There was a missing person and an empty bed once again.

The thief girl bit back a yawn as she slowly sat up, her natural tendency to want to go out wandering at times like this coursing through her blood. The only reason why she hadn't in the past few days was because of the amount of traveling and fighting that the party had endured- as soon as she hit the sack she was out, other then the few startling awake in the dead of night.

And, like just about every other time, the bed next to her was empty.

Our grand leader really enjoys pushing themselves, don't they? The thought drifted through her mind as she stood, curiosity urging her on. Any thief worth their salt would check up on a mate- and since she was getting paid, she might as well check up on her fearless leader while she was at it.

The mournful rustle of the wind through an open window caught her attention, making her frown as she turned to look- the window should be closed. Had another thief snuck in?

Quietly she approached it, eyes darting around for any shadowy figures. There were none, and she reached to pull down the window when a lone figure caught her eyes.

Her hand paused as she recognized their leader.

They were simply standing there in that odd clothing that flittered in the breeze. A pale, exhausted face tilted up to look at the moon, and clear, sad eyes stared up at the sky. The indistinct shadow slithered behind them, cast by the brilliant moon.

Her eyes instantly fell on that pale shadow, breath catching in her throat.

For impossibly, but undeniably, were two huge wings sprouting from that shadow.

The wind died for a moment, and the wings fell into place behind him, as slowly, one hand reached up to the silvery moon. Long fingers traced the crescent shape, and as yet another blast of wind blew directly into their face, the shadowy wings vanished.

She stayed there, frozen indecisively for a few moments, hand frozen on the windowsill. Then, with no plan at all, she swung out of the window, and out onto the open ground.

Every step she took screamed for her to go back. The look of sadness and loneliness on the others face told her that if she went, she would be intruding. And yet-

Nobody should be alone.

"It's chilly, isn't it?"

The leader of the small band jumped at the sound of her voice, and amused, she watched the wing shadows rear up above his head. Why hadn't she noticed those wing shadows before? Because it was day?

"I noticed you were out here all alone. Looking at the stars?"

"…Yes." The voice, soft and low was slightly husky. Tears unshed? They cleared their throat, and continued on. "I… was just remembering stories from my homeland. How every time someone dies, they become a star."

Starlight brought out those wings, huh? She smiled back innocently as she asked, "Is there anyone you know up there?"

"…Not personally, although I've heard stories… I was hoping maybe I could talk one down to give me some advice."

The smile they had plastered to their face was unconvincing and melancholy at the same time. Her brows furrowed, as she leaned in close to the hero. "You know, I never did get where you were from."

They laughed at that, softly and sadly. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

The shadow wings were drooping now, and unconsciously a hand reached out as if to tug one of them around their body, but it stopped mid air, and faltered back to their side. Her eyes rose up to meet theirs, and she glanced back at the inn. "We should get back before anyone notices we're missing."

They nodded, the shadowy wings falling into a perfect balance behind them. She smiled at that, as they looked slightly confused. "I'm going on first… oh by the way-"

She turned away, running back to the inn, voice floating behind her- "Your shadow wings are really beautiful."

The only sound that came from behind, was a sudden, soft gasp. She didn't turn around, even when she could've sworn she heard a sob of either sorrow or happiness, and instead only kept on running, straight to the window, and swung in.

Waiting in a semi-circle were the other two members of the group. The three shared an understanding look, as one lit a candle, the other two pulled out a card-game.

There was no reason for the last member of the group to come back to quiet solemnity- a festive atmosphere was needed most of all. What more could anyone ask for?

a/n: Like I said, this is a series of oneshots, of various lengths and types, all bundled together. Some are AU, some have spoilers, some do not. Either way, have fun with it! Don't forget to leave a review please!