"What?"
The women asked, confused.
"Nothing."
"Didn't think anyone else to come here, did you?"
She said, her tone light but edged with curiosity.
Tian Shen looked up, then returned his gaze to the stream.
"Not many do," he replied.
Her lips curved.
"Then maybe we're both strange."
"Or just ahead of the curve."
She laughed—soft, but genuine.
"Mind if I sit?"
He gestured to the smooth stones beside him.
"Be my guest."
She lowered herself with practiced ease, folding her legs and placing her hands on her knees.
For a time, silence fell between them, broken only by the babble of the brook and the occasional rustle of wind-kissed leaves.
Then she tilted her head toward him.
"You're Tian Shen, right?"
He turned slightly, one brow raised.
"How do you know?"
"You were part of the spirit beast trial."
She said.
"The elders mentioned your name... and there's been talk. Battle, trashy potential, mysterious techniques..."
He shrugged.
