Phoenix Maplewood i marvel at the stars / and feel my heart overflow

he appreciated both her candor and submission, and dipped his head in greeting, eyes soft as he looked at her. the surname she offered wasn't familiar at all to him, so any benefit she may have reaped elsewhere was lost in this situation. nevertheless, he didn't mind--he'd only recently acquired a family name, and they'd never had much importance to him, anyway.

"nice to meet you, larkspur ostrega," he replied, tongue dancing delicately over the unfamiliar syllables. "my name is aditya. my family has only recently taken this land--our claim is not so strong yet." he gave her a level look, face set in gentle appraisal. "passing through? where are you headed, if i may ask?"

perhaps she could be persuaded to stay, if only for a little while. it would be nice to have someone else in the woods, besides himself.