After her pleasant time spent among the Empire wolves, and the lovely Reiko, Lumi decided to continue her small trip further inland to see what else was out there. She knew a few more days away from home wouldn't be a problem in the long-run. She trusted the wolves she was with, and she'd told that she'd be gone to the land of their Empress friend before she left. They'd probably think she was just having a good time there, if they'd notice she was gone at all.

She'd just gone by the dark woods her parents had been born in, and was about to turn 'round and make an end to her trip when she heard a young voice yelling. She couldn't make out what he was screaming about, but the voice was muffled and echo-y — like he was trapped somewhere where it could bounce around the walls. Silently, she motioned for Loinnir to get off her back. If I don't return before sundown, fly to the Empire. Reiko will know what to do. She whispered, not planning on not returning but she couldn't be more careful.

She crept 'round, waiting to hear something again, before finding an opening in the side of the mountain that looked unsafe to climb. Hello? Anyone stuck in here? I couldn't help but hear yelling. She called bravely, on edge. She was but a tiny creature, not fit to fight, but she would help where she could without question.

Someone came to greet her - a woman, older than she was but not much bigger, dressed in white with a gaze of icy blue. She looked like Reiko, with none of her kindness. Even the smile she offered the petite queen felt off, it was the same one her mother had offered her so many moons ago. No emotion, no fondness - the silent want for her to begone.

She didn't trust the situation, even before the child came running, pleading for her help. Her brows raised, then her gaze turned to the woman in suspicion. Hurt him? But who would do that? Was the boy exaggerating... but he seemed so distressed. This was no game for him, and he had been the one she'd heard yelling, she was pretty sure.

She lowered her muzzle to address him, her features soft and kind. Shh - it's okay. I'm here to help — Is she your family, or do you know where they are? She asked quickly, but if she was making enough haste for the situation could be left up for debate. She knew children lied, but seeing as she had not felt completely comfortable with the woman either, she was bound to believe something bad was going on here.

Perhaps, if Lumi had not been raised by liars and manipulators and gotten herself out of that situation, she would not have suspected much. However, the woman claiming to be one of the young boy's packmates reminded her too much of her mother, and there were many holes in her story. The boy smelled nothing like the scent of a group that clung to the woman's coat, so either the boy had been gone for so long that he should be dead right about now, or something fishy was going on.

It made her even more uncomfortable, how the woman swooped in and obscured her view of the boy - only the guilty would try and hide their wrongdoings, only the manipulative appeared sweet like this without any of the heart behind it. I'm not leaving before I've assured this child's safety. She said to the woman, making it clear she would not be able to get rid of the fae that easily. So please, do tell me where the young boy's family's home is located. I'd like to make sure you two make it there without problems.

But her attempt to get both the boy and herself out of this situation without a squabble was squished when the boy decided to bite his captor, and she was ready to chase him should he run. She'd take him to the home of the faeries if he wanted, get him safe and comfortable before attempting to find where he might've come from. His real family must miss him dearly.

The fae was no battle expert - did not know tactics and lacked the strength her bloodline was known for. The whole ordeal happened so quickly, and she watched in horror as the tensions that had risen in their conversation accumulated in the worst way possible. The woman, of whom Lumiya now knew for sure was not dear to the child, had flung herself upon the boy. The little queen could only stare for a moment, seeing but twisted body parts, moving and stretching and hearing the boy gasp for air.

It was then that fate took over - the adrenaline in her body sent her into fight mode. If she did not try and safe the life of this boy, even if it put her own one in danger, she could not call herself a faerie of justice. With all her might, the fae sent her body flying, hoping to crash into the woman's in an attempt to get her off the captive. Her maw had opened, but her eyes were closed - she'd clamp down on whatever part of the woman she could get a hold of, but there was no aim in sight.

She was successful, somehow, in breaking up the one-sided fight. In return however, the woman snapped at her muzzle and created a small but bleeding scratch next to the fae's nose. It would heal in time with the proper care of Deidra, but it stung in the moment and seeing a small droplet of blood fall to the ground nearly made her faint. With wide eyes she looked at the white woman, taking a protective stance over the pup should she retaliate. This wasn't the case, and the woman gave up her little pound of flesh and her revenge on Lumi to save her own skin. Perhaps Lumi had looked somewhat competent in this fight, and the other was scared there was more to Lumi then she let on. This was untrue, her victory - if you could call it that - probably nothing more than dumb luck.

When the other was gone, she turned to the boy, sniffing him over gently. He seemed fine, thank goodness. You okay, little pixie? My name's Lumiya, what's yours?

The boy shook his head, instead repeating her name in a butcher-like fashion. Who knew how long the boy had been out here with that vile woman... Perhaps all memories had been whipped out of him, the poor thing. Just 'Lumi' is fine too. She assured - it was what many called her anyway. Deidra even took it as far as to call her 'Lulu'. She didn't mind.

I do - a beautiful willow forest. All my friends and family are there. She answered, wonder in her voice as she recalled the spot she'd found. Why, you don't? She asked then, brows knitting together in a worried frown. If not, she could take him to the court no problem - all the faeries loved pixies.

She really would never understand others; a child on their own, and no responsible adult to take care of him. She almost wanted to scoop him up and immediately rush him to the court, but she'd understand if the boy would rather go elsewhere... then again, where would he go if not with her? She'd not have to wait for an answer as he asked her if he could join her, and her face lit up. Of course. She responded sweetly, getting up and making her way out of the cave. It's a ways over the mountains, but we'll take it slow, okay? He wasn't gonna get hurt on her watch, she'd make sure of that.

The faeries were known for taking unwanted or lost children and raising them as their own. Children were a life-force, innately good-willed and innocent. They were the perfect fit for a faerie court, there was no doubt about it - and the boy seemed especially promising. He carried the same eyes she did - owed her his life, though she'd never use it against him. Even if the boy wanted to return to wherever he had come from, Lumi would've tried to convince him to come with her because they were good and just, and the girl was awfully charismatic.

She smiled at his comment. I'm sure you will. She responded, no trace of mockery or sarcasm in her voice. Confidence should be encouraged - she wouldn't want him to turn out like her. She the began padding, making sure the boy was at her side - They ran into Loinnir not long after. The bird had waited patiently, but was eager to get going again. He eyed the boy for a moment, but Loinnir had a soft spot for children.