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@chuando t. ᵃ There was no telling what was written in the stars for them, but could it be that this was what the Goddess truly intended? The alpha's theory caught Baekho off guard and he felt his heart flutter at the mere thought that it could possibly be real, looking up at the other with rounded, cerulean eyes. "... Do you really think so?" He asked hopefully, but immediately caught himself acting like a foolish, naive pup. Wishful thinking only led to disappointment and he didn't deserve to assume what She had planned for him. If it was meant to happen, it would. Still... there was no harm in going along with the alpha, was there? Sparing one last glance to the shrine, Baekho pushed himself to his feet and brushed the dirt from the front of his pants. "You're right. We probably shouldn't disturb the Goddess or the dead any longer." He agreed with a little smile. "I wouldn't mind something to eat. I worked up an appetite making those cakes." Chuckling, he gestured to the mooncakes that he'd offered that now rested next to the other's flowers.

@dongho k. ᵒ Nodding lightly he bowed his head and muttered the prayer in his thoughts before he turned around and sat down before letting out a small sigh. "Maybe...our paths in life were the way they are because me and you were meant to meet here. This could be what she had in plan for us all along, we just had to wait that was all." He smiled at this thought, wondering if it was just his wishful thinking. "Would you like to move this talk somewhere else? As much as I want to speak more, I don't think this place is the one to do it in. We can go to the cafe if you like, it would be my treat. I had a small breakfast so I am rather hungry right now be honest." Getting up, he dusted himself from the sitting on the steps before holding out his hand to the other. "Or did you want to stay more to speak with her? If so I can wait for you out at the cafe."

@chuando t. ᵃ "Oh..." There was sadness in his voice as Chuando's words sank in, the reality that the man had given up hope on ever finding a mate after forty years hitting a little closer to home in regards to Dongho's own worries than he'd like to admit. It was true that he wanted a family of his own, but he didn't imagine raising children alone. Not that he doubted his capability, but after losing his own father, he wanted his kids to be able to have both parents in their life to rely on. "I don't think you're cold, alpha. You're just looking out for everyone and sometimes the wolves need a stern hand. The borders are dangerous. Especially with the rogues out there. I don't know why anyone would wander out there so close to the purge." He frowned deeply, glancing at the shrine and remembering those who spent their final moments here. "Anyway, those are already things that would make you a good father. I... It's really admirable. I don't think I could do it along. I mean, I /could/. But I don't want to."

@dongho k. ᵒ "Well thats the thing, I am not really looking for a mate anymore. I gave that up a long time ago. What I want is to have a child...and if I happen to find a mate along the way then so be it. But if not then that is my life...I know most people see me as a bit cold or a little mean at times but thats just because people are idiots a lot and I have to get after them." Chuando pinched the bridge of his nose at this as he thought back to a few nights before. "Like the other night an omega was out walking near the borders while I was on watch. So, of course, I have no choice but to be mean and try to scare them so that they dont do something bad. But I know I can also be gentle...I mean I find a lot of omegas cute and I love to spoil them...so I want to be able to give that love that I give to them to a child of my own," he whispered, his cheeks just a bit red at this point.

@chuando t. ᵃ Baekho certainly didn't expect the advice and for the alpha to be so patient with him. From what he'd heard or Chuando, he'd expected him to be more aloof. Certainly not the sentimental type. Then again, he had twice the time Baekho had in this life to know what he was talking about. "I guess. The thought of the purge just... makes me on edge. I don't want to let the high priest down." He confessed with a sigh, shifting to sit against the base of the shrine rather than kneel against the cold, hard ground. "Little?" He couldn't help laughing at the choice of words. Bring bigger boned, the last thing anyone usually called him was 'little.' "Not compared to the others. Anyway, it didn't work out with you and a surrogate? I figured there'd be plenty of omegas willing to bear a child for you."

