Emberflame Ridge and martinis in my bones

the stranger seemed friendly enough. he hadn't given her a reason to retreat, rather inviting her to continue onward. bhediya bounced off of the stone and walked atop the layer of matted grass. there was a slight flutter to her heart, partially due to being out in the open. so far as she knew, the murderer was still at large; was this him, luring her as his next victim?

she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. we haven't met before, she said, once close enough to be heard, i'm bhediya. a moment too long was spent staring at the colors of his pelt and admiring their arrangement.