Little and Big Hurdles (As the Lone Bird Sings)

“Ah.”

Standing side-by-side with Meadowlark, you’re faced with the predicament that had, for some reason, taken stars’ knows how long to figure out.

It turns out that during the past few weeks, the starbunnies decided to topple a dead tree into the river mouth, transforming it into their cozy new home—at the cost of the waterflow.

Sure, it was a convenient place for them. It had it all! Food, water, and a secure shelter, but the little starbunnies know not of the plight the average Lumifolk face when handling such a predicament.

“Phew…”

Meadowlark sighs, as if releasing all of her unspoken burdens in a single breath.

“Phew?” You raise an eyebrow, curious.

“I’m- I’m just happy it’s such a silly, fixable problem… Hahaha.”

Despite her attempts to hide it, it was clear something was really bothering her.

“Meadowlark, are you alri—”

“—Well, let’s get to moving this tree!”

Before you could even finish your statement, Meadowlark sprints up to the tree with a sudden burst of energy. If you hadn’t known better, you never would’ve thought she seemed so shaken up just a moment ago.

“Ah… Starbunnies,” She gives them a warm smile, putting down a trail of mage berries leading out of the log. “Come out, little ones! I have some treats for you~”

You watch in amazement as the starbunnies fearlessly hop out one by one, eagerly following Meadowlark’s snack path with little mind towards the commotion around them.

“Aww…” You coo, “They’re so cute…”

“They sure are, but they’re in the way today,” She replies, her focus not casting so much as a glance in your direction. “Luckily, they won’t be hurt, we just have to move their home to the other side of the river so the water flow can return back to normal.”

“Right,” You nod, approaching one side of the trunk, paws placed and ready.

“Ah, if only Jiahao were here…” She muses, a hint of longing in her voice before quickly shaking it off. “Alright, on the count of three… One… Two… UFF!”

With a push, you both roll the tree off the river and onto the shore. Just as victory seems to dance right on your horizon, a loud splash interrupts the moment.

“Oh no… Hehehe… Oops~”

“Meadowlark? Are you okay?!”

“I must’ve lost my footing on the log and slipped… But I’m fine!” She giggles, dripping wet, as you help her out of the water. Seriously, was she always this clumsy?

“Thanks… Hehe. You know what we need now? Some rest and a snack…”