Blacktail Deer Plateau I See Clearly Now

He redirected his attention to Pearl and squinted, this time searching for any recognition. The problem with nightmares was their tendency to remain sharp even after a good amount of time had passed. His memory of the fire remained vivid, and it didn't take him long before he shook his head in agreement with her. "No, I don't remember you being there, and you'd remember if you were."

Malachi didn't quite believe Pearl's reassurance, but he forced a smile to pass over his face when she bore one for him. The curve of his maw never reached his eyes, and remained a pleasantry to keep up with social norm. "Maybe we could walk somewhere else. I owe you a thinking place, after all." And it would be good to talk with someone again, and amend for his hasty first impression. But then, he had found her sitting in solitude on a mountainside. Who was he to force his presence on her? "If you don't mind the company, that is."