. "Mortis"

They say home is where the heart is. Mine is among the stars, across the universe Doe eyed with the fire to start a search anew, had caused the young fae to look around at where she had seemed to find herself within. A vast culling of trees that stood ever tal, their looming branches hanging over with what she assumed would be shade to cool one from a long summer's day. It was a soft thought that pulled her into a relaxed state of mind as her little dove clambered to the crux betwixt her shoulders. A place the small little one had become accustomed to as they had traveled without a true place in mind. Gentle coo’s would fall from the small beak of her friend that helped them both find a piece of mind, something so light left a pleasant mood to their day. ”Do you think mother will be pleased if we find her before she hunt’s us down herself?” came the untimely tender voice of the young fae as she turned her head to look to Ruaisar as best as she could. Unlike the feathered kin of the small lovely creature she could not turn her head fully without risk of a snap from the spinal bones. The shimmering sunlight had given her friend a bit of a shine allowing the yellow tinged eyes to catch sight of tail feathers as they bristled out as she gave a sharp chirp. Of what the fae was unsure until the bristling of large feathers before her caught up turned ears. If only she had been paying attention to were her paws were going or the speed of which she moved for she would of been able to stop herself, if only. Those were the key words as her paws crashed against simply larger ones, that would have caught her gaze. ’A stupid mistake, never take your eyes off from where you are going unless you are not alone Star!’ came her chasting mind as she turned her head to only push her face against a fluffy of fluff that would tickle her nose if she did not rell back in shock with hints of embarrassment for her unforeseen act. ”S-Sorry about that.” came a soft reply as she let her head hang down in a semblance of apology as she cursed herself within her own mind. A mistake it was so simple but it was her fault yes indeed, even now she could hear her mother offering her own words of unease, before a new lesson would come forth to teach her of such a simple thing once more. With her apology said she allowed her two-toned head to raise to catch sight of a majikal sight, a wolf standing ever tall that would force her to crane her neck back just to catch sight of his uniquely hued eyes of blue. But that had not originally captured the young fae’s gaze for the large wings spread wide had ensnared her eyes. Each feather glistened against the sun and brought up others she had to leave behind. ’push them down you must not make another mistake, for what if mother is lurking? Or your aunt and uncle?’ That was what had broken her from the spell this new wolf had cast. ”I am truly sorry about running into you. I didn’t hurt you at all?” she chirped out in a soft voice, as she looked to his paw’s hoping she did not do them unintentional harm.

His reeling didn’t save either of them, but his taller height at least allowed a softer landing for his accidental victim. She crashed into his plush chest, as caught by surprise as he was. The sharp cry of warning from Saph turned into a churtled parrot-laugh as she fluttered down from the sky. Her green feathers a bright contrast to the blue behind her as she hovered above him for a moment, and then landed on the back of his neck. Snug between the spaces where his wings began.

Osiris, following a little more slowly behind him, trotted slowly into view. The snow leopard paused surveying the scene, and lifting his nose to the air, before seating himself on his rump. Giving Mortis a chance to properly apologise for his crimes, and watching his back well he did so.

To Morts surprise, she was the first to apologise, though his tone, however late, sounded moments later.

“Oh my goodness i’m so sorry, are you okay?”

It mingled with her second apology, and quest to ensure he remained unharmed. Surprised at the question, a surprised laugh surfaced free. She was almost run over by the freight-train build dire wolf, and she was the one apologizing?

“No, no, it’s entirely my fault, i’m sorry. I’m fine, i’m sure if you asked anyone in the Armada, they’ll tell you my noggin can take a beating"

- not that she had landed anywhere near that, shorter as she was. She had tread on his paws, which in his opinion, was lucky. Better her little feet on his, then any of his four right feet trampling her poor toes. He reached one feathered appendage around, touching it lightly to her shoulder, offering some support as he looked her over carefully. Her soft and sweet, apologetic voice still ringing in his ears.

