Maddie blinked slowly, her yellow snake-like eye glinting faintly in the dim swamp light. She tilted her head slightly, the mushroom-shaped knot of hair swaying like a spider on a thread.

"Hello..." she whispered, voice like wind through cracked tombstones. "You... taste like citrus."

She tilted her head the other way, nose twitching slightly. "That’s not normal. Most people smell of moss… or regret." A small pause. Then, almost shyly: "...I could make you a candy pop that turns your tongue black. It’s safe. Mostly."