Winds of change

Things were always changing, but many things stayed the same. Around this time of year, the warm weather was gently ushered away by cool breezes. Above, Trellisa, Oborn and Yanwei began to move further away - off to discuss things in secret, perhaps, like they always did. As for the residents of Lunerest, there was joy and merriment all around. Here, a bonfire dance with family and friends. There, a scavenger search amid fellow strangers.

As for Rosalia...

If I were a dawnberry flower, where would I hide?

...They were deep in thought, as usual. Considering she'd walked all the way to who-knows-where in a state of focus, perhaps one could say that the moxyn was overthinking. To be honest, they weren’t too sure why they were here, searching for dawnberry flowers. Because the Queens had requested it? Because it was expected of everyone who had spare time on their paws? …For the reward of candy? Rosalia shook her head. That last idea was ridiculous - simply absurd. She didn’t even have anyone to share it with, so what was the point?

…And yet, the moxyn was still here. Actually, while she was at it, why not try to figure out where ‘here’ even was? She definitely began this pointless errand at Moonreach, the Queens’ residence. And far in the distance, she could see Moonphase Lake. Which meant that, the stream she now followed, led towards…

“WUFF!”

Rosalia froze. Before her, nestled in between the reeds, almost blending in with its surroundings, was a Timberwulf. “Ah,” she murmured. Did I disturb its nap? The little critter hopped up on its hind paws, stretched once, and then bounded over to Rosalia (who took a step back in an attempt to maintain her personal space).

“What do you want…?”
“Wuff!”
“You know, you interrupted me, earlier.”
The Timberwulf tilted its head. “Awoo?”

“I was thinking about something-” And then Rosalia caught herself. Talking to wildlife? What would the others think? That it was childish? That it was cute?

Rosalia huffed, and turned on her heels. Indeed, far in front of her was Moonphase Lake, meaning she had passed by Wingfell some time ago. Therefore, she was now at…

“...Pixiehome.”

Of course she would find herself here. She just… hadn’t expected to be back so soon. As expected, all around her were xyns rushing to and fro. To her one side, a pair of xyns were clearing leaves from their front door, while others places them in huge piles for their xynlets to jump into. One of these xynlets made eye contact with Rosalia, smiled brightly, and waved their wings and paws in greeting. The others shortly followed suit. Rosalia gave a curt nod and slowly hurried off, still feeling their stares.

She was used to this, she thought. But it was still tiring. Every time she was trying to be incognito, she would end up sticking out like a broken feather. Or, rather, a shimmering feather. It was always like this, no matter what. Once they’d gained enough distance between them and the other xyns, Rosalia let out a long sigh.

“Yip!”

Rosalia whirled around, glaring at the little Timberwulf from before. “...Hm. You’re still here?”

“Wuff!” it replied, as if to say, Actually, I never left!

“What’s with all the fuss? Nobody’s here to listen to you.” At that, the pup whined, before barking louder. Faced with its shiny puppy eyes (and the possibility that someone would notice the sound and come to bother her again), Rosalia quickly relented. “Alright. Fine. Do whatever you want,” she called over her shoulder. Without looking back, she could tell it was following while wagging its tail. ...After all, we’re both here on our own.

…Now, where to go? Since the little Timberwulf had been following her around anyway, it might as well help her out. It was only fair.

“...Why don’t you you lead the way?”

“Yip, yip!” The Timberwulf ran a circle around Rosalia (who half-heartedly frowned and shook their head), before bolting off into the distance. The moxyn stared in confusion. “...Hey! Wait up!” How was such a small creature so quick?!

The Timberwulf bounded and raced through the forest, leaping over roots and winding between low-lying branches. Not to be outdone, but not wanting to make a fool of herself, Rosalia followed closely behind, taking a more careful route. On and on the two ran, before the stream rushed up to meet them. Rosalia skidded to a halt, and shot a glare at her travelling companion. “What was the point of all that?” But the Timberwulf simply flopped onto its haunches and looked skyward with a carefree smile.

Rosalia looked up. There she saw it - a shimmering gold, red, navy and purple - A dawnberry flower! At the rate it was drifting through the air, it would surely land in the stream… Summoning her halo, Rosalia willed her astral magic to cut off the wind in the immediate area. With nothing carrying it through the air, the flower halted, and began falling - fast. They flapped their wings once, to slow its descent, and then held their wingtips up. Right on cue, the dawnberry flower drifted down, and landed right in their grasp.

“Wuww!” the Timberwulf barked, sounding almost like a victory cry.

Rosalia felt a laugh bubbling up in their chest, but suppressed it just in time. “...‘Wuww’, indeed.”

It was only one dawnberry flower, but it felt like Rosalia had won the entire day. It was… strange. Comforting? Even though they’d come back home… they felt different. Better than they had been a few minutes ago, even. So they might as well act the part, right? With that in mind...

Rosalia looked back in the direction of the xyns they’d avoided earlier. Now that their objective was complete, the thought of heading back to the others seemed… Interesting? Not at all pointless? Maybe even… fun? Whatever this new feeling was, the Moxyn decided… They didn't mind it at all. Maybe later, they’d stop by.

Yes, that sounded nice.