New Horizons [Monster]

He beamed at her with that characteristic good-natured expression, jaws parted slightly. Really it only took having someone else around and her being friendly enough to start lifting his spirits. "At least mud's softer?" he offered with a small shrug. He preferred loose ground if he was planning on digging things up. It was easier work, and you were less likely to tear your plant up! Win-win.

Oh, but where were his manners? "I'm Jouko Aldfinnr, pleasure to meet you, Lydia." It suddenly struck him that she was probably looking for herbs if she was planning on digging in the rain. Maybe she'd be willing to allow a tag-along, if he was lucky. He still didn't know where he wanted to stay, or what he wanted to do, so he wasn't sure how much he wanted to stock up on herbs lest he pick up and move far. It'd be a pain to carry too much, and he wasn't about taking multiple trips. "You wouldn't happen to be looking for herbs, would you?" Honestly he'd be grateful if she just let him follow her and chat a bit. The company would be great.