The spirit had returned home in the midst of winter on a scouting mission. After moons of begging Mother to let her explore the world, she had reluctantly agreed. At first her plan was to visit the Teekon in the spring of the new year, but her excitement could not be contained and the lands in which she was born called forth the return of the Meloniis.

After their home fell and the brief pact with their neighbors had ended, Lumi and her family retreated into the lands beyond the ones they'd known for so long. Mother had proclaimed she never knew the world was so big and when she looked upon little Lumi she worried. In such a big world, how could such a tiny, innocent girl possibly grow old and wise? They had tried to make her more like the rest of them, strong and independent and cold, but fortunately Lumi had learned to be better. She was innocent and kind, yes, but not the slightest bit naive or dumb. Besides, her frame was hardly one a fighter bears, which is why she studied medicine instead. There were occasions where her family was silently thankful for her profession, such as when Mother had gotten a cut in her leg. Other than that, Lumi was an outcast among them, her coat not the only feature setting her apart from her bloodline.

Her small paws sunk in the thin layer of snow. Her family hadn't seen the snow yet where they resided as it was somewhere farther south. Whenever snowflakes decorated her back she looked ever so slightly like her Mother, but she was glad she didn't really. Mother had many enemies, so she had told, and anything that could link them together would mean they'd be her enemies too.

She halted when she noticed someone on the border who didn't seem to notice her in return. Hey, hello! She called, smiling now that she wasn't alone. Could I ask you for some directions? I think I've gotten myself lost. She asked, trotting over to the other wolf so they wouldn't be shouting at each other from a distance. It was only when she got a little closer that she saw the other's eyes were closed and scarred, making her question rather stupid. Despite this, she awaited the answer just as excitedly as she had done just moments ago.

Lumiya had never met anyone blind or deaf. She could barely imagine how it must be to walk around and not seeing anything or hearing others talk around you. She didn't want to pity the woman, but it was hard not to think about all the complications and new limitations. She would like the assume the woman was just fine, but she couldn't fathom how anyone could be happy about going blind, only accept it as the new truth.

At least the woman seemed to joke about it, and Lumiya giggled along. Meeting a friendly face might just be better than knowing the way home, anyway. The spirit responded, halting once she was around speaking distance. But I'm trying to find Blackfeather Woods.

Though she hadn't been born there, the dark woods of which her parents spoke like something she'd want to behold for a while. The gem of a place they described seemed nearly magical, for them at least. Lumiya wasn't a fan of darkness and creepy things - especially not blood and remains, but she desperately wanted to find more Meloniis. If they'd be anywhere, it would be in those dark woods. Maybe even Venamis had found his way over there.

A very pretty one. She complimented with a soft chuckle.

I'm Lumiya - you can call me Lumi, nice to meet you. She didn't know if she should share her last name. It was probably safe, seeing as she didn't know where the dark woods were, but she kept it a secret nonetheless. Bonny place y'all got here, despite the season. She fell in line with the other's pace, scrunching the snow as she kept her distance from the border.

She was glad she had flattered the nice lady. Blondine might've not been able to see the beauty of the world or her own face, but Lumi hoped she could see the beauty in her heart. Any other pack wolf would've shouted "geet the HELL off mahh properTY!". Sure, she'd be just as lost as she was now, but at least now she knew one other wolf in the Teekon and a pack to flee to if it ever came to that. A landmark of sorts.

Her ears moved down in embarrassment. Huh, she guessed talking about the weather wasn't exactly the way to go with someone who could only hear and feel it. Should she apologize? But quite a couple of seconds had passed already, shit, that would make the whole thing awkward. Lumiya really didn't want to hurt the other's feelings.

Well... She started. My mum and dad were born there. I wanna see where they came from, if wolves still hang about the place and such. She explained. Now that she said it out loud, it really wasn't the grand mission she was dreaming of. She wanted to be a great leader like her parents but knew the role wouldn't fit her, so she wanted to be someone important. In her mind, the only way to do this was to revisit her parents' legacy. You got any family here, too?

I can't because... She paused, swallowing. She dearly hoped their family's name wasn't as infamous as she believed, that a Melonii hadn't stolen Blondine's sight or hurt her or her family in any way. I'm a Melonii. Family is more like a religion to me - to them - than it is actually supporting each other. She informed. Blondine didn't have to look at her to hear that she was somber about it.

She took her seat next to the border, her ears perking up at what the woman said next. She shook her head, but realized just in time that that was about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. I can't - the only way to get rid of your last name is... marriage. That's what Mother always said. And Mother was never wrong, even when she really was wrong. As much as I appreciate the offer, I-I can't. She didn't sound confused or guilty, but more like she was telling her own truth. She really believed what her parents had told her about the world, about life. She'd only just escaped their grasp, she had so much to learn. The offer was a good one, but it was too early in her emotional development to accept such a gift.

She felt a lump in her throat, but she was quieted by Blondine's approach. She sobbed a single sob in her embrace, but knew not to get too comfortable. Chances were they were never going to see each other - that she would regret not staying with the blind guiding spirit, but she tried not to think about it. She cleared her throat with a soft sound, trying to get the sadness out of her voice.

I should go, if I ever want to find those woods. she said, taking a few steps in the direction she'd come from. May luck find you. She wished for the other, then turned to make her leave. As soon as the place was out of sight, she started running.