Phoenix Maplewood spirits in the wind

@Lennon @Korei Julia @Lanawyn @Xahi @Lainie @Lily
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Alarian had taken up the lead now, mostly by virtue of his sense of direction. He didn't know where they were headed, but he knew which ways not to go-- which was fairly important.
The boy was walking almost side by side with Lennon, brushing against him gently and leaning over to nuzzle him or lick his ear every so often. He was happy now that the group was on the road, looking for a place to call their own. Though they didn't know where it would be or what they would call themselves, or even what their rules would be yet-- the group had each other. Thus far it seemed everyone was getting along fine, becoming friends even, which pleased Ali greatly. With luck, they would be able to welcome more newcomers so seamlessly once settled in their new home, and their little group could become a big pack.
Admittedly that very idea had terrified Alarian at first; things were different now, though. He was seeing the strength and protection in numbers, and it seemed only fair to offer that to others as well. The boy glanced over the group with a slight smile on his face. Life was getting better.

Lennon had noticed Alarian’s merriment, only multiplying his own. To have a happy companion was greater than his own elation, especially if he contributed to it. He glanced behind to see the ocean of girls trotting along the wintry ground, gaze falling onto Korei. Just the sight of the girl flooded him with warmth, before shifting to Xahi. Captivated only a moment in her gleaming gems, before returning to the task at hand. He held much hope for this group, all so friendly and uncomplicated. It reminded him of the hippie group he traveled with only months ago, except less raunchy and drugged out of their minds.

Korei skipped along in the group, still quite happy as they moved along. Prancing along, she moved up through the group. Although, all seemed quite quiet...Then an idea struck her. "Lennon, Lennon!" She pranced along to get up beside him. "Lennon, sing a song. It's so quiet!"

She was getting a little tired, though the group wasn't moving at an incredibly fast pace. Lily herself had meandered west at her own speed, stopping and resting often, and a journey so soon after that one was beginning to take its toll on her.

Well, at least physically. Mentally, she was as happy-go-lucky as ever.

Her face broke out into a grin as Korei threw herself at Lennon, asking for a song. She canted her head toward Xahi, who was closest to her, giving the girl an amused look before opening her own mouth to speak.

"A song, a song," Lily chorused, echoing Korei's sentiments. "And teach us so we can sing along." She giggled at her own on-the-spot rhyme, and hummed a small tune to herself for a moment, taken by inspiration.

[font=palatino linotype]Xahi, though she was a tad bit weary from her travels, had high spirits. She continued to trudge on through the snow, her usually-graceful step becoming a bit less majestic than usual...That was fine, she guessed. It was only her stance, the way she carried herself, it would come back. However, it did leave the girl with slight fear. She hoped she could keep up with this pace...hoped. Despite the little pricks of doubt that marked her, the girl found any worries she had previously harbored melting away the moment Lennon's eyes locked with hers. It would be okay. As long as she had Lennon, it would be okay. 
     As lively banter began to spark, Xahi joined in. "Oh, Lennon, you have to sing for us, let us join you." She gave a bright smile, nodding in approval to Korei and Lily.

---

once again, she was the only one that went without notice.  perhaps it was because she wasn't inserting herself into the group, but she didn't have the same self-assuredness that everyone else carried.

honestly, she was boring.  it wasn't anyone else's fault that she couldn't like, strike up a conversation or fake a smile.  but her feet hurt.  and it was cold.  and they were always moving around.  and everyone was so caught up in each other that she kind of felt forgotten.

she snaps out of her thoughts at korei's wheedling voice (she liked the girl, she did, but it seemed like everything was putting her on edge) before she glazes back over once she realizes that it does not pertain to her.

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