Y’shtola’s attention remained fixed upon the stand, her ears tilting forward as the faint hiss of meat against heated metal mingled with the surrounding noise of the street. The aroma was certainly appealing enough, though Dianna’s explanation caused her expression to shift
escaped her as she leaned slightly nearer to Dianna, lowering her own voice in turn. “What would you recommend for someone’s first hot dog? I would prefer to experience it as the locals do.” Her smile gained a mischievous edge. “And should your recommendation prove dreadful,
book presently resting in the young woman’s lap. “A lesson worth remembering,” she conceded. “Appearances reveal remarkably little of what lies beneath them. I have known those who appeared fearsome yet possessed gentle hearts, and others whose pleasant countenances concealed
Rachel’s obvious delight. “And if deliberately frightening others is considered acceptable during it, I can only imagine what peculiar traditions accompany the occasion.”
A quiet chuckle escaped her.
“Very well, Rachel. Enlighten me. What exactly is Halloween, and why do I
terrible horror merely waiting for an excuse to emerge.”
Despite the gravity of her words, the subtle curve of her lips betrayed her entirely.
Rachel’s observation concerning books earned a soft hum of agreement, though Y’shtola could not help but appreciate the irony of the
For several moments, Y’shtola said nothing.
The confident declaration was met with a slight arch of one white brow, her expression settling into that particular brand of composed amusement which so often preceded a remark someone else might later regret inviting. Rachel had
delivered the words without boastfulness or threat, yet the certainty behind them was unmistakable.
“I see.”
Y’shtola’s ears gave the faintest twitch.
“Then I shall endeavor to remain on your good side. I should hate to discover that beneath this quiet scholar lies some