"Speech"

They say home is where the heart is. Mine is among the stars, across the universe Slowly she looked over the paws her own had trampled moments before, silently hoping that her nails did not break into his underlying skin. The young fae had always been a tender wolf, one that would do her best to avoid a fight if she could. Yes she would much rather be busy cultivating a path of herbs than fight another, for there was something more peaceful and alluring to being alone with the plants that could heal or poison, but that did make her wonder if she would follow a path that would allow her to hone such a skill. The thought alone would make her grimace for she did not wish to offer any others harm. It was with a soft smile that she tore her amber eyes from his much larger paws, as she was satisfied knowing that she had not caused him any harm. ’Thank god I didn’t do any damage!’ the words floated in her mind as she looked up in time to catch sight of a new creature that seemed to wish to settle upon the others back, much like her own pristine companion. It was a beautiful bird of greens blended with blue? She had not captured a full look but she did admire all creatures. ’Is my silence strange should I speak up?’ she had asked herself as she had done her best not to meet his illuminated gaze. When a cat-like creature had shown their face, causing her amber eyes to open further with curiosity, but she would not pry just simply admire the spotted cat who sat behind the large winged wolf. One that had allowed his voice to flow like a stream from his mouth. Intianly it shocked the young Star as she had thought like her father the male was mute, but it was a pleasant surprise. ”I’m alright.” Yes alright indeed for she was left unscatheed physically, but emotionally? She was thoroughly embarrassed so much that she could feel heat upon her face all the while she thanked that a blush could not be seen on her ice colored tones that caressed her cheeks. But she would not allow herself to dwell on an awkward start to anything. With another slew of words that draped the air her head tilted to the side as curiosity bleed into her eyes, before cascading down upon her face. ”But the fault also lies with me, I should have been looking ahead rather than at Ruaisar.” she offered as she looked back to her mourning dove companion who let out a chirper bit of laughter at her mistake. ’I think you would get along with Eclipse if she’s with mother upon our return.’ was a thought as she could imagine them causing a type of mischief if she left them alone. Mother would surely have her paws full, and if not her surely their uncle or aunt. The thought had drawn her into her mind, which was no surprise to the little star. She was used to being distracted by her thoughts if she allowed, but what had surprised her was the soft feather that brushed her side. Wonder hues of blue that blended seamlessly into characols had been an exquisite sight to her eyes, she had not yet seen such a unique bit of coloring upon another. A delicate smile was offered as she looked at his furred covered face. It was then that she caught notice that they did not offer each other their names, how could she be so misguided ’Always tell another your name for it could hold some merit if you rise from the ash and shine like a burning star.’ Words to live by if she could learn all that she could and be able to heal most if not all ailments. Yes that was her goal that would ensnare her future. With a gentle shake of her head she had decided it was time to speak her name but how? One could simply sound daft if words were misplaced. ’how would mother introduce herself?’ ”I’m glad that I didn’t do you any harm. Though if I may introduce myself to give a name… I am Astraea Nightingale, it's a pleasure to meet you or rather bump into your chest.” The tender tone of her voice had allowed her to feel more at ease as she gently bowed her head in greeting. ’Be polite, and curities so they could remember your name’ the thought had made her smile before Ruaisar had given her to sense as her melodic chirping had come forth with a fluttering of her extended wings as she moved to nestle between the little stars upturned ears. Had the mourning dove wished to be introduced? Or rather had she just wished to make herself more known, so all eyes could be on her? Astraea did not have a clue, but it was amusing to see her little companion trying to gain all eyes upon her.

Mortis, who often adopted a bright outlook when around others looked past the collision-wolf and to the little dove perched on her back. He grinned, his tail giving a little wag behind him. "I assume your Ruaisar." He said conversationally. Falling silent as the girl introduced herself then, giving her name as Astrea Nightingale.
Guess that meant it was his turn, right? "Its a pleasure to run into you, Astrea. I'm Mortis, this is Saph, and that's Osiris" he said, introducing first his Kea, and then the snow Leopard. He left behind his heritage for now, through he would supply it if asked. For the moment he could pretend he was just Mortis. A winged explorer, running through the woods. And, apparently, knocking into pretty dames in the process.

"No harm done, I promise" he still thought it was his fault, but he wouldn't cheapen her gesture by arguing the point. "You wouldn't be related to the healer Ri...va? Nightingale would you?" He asked tripping over the name. She was a wolf that had stayed in the Empire for a very short period of time when he was younger. He remembered little of the the small healer, but the names coincided. Perhaps this was a relative?

