Falls

Sakir listens closely to Osiris as she describes the various islands, his attention unwavering. He appreciates the way she articulates each location, the way her eyes light up with a mixture of fondness and nostalgia. Her descriptions paint a vivid picture of the Crossing, and he feels a growing excitement to explore these places.

Briefly, there is a subtle shift in her demeanor, the momentary pause when she stumbles over her words. It endears Osiris to him even more, whatever vulnerability or off-kilter footing she's found herself momentarily battling with contrasting with her otherwise confident exterior.

"The Crossing," he repeats softly, committing the names and directions to memory. His gaze follows the directions she points out, imagining the Peak, the Lagoon, the Commons, and the other islands she mentions. Her knowledge of the land is impressive, and he feels a growing admiration for the tobiano mare.

When she finishes, he takes a moment to process everything, his mind filled with possibilities.How lucky he was to happen upon her this day.

"I've always been one to enjoy the heat," Sakir says, his tone thoughtful as he meets her gaze again. "The desert sounds like a place I'd like to see. Perhaps you could accompany me to Salem?" His eyes linger on her, a warm smile playing on his lips as he waits for her response.

He feels a connection forming, a sense of shared adventure that makes the idea of exploring these lands even more appealing.

When she asks what he is here for, Sakir takes a deep breath, his expression turning more serious. "Well, if you'll forgive my bleeding heart... I'm looking for a place to call home," he says, his voice steady and sincere. "Not just a place to lay my head at night, but somewhere I can belong. Where I can build something meaningful, and grow with those around me." His eyes soften as he looks at her, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

Sakir's gaze shifts to the horizon, the sun casting long shadows across the landscape. "I hope I might find what I'm looking for here, in these isles," he says softly, a lilting note of hope in his voice. "And I'd love for you to stay with me, if I do."

He turns his attention back to Osiris, his eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation, his mouth twisting into a more casual smile as if the pragmatic spell that has washed over him has ebbed away. "So, what do you say? Shall we explore Salem together?" He waits for her response, feeling a sense of excitement and possibility. "I'm not kidnapping you from any horribly exhausting responsibilities, am I?"