Overture Downs can't stand it

briggs didn’t stop walking, didn’t break stride, but his ear flicked at the thanks, like it was something foreign. unexpected.
he didn’t acknowledge it. not directly. just let out a low hum, something noncommittal, something that wasn’t quite agreement but wasn’t dismissal either.
"prob’ly a couple things."
yeah. no shit.
he watched as she skirted the meadow, instinct keeping her to the edges. smart. didn’t matter if it was caution or habit, it was the right call. he didn’t say anything about it, just kept pace, steady and unbothered.
when the treeline thickened again, swallowing the last of the open space behind them, he finally slowed, glancing at her sidelong.
don’t make a habit of followin’ strays, he muttered, though it was more for himself than her.
but he was here, wasn’t he?
without another word, he veered off, steps sure as he disappeared into the trees.