Rosewater Oasis marchitó

ximena had been lounging by the water’s edge, her body stretched luxuriously against the cool earth, basking in the last remnants of daylight like a serpent soaking in warmth before the night’s chill. the quiet ripple of the oasis had nearly lulled her into a comfortable haze, but the voice—low, thoughtful—snared her attention.  

her golden eyes slid toward the stranger without haste, a lazy sort of curiosity sparking in their depths. mmm, she hummed, her tone smooth as the silk of shifting dunes. pretty, yes. but prettiness is fleeting. a knowing smile curled upon her lips as she turned her gaze skyward, watching as twilight painted itself across the heavens. better to appreciate what lingers, don’t you think? 

she rolled onto her stomach then, chin resting against her crossed paws, watching him with the intrigue of a cat toying with a mouse. and what is it that keeps you lingering here, hermoso? the name dripped from her tongue, warm and teasing. is it the stars… or something else?