Somewhere, dimly, Seiji is aware of the approaching footsteps. The presence of another person doesn't quite register, though, until her voice pierces the sacred quiet. Then he blinks down, the music dying on his lips. He had been close, he thinks. Close, but not there. He feels no resentment for the stranger. Only a weary acceptance. A mild curiosity. He does not recognize her. Not hooded and cloaked as she is, but neither does he recognize the sound of her voice, so gently given. In silence, Seiji peers down, listening to the quiet conversation between woman and animal.
Red antlers, he thinks. That sounds like an omen. Maybe a bad one. He is too unfamiliar with this land to be sure, but the image it conjures in his mind is not a pretty one. Nonetheless, the woman's voice is soft. Kindly, even. And the question she poses the two normal luxere brings a faint smile to Seiji's lips. Now he wants to say something, but fears he might startle her. Better to wait and see if she notices him? But probably not. Then she might suspect him of eavesdropping.
Silently, Seiji swings both legs over to one side of the branch and pulls himself upright so he can more easily peer down at her. "That is a kind wish," he says, his own voice soft. "I hope they take it to heart."
Red antlers, he thinks. That sounds like an omen. Maybe a bad one. He is too unfamiliar with this land to be sure, but the image it conjures in his mind is not a pretty one. Nonetheless, the woman's voice is soft. Kindly, even. And the question she poses the two normal luxere brings a faint smile to Seiji's lips. Now he wants to say something, but fears he might startle her. Better to wait and see if she notices him? But probably not. Then she might suspect him of eavesdropping.
Silently, Seiji swings both legs over to one side of the branch and pulls himself upright so he can more easily peer down at her. "That is a kind wish," he says, his own voice soft. "I hope they take it to heart."
