Jade Fern Grove shadows calling

The stranger seemed almost feral. He was startled and Kallik could see the distrust in his eyes. He looked ready to flee, so Kallik took a step back. The last thing he wanted was to scare the man; he was only curious about the stars, and lonely after traveling for so long. He thought of his night spent at the mesa often, about Jawahir and her offer. He could still remember her scent and the way it had felt to wake up next to someone instead of alone and cold. Every day he was tempted to turn around and march into Akashingo's ranks, but he knew he couldn't. 

The man said something that Kallik could not understand. I'm sorry, he offered, careful to keep his posture non-threatening. I'm Kallik. I mean you no harm.