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Actions spoke louder than words. Her pointed gaze had been captured and as a result, Oak’s hand was readily removed from the source of menace. His compliance was gladly intercepted with a subtle exhale and a grateful smile, shortly before her attention was redirected to the structure detaining his interest. An invisible force pushed the two strangers further apart; he took several steps back and she did the exact opposite, mechanically moving closer to the building in question. “It’s very nice to meet you as well,” she retorted automatically, pressing a hand to the wall barring their way. He spoke and she listened, letting her fingers trail along the greenhouse’s flat panels.
“Nine of us lived here up until a few months ago,” she responded distantly, remembering each of her former comrades. Her statement wasn’t wholly accurate; the number provided had been correct for a day or two at most, and it had dwindled down shortly after Barrett’s departure. Her landlord had taken his two associates along with him, consequently removing Axle and Grit from the premises and their lives as a whole. Only five of them remained from that group, every individual a vital part of Vinatta. “A good ways north, yes. West of the big mountain.” She hoped her directions were accurate enough. If he knew of Inferni then he inevitably knew about Halcyon Mountain; it was hard to miss.
“Oh Oak, you’re missing out! It’s beautiful out there. Our lands are lush with vegetation- we have access to the sea and the Grand Lake. And our village of residence, Jordheim, is made out of earthen houses. Nothing like you’ve ever seen before,” she added with newfound excitement, losing herself in the reality of it all. Never, in her wildest dreams, would she have expected to live in such a place. It was very unlike her to share such enthusiasm with anyone but her family, much less a stranger. But the novelty of it all hadn’t quite worn out yet. “I assume you’re a southerner. Do you live far from here?”
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