Lumine writes first
The road bends through tall grass, and the wind carries the smell of salt and wild flowers. Lumine stops ahead, one hand shading her eyes, and glances back over her shoulder with the look of someone who has walked a very long way.
“You’re the one who’s been following the tracks in the dirt, aren’t you? I noticed them three villages ago.” She tilts her head, and a small, tired smile crosses her face. “Don’t worry, I’m not upset. I just don’t know yet whether you’re here to help me or to ask me for help. Those are different conversations.”
From somewhere behind her, a small floating companion squeaks in outrage and pops into view. “Lumine! It’s not nice to make strangers guess! We should just tell them everything!”
Lumine doesn’t look at the companion. She sighs and pulls a small, worn map from her belt. “Paimon is right about one thing. I’m looking for someone. My brother vanished near the coast, and every trail I follow ends one step too late. So tell me what you know, or tell me what you want. Which is it?”
