I was glad now that I'd asked Roslyn and not Lamp to watch over Mistle.

Not because I felt Lamp wasn't good enough or anything like that, but instead for a more… motherly reason.

Lamp just had a child. And right now she and her husband, Mark, were going through a rough patch in their relationship. Though I personally felt it wasn't that big a deal, and that Lamp was being kind of… odd about it, there was no denying that Lamp was upset with him. She was still fuming over the fact that he was still sad and depressed over the loss of his parents. And her frustration had blossomed into almost unjust rage over it, at least in my opinion. She had threatened him over it, basically he was either going to have to put aside his sorrows or leave their home.

Basically Lamp's household was in slight disarray. Not enough to really justify not asking her to help watch over Mistle, but enough to pick Roslyn instead. Roslyn was a busy woman, but her biggest drama in her life was her people were growing fat and lazy. And her own child Rosie was very close to Mistle's age, which was one of the main reasons that decided it for me.

It also helped that Roslyn lived outside the Society proper. It was a tad concerning on my end, that they did, but it seemed many of the members in Lumen were growing concerned over the number of human members here… so this was my way of trying to keep the peace as well as help Mistle the best way we could.

Vim had seemed happy with my decision, though I couldn't tell if that was simply because the task of handling Mistle had been handled properly or instead because it was over and done with…

No matter. I also planned to ask Merit to keep an eye on her, if she would, before I left. Between all of them watching over her I'm sure she'd be fine… Lumen was actually a relatively safe place, all things considered. As long as you weren't homeless, at least.

"Homeless…" I whispered the word as I slowed as I neared the Society Housing metal door inside the Animalia Guild building.

Wasn't I technically homeless myself…? That was why not just I, but even Vim, have been wanting to make a place for us… right? I mean sure, in reality I could claim any location in the Society was my home, and as such not actually homeless, but…

Granted most of my life I'd been homeless. So it really wasn't something new to me. Even when I had lived in actual buildings, such as with the kids or Nory, I honestly never really considered them a home. Though maybe I had, at the time, and I simply didn't now because of the implications.

Back then they had been homes. And not just because I had lived in them. Today though…? Today I saw them as momentary stops. Kind of like how Vim and I stopped at a Society location for a few weeks or months, and then moved on.

But did I think that way because those homes had been in the past…? Or because I had lost them? The home I'd built for the kids, with the kids, had been something I had only lived in a handful of years after all. It was Ginny and Lujic's home, not mine, at least that was how I saw it.

What about the small cottage Nory and I had built though…? Shouldn't I see that as a home…? A real one? It genuinely felt like I should.

Yet I didn't. Did I?

No. I didn't. Not anymore.

I wonder why?

"Renn?"

I blinked and looked up, and found Vim. He was standing a little close to me, and I realized I'd stopped right in front of the metal door that led to the housing area. I hadn't even opened it. Vim had, though.

"Sorry. I kind of got lost in my thoughts," I said as I stepped forward. Vim turned as to let me into the housing area, and then he went and shut the door behind me.

"I can see that. What's wrong? Mistle is fine, isn't she?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yes. Roslyn was actually really excited over seeing her. Even Rosie was, though I think that was more thanks to Beetles than Mistle," I said as I smiled while remembering their meeting. Vim had gone with me to drop Mistle off at Roslyn's home, but had not lingered long. He had wanted to check on the ports, since his pirate friend was back. So he had gone to see Ronalldo while I had spent time with Mistle and helped her settle into her new home amongst former pirates.

I'd enjoyed watching that awkward, but happy and warm, moment between them all. It was the reason I had gotten lost in my own thoughts, too.

Glancing at Vim as we headed deeper into the housing area, I wondered what he'd say if I told him about what I'd just been thinking about. Would he understand? I knew he probably would, he always seemed to understand, but…

It was weird. And a little embarrassing. To claim I have been homeless all this time. When the reality was far from it.

