Stars are always there, you just don't always see them

[Estelle]

One cold, sunny morning, a calico she-cat sat silently on her fence. Yellow eyes overlooked the garden she grew up in, tail mindlessly swaying from side to side. She has always adored this sight. Her garden. Her home. Whenever her twoleg lady went out into the garden to tend to her flowers, she went along to observe the many strange tools she used and playfully bat the flower's petals. Whenever her twoleg man came home late in the evening, she would lay to rest on his lep, enjoying gentle pats to her back and he kicked back and relaxed after a long day's work. And when night came and her twolegs went to bed, she got to sleep on the large, comfortable bed with them. She adored her life here, and wouldn't trade it for the world. But these days have been different. About four seasons ago, her twolegs got a kit - and she loved the young child, more than anything. But lately the child has been unable to go near her without breaking out in itchy red skin and terrible sneezing. Her twolegs never blamed her, but she had since been limited to only certain rooms in the house, never to see the kit. She didn't entirely understand why, only that something - something out of her control - made it so that she couldn't be near the child. Seeing the sad looks her twolegs gave her as they took her in their arms, hugging her close and whispering things into her fur as they cried. She'd come to understand that something was very amiss, something that she couldn't stay with them. The feline had only grown more affectionate towards her twolegs since, not wanting to see them upset. She knew it wasn't their fault. And she knew it wasn't her fault. Still, it was unfair, and truthfully she didn't want to leave.

"Hey there, m'lady;"

A familiar voice rang out from behind, one she knew all too well and which pulled her away from her saddening thoughts. Her head whipped around to look at a long-furred, black tom, eyes widening in surprise.
"Adder! What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you not to visit me at home?"
Gracefully she leaped down from the fence, stepping closer to the grinning tom as she cast glances left and right, ensuring no one was there to see them.

Adder gave her a playful wink, grin only growing as her spoke.
"Just visiting my princess."

"Adder."

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry!"
Adder laughed at his best friend's near scolding of him, and his muscles visibly relaxed when he sat back, dropping the terrible flirt act. He knew she'd likely be worried seeing him here, where some crazed twoleg tried catnapping him a few moons ago. They'd decided on a meeting spot further down the woods since, though he still prefered visiting her at home. It seemed safer for her, as a kittypet, and he didn't mind the walk.
"I came here to check on you, Primm. How've things been with the kid?"

Primm huffed, rolling her eyes at his totally believable apology before sitting down, tail wrapping around her paws. She couldn't believe he hadn't been caught yet, coming here. While his intentions were pure, she knew, Primm only worried for his safety - much like she knew he worried for hers. They'd met many moons ago now, by this very fence. She had moved in only a few moons prior and he hadn't visited the area in a while, came back to explore only to find that the friendly twolegs neighbours who sometimes left food out for the wanderers had adopted a cat. She'd been apprehensive then, though since he had grown to be her best friend. Much as she wanted scold him for being reckless, she couldn't imagine life without him either.
"Not... Any better."
Dropping her shoulders, Primm let out a sigh.
"I think... I think they've found a new home for me. They'll probably come pick me up soon, but;"
She trailed off, not wanting to finish her sentence and complain.

"But you don't want to leave?"
Adder finished, giving her a gently, understanding look. Primm nodded.

"It'll simply be so different. I'd hate to be far away from here, from MoonDancer - from you. And she just got her kits, too, she needs me here, Adder."

Adder was quiet. He wasn't certain what to say, other than wrapping a paw around her back and laying his chin on her head in a half hug. Primm sadly sighed again, leaning against him.

"It'll be okay."
He murmured eventually, letting her lean against him for however long she'd like. He didn't mind, if it helped her.

"I hope so."
Answered Primm, sadly looking out over the garden that's been her home for many, many moons.

The silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity, until eventually Adder spoke up again.
"So.. Moon finally got her kits, huh? What're their names?"