They say home is where the heart is. Mine is among the stars, across the universe A small bout of laughter had grace the small fae as she heard Ruaisar’s chirping to gain all eyes upon her. It was amusing to see the personality that the mourning dove held, vibrant and bright wishing to be at the center of everyone's attention. Unlike the little star herself, she was shy wishing to be left to herself and the herbs she would find herself amongst as they would lay about in the most surprising of place’s. Though with another being in front of her, she did not wish to withdraw into the nature that lain thickly around. Though she would admit if she did her fur would be torn this way and that as thorn-like brambles had doused the thick of tree linings, impeding any means of escape. But the brute? He seemed quite kind, more so as she saw a smile spread across his dark face. A dashing look if she would admit to herself, one that brought a bright like to him that seemed to make him shine brighter. With a set of words her little dove had given a song like reply, something that made the little star think she enjoyed his attention more than her own. ’such a fickle little dove you are my dear’ ”Yes that is my lovely little Ruaisar.” came her melodic reply, before she allowed herself to sink into her mind. The thought she held was quite true as it seemed like Ruaisar’s tone would change with the winds, one moment she was happily fluttering about singing her own song, the next flickering to Astraea’s back looking to bury her head in the thicker tufts of her fur. But nonetheless she adores her little companion for if they did not have another would they still be in one piece or would her little song bird have fallen prey to the beasts who lurk in the dark? ’no do not think of such thought’s our little star seeker is here with us now and forever.’ Yes her little dove would always be by her side.. Just the idea had made a soft smile come into place just as the male had spoken once more, returning her greeting, before he had given his name. ’Mortis? Saph? And Osiris? All unique names that find a place with them.” was the silent thoughts as she could feel happiness blossoming from inside her chest. ”It's a pleasure to meet all of you” her soft voice flickered with merriment as she casted her eyes to each individual to match names to the faces they held. The males she would call dashing while the female she would call lovely if only her voice would find its place without trembling with the soft complement, at times like these she would wish she was not a shy little thing. Alas it built her character in twinging her fate into something that was sure to be grand she would not fight it, but one day she knew she would possess the courage to break free to show the world what a star she could be, but for now she would remain the same little star shining softly on it’s own. Yes her mothers little star that would… Wait another Nightingale? The mention of her family's name stopped her thoughts dead on. Though the name Riva was not one of the ones she had known unless her grandparents held ties to others that mother did not know of? ’No mother would have told us right?’ the uncertain thought had crossed her mind before she looked back to the dashing brute. Confusion laced her features ”Riva Nightingale? I havn't heard of her before, I can ask my mother maybe she would know.” her reply was soft, barely above a whisper as she thought of what mother had told her of the heritage, there was Nyx mothers sister and Chaos with Erebus. Though maybe if she brought the name up to her they could go and search for this Riva, the thought had made her once still tail start to wave at a leisure pace. ’maybe this could help us all heal?’ that was at least her hope, if only mother would say yes with the intent to find her.

With introductions done, Osiris migrated closer, slinking closer to the wolves, before resting in the soft grass near by. Plush tail flicking lightly behind him. He let the wolves talk, keeping guard over them both. The duty given to him by his mother, and companion of the Warlord himself.

The winged boy shrugged, feathers rising and falling with the motion. "She used to stay in Ashen, but she's gone now I don't know where" maybe not the most helpful answer in the world and his expression fell for a moment. Brief, the frown there and gone again. His radiant smile back in place. "But if she's family, I can help you find her." He offered. His father was accustomed to his disappearances, learning and exploring the world outside the Armada. He would just have to make sure his duties were covered by another if he was gone for too long.

Her dove friend had a beautiful voice. Saphs song was more sharp, squawking, and he clapped his wings together in appreciation of Ruaisars reply. His versatile wings were often used like the hands of an ape, to hold, steady, or move in similar ways. They were also the ideal appendages to offer cover and squeeze in supporting hugs. "Is your mother far from here?"

