Stranger

As the conversation tentatively began, Vanta began to relax further. Aside from the injured paw on which he limped, the boy appeared to be just as natural a fixture this evening as the fireflies. His rich blue coat was akin to the mysterious depth of night that extended into the forest, his golden specks and stripes mirroring the final streams of sunlight breaking through the overhead foliage. His eyes were like clear springs; the mist that swept over and replaced the surrounding air. Vanta found herself lost in his unique gaze just a moment longer then was considered polite, a blush reaching her tan cheeks as she caught and corrected herself.

"Alright, yes, I can manage that." She chuckled at her own absurdity, taking solace in the fact that the boy's needs were as straightforward as the removal of a thorn. With only a hint of awkward uncertainty, Vanta moved toward him and beyond, narrowly avoiding physical contact as she navigated the intricate pattern of hot springs and stones that enveloped them. "Do you want me to count? Or..."