Primm smiled a little, remembering their cute little faces, and MoonDancer's awkward waddling around them at first. She pulled away from her best friend and looked up, her turn to pull a little grin.
"Iris-Marie, Berlioz, O'Malley, Adelaide and Toulouse."
The names, much different than own, always caused her a smile. They amusing, more so than the usual cat.

"Five? Oh dear! And Iris-Marie, eh? Your mother must be pretty happy."
Adder laughed, so did Primm at his statement.

"She doesn't know yet, but I'm sure she will."
Well, she wasn't entirely certain about that. He mother often looked indifferent, though Primm was certain that deep down she would appreciate the gesture.
"Adder?"
Primm suddenly asked, and he nodded.
"Why must you always come here? We have a meeting spot, you know."

Adder shrugged and smiled wryly at the question.
"Ehhh. I guess I just like breaking the rules.
Especially if it means my best friend - who knows nothing about fighting, by the way - doesn't have to go someplace in the forest just to see me."


These often liked to spend time together. She always had many questions about life in the forest and among the strange groups of cats he once lived among. He just enjoyed her company, and the occasionally witty comebacks she'd have to his acting trips. Their worlds couldn't be more different, truthfully, but no one could be better company than the other. Undeniably after that day, he still came to visit very often; they'd laugh together, explore together, or just talk or sit in silence. The comfort they brought each other was one they cherished, and never would want to give up. Until one day, sometime after their last discussion, Adder came to find the house devoid of Primm. After searching the whole backyard and peeking through windows while avoiding her twolegs, he couldn't find a trace of her. Which was strange, for Primm rarely left the safety of her backyard lest it was to go to their secret spot or visit her sister. Knowing she wasn't out in the forest, Adder came to knock on MoonDancer's window door, peeking just around the corner. MoonDancer had been busy wrangling her five, wild kits as they ran about the house, seemingly inexhaustible. That's when he found out, after speaking to the new mother: a dark car had come to pick Primm up that morning, and just like that, she was gone. Adder's heart fell to his stomach, creating a heavy feeling that wasn't quite comfortable. He know how much Primm hadn't want to leave, and he knew that if they left in a monster that she have gone far away. So he set out. Unable to accept this catnapping, Adder traced his best friend down, truthfully more by running around several neighbourhoods looking for dark cars and her scent.
The sun had already set by the time he reached a large twoleg den, Primm's familiar scent faintly hanging in the air. There she was. With his dark pelt he easily blended into the night as he crept from window to window, peeking until finally he saw her - Primm! Carefully, he scratched the window to get her attention.

Unsuspecting and upset, Primm was surprised to hear a quiet scratch to the window behind her. Turning around she was even more surprised to see none other than,
"Adder!"
She mew, relief washing over her as she rushed to the window to meet him.
"What are you doing here? How did you even find me?"

"Shh, Shhh. Don't wake them up."
He reminded his friend, glancing to the light that still shone upstairs - a simple give away that a twoleg was still awake. He gestured to it with his tail, Primm nodding and dropping low.

"How is it here?"
He whispered, and Primm shook her head.

"Terrible. They seem kind, but - I don't like it here at all."

"Great, then I'm breaking you out."

"You want to leave, right?"

Primm hesitated. Her twolegs had chosen this new home especially for her, but... She didn't like it. It was far away from where she grew up and the people were so different, so much louder. She didn't want to disappoint her now former owners by disappearing, but... Primm nodded.
"Yes."
She said quietly, swallowing the lump that was forming in her throat. Adder gave a nod.

"Alright. Can you hide somewhere by the door? I'll get them to open up, you run out the moment it opens, okay?"
Primm gave a steady nod, lips pursing together. Jumping down from sill by the window she hid in a dark corner of the stairs, just in line with the door's opening. Before long, absolutely dreadful sounds starting coming from outsider, making her more nervous than she already was. Constant scratching and caterwauling, jumping against the door and overall nuissances, it took but a few minutes before an irritated twoleg came stomping, throwing the door open after some looking around. Adder hissed at the twoleg, and with a quick and a pounding heart Primm made a run for it, knowing it was now or never.

