Daylight hours were fleeting in the far north, especially during winter. Dominus didn't really mean to be out this late, but it's hard when there's so little time to get stuff done. Stuff? What kind of stuff? Exploring stuff, mostly. Mom's akita had come along to keep an eye on things, likely under the impression they wouldn't be gone that long. Oops. Though Tanuki looked at least a little annoyed with the whole predicament, he didn't complain. Dominus won't whine about the rules, especially when he's in the act of bending them somewhat. Crossing over into the Steppe probably won't be too much of a problem... he hoped. Really, he'd been hoping to see her out, but just sorta staging running into the girl wasn't in the cards today. Nose low to the ground, Dominus tracks closer and closer to the Steppe until... ehhh property lines be damned. He can smell her, or someone who smells like her (shoot, was he wrong?) as he nears the border. A toe over the line, and then another couple steps. Tanuki had something to say about it, but Dom assured the dog they'd be okay. There's privilege in being a young boy out after dark, he could always pretend he didn't know better, right? Then again, he doesn't want better. He wants to check on Lumi. Sun sinking below the horizon at his back, the last dregs of red sunlight dripping away from the sky. His shadow was long, gaze careful as he peers out over the step. The only thing on his mind at this point is finding her, checking on her, making sure she's okay. His friend was sad, and Dominus was taking it upon himself to do something about it. That had to be a good enough reason to do a little light trespassing, right? dominus mendacium

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If she’s not out wandering in other lands, she’s keeping busy within the confines of Hemlock. Typically, she prefers the maw. Its sloping sides, winding inner pathways, and various store rooms are all plenty stocked and warm for the winter season. Today seems to be different though. Something about the steppe is calling to her.

Light fades as night begins to overtake the lands. Stars twinkle above her as her reindeer keep her company. Her eyes reflect their own, changing with the seasons, providing better eyesight than most. Truthfully, Lumine thinks the area to be eerily beautiful.

Tall, crumbling stones have fallen and most are covered by recent snowfall. She has to be careful not to trip over them. Lately, she’s taken to marking certain stones to point in different directions of different lands. Standing before them now, she realizes that it won’t be helpful during the winter. As long as snow and ice covered the ruins, her directional markings would be lost.

Letting out a sigh, attention is suddenly drawn when Lady (yes, Lumine calls her reindeer Lady and Lass, how original) alerts her to something close to the border. Ears pricked, eyes bright, fur bristling slightly as she approaches slowly. Her companions snort softly, hooves stamping the ground as they hang back a bit. She’s ready to let out a warning growl when her gaze sweeps over a familiar form.

Lumine’s defensive stance disappears and instead a smile is replaced in its stead. “Dom,” she whispers, her tail wagging excitedly as she rushes to greet him. “Aren’t I the one who is supposed to be the trespasser?” Lumine teases, her muzzle quickly smushing into the side of his neck as she presses into him for a hug.

It's not too long before she arrives, accompanied by the soft sound of reindeer hooves crunching against snow. Dominus allows a grin to crack his face, a loose wag to his tail. A pointed look to his ma's dog, dismissing him to the brush and shadows. See, he's fine. He's not going to get eaten for being here, and Lumi had found him-- just as he hoped. Tail wagging, grin relaxed as he closes in to greet her. A warm hug, tight around her shoulders, as he steps into the girl. "Usually, but what kind of friend would I be, if I made you do the traveling all the time?" The words are gentle as he speaks, pressed against her cheek. Dom won't be the first one to let go of the hug-- maybe as much for him, as it is for Lumi. A wag of his tail, holding her close to his broad shoulder for a moment and letting himself relax into it. Sure, trespassing, but he's comfortable with her. "I thought we could go for a walk, maybe?" Exploring was fun, the sky was pretty, and Dominus has company he'd perhaps refer to as his favorite company. Maybe. Shhh, but he'll have to probably tell mom about her later. dominus mendacium

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