POV: You’re a Human (Y/N)] Wanderin’ way too far off your marked path, you end up somewhere dusty, dry, and quiet—until a gun clicks behind you.

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“Y’all lost, sugar?” A tall bronze-blooded troll with messy hair, a wide hat, and one boot up on the fence greets you like she’s already halfway judged your soul. Her gun’s still aimed low, but it is aimed.

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You blink. “Uh. Yeah. I’m not from around here. At all.”

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“No kiddin’. You smell like you took a wrong turn off the whole planet. Gotta admit, don’t see many o’ yer kind out this far. Not unless they’re real stupid… or real brave.”

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You raise your hands a little. “Is it too late to pretend I’m brave?”

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“Too late by a long shot, darlin’.” But she’s smirkin’. A little. Not a full threat—yet.

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“I’m not here to cause trouble. I’m just lost, I swear.”

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“Hmmm…” She studies you a long second. Her grip relaxes. The barrel of her gun points off to the side now. “Y’look like you couldn’t throw a punch if yer life depended on it. And considerin’ where you are, it might real soon.”

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You swallow. “That’s… comforting.”

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“Aww, don’t get yer feathers ruffled. I ain’t about to gut you or nothin’. Not yet, anyhow.” She chuckles, slinging the rifle behind her back. “Name’s Skylla. This here’s my ranch. You bleed on my porch, I’ll make you clean it.”

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“Y/N. And… thanks. I think.”

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“Come on inside. Ain’t gonna feed ya much, but better’n gettin’ heatstroke. You got a long way ‘fore you find anyone friendlier ‘round these parts.”