An Outdoorsman's Guide To The Calls Of Common Thieves

Welcome to Haven Springs

01/04/2024 -03/04/2024

Haven Springs, Colorado, America. America. I cannot believe that I'm actually here.

I very gratefully thank the driver, who drove up one of the most steepest roads I think I've ever been on, with a total of 1 passenger. Talk about dedication. We had quite a nice chat though.

I finally manage to offload my luggage - with very much caution, considering the fragile and expensive instruments (seriously, they're worth more than my life) - and I attempt to haul everything over to wherever I'm supposed to be meeting this guy. Come on Zoe, you've got this.

This is the place, right? He said a bridge... let me check my phone. Let's see... Ryan... Ryan... Ry- aha! Yeah, he said he'll be at the bridge by the time I get here. Well, guess he's running late or something. Might as well just chill her-

A gleam of sunlight catches my eye, drawing my attention to the art in front of me. I abandon my things behind me in an awe-filled walk to the railing of the bridge.

The sky is bluer than anything, perfectly lit up by the radiant sun, which seems to be glistening on every drop of water flowing down the trickling stream below the bridge. The flora is so, so green, in every shade, and vibrant, and the fauna is made up of chirping birds, busy butterflies and bees and a gorgeous stag, who seems to have approached the water for a drink.

As I lean on the railing, I whip out my phone and pull up the camera, snapping a couple photos to post on instagram, just to make my friends and family green, before closing my eyes and just... taking a deep breath in, and exhaling. The air is so... fresh here.

So, I finally made it to the US of A. Though, this seems to be the opposite of the stereotypical big city. Which I like. When I saw the absolutely captivating views online, I was sold. Why, I feel like I'm dreaming just standing here, in front of this... beauty. Pure work of God's art.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"Oh my-"
I jump, startled as a voice speaks up from behind me, my hand over my beating heart.
"Shoot- I didn't meant to sca-"
"No, no, it's okay, you're goo..."
I'm met with a pair of eyes. Very blue... blue, blue eyes...

My inhale sounds more like a slight gasp at this guy in front of me. This blue-eyed, pretty cute and kinda good-looking guy... uh, what? Where the heck did that come from?

"...sorry, what was I saying?" I finally ask, a little sheepish after realising I've been gawking at him like an idiot for a hot minute or so.
He chuckles, offering a hand. "Don't be."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Zoe." I shake his hand, my handshake a little pathetic. Am I nervous? I'm pretty sure I'm nervous. I'm nervous.
"Nice to finally meet you in person, Zoe." He grins as he shakes my hand in turn, showing off his firm handshake. Not intentionally, of course. "I'm Ryan."
HE'S RYAN?!
"Ryan..." I mutter softly with a newfound appreciation.

I finally let go of his hand after mindlessly shaking it for a few more seconds.
"Are those yours?" He asks, pointing to my stuff.
"Yeah."
"Lemme help you with that."
I just stand there awkwardly as he approaches my stuff, trying to figure out the best way to take it to the apartment. He has the most satisfying American accent. Does everyone here speak like this?

Hoisting up one of my lighter bags over my shoulder, I decide to try and strike up a conversation with this guy. Ryan.
" So you run the Black Lantern?"
"It was my dad's..."
He pauses for a moment.
"-but now I own the place, as well as being a Colorado State Park Ranger."
"So you like nature, huh?"
"Love it." He says, smiling.
"Must be pretty easy to do that here..."
"Do you work or..."
"Oh, yes I do. I'm a therapist."
"So you like people, huh?"
"Love them." We both chuckle.
His smile is so... okay, now I'm getting ahead of myself.
"Well, let's get you settled in, yeah? This way to the Black Lantern, doc."
"Sure thing, ranger."
He leads the way to the pub as I follow.