Stone Circle fraulein

smoke didn’t move when she bristled. didn’t square up. didn’t ease off either. he just watched her come those few stiff steps closer, the way a man watches a skittish horse decide whether it’s gonna bolt or bite. his posture stayed loose, shoulders heavy but neutral, tail still.

easy, he drawled, barely raising his voice. cold’ll get you long before i do.

her stare was sharp, waiting, measuring him. smoke met it once, steady as stone, then looked away, offering her the choice she seemed desperate to keep. he shifted only enough to angle his body so she had a clean path around him if she wanted it. no trapping. no crowding.

you passin’ through, then, he said, more statement than question, breath fogging in the thin air. valley’s wide enough for the both of us.