Lion Head Mesa You've got smoke in your eyes

the shadow was bereft. it was easy to read, especially so as he took on a vacant expression, as if he did not know his own name. the girl moved closer. she smiled thinly, trying to be warm, knowing she was partly to blame for his current state - and unable to explain herself.
a fluttering in her chest came when he asked after her, as if his own worries weren't plainly written within the stooping of his figure, the look upon his face. his eyes, usually jovial, looked clouded.
i am well, as if he hadn't seen her in weeks! it seemed that much had changed in only a day or so. satsu motioned for him to follow her, and together they walked until the corridor swept deeper, towards the wellspring - and then to an alcove just before.
something troubles you. is it our enemy? or the bear-man and his people, at their camp? please, tell me. i am not a queen yet, i am your friend.
something thick caught in her throat after, which she swallowed down.