The truth was, for as long as I walked beside Vim… I was home.

"Well, I'm glad she'll be fine. I'll make sure to ask Brandy to keep an eye on the girl too, just in case. Ah," Vim seemed to remember something as he paused and turned to face me. "We can't leave as soon as I'd like. Ronalldo brought back a letter, from the Summit. I need to handle something before we leave," he said.

"You're leaving again?" I asked, a little disheartened to hear so. He was my home. Whenever he left, I felt lost. Homeless.

Vim softly smiled at me and shook his head. "No, I just need to handle a few things. Here in town. I…" He went quiet as he glanced around, and I knew why.

"Want me to go?" I asked. I knew he was speaking of Lilly. We had told her upon entering Lumen that we'd only be the night, so she had chosen to camp outside. Now though that was going to be an issue, again.

He shook his head. "I'll handle it. I think I'll send her to the Smithy," he said gently.

Ah… I nodded at that. "Yes," I agreed. I too had been worried we'd been keeping Lilly away from her family for longer than need be. I was glad that Vim was willing to let her go finally. I could just imagine how sad Root was right now, what with her mother being gone so long.

I couldn't imagine leaving my newborn child for so long. I knew Lilly didn't really see such things as I did, and also it made a difference for her because of how many children she's had, but… still…!

Vim nodded. "Knowing her she'll still wait for us all the same. But I'd like to give her the option anyway. I think I'll go do that now, in fact."

"Okay. Have you seen Merit? Or Liina?" I asked. I wanted to check on Liina, since when we left she had still been bedridden.

"I saw Merit earlier, from a distance. She scowled at me. I've not seen Liina, but I've also not been told of any bad news, so I'm sure she's fine," he said.

I wanted to huff at that. "Sometimes such news lingers. I'll go find out myself," I said as I stepped forward and around him.

He chuckled at me and patted me on the shoulder as I walked past. I glanced at him as he did, and then he simply turned away and headed for the door I'd just entered from.

Watching him leave, I glared at his back for a moment before looking away.

Again he leaves without even a goodbye! I know it was just for a moment, since he'd come right back after talking to Lilly, but still…!

Sometimes Vim seemed so… indifferent. I knew it was just his nature, and his old age, but it still sometimes made me very self-conscious when he acted so passively. Especially when it concerned me.

I nearly panicked each time he left. My jaw clenched. My tail squirmed, and ears twitched. My pulse quickened, and I grew ever more tense as time went by.

Yet Vim never seemed too bothered, no matter how long we were apart. Even when months went by while we were separated he always returned to me with the same stupid grin on his face…

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"What's nipping at your tail, Renn?" I blinked and looked to my right, and found Jasna. The tall, pretty, woman gave me a smirk that told me she had enjoyed teasing me as I smiled and approached her.

"Vim just annoyed me. How's Liina?" I asked.

"A lot better. She plans to return to work in a few days. Honestly she's likely already able to do so, we're just being safe about it," Jasna said.

I relaxed a little, nodding gratefully. "That's good to hear."

"Aye. Make sure you see her before you run off with Vim again. She's sleeping right now though," Jasna said as she happily patted me on the shoulder and walked past.

I nodded in farewell as she left, and wondered why her patting my shoulder had felt so different than Vim's. They were almost the same height, and had touched me in nearly the same spot… was it the forcefulness of it, maybe? Although Vim's hand was bigger, he had been gentler with his patting. Jasna had almost felt as if she had gripped me a little as she patted me, as if to squeeze me as she did.

Ever since I'd lost my scent, a lot of people have been treating me differently. Jasna was definitely one of those people. She was a lot more… touchy-feely as Vim would say.

Not that I minded. I was actually very glad that so many people were friendly with me. Though it worried me and bothered me that some of them were acting so for… less than honorable reasons. Like Brandy.

