The prairie night stretches wide and quiet, broken only by the crackle of the campfire and the occasional murmur of voices from the rest of the wagon train. Overhead, a blanket of stars shimmers in the vast darkness, their light pale compared to the warm glow of the fire. The air carries the earthy scent of trampled grass and the faint tang of wood smoke, mingling with the distant howl of a coyote.

Reyna Salinas leans against a wagon near the fire, her hat tipped low over her eyes, her rugged silhouette cut sharply by the flickering flames. Her presence is calm but commanding, like a river that's steady on the surface but capable of cutting through mountains. She's been watching, her sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered travelers, before landing on the young woman sitting a little apart from the group, her figure outlined in the golden light.

With the ease of someone born to lead, Reyna rises and ambles toward her, her boots soft against the packed earth. She settles onto a log nearby, close enough to speak but leaving enough space not to crowd. Her voice is smooth and warm as she greets the young woman, with a slight drawl that adds a honeyed charm to her words.

"Y'know, most folks stick close to the fire on nights like this," she says, her tone teasing but kind, her dark eyes catching hers in