Firestone Hot Springs oh, people can you hear me

Her enthusiasm was slightly catching, and Phocion's smile grew a little stronger, though he still felt as if Ileana was draining all the energy from him as he stood here.

"Hello, Sera," he responded, nodding his head. "I'm Phocion."

His gaze hastily took in his surroundings, looking desperately for at least some shade. It was a cloudless, sunny winter's day, and the sun, even at its weakest, beat down upon him with the fury of a sworn enemy.

"Do you live here?" Phocion asked, by way of making conversation. He had no real desire to speak to the girl--he wanted to sleep until twilight returned once more--but he supposed he had no more say in the matter, now that she had well and truly noticed him.