She'd been trailing the borders since she'd returned from her trip, Loinnir loyally at her side (figuratively, literally he was on her back) oblivious to most of the drama that had been stirring for quite some time now. Now that she no longer was a queen, she felt it less her job to stay on top of news. Even marking the borders the way she did now seemed somehow... out of place. Though she desperately wanted to provide for the generous wolves that had taken in not just her, but her husband as well, she was unsure of how to show her devotion and thankfulness without outright stating it. She was no fighter - she could barely be called a scholar, and the knowledge she had of the Teekon was most likely already known. There was one thing she'd shown to be skilled at, something that provided sustenance, a purpose.

She was just about to set out on the same mission as the Constable, but she spotted his familiar coat in the distance. She wagged his tail upon seeing him - he was perhaps the only wolf she knew somewhat well, if one didn't count her own husband or the former fae who'd forgotten all about her. She'd yet to discover Riley among their ranks - nobody had spoken of him, and she did not know his scent. It was probably for the better, at least for the moment.

She trotted towards Hieronymous, dipping her head in greeting. Good afternoon, Constable Hieronymous. She said as Loinnir shook his feathers and gave an awkward bow. At least he'd learned some manners now that his caretaker was no longer a queen. We were just about to head out - to hunt. I think, however, that we are capable of bringing in more than a hare if you cared to join us. She proposed with an excited rise of her shoulders and a slight shake of her head.

There weren't many that matched her in grace and politeness, but the Constable was very much a kindred soul it seemed. It calmed her to know a man much to her tastes was in charge - or at least in a position of power - in the place she now called home indefinitely. It has been a challenge, but ne'er one I couldn't handle. Dante and I are forever gra...- It was then Loinnir pecked her in her neck and she shot him a frown. She knew what he was trying to say. Excuse me - Dante, Loinnir and I are forever grateful for the chance to stay here in your beautiful home. The bird nodded proudly, pleased with himself being added. He wanted to make a good impression after all - it seemed it wasn't just Lumiya he was trying to suck up to anymore.

Loinnir, upon being greeted, puffed up in pride. Luckily for the fae, the screech was a mute companion. He seemed to understand English perfectly well, but either he refused to speak or was unable to. He was much more bearable this way. Oh - such coincidence! She laughed, knowing better. She joined him in his dance for a moment, out of instinct more than anything, and nodded happily at his statement.

Then, whatever are we waiting for?! She asked, pumped up by the positivity surrounding her. Perhaps staying here, despite the circumstances, wasn't such a bad thing after all. Perhaps it'd been the plan all along. Fated to fail, now that was the story of her life.

Issues... Did the mess between Orlaith and her count as an issue? No, she didn't think so. They were both adults, even if one didn't act like one, and could handle their conflict perfectly well on their own. Of course, she wasn't going to mention frequent nightmares, the lack of sleep, her inferiority complex - those were issues for herself to deal with. Still, she added with a little blush and a lowering of her ears; I do - with you then, that is.

The two picked up the pace as Loinnir took off, harshly digging his claws in her back as he prepared to ascend to the skies. Though it'd been painful at first, the fae had gotten quite used to being punctured here and there. Loinnir rarely drew blood, and she knew he could do little to help it. Her fur was thick enough to hide it, but her back was full of scars and scratches that were healing. She didn't even know herself.

It was then she noticed something. He had mentioned her nose and Loinnir's eyes, almost as if he lacked such things himself... And now he spoke of her picking up a trail, instead of them together. Lumi was quite the curious little thing, observant and scarily good at riddles. Can't we do it together? She asked with a tilt of her head.

She nodded solemnly in response, leaving it at that. If she wanted to talk, there was always Dante as well. Even Donovan offered a listening ear every now and again, even though it felt highly inappropriate to associate with him after everything. Perhaps she should indeed lean more on Hiero and his co-workers, but it felt so weird now that she was not the one in command. She wasn't one to seek out power, nor was she dominant by definition, but she felt like just sometimes, her logic and compassion were worth something.