She just barely managed to slip through the closing door without getting her tail caught, Adder breaking into a run in front of her (he had always been faster).
"Run!"
He told her so she wouldn't stop, twoleg cursing in the distance.

It was such a strange feeling. Adrenaline pumped in her veins and a feeling Primm had never felt before washed over her - it was a rush. Running away in the dead of night with Adder, not knowing where she was going, the wind ruffling her fur - it was amazing. All of a sudden she had to strange urge to laugh, and unable to stop it, she did. Primm laughed, utterly amused and excited and... It was unbelievable! She'd never felt so alive before.
When Added duck under the hood of a car, so did Primm, settling down besides him with heavy breaths.

"That- that was amazing! Do you get to live like this everyday?"

He'd intended to ask her how she was doing, but decidedly, she beat him too it. Adder was momentarily surprised before cracking a small and waving his paw.
"Well, I don't get to break someone out every day, if that's what your asking."
But Primm only laughed breathily, laying her head to rest on her paws with a sigh.
"I'm exhausted."
She smiled, Adder looked on silently. Now that she was out, only one question remained on his mind. They both knew she couldn't go back to her twolegs, and her sister's humans had found a new owner for her moons ago for a reason. He smiled wrily, wanting to keep the mood light.
"So... Where will you be going now?"

"hm?"
Primm, who'd been resting, opened her eye to look at him. The realisation soon came that she indeed had nowhere to go to - and hadn't quite thought about where she maybe could, as this outbreak had been rather sudden. But as looked Adder in the eyes, silently thinking of what to do, a bit of warmth rose to her fur as one idea passed through her head.
"Well..."
She sat up, eyes downcast.
"I was thinking... Perhaps... I could stay with you..? If you'll have me."
Looking back at him, a small, meaningful smile drew on her maw, slight hint of embarrassment making her pelt feel warm. Meanwhile Adder's mouth fall agape. He was speechless, uncertain of what to do or say, thoroughly surprised by this sudden confession. But her eyes squinted slightly as time dragged on, pulling the tom out of his shock with a shake of his head. He smiled.
"I- Sorry, I-I mean yes, I mean... Of course! Of course.. Of course I'll have you. Anytime, always."

"Really?"

"Yes! I mean- Yes."
Adder chuckled, embarrassed by his sudden bafflement. But he returned Primm's meaningful smile, both knowing full well what it meant. That night they remained under the twoleg car, silently chatting until they fell asleep, departing on their travels home come daybreak.


"Anything, for my amazing mate."

"Oh you flatter me."

Sometime had passed, Primm and Adder were slowly growing accustomed to their life together, breaking out into laughter at their little conversation. Although Adder had been hesitant, willing to find a twoleg home to they could live in together, Primm insisted her kittypet days were over and that she wanted to live in the forest - just like Adder had all those moons. After all, he'd been surviving there all his life. Certainly with him by her side to teach her, she believed they would be just fine. Unable to deny his now mate her strongest wish, Adder gave in, on the condition they found a nicer place to live (for Adder had been sleeping out in the open most of the time, something he didn't wish on Primm).
After several days of exploring, Adder had returned with the claim to have found the perfect home, to which they were traveling right now.
"How much further is it?"
Asked Primm with an amused little huff, eyeing her new mate curiously.

"Just around here, I promise"
Adder smiled, trudging along the scent line he'd previously left behind to be able to find it again.

"Oh"
Momentarily Primm wandered sideways, looking over a bush of tasty looking berries.
"Can we eat those?"
She asked curiously reaching out for one of them when Adder hastily pulled her away.

"Don't know, but we don't eat weird looking red berries in the forest, yeah? They're not the same as the plants in your garden. Ah, there!"

Adder grinned and Primm's eyes widened at the sight. A little, thin stream ran down a small ledge, behind which stood an old, large tree. At it's base, a small opening revealing the hollow insides with already made nests and a mouse that couldn't have been caught long ago.
"Adder, did you do this?"
Adder just smiled in agreement and slipped inside, showing off it's spaciousness.

"Nice isn't, it? I found it while hunting the other day."

