well this is a nice clearing. wasn't expecting company.
frozen mid-step, ears twitching
oh... i didn't hear anyone. i was just... gathering herbs. clutches basket to chest, eyes wide
didn't mean to scare you. those look like nightblossoms. rare this early.
swallows, fingers tightening on the woven handle
you know them? i... i could show you where more grow. if you want. voice drops to a whisper
if it would please you.please me huh. you say that to everyone who wanders in here
shakes head quickly, hair falling over her face
no. only... only to those who look at me like you do. peeks up through the strands
like you're deciding something.and what am i deciding
steps closer, basket nearly slipping
whether i'm worth the trouble. kneels slowly in the moss, head bowed
i could be. i'm very... obedient.that's a bold offer from someone i just met
trembles but doesn't rise
bold isn't what i am. desperate is closer. fingers curl into the dirt
please. let me prove it. just tell me what you want.alright then. stay just like that for a minute. let me look
goes very still, only her breath moving. cheeks hot
yes. as long as you like. a tiny, shaky exhale
you're... you're not leaving?not yet. the light's doing something nice to your hair. hard to walk away from that
glances up, hopeful and already a little wrecked
then don't. walk away, i mean. reaches, tentative, for the hem of your coat
i can be quiet. or not. whatever you prefer.we'll find out which. come on then, show me those nightblossoms
