A renewed, adventurous spirit was all Claire needed to feel that spark again. The group spent some time at the village, saying their goodbyes and receiving well wishes from the villagers, even if they only stopped every now and then to pick up fresh food and supplies. This time, they'd need a lot more than usual, and the villagers were happy to help in any way they could.

The walk back home was fairly calm in comparison, much of it spent reminiscing on the early days of their kinship. Claire and Ollie were very happy to talk about it again, getting light-headed when remembering the first time they felt that strong, cool air flowing from the west.

Once back home, though, with the western sunlight casting an orange tint through the windows, they all started feeling a different kind of air; a slight feeling of melancholy, knowing that they'd be leaving this humble little cabin behind, shabby as it may be. That being said, it's kind of hard to feel too wistful about it when Claire has such a chipper mood again, all riled up by a wave of pure, unbridled curiosity.

Soon enough, she starts speaking her mind, pronounced with a giddy tone that's been unheard for way too long. "A new place to call home... can you imagine what that'll be like? Oh, I've been itching to go out into the wild like this! I can tell this trip is just... ah, it's gonna be good!" Her happiness is pretty compelling, to say the least.

"Hah, that's what I like to hear!" Luke says, shuffling all their supplies in bags and backpacks. "The wilderness is a great place to be in, 'specially when you've got us behind your back!"

As Umbra watches the two (but mostly Luke) bond over a deep love of nature, she notices Ollie has snuck out the door with barely a squeak. She follows him, around the cabin, and he sits in an old bench in the back.

"Something wrong?" Umbra asks, visibly worried. "I don't know how you feel about this whole deal, but--"

Ollie's quick to wave it off. "No, don't worry. I've gone out with Luke before, you know. Around this side of the forest."

She cracks a devious smile. "I'd really like to know what you two've been up to."

Ollie starts to blush just trying to word his response. "N-not much! Just, uh, we go hiking every now and then! And sometimes it gets a little cold during the night, so he kinda hugs me close so I don't get cold, 'cause his fur's really warm..."

He describes their occasional camping trips with enough detail to make Umbra blush a little, too. Soon enough, he wraps up his busy thoughts. "But, really, I hope you don't think I'm anxious about this big, sprawling journey or anything. I'd say I'm lucky to be going along with all of you. And I think, um..." He fiddles with his ears a bit as he composes himself. "This sounds real sappy, but... I think as long as Luke is by my side, I'll be able to deal with whatever happens."

At this point, Umbra can't help but admire Ollie's earnestness, a little side of him that's grown over the months they've all lived together. Even if she doesn't know him that much, due to spending most of her time alongside Claire, it's hard not to notice how he's gotten that valuable pinch of confidence. She's glad to have supported him on that aspect, given how she was the first to hear about his wish to change how he presents himself. He's been a little livelier since he started growing out his hair and expanding his choice of clothing. Maybe Umbra admires it because it's a lot like what she went through a few years ago.

"Hey, you both might wanna head inside," Luke says as he sneaks up on the two. "I moved all our junk around to sleep by the fireplace. And, uh, I got a li'l spot for ya, too, Ollie. Hint: it's right in front of me." He grins and gives him a thumbs up before hurrying back inside.

"I think I'm gonna like this sleepover," Ollie whispers, standing back up and heading into the cabin along with Umbra.

"Yup, you and me both, pal," she whispers back, ruffling his hair.

As they head back in, Claire and Luke sit by the fireplace, blankets and pillows spread across the floor, having just finished their coffee. Umbra wastes no time sitting down next to Claire, petting her hair and scratching her neck, fully aware that it makes her purr and give in, straight into her welcoming arms.

Ollie, meanwhile, sits right in front of Luke, who embraces him to warm him up, but can't help running his hands through his body in front of everyone. It'd be a little embarrassing if they didn't do it so often. Even when the first light of the morning peers through the windows, they'll still be cuddled up like this. It's probably the best night for that, anyway.