Luneshale Pass chá

how did other creatures live in such a place? it wasn't quite summer all the time weather, certainly closer to a cold springtime, yet kigipigak felt only discomfort; he didn't like it, and knew if he didn't find something to eat or some place to rest soon to make this trip worthwhile, he may as well turn around and —

he saw her, then. a willowy young thing, compared to himself. for a split-second he thought it was the ghost of ariadne, which was foolish and borne of old heartache. if she was anywhere it would be the lake, he thought.

her gaze was focused on him, not averting as he met her eye. a grim smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but he didn't say anything — merely took a step backwards, then allowed his body language to convey, 'sorry,' and, 'not a threat'.

then he turned his eyes away — further physicality to prove he wasn't interested in her, in any real way — and glanced left, right, lightly frowning; even from a distance this would've shown he was closer to a lost old man than anything to be feared. it was the truth.