MAYBE WE’LL BE FINE THIS TIME | open, wp + birthday ​

[align=center][div style="max-width: 600px; text-align: justify; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10pt;"]If anyone knows what it's like to lose family, it's Melantha. She did not have a tragic childhood. No traumatic deaths, no abuse at the paws of someone who is supposed to love her. In fact, her childhood was a completely normal one, as far as normal childhoods go. And unless something has changed in the six months since she last saw the Faber clan, they are all alive and well. The only tragedy is the moment the river ripped her away, spiriting her away to distant, unknown lands. She thinks about them most days. Stella's incessant chatter. A myriad of critters tormenting Corbett every day, from which it was Melantha's job to save him. Arguing with Alison. Competing with Dearlea for Father's attention. Learning how to read in Father's study. Arguing with Alison and Mother.

It's the little things which she misses the most.

The young snowseeker happens to be nearby when Pierce makes his announcement about the cookies. She does not know the guy very well, but she is a curious creature. There is no resisting the urge to investigate. Now, Melantha possesses no interest in the cookies. Well, not interested in eating the cookies. She is curious as to why the serval baked the goods. "What's the occasion?" queries the girl as she approaches on quiet paws. To her knowledge, Pierce has not done something like this. He seems nice, but not so outgoing to the point that he bakes cookies for everyone. So there must be an occasion, right?