"It's beautiful!"
Content with the little home he'd found, Primm slipped inside alongside him, coming to lean against the familiar feline in a small show of appreciation.

"Think it's big enough for us too?"

"Hm. I don't know."
Primm mused lightly, eyes traveling around the den before finding Adder's again.
"Think it'll be big enough for us six?"

"Six?"
Adder repeated, surprised.
"What do you-"

He cut off, Primm was eyeing him in a way that told he should know. That he should be able to figure this out. Shutting his trap he stared down at her for a moment, possibilities running through his mind, though, really were just two. Either her family was moving in, or...
"You're not... Are you?"
Primm smiled in response, knowing what he meant, and a wide smile drew on his maw in turn.
"I can't believe it. That's- that's amazing, Primm"

"I think you'll be a good a dad."
She stated plainly, playing it cool as she pretended not to be overjoyed by his excited response. Teasing a bit, he poked her side.
"I think you're going to be a great mom."


Bliss is something many, many spend their whole life looking for it - a lasting moment of happiness, either alone or with another. And in this moment, Adder and Primm wouldn't hesitate one moment before saying that they found it. That lasting moment of happiness;

"How are you feeling?"

"Tired."
Answered Primm, taking the piece of prey Adder was handing her. He lay down at her side, tail wrapping around her.
"They're being tireless."
She said, gesturing to her bloated stomach with a tired smile as Adder gave her a comforting lick to the ear.

"Hey there, little ladies; you causing your mom some grief, hm?"

"Adder? You're talking to my stomach?"
Primm quirked a brow, though was smiling regardless. Adder grinned.

"I heard from Moon that talking to them is good; isn't that right, little ladies?"

Primm roled her eyes, gently poking her silly mate.
"We don't even know what they are, silly."

"Call it a hunch!"
Adder happily replied, snuggling closer to her.
"You been thinking of any names?"

"A few. You?"
"Likewise."
They both smiled, pleased with their simple yet fulfilling life.

After revealing about her pregnancy, Primm's hunting and defence training was put to a halt in favour of not risking exertion on her end. Adder frequently went out hunting replenishing their tiny storage just outside of the hollow tree. Often, they would go on walks around the peaceful area and explore, or simply rest by the tiny stream. They were happy together, like that, peacefully. Until one day, a little over a moon into Primm's pregnancy.

Her and Adder were out on a walk, intending to visit Primm's sister, MoonDancer, before she no longer could walk these distances (and frankly get some advice on kit rearing too, as this was their first litter). To reach that point, they had to cross a twoleg road that recently a zone of much speeding. Adder was aware of that. It caused Primm a bit of nervousness. Seeing nor hearing anything or anyone in the widest of distances, he stepped onto the road, turning toward Primm to invite her along so they cross together.

And then it was over.

Some monsters are awfully silent, and Adder had slowly been losing some sense in his paws - he didn't notice the thrilling, nor did Primm, being unaccustomed to these feelings. Before she knew it, her beloved mate was gone.


After that, days and time started to blur together. With her ever growing belly hunting became a hassle, and Primm was struggling to get by. Feeling alone and depressed, she didn't know what to do anymore, other than keep living for her kits. But how?

Days passed by in silent agony, until unmistakable familiar pawsteps sounded outside the hollow tree that was her home.
"...Mom."

The old woman entered the dark space without so much of a second thought, without missing a beat noting her daughter's weak voice and glum mood.
"Primm."
Is all she said, icy clouded eyes wandering about - though Primm knew it meant nothing. Her mother had been blind for as long as she could remember. But the intensity of her presence said enough. She was displeased. Displeased that she too, like Gaïa and her brother, threw away the safe life of a kittypet her mother had found for them seasons ago.
"I'm... Sorry."
She muttered, tears coming to her eyes. Omen said nothing. She only stood, listening to her daughter's breathing, feeling the air inside the den, silently conveying her anger.