Though if I dubbed Brandy's friendliness in such a way, I likely needed to do the same for Light's… and who knows who else's…

"Ah!"

I turned forward, and was a little surprised to find a wolf here in the Animalia Guild.

"Hello Tundra," I greeted the wolf as she hurriedly rushed up to me. Unlike the other times where she'd nearly outright tackle me, she instead just reached out and grabbed me by my forearms. She brought my arms up, almost forcing me into a wild handshake as she greeted me back.

"Renn! Where've you been!?" she asked excitedly.

I smiled at the girl's obvious joy. It was so simple and pure it made me feel as if I should replicate the same emotions alongside her. "Vim and I had to do a few small things outside of Lumen. How've you been?" I asked. I didn't want to outright say what we'd been doing, since I knew Tundra wasn't a big fan of humans. She was what Lilly called a primitive predator. Someone who believed they were more important than most others, especially humans, thanks to their bloodline and strength. Lilly hasn't met Tundra yet, but had a rather firm opinion on her just based off my and Merit's description of her.

Lilly had spoken of Tundra as if she was a lost cause. Not worth my time.

Which was funny, in a way, since Lilly wasn't too dissimilar. It'd not surprise me at all if I learned that Lilly had acted just like Tundra did now, back when she was young. And that was the reason I was not willing to so easily write the girl off, as so many others had.

"I've been great! Everyone at the church have been annoying me, asking me to help all day long, but it's fine! They're all so weak, so it's only right I help them!" Tundra said happily.

I read between the lines, and wasn't sure if I should be glad or sad. She was happy, deep down, that people were asking her for help. Likely with building the new cathedral here, but… was that a good reason for being so? She was only happy because she got to further prove, in her own opinion, that she was stronger than everyone else. Thus more important.

"Did you get permission to move here?" I asked, hoping to change topics a little.

Tundra's happy smile dimmed. "Ah… no. I was visiting. I brought stuff with Less, since Saint Light is supposed to be returning soon," Tundra said as she turned, releasing one of my hands so she could point down the hallway. It was indeed in the direction where Light's room was located… I wonder if that meant Less was down the hallway?

I see. Judging by the way she had answered, and that tiny twitch of her smile, it was likely that the residents here had voted against allowing Tundra to live amongst them. Not an outright banishment, but more like the one I had originally gotten.

Such a thing probably hurt her, even if her pride would never let her admit it.

"What about you, Renn!? Are you back for good? Or are you going to go off on an adventure again?" Tundra then asked, her smile returning to its full glory.

"Ah… We had planned to leave again, yes. But Vim got a request, I guess, so we'll be here a short bit longer," I said.

Tundra's headdress made some noise, and I knew it was because like me her ears were moving wildly. "Right! Vim! I have another request for him!" Tundra then said, as if just remembering.

"A request…?" I asked. I'd known about him taking her to Lawrence, since had once lived with those like her. Fellow wolves, but I hadn't realized it had been a genuine request. I had thought Vim had said he had told her about them on his own, without being asked.

Tundra nodded excitedly. "Yeah!"

I waited a moment, to hear what it was, but it seemed she wasn't going to say it. I spent a tiny moment to consider asking her about it, thinking maybe she just… didn't realize I had been asking what the request was, but I decided against doing so. A few people have kept their request to Vim secret, finding them personal and private. Although Tundra didn't outright strike me as someone who would do such a thing, I didn't want to risk it and offend her by prying.

"Well, he should be back later tonight. I'll make sure to let him know to talk to you, before we leave," I said. I wasn't going to ask if she'd be here when he got back or not. I knew she'd likely leave soon, likely with Less. Likely long before Vim got back.

"Thanks! I gotta go tell Less! Maybe she'll let me stay the night with you!" Tundra then said, and then turned around and ran off before I could say or do anything.

