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Dionaea had been wandering the halls for what seemed like hours, only hearing the sound of her own footsteps to keep her company. The meeting with Melidora lifted her spirits, but she wanted more interaction. The smell of food tugged her in the direction of the kitchen. Once she stepped beyond the threshold, her stomach growled.

Embarassed, she tried to shake it off, instead catching a glimpse of what looked like... was that Pteryx? Passed out in some cheese? Or was she passed out at all? Hazarding to disturb her, Dionaea called out.

"Pteryx? Is that... you?"

The castle's kitchen was one of the few places within it that Mephiti was comfortable with. She had been venturing there more often since the official start of the winter season, as her chamber's window was no longer sufficient to hang and dry fresh herbs from; the cold froze them, more often than not, and then they simply rotted. After the first few batches of decayed foliage, she learned that it was best to take them down to the kitchens and hang them over a fire. She had even started keeping a drying rack down there, just in case.

With cheeks red from the bitter cold, she wandered into the kitchens with a spring in her step, a bundle of what appeared to be weeds in her arms, and a sleeping creature nested in her tail. Her furred ears perked at the sound of unfamiliar voices, and her ever-present smile grew; company, how fortunate! "Hello?" she called, nudging the door open with a shoulder. Her wings buzzed her excitement as her eyes fell upon her two childhood playmates and the unknown, but far from unwelcome, teenager. "Proc? Dee? Wow, it's been forever!" she chirped.

A detour had been made... Astra had started to head back to her own rooms, but the gnaw of hunger in her belly had made her change directions and head towards the kitchen. Before she'd even gotten within sight range, she'd heard voices. Slipping closer in silence, she listened carefully, but frowned again a moment later. These voices weren't secretive, nor were they hushed in plotting. They seemed almost joyful?

Well THAT was no fun. Pouting softly, Astra moved around the corner then, to see the ones that she'd been eavesdropping on. A raccoon girl... a skunk... one with pink hair... and one with the most vibrant orange curls she'd ever seen in her life. Well, that wasn't really saying a lot, but still, it WAS bright.

"I'm hungry," she announced, standing in the doorway with one hand on her hip. It wouldn't likely be as 'cute' when she grew older... but for the moment, the child couldn't carry off indignance with anything more than a childish huff.

Procyon smiled as she looked around the kitchen to all of her friends who were now much older, and much more...filled out. It was good to see people she was familiar with again, and it gave her a warm feeling inside.

After releasing Dee, Procyon walked around the kitchen island, greeting Mephiti with almost the same enthusiasm. "So good to see you again 'Phiti! You're gorgeous! I've been in my own chambers so long, I barely recognize anyone!"

Turning to Pteryx, Procyon smiled, remembering the bat Fey. "I met you with my Kithain, right after I came out of the window. You're Pteryx, right? Good to see you again! Looks like you've been outside awhile. Good thing you're in front of the hearth. You wouldn't want to catch a cold."

It was then that she noticed a small girl, with light blue and silvery hair, her complexion bright and starry. She nodded along with Dee, curious as to who this little girl was. She'd never seen her before...And what was this? She was already huffing about? What was there to be upset about? This was a festive meeting. "Pour me a glass of wine too, will you Pteryx? Thank you!"

Looking over at Astra, she had to inquire about her. "Yes, I've never seen you before. Are you new to Umbra?"

Looking over the sour little girl once again, Procyon couldn't help but laugh. "I'm Procyon. And since we're discussing our professions, you may as well know that I am the thief of the Court..." She nodded, and looked at the Star Fey again, noticing that the girl was eyeing them with criticism.

She was a bit miffed by the little girl's look, and decided that such a little child shouldn't look down on her elders. "Lovely to meet you Astra. Since are such a fine bard, would you like to perform for us? What kind of bardic talents do you posess? I'd love to see your capabilities." She smirked, hoping she could see the magnificence of this haughty Fey's song and dance.

At the mention of performing, Astra's face lit up and she nearly became a whole different person. "Sure!" She darted into the room then, climbing up onto one of the stools and perching there. "I don't have any of my instruments with me, but I can sing. Would that be alright?" She hadn't really had a chance to sing for anyone yet, so this would be a welcome distraction from finding her brother.

Any other time, she'd have likely wondered if or how Pteryx knew her... but she'd already stated her name, so it never crossed her mind that the other had already met her. Instead of worrying about it, she lifted her chin proudly and began to sing, a softly lilting lullaby that she remembered her mother singing when she was younger. Her pitch was nearly perfect, and she soon lost herself in the song, forgetting that anyone at all was listening.

Astra beamed at the praise, her smile shining on her face as she turned to Procyon. "I didn't make it up, no," she answered, folding her hands primly in her lap. "My mother sang it to my brother and I to help us sleep. I remember it because it was the one song we heard every day. I know a bunch more, too, but I'm out of practice..." She sighed then, looking down at her hands. "I just came out of my window... and I can't find my brother, either."