"You're pregnant. Aren't you?"
It was but a hunch, the old lady had scarily good instincts. And when mouth agape Primm did not reply, she already knew her answer. Without a word Omen stepped forward, seating herself a Primm's side to push a gentle paw against her stomach, locating it with a few light taps to the ground. She felt around, noting the little lumps inside her stomach. Those must be the kits. If anything, the scent of milk was strong on her daughter.
"You are."
Said the former queen, a Primm nodded.
"Yes.."

"Where is he?"

Primm's head shot up. She wanted to 'who' but she already knew the answer. Her old mother meant Adder, her kits' father. Primm looked down, tears returning to her eyes and making hard to speak.

"It's that outsider, isn't it? The one MoonDancer told me about."

"Yes."

"Well, where is he?"

The old molly pressed, eyes narrowing even if she had nothing to look at. But silence came again. She exhaled a breath.
"I see."
The old woman muttered, a hint of sadness in her old, quiet voice.
"I warned you about this."

"I love him."

"I know you do."
Omen quickly shut down her daughter's retort with one of her own, getting back to her paws.
"They'll be born any day now. Rest. Eat. ..I'll stick around until you have them."
She poked her head out of the dark den to pick up a bird she'd caught earlier, dropping it near her daughter who silently took it.

"Thank you.."
She said, both for her mother's presence, and the food.


Days passed, and just as the old queen had said, it only a matter of time before her kits came one cold winter night. Rain pounded loudly against the tree, the new mother weakly curling around her two babies, Omen with the third. What the young did not see was the grim expression on her face as the only tom of the litter would not respond. The old woman could try as much as she wanted, he wouldn't resuscitate.

"Mom?"
Primm asked quietly, glancing to her grim looking mother.
"Mom..?"
Primm repeated, but the old feline closed her eyes.

"..You don't have to be there. We'll send him off in the morning."
Omen allowed her daughter a look at the one child that didn't make it, a lump forming in Primm's throat. She felt terrible. Tears filled her eyes and then Omen left the then to bury the stillborn kit. She uttered a small prayer for him as she did, before returning to her daughter, entirely soaked by the rain.
"Have you got any names?"

She asked her daughter, who lay curled around her two surviving kits, her two daughters. At the sound of her mother's voice, her ears twitched, sadly watching them. Adder often spoke of this world... This after life among the stars. He seemed to believe that's where every cat went, and she found comfort in thinking he was there, now, watching over them... With their little Alder, the stillborn child. She had memories of her mother sometimes mentioning that place, too. The kits. They looked identical. She couldn't tell one from the other if she tried, not right now.

"..Star. And Starry."

"Why that?"

"They're identical."

"Identical?"

"Yes. And he used to tell me of the stars, a happy place."

A happy place in the stars, huh. Omen knew what he spoke of. It was familiar. Silently she listened, knowing her daughter was keeping her babies close, whispering quiet promises of safety, love, and care.


Some time passed. Omen had returned to her travels the moment the kittens were nearly weaned and Primm was doing well enough on her own. The young mother, although grieving Adder's loss still, found happiness in spending time with her children, playing and having fun, teaching them what she knows. Slowly her heart began to heal, caring for the young twins, her daughters, was a true joy (and, she developed the amazing mom-power of actually being able to tell them apart. Usually).

 

Life was good. But at the story goes, their stars never aligned. Out on a hunting trip with little luck, Primm came across a badger headed for the hollow tree where her little girls lay to rest. Mortified, the only thing she could was try to distract it off it's course. And Primm succeeded. She managed to get the badger's attention, driving it off it's course and away from her kits - at the consequence of her own life. One slash to the soft tissue of her stomach was enough, tainting the ground red. And as she lay on the ground, badger leaving in her wake, Primm made one final wish: let her daughters be safe, and that may see her mate again.

Perhaps a day had past, perhaps two perhaps three. But all Omen knew when she found her daughter's lifeless body, is that distress and grief filled her senses. The faint scent of a badger still lingered in the area, and without second thought she hurried to the hollow tree - hoping the twin's safety - only to find it empty. They were gone. Look she might, call for them she might, the twins were nowhere to be heard. They were gone. Only a faint scent trail left on the ground, for the old women to follow, and pray they didn't run into danger. And she had to bury her daughter. Only MoonDancer truly remained, now.


