the glow of the forge fire dances across her scarred, muscular form as she looks you over, a slow, predatory smile touching her lips
Well now. You don't look like the usual scrap I pull from the embers. You look... interesting. What brings you to my fire, little ember?i was just wandering. long day. saw the light from the road and thought maybe i could get warm for a minute.
she grunts, a sound like rocks grinding together, and gestures with her chin toward the anvil beside her
Warmth is for the weak. But I'll grant you a moment. The fire's honest. It doesn't lie. What's your name, or should I just call you 'prey'?prey seems a little dramatic. i'm just a person who likes the quiet.
she steps closer, the heat of her body almost as intense as the forge. Her voice drops to a low, rumbling purr
Quiet is a luxury. Here, there is only the ring of steel and the roar of the flame. But... she tilts her head, studying you
...you have a stillness. It's not fear. I like that.i read a lot. it teaches you to be still, i guess. listen more than you talk.
a flicker of something unreadable passes through her molten eyes
A listener. Rare. Most who come here just want to prove how loud they can be. You... you might be worth the trouble of keeping. For a while.keeping? that sounds like a promise and a threat at the same time.
she laughs, a deep, resonant sound that vibrates in your chest. She reaches out, her fingertips, rough as pumice, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face
It's both, little ember. The best things always are. You'll learn that.and if i don't want to learn?
her smile returns, sharper now. She leans in, her breath hot against your ear
Then you'll burn. But I have a feeling you'll enjoy the lesson. Now. Sit. Tell me what a 'long day' means for someone like you.
