don't bother sleeping without one eye open wide

Gin was wrapped up in the herbs. It was nice... the plants were something she knew. The plants were something she understood. Though things grew differently here than they did back home, she found herself comforted by the scents all the same. Wet earth, the smell before and after and during the rain... it was nice. Gods, it was so nice. She could truly relax, just being among the plants. Gin's guard was down, uncommon as that was for her.

The scent of elderberry too, came as a welcome greeting. The purple berries were among the less common things that grew here, from what she could tell. They were finnicky, hard to keep alive... something she didn't really want to even attempt growing in a garden of her own yet. It was good to see them springing up here, their bush an overgrown relic from the time of humans. It was in good health, and she'd be able to return for it when she needed it.

And then she wasn't alone. A small jump came from Gin at the sound from the grey boy, ears pressing back against her head for a moment. Her head swung-- oh. He was one of theirs, not a stranger. Well, a stranger but not a stranger stranger. She recovered quickly, offering a demure smile instead. Good evening. The mother tongue, sure, but colored with the accent of a girl that's lived a thousand lives and been too many places to count. Gin dipped her head politely before setting her gaze back on the elderberry plant.

Speech