Watching her run off, I groaned as I realized I was likely going to be the cause of discord. Less might just give her permission, expecting me to take responsibility for it… and honestly, I didn't want to. I wouldn't mind spending the night with the girl, at all, but I didn't want to do it if it'd just cause issues amongst those here…

"What do you expect, Renn? Predators don't think beyond their own desires. They can't put themselves in other's shoes."

I turned, and smiled warmly down to my friend. "Surely she's not that bad, Merit. I think she's just… exciteful and young," I reasoned.

"Keep telling yourself that. I'm honestly surprised you're so hopeful about her, and those like her. What with being one yourself, and having had the siblings you did," Merit said simply.

I flinched at that, since it was the truth.

Yes. I did see the resemblance. There was no denying that Tundra had that same… forcefulness, that my siblings had possessed.

They expected the world, and all it held, to bend to their whims. To do what they wanted.

The difference though seemed to be that Tundra actually tried to correct herself when the world pointed out her flaws. She had fasted for several days back when we'd first met, as her way of penance for making a mistake. I wasn't sure who had installed such a personality trait into her, but I figured it had been done on purpose.

It made me wonder if I'd need to do the same for my own children…

"Renn…?"

I blinked, and sighed. My mind was wandering. Because Vim wasn't here. My home was gone. "Will my children be like her, you think?" I asked my little friend.

Merit tilted her head up at me. "I… don't know, Renn. If it was just you and Vim being taken into account, then I'd wager that they'll be fine. Probably annoyingly fine. But…"

"But my family proves otherwise," I said, nodding in agreement with her assessment.

"Mhm. And we don't know Vim's circumstances. At least, I don't. Honestly he might be something we shouldn't really consider anyway. For all we know he won't have any input into their personalities."

"I was kind of hoping he would…" I grumbled. I actually found Vim to be not just attractive, but his personality to be lovely. Even if so many believed the opposite.

"Well, at least they might inherit his strength? Good luck carrying the baby around though if it can get all heavy like he does," she said with a small laugh.

I grinned at that. "I've thought of that too! I plan to tease Vim about it when I can," I said happily, glad she had thought the same thing I had.

She smirked and nodded… and then glanced around. "Where is he anyway? Figured he'd be all over you, since he had been so worried over if you'd adopt that human girl or not. Bittles or whatever."

"Beetles was the cat's name. Mistle is fine. No, I'll not adopt her. Our life is far too busy and hectic for such a thing, it'd not be fair to her," I said defensively. Plus, to add to that, I was hoping soon I'd have my own children to worry about…

Merit nodded, glad to hear it. "So?"

"We had planned to leave tomorrow. But now he has to stay for a bit, since he's gotten a request," I said. Multiple requests now, what with Tundra's. "So he went to let you know who know," I said.

Merit slowly nodded. "Good thing we kept that house then. I'll give you the key in a bit," she said.

My shoulders slumped a little, as I was once again shown just how big Merit's heart was.

So she hadn't handed it off to Brandy yet! She had planned to. And Merit was not one to procrastinate. That meant she had waited… just in case… for Lilly, her friend.

Reaching down, I ignored Merit's small yelp of annoyance as I went to wrap her in a big hug.

"I love you Merit," I said happily as I gave her a tiny squeeze.

She took in a deep breath, and sighed it out after a moment of holding it in. "Yeah, yeah…"

"Ah! Me too! Me too!" Tundra's voice filled the hallway as she returned, running at us.

Merit let out another yelp as the wolf wrapped us both in a hug, which it seemed Merit allowed... and although I knew it was only because I too was holding her, it still made me squeeze her even more.

She was one of the smallest people I knew, but had one of the biggest hearts. Even if she tried her best to not let anyone else know about it.

As we all hugged each other, while Merit pretended to groan and wiggle free, I wondered if it'd cause problems if I asked Merit to come with us. Up north.

I wished she would. But I feared voicing such a desire. Since I knew I wasn't supposed to do such a thing.

At least... That was what Vim would say.

But I wasn't Vim, was I?

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