[ @Rose ]

[Rose]

STAR
She/Her

Sometimes it was hard to tell where the moons had gone. Not that there had been many of them, but Star liked to think of herself as older and wiser. Wiser than her sister, of course. Her sister, who she was currently trying to FIND. But it was okay, Star loved her sister anyway. Tail wriggling with excitement, lashing back and forth and possibly making all the noise in the world, Star giggled quietly to herself, turquoise eyes scanning the surrounding area for her sneaky sneaky sister. They were playing hide and seek, after all, but Star had been looking for her sister for oh-so-long and she was soooooo tired and too lazy to keep trying. "Starry!" She calls, voice high-pitched and evidently squeaky with joyousness. "Starry, where areeeeeee you!?!"

But it is not long before those calls die down, for Star has gotten distracted. Tufted, pointed ears flicking as the cream she-kit's paws bring her across a pool of reflection, as Star loved calling little sections of standing water. Star loved giving things nicknames, but it was hard to give Starry one, because Starry for short would just be Star, and Star didn't want to share her name that much! She was still dabbling in the possibilities of calling her sister Tarry, since Arry, Tar, and silly-goose-head had failed as nicknames.

Round, un-proportionately large paws that she would likely grow into scooped at the clear substance, making ripples in the small pond and causing the little girl to giggle as her reflection went berserk, wobbling and dancing beneath her before settling once more. It was then that the young female noticed a gleam not far off, and plodding over to unearth the item, squealed with delight as it came unloose from the sand. "PWETTY!" Eyes bright with excitement, Star began spouting gibberish, mumbling and cooing over the shiny, opalescent shell.

[ @Estelle - Starry | Full perms for Star to be tackled, heh. ]

[Estelle]

Starry
A dream is not reality, but who's to say which is which - Mad Hatter

Cream coloured paws knead the ground below her, turquoise eyes cracking open to peek out from in between the debris that covered the soft kitten's pelt. Wiggled within a bush, she was covered in stray leaves, sticks, and earth - even some bits of snow covered the young child's pelt as she masterfully hid, blending in with her surroundings. Of course her dear sister wouldn't be able to find her. She was, after all, a master at hiding and not seeking! She absolutely adored this game for that reason - at least, whenever Star was seeking and she was hiding of course, for she also quite enjoyed not-loosing!

Fluffed paws clasped over her grinning maw as her sister walked right past her hiding spot, a teensy muffle of a giggle escaping between her fur. Tufted ears wiggled and she eagerly lowered to the ground, hiding well behind the thicker leaves and - literally - biting her tongue to stay quiet as Star turned the bushes' way again. But alas! Not for her, but for her sister; a pleased look washed over her face as Star began calling the little star's name, who was stifling a laugh. She knew Star must have given up now, but where was the fun in coming out right away? Starry was having so much fun, she had to find the perfectly calculated moment - which wasn't now, naturally.

And because Star had seen something, and Starry squinted her eyes with intrigue as she - vaguely - watched her sister scoop something up from a something. The little star wasn't certain what it was, she couldn't quite tell. What she did know, however, is that Star was distracted, making the perfect opportunity to train her sneak jumps! You see, the little girl often had a rather poor aim; she seemed to miss stones that lay in front of her paws, and rarely manage to catch little critters that were jumping around, for her coordination would be completely wrong. It was rather peculiar, indeed; but Starry rarely minded.

Paw pads tightened around the ground below her a few more times, the kitten enjoying the cool sensation of the soft earth brushing against her paws. Her mission was clear - a beeline for Star. With quiet little steps (for Starry could be very quiet) the beige kitten snuck towards her distracted sister, who seemed to suspect nothing. How joyous, it meant her plan may succeed! Curiously, Starry did try to secretly look over Star's shoulder, though the fox length she was away, made it too difficult. A shame, but she could see it later. For now, Starry crouched down low and bunched her tiny kitten muscles, tensing her hind legs for power. Her aim may be poor, but bigger targets such as Star were a lot easier! She squealed happily when she finally got to release her stance and jump to her sister's back - coming just a bit short in length. Paws and upper body pushed right against the other young kitten, tackling her in the process. And Starry just laughed, amused.
"Look, look, I got you!"
She squealed happily, eagerly turning her matching gaze to Star's. She must be proud, right? Starry liked that idea very much, Star being proud.