@dongho k. ᵒ "Of course I want, I have since I have turned of age," he said with a soft sigh as he looked up to the shrine, starring at it a bit before turning back to him. "But if its not in the cards for me then there is nothing I can do about it. Well the mate part that is but I can always look into adopting or finding a surrogate that would be willing to do so for me. I had actually spoken with one a few days ago but it didnt work out. Of course I am sad about it but I am happy at the same time because I was able to make a new friend. And yes it may be a duty but you cant stress yourself over it. You are still very much young and have your life ahead of you little omega so just for now focus on other tasks. When she deems it fit, she will give you what you want and you will be all the more happy and grateful that you were able to wait for her. She only wants us to be happy and does what is best for us in the moment."

@chuando t. ᵃ Normally his keen ears would have picked up the sound of approaching footsteps, yet everything seemed off at the eerie shrine. As if some unnatural force made everything still. It wasn't until someone spoke that Baekho jerked upright, his heart thumping against his chest in a moment of fright. Prayers were supposed to be between man and the Goddess. Not for anyone else's ears. He must have sounded so foolish... Feeling an embarrassed heat creep up to the tips of his ears, he turned to look at the tall alpha that placed the flowers alongside his offered cakes. Though they hadn't had the chance to speak alone, the baker certainly knew who the older male was. After all, there weren't many notorious bachelors above thirty years old in the group and those that were definitely sparked curiosity among others. Knowing that they found themselves in a similar predicament left him feeling less ashamed about being overheard, though. At least he'd understand. "Don't you want that, though?" He asked tentatively, trying not to pry too much or overstep any bounds. "I... want to believe that. What you said. That there's someone out there. But at the same time, what if there's not? If it's the will of the Goddess, I have to accept it, but... I'd like a family. It's part of our duty to expand the pack, too. And I can't have kids forever like an alpha can. No offense."

@dongho k. ᵒ Not sure what to give, he had picked some flowers and hoped that the moon goddess would be happy with the offering he had in hand. He didn't think to buy something would be a good gesture so he figured this was next best bet. "Things have been a bit tense because of the ruts, maybe praying for everyone to be a little more at ease will help...and to help find me, someone, to help me with having a family." Sighing a bit but smiling just a bit he headed towards the shrine but slowed down when he saw someone was already there. So he stood back to give him his space, knowing that things like this were more often than not, a private matter. So trying his best not to listen, he turned away and just looked around but stopped when he picked up his words and slowly turned towards the other. So they were worried almost about the same thing. "I don't think that it's not you are good enough... it's just not your time," he spoke out gently, coming up and laying the flowers down. "I mean I know its none of my business but I am an alpha and I am forty but I have never had a mate or child...its just not your time yet. Whatever her plans are, we just have to wait and be patient for it, that is all."

@chuando t. ᵃ Moss crept up along the edges of the path that led up to the shrine and Dongho felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end at the eerie silence that fell over the area. No birds chirping... Not even the rustle of the wind through the branches. Yet there was power within the hovel and some believed that no prayer went unheard of by the Goddess inside, that their words were carried by the hands of those that had gone before right to her lunar perch. Dongho had always been a man who put a lot of faith in the stars, fate, and the Goddess to lead and guide him through life, but it was with a heavy heart and the recent retelling of the purge that brought him to the somber place today. Carrying a wrapped parcel of freshly baked mooncakes, he knelt down and set them before the altar where many unfortunate soul's lights had flickered out. He swallowed hard, feeling a lump rise into his throat at the memory, and bowed his head. "Goddess... I know it isn't much... But this is all I have to offer." The humble baker whispered to the stone, his fingers rubbing restlessly where he braced himself against his knees. There were many things he wanted to beg of her - to not take anyone in this purge, to not take him, but that was not their way... "I don't have any right to ask anything of you... But... Please... Guide my hand and help me provide for everyone. I... I'm still unmated and younger omegas have already found their match, started having kids... I'm not even that old, but I feel like I'm missing my opportunity. If I can't help us grow... what good am I?"

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