Witch's Marsh roll away your stone

Maia wasn't sure why she felt so down about things lately, but she did.  The conversation with Nellie had been in hopes of gaining a friend, but instead it was another reminder that Wraen was really her only tie to this pack.  Towhee and Phox were similar in age to her, but seemed closer to Finley and Elwood.  They had kids, family, and responsibilities that Maia neither wanted nor needed.  One would think maybe she'd get along better with the younger element, but she felt out of place there too... like they didn't want to be bothered by her.  It wasn't even that anyone had done anything to make her feel that way... it was sorta how her brain was set to be.

So as she usually did when she felt bad, Maia took to wandering a little.  She didn't go far, but it was good to be out and away and in the presence of strangers.  It let her think about things and worry less about what everyone thought of her.  With strangers, you were on equal footing.

The snow did make travel a little harder, and Maia was just thinking of turning back when she hit the edge of the Marsh.  She squinted as the sun glanced off the bright white and flashed across her eyes... blinding her for a second.  She turned to clear her vision, and in a moment would be looking right in the direction of Ibis.... as soon as she stopped seeing spots.