Emberwood seeking empty whispers

His attention had been so focused on the scent of the unseen stranger that he hadn’t even realized the brown male approached so close. Only had he took the step back did K turn and face him, a flash of shock glazing over his eyes before disappearing again. It had been unexpected, but at least it was harmless.

Late spring... ”Fuck...” Hoarse and low, he managed that one word without hesitation. He’d been incapacitated longer than he’d thought, so the next bit of information shouldn’t have been a shocker - Ibis had likely moved on long ago. The Emberwood was a husk of what it used to be, of who used to be here.

Kukulkan’s lingering presence was a haunting reminder of the history he clung to, of the future he was unprepared to face. This thought washed over him, a daunting realization, and sent a new wave of chills down his spine. He shuddered noticeably, hopeless aggravation plain on his face.

”Kukulkan... th’fuck’s yer name?” half-hearted frustration that was immediately met with remorse. A frown split across his face as he let his head sink, a soft groan in apology, before he let a pause roll over the two. ”I.. err... sorry. ‘s been a while...” since he’s been around others. Since he’d eaten a half decent meal. Since he’d felt one shred of comfort.

It left him feeling impatient, frustrated with himself, and ultimately left him lashing out at a good samaritan.

”Who uh... who lives ‘round here then?” How much had things changed?