have you seen anything unusual in this area ? 

@SPLITCOIN     ❛  well.   go ahead.  ❜

@mortalpulse       ❛  i know you haven’t.   you can touch it if you want.  ❜  

&.      says the one with this goddess staring into my soul as i type this. 

@hyrded     the pen slipped from oni’s grasp,   landing on the floor with a dull tap.   a breath caught in her throat before she could stop it.   heat bloomed where his fingers had been.   a sharp,   electric trail that made her spine stiffen and her composure waver.   she didn’t move at first.   the air between them seemed to hum,   and for a moment,   all the practiced control she had,  felt useless.   her eyes darted to his hand,   then to his face,   searching for something ….  maybe a warning.  ❛  rurik….  ❜   she said softly,   the name more a breath than a word.   her pulse betrayed her,   fluttering just below the skin he’d touched.   she forced a faint,   almost amused exhale,   trying to mask it with dry calm.   ❛  you’re terrible… ❜    she reached for the fallen pen, bending just enough for her hair to sweep against him.   ❛  don’t look so pleased,  ❜  she said over her shoulder.  ❛ i’m only letting you win this round because i’m busy.  ❜ 

@hellslyrics      a sly smile played at the corner of her mouth as the firelight traced along the sharp lines of her face,   throwing small shadows that seemed to move with her amusement.   ❛  hm..   maybe you’re right…   maybe hallow creek truly has nothing for an immortal like me.   ❜  she rose with deliberate grace,   brushing a speck of imaginary dust from her gloves.   a habit that spoke more of control than vanity.    the faint gleam of her eyes caught the shifting light as she straightened.  ❛  perhaps i should take your advice and find a horse to charm…    or a horizon to vanish behind.   ❜   her tone was light,  but her words carried an undercurrent….  a teasing ripple of something unspoken,   as if she were testing the air between them.  she turned toward him,   voice lilting now,   half jest,   half challenge.  ❛  though,   i must admit,   it’s not every day a man looks me dead in the eye and insists i leave his presence.    you are either very brave…   or very bad at hospitality.   ❜   her eyes softened then.  the air outside was cool and murmuring,   carrying the faint scent of pine and rain.   she looked out,  where the night waited.  ❛  but before i go…  ❜  she said,   the smirk returning to her lips.    ❛  do i not get a tour of the premises?   or do you only show your guests what you want them to see?  ❜ 

⠀⠀⠀    ⠀⠀ ⠀ llŷr’s hands halted midway. fresh stacks of wood burned in the hearth, and a small fawn nudged gently against the side of his knee. he rubbed its head absently, yet his attention soon returned to the woman seated several feet away. while the creek was always open to visitors and customers throughout the seasons, he wondered why she lingered near the private gates meant only for staff. the sound of her voice grated against his bones, prickling his skin with alert awareness. it filled the guest room as well, and llŷr had little desire for her presence to linger in every corner she touched.
            
            ⠀⠀⠀    ⠀⠀ ⠀  “why?” he asked, turning back to set the remaining wood beside the hearth, stacking it carefully, piece by piece. “hallow creek has nothing of the sort to offer an immortal like you.” he began to rise, cradling the fawn in his arms, biting back the impulse to tickle its ears. the animal was wary of her presence, though curious nonetheless, and that detail did not sit well with him.
            
            ⠀⠀⠀    ⠀⠀ ⠀  “you have a trail to explore. horses to choose from, ride or merely sit and feed them. all up to you. i don’t suppose there’s much to do in here. i don’t even know who allowed you in, but..” his icy grey gaze locked with hers, and the remainder of his words dissipated unspoken. llŷr would be no liar if he denied it⎯⎯he had been equally curious about her from the moment she stepped onto his ranch.

@hellslyrics      the alien tilts her head slightly,   a faint luminescent shimmer moving through her irises.  her tone is smooth,   almost teasing.    ❛  maybe i’m not trying to take anything this time.    maybe i’m just… curious.   interested in you. i’m always eager to learn something new.  ❜  

you're serious?

@ilokind     ❛  i can offer you food and shelter if that’s what you need.  ❜

it's been.. a rough night.