The Heartwood when I saw you first

friend? qiao’s gaze flitted from woman of sandstone and ivory to the woods encircling them.

friend would be putting it generously; qiao’s last friend hung around her neck. humored by this, qiao kept her distance as she spoke.

from the lowlands. she supposed that was partially the truth - many miles now between where qiao was from and where she stood now. you claim this place?