Luneshale Pass vibe control

these days, anyone can be an enemy. soto stays alert, keen eyes pinned on the newcomer.

demonstrating the appropriate subservience of a man on someone else's claim (a rare thing these days, thinks soto), the interloper earns himself the slight softening of soto's hard gaze.

behind him, another pair of hawkish eyes lurk -- but soto remains oblivious to towhee's presence, particularly as fiamma strides confidently upon the scene.

her poise is admirable, and her presence a boon -- for soto has no way to communicate with outsiders unless they deign to learn his language. dipping his skull in approval towards the mercenary, soto turns back to the stranger awaiting answer. why had he come?