"In the neighborhood?" Ciarán repeated, tilting his head to the side in curiosity as his fingers continued to stroke the creamy skin of Cael's face, drifting gently over dark stubble. He hadn't failed to notice how the human leaned into him, ever so subtly, nor how Cael appeared to enjoy the gentle touch. Ciarán was aware of the soothing waves that washed over any dying person he placed his hands upon, but did that power remain when he pressed the tips of his fingers against healthy living flesh? It was impossible to know; he had never had such an opportunity before. Ciarán smiled, dropping his hand now that he knew Cael was real and tangible. "Forgive me, as I'm not well versed on casual conversations with humans, but something tells me your words may not be entirely true. If that is the case, I don't mind. The idea of you seeking me out is... intriguing." Ciarán lingered on that final word, knowing it perhaps wasn't the best way to describe how he felt about this unusual human and his capabilities, but failing to find another more appropriate.<br/><br/>"I'm going to assume the feeling is mutual," he added, a mischievous grin taking over his face. He wasn't fazed by Cael's inquiry as to the casualties of the multi-vehicle pile up. Death, tragedy, mutilation, blood. It was all second nature for him. Ciarán shrugged his shoulders mildly, taking a brief look behind him as bodies were covered up and carted away, soulless. "Thirteen dead. Six adult males, four adult females, a twelve year old boy and his twin sister, and a toddler. Many more injured, but my job isn't to tend to those whose lives are destined to continue on.<br/><br/>"Steven Islington died first. Immediately. Crashed right into the semi after it overturned. He was desperately confused when I arrived, crying about his wife and three daughters, though once I had calmed him he was relieved to recall they hadn't been in the vehicle. Chances are high they all would have perished together." His voice was not unkind, but lacking concern for the details he divulged to Cael. Never having the chance to discuss these things with a living person, he was ignorant as to how the coolness of his tone might have been received. But Cael<i>had</i>shown interest, and Ciarán was only sating that curiosity in the only way he knew how.<br/><br/>"They're all gone now," he explained, "I tended to them all shortly before I noticed you here. They passed through my garden and went on to the next realm." He paused, looking into Cael's eyes, sighing. "Cael, I don't know why precisely I couldn't take you with me. I don't suppose you're barred from being there, it's just... it isn't a place where living beings go. It's never been done that way. You're the only one who's ever been able to see me like this. You're the only one who's seen me and then not come with me. I don't have an explanation for why, or how, all I know is that you're someone unlike anyone I've met before. I don't have words for you, but I'd like to."<br/><br/>Ambulances were driving off with their cargo while police car lights flashed, illuminating Cael's face in an eerie alternating red and blue glow. There was no reason for Ciarán to continue to linger, though just like before, he found it difficult to say goodbye.<br/><br/>"I wonder, while I'm still here, if you'd like to go somewhere with me? I can take us someplace quiet. Away from all this. Would you like that?"