Lira stepped through the Grove's portal, the familiar hum of life wrapping around her like a warm blanket. Snow still lay thick over the branches and ground, sparkling in the soft light filtering through the canopy. In her arms, the tiny red-nosed reindeer stirred, its small hooves pattering softly against her chest as she carried it toward the others.
Serelyth, now in her humanoid form, greeted her with a gentle smile, while Renkai's fox tail swished behind him as he stepped closer, careful not to startle the little deer. Thalanir and the others looked on, curious and excited to see what Lira had brought back this time.
"Milk!" Lira said, setting down a small bottle she had purchased at the academy market. She poured warm milk into tiny cups and plates for the little reindeer, who drank eagerly.