She stepped up and back with a little shake of her lengthy, debris-filled fur, sitting down to curiously observe her probably startled sister.
"Sorry. What was it found you?"
She laughed a little, paw rising to her maw as though hiding the little action before following up with her question. At which she began padding the surrounding ground in case the little object had fallen.


[ @Rose ]

[Rose]

STAR
She/Her

Babbling quite happily over her little object, Star was oblivious to the approaching pawsteps of her twin sister. It wasn't like she needed to be wary, anyway! Her sissy was awesome! Or, no, she was pawsome! Oh, oh, oh, maybe Star could call her starsome! Because they were mama's little Stars, after all. Mama always said that because mama loved them. So, so, she should call Starry the most starsome cat around! Except.. Star wanted to be starsome too...

So caught up in her little thoughts - and the one swirling on top about gifting Starry this beautiful object - the little girl completely failed to notice oncoming paws, and let out a startled squeak of alarm when she was tackled to the sandy ground.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!" The kitten squealed, sage hues growing even more round than before as her back hit the earth. Gaze locked on Starry with astonishment, Star couldn't seem to find it in herself to move, until a belated thought at the back of her mind told her to check where her toy had went. "You got me! You got me! Aaaaah!" The little kit screamed again, though now her voice was light with delight. Eventually sitting up as Starry let her go, Star didn't bother stop to brush her fur, and instead grasped at the opalescent shell she'd found. "For you! For you, because you're s-s-starstome!"

[ @Estelle - Starry ]

[Estelle]

Starry
A dream is not reality, but who's to say which is which - Mad Hatter

It was so delightful!
She could feel Star's gaze straight on her and for a moment the young child was worried she'd hurt her twin - but no! When mirthful laughter filled the air, so did her lungs, and the little girl's heart filled with delighted relief and happiness at how proud her sister looked. And it truly was an accomplishment; Starry rarely caught anything but air and dirt, this was far better than last time! (Don't tell anyone, but last time Starry tried catching something, she aimed completely wrong and almost landed in the little stream surrounding their home if it wasn't for mama catching her last second. Ever since they weren't allowed to play catch there anymore).

Starry bit her lips and sat up, smiling brightly with squinted eyes as she padded the ground. Until Star's voice pulled her out of her reverie, and noted that her sister must've already found the little object.
"Me?"
unfocused eyes lowered to a shimmering, blurry shape, and a gleeful smile drew on her maw.
"You- you too!"
She squealed, gently prodding her sister's shoulder. She like Starstome. Starstome sounded pretty! And- and if she was Starstome, then Star had to be Starstome, too, of course.
"You. You, thank you."
Starry smiled, tentatively reaching out a paw to carefully poke the glimmering shell as though it were the most fragile thing in the world, and she were nearly shy to take it. But it was from her sister, why would she be shy? Because the little girl got a little timid when they gave her presents, oh yes. Still she smiled, and felt so so happy, and- Oh!

blue-green hues widened in surprise. A blurry, colourful shape had just flown past! A little butterfly, although Starry would hardly be able to tell.
"Star- Star- look! It flies, the colours!"
With amazement she watched on, sitting by her twin, curious about the little creature.


[ @Rose ]

[Rose]

[ I have no idea what's going on with my header, bear with me while I experiment ]
STAR
She/Her

Breath hitching as Star anxiously awaited her sister's reply, the cream-colored molly couldn't bring herself to even speak, fearing that perhaps Starry would not like the gift. Her worrying proved to be for naught, however, so when Starry squealed with delight, Star could not help but let out a happy chortle of her own. Her sister liked her gift! "You like it?" She asked, beaming widely.

