Deepwood Weald krymménos

Melaneus watched his paws more than his surroundings, careful of where he placed each step - so that when he looked upward he saw the man looking forward, and not behind, and a smile blossomed in the young boy’s heart. Just wait until he told his family of how well he had been a hidden one today! And yet, even still, he knew he would let the boasting wait  there was so much more yet to learn.

He found himself watching the way the older man moved, and tried to copy him, but a familiar voice interrupted his efforts.

Melaneus nearly jumped out of his skin.

Dad! He remained soundless, but fixed his eyes on the approaching shape of his father - who seemed more intent on the stranger than on him, at least, for the moment.

But was this stranger as strange as they thought? Melaneus piqued his ears when his mother’s name graced the strangers lips, and turned to watch his father, that he might see what he would do.