They say home is where the heart is. Mine is among the stars, across the universe As they stood within reach of a tender breeze Star had retreated to the depths of her memory, the name Ravi lingered with hopes of family ties to a world unknown. Was this fae a gentle one like her? If they did share the bond of blood it could explain why she stood apart from those she adored. But then again most of the ones she heard stories of had been battle worn with paths of war, so gentle could very well be thrown out the door. The thought had made the small girl wonder further on who this enigma of a wolf could be, but was the rabbit hole worth the time to go digging in? Would false hope be promised only to shatter away? It was thoughts like these that allowed discouragement to seep in. With the break in her mind a small comforting melody could be heard. Ruaisar must have sensed the distressing tension in her flesh, and wished to offer her own type of aid. ’I’m glad we found one another little star seeker’ was what passed through her mind as she took a small breath. If she could not calm her chaotic mind who knew what could set in, an attack of anxiety or one of panic? Quite possibly, and the dashing brute did not need to see her at her worst. Nor would she allow another to witness such a scene, so with another breath she closed her eyes in attempts to calm her quick paced heart. Slowly ever so she felt the pressure of her mind break free, which seemed to ease as Mortis had utter a new slew of words. Saying she used to stay in a place called Ashen, if she went there could she… no she was not there any longer but ”could others in Ashen know of her?” a whisper came from her as she wondered if she had anyone left there that could say where she went. It was with that thought an offer to find this she-wolf, if she was of blood relation to her own. That was the trick she did not know, mother had only spoken of her aunt and grandparents while claiming to not truly know of the rest. But was that a ploy to keep them in line? Or was she also as clueless as the young fae? It was a puzzle that needed to find its missing pieces. ”She is not of any kin I know of, or that my mother had mentioned. I can ask my mother’s companions for help. I don’t wish to offer a path that you are not meant to follow.” her voice was softer than before as she thought of asking her Aunt Iza to help her. But first she would have to find the canine. It was with a clap of his wings that Ruaisar offered her own sign of praise, a shift chirp of thanks before she would lift her wing to nip at the underlying feathers, before she would rest back into place. If Astraea could see her little friend then she would claim that the dove was glowing. She had been too accustomed to the praise Star would offer, but they often had been left alone to learn of what they could. It was peaceful and she would often sing her little songs. Something that made her wish she herself had the courage to let out her own delicate voice to see if it would pair well with the mourning dove. ’maybe one day we could sing together Ruaisar.’”I think she likes you.” came her voice filled with happiness. Alas soon it would switch as she had a question she needed to ask. ”Do you know of where she was heading last? I could start there before talking to my mother or her companions.“ her voice held some hope that was dashed as Ruaisar had given her a swift nip to her ear. The little dove knew when to pick their battles, and to go alone would be rather extreme more so when they did not know a lay of the land. Before the question could be uttered Mortis had asked a question that made her heart dash, was her mother far from here? What did that mean? Was he asking where they hail from? Or her proximity? This question offered her a small bout of anxiety for she did not wish to utter that she was alone with her little star. ”Mother… she is not from around these lands, and I don’t know where she is at this moment I will admit. I was too taken with these lands and seemed to have strayed too far from her side.“ she decided that to admit the truth would be better for her rather than hide things in plain sight. Though she was also a horrid liar so any deceit would be written upon her face.

He watched her as she chewed over the thought of a potential family member. He wished he had remembered more about Riva, had more to tell her. She was a wolf, she had been around one day, and not the next. That was about all he could remember. “It doesn't bother me to help you look. I at least know what she looks like” he pointed out with a kind smile.

He mulled it over in his head a few times, and she would ask if any in Ashen knew where she had gone. Well not exactly. If anyone would know, it was Deathbelle, right? His Auntie had been Alpha at the time, and if anyone kept track of where Riva had gone, it would have been her.

Mortis was pretty sure she had gone to Habari, he had caught her scent when he had gone snooping around the pack, wondering if they would let him join. Wondering if his possessive father would ever let him go.

“I have an idea, it means looking up an old family member of mine. We’d have to travel East from here, it's not too far. You in?” he wasn’t sure what she meant about her mother - was she saying she didn’t know where she was today, or had lost her for some time? If she was on her own, maybe he could help her find her feet until her mother found her again.

They say home is where the heart is. Mine is among the stars, across the universe Supple ear’s twisted and turned out of a nervous habit, she could not ask this wonderful wolf to go out of his way. Who knew where he needed to be let alone if he needed to find his way back to his own family. A nervous bite to her lip had drawn her attention to the words that he admitted for her ears. ’it wouldn't bother him? And he knew what she looked like.’ That there was her defeat, only he had the knowledge on her, while all she had was a name. If he was to help her then she would find her much quicker then on her own. ”With you finding her would be much faster.” she admitted softly before looking up with a tender smile in place. She would accept his help and then if things panned out just right she could find mother and return to her side with news good or bad, about a possible tie to their family. The thought alone had made happiness spread through her body, as her grin grew her tail started to sway happily behind her. It was infectious, just a smile and pure thoughts could bring about so much hope! Hope for a future with those they could meet and accept as their true family. As the thought had fleeted he spoke once again this time offering an idea and the prospect of travel. Traveling would be good for they could run into her mother, yes that was a possibility but would she allow her to keep on her search with a newly made friend? ’oh please, let me complete this before either she finds me or before I find her.’ it was a silent thought ment for the ease of her mind at least for the moment in time. ”Yes, let’s go find them.” she said with cheerful glee.