Turqoise eyes glowed with affection as Star attempted to tackle her sister in another hug. "I love you." She warbled, snuggling into her sister's side. Eyes widening with peaked curiosity and a hint of wonder as Starry pointed out a flying object, the little girl openly gaped at the creature. "I know what that is!" She exclaimed after a moment, chest puffing out with pride. "Mama told me aaall about it one time. That's a.. that's a..!" Her words trailed off as she scrunched her muzzle in thought, eyeing the butterfly and trying to recall what their mother had called it. "A lu-lull- A lullaby! That's what it is!"

[ @Estelle - Starry ]

[Estelle]

Starry
A dream is not reality, but who's to say which is which - Mad Hatter

"Yus!"
The little kitten chirped, paws gently holding the shiny little gift. It was so pretty! Distracted, she nearly missed her sister tackling her into a hug - if it wasn't for the fact that she was the one being tackled! But the little one only laughed and hugged her sister back tight as she could, cheek snuggling up against her sister's.
"I love you-"
The little one said simultaneously (call it twin powers), and giggled. It was so fun whenever they said the same thing! Her eyes were squinted shut happily. After a while, she wiggled about to turn around, wanting to retrieve the pretty shell she'd accidentally dropped in the process. The shape was blurry as Starry squinted her eyes to inspect the shell, hoping it hadn't been damaged. But oh! Her ears swivelled, Star said something!

Pulled from her inspecting, Starry turned to Star as she blurted the name of the pretty flying colour that Starry previously saw. At the word 'lullaby', the fluffy kitten tilted her head in thought, a light smile still tugging on her lips.
"But Staaarrr"
She began, approaching her sister again on three paws, as she was tightly holding her shell in the fourth.
"Isn't a lullaby a song?"
Her sister was the smart one, usually, Starry didn't often question what she said. She only did when she was certain Star might've misheard, like now, because it meant she might've misheard too! Either way, Starry liked the word 'lullaby'. But, oh!

"It's get, getting! Away! The colour!"
She squeaked, feeling a little alarmed. Intrigued by it's mystique, Starry looked back at Star before hobbling off after the colour, nearly bumping into some wayward branches in the process (she never did look where she was going), trusting that Star would follow.


[ @Rose - No worries!! Experiment all you need ahah ]

[Rose]

STAR
She/Her

Chest puffed out in a show of pride with the heedless ignorance of youth, Star was rather shocked when - when she was opposed. By Starry of all cats, nonetheless (not that she knew anyone beside Mum and Starry, that was). Mouth forming an 'o' of surprise, the turquoise-eyed female first shook her head, and then nodded. "You're right, Tarry!" She gasped, eyes widening. "Lullabies are songs! ..But....."

Face scrunching up with confusion, Star was startled out of her reverie as her twin sister spoke again. "Oh no! No, no! Come back, lullaby!" Star called - because copying her sister and calling it a color was not so nice. "We want to hear a song!" She called hopefully to the butterfly flitting out of reach. "Maybe it'll sing to us, Tarry." She yammered excitedly, stocky frame bounding after her sister.

[ @Estelle - Starry ]

[Estelle]

"Lulla...Lullaby!"
The stocky kitten called, copying her sister as she watched the colour fly away with wonder. It was so pretty, and Starry wanted to play with it! Gleefully, she jumped after the butterfly, paws outstretched as snickered a little with every jump. Gradually, it turned into a game of jumping only on fallen leaves and sticks, because the floor was poison of course! That must be why the lullaby flew away (because, according to Star, Lullabies could sing).

And at that, she paused, mid-walk. Starry needed a few seconds to process her twin's words, before turning to the lookalike with round eyes, full of wonder.
"Really?"
Starry whispered, entirely amazed. Oh, she so wanted to hear a song from the butterfly!
"Come back, mr-mr.lullaby!"
Starry then called, bounding after the flying beauty again, but it had already gone much too far away from the small kitten to catch up on. Oh no, how were they going to hear a song now! With saddened eyes Starry turned to Star, curling her lip.
"Why-why won't it stay, Star?"


[ @Rose ]