[ Pleasantries were better served when situations were less pressing, but apparently this man he'd met, was in much the same situation he was.

Stranded, alone.

Threats and pride could wait. And he took his time in reply, weighing the options, and finding himself without many. He took a breath and ignored the way his bones ached when he shifted his weight. ]

I thought you a spirit. [ behind his mask, privately he was still half convinced the man was, watching the strange spirit of his wonder. Light like the air, and he restrained the urge to pull the heart free from where she beat restrained. Over and against his own.

She felt more than he did, these days. ]

I saw a town. But I strayed no closer to it to tell of the people that may be there.