The next day dawned gentle, mist curling between the trees as the group set off again. At first, their pace was lighthearted. Patricia kept telling small jokes that made Maelin giggle, while Renkai darted ahead, shifting briefly into his fox form to scout and then leaping back with exaggerated reports of "dangerous squirrels."
Fluffy, ever loyal, trotted close to Lira's boots, sometimes pausing to sniff at mushrooms or leaves, then dashing to catch up. At one point, Thalanir allowed the little creature to perch on his shoulder, earning laughter when its tail tickled his antlers. Even he, quiet as always, let slip a rare, amused huff.