She trotted in silence beside him, halting when he did. She looked up at him, wildflower gaze caring and concerned. She cupped her ears forward in interest. Oh dear... - I'm sorry. She hadn't wanted to make him uncomfortable, but her curiosity could not be cured. Is it... a secret? I will keep it if it is. She added. It was what set her apart from quite the cunning villain; she sought knowledge to satisfy herself, not to use it against someone else. Still, she was glad to hear Hiero had found away around his problem - even if he didn't think much of it himself.

Well, better get to work then. She tried to change the topic, putting her nose to the ground.

Though he'd probably had kept it from her, it was good she knew now that they were hunting partners for the afternoon. She might've thought him a slacker if he'd just gone about without helping her track at all. Speaking of, the sylph put her nose to the ground and began sniffing around. She'd done it countless times before, looking for mice and rabbit alike, but today she looked for something bigger. She wanted to impress her new packmates after all, and the best way to win the love of people was through their stomachs!

She sniffled about when she found something quite interesting. A deer trail, and it was fresh too. I do believe I've found our dinner. She commented with a proud wiggle of her shoulders. There were tracks to go with what she'd scented, but she'd missed them in her excitement to have found anything at all.

She wagged her tail happily, but lowered it slightly when it seemed he'd already taken notice of some tracks and clues. She smiled regardless, closing her eyes as she said; You already noticed it, heh? She chuckled, a bit flustered. He was better at this than a wolf with a whole, working nose - there was nothing to be embarrassed about truly. Lumiya was impressed with Hieronymous more than anything.

Oh - I like this game! She said in hushed tones, putting her nose to the ground again. Cold, warm... warmer... She called softly, wildflower gaze going up to look at her hunting partner. Hot. Hot - right, right! The trail. I think we're close. She whispered, looking to Hiero for confirmation.

She supposed that was right. There was no telling how long ago a track was made, 'less the mud was still sticky and gross or if fresh snow hadn't fallen over it yet. Together they were quite the team, for sure, but she wished to someday bring home a goat or fawn all by herself. She supposed she should be paying more attention to her surroundings instead of solely relying on her sense of smell.

She cocked her head slightly at his, ehm, let's call it technique. She lowered herself somewhat gracefully... Somehow she was more aware of how stupid it felt to be crouched right now. She was lucky to be small. No matter that, it was time to focus! With a serious and determined look on her face, the woman nodded at the instructions. She stalked away, going 'round the poor, unsuspecting deer in a wide circle - perhaps wider than it needed to be. It assured that she wouldn't be caught, yes, but it also meant she took a little longer than she wanted to.

Taking a deep breath, she prepared to herd the creature. She'd positioned herself so that between Hieronymous and her was only the deer. Her trot became a run and soon enough she was steering the creature straight ahead, nipping at its heels whenever it dared to veer off the path laid out for it. Its fate was sealed!

So focused on her job was she that almost got startled by the display of fangs and power that came as soon as her partner jumped into action. Lumiya distanced herself from the deer's hind legs, avoiding a concussion for today and lunged at a shoulder to help in taking the beast down. She barely felt the the throbbing pain of a new bruise on her side where she'd slammed herself a little too hard against the creature.

The fresh taste of blood only spurred her on, tearing at whatever she could find. Short fur got stuck between her teeth as it almost looked like she was attempting to eat the deer alive. She trusted her much stronger partner would succeed in giving the final blow and that she simply had to weaken it, still its movements, but be it so that he did not; Lumiya would gladly weave her way to its throat.

The beast was keener on living than expected, but eventually everyone succumbed regardless of their want to keep on surviving. Luckily, both wolves knew not to play with their food and ended its life with as much respect as possible. Its vessel would sustain their pack, their family, thus it hadn't died in vain.

As its body fell to the floor, Lumiya let go to clean herself up a bit, wagging her tail frantically. Well, then we better not waste any time - I'm sure everyone's craving a bite. She smiled, then went to tug on the carcass. And so the two hunters brought their treasure back home to surprise their friends and families with a delicious early Christmas snack.