Ocean's Breath Plateau sun-worshipper

the man did not stop; no, he edged closer still, and aditya began to wonder whether he was dealing with a lunatic. when he was close enough to be in earshot without yelling, he gave the stranger a puzzled look, ears swiveling sideways. you're not afraid? he asked, incredulous. 

even at this range—and he kept a good distance, still—the smoke was beginning to purl toward him, stinging his eyes. he coughed and kept memories of dawnlark plains at bay, but it was growing more difficult by the moment. between that and seelie's whispered "coaltree" in his mind, he was in mental agony.

kyon? aditya queried, brows knitted together. why aren't you afraid? he should be afraid. perhaps the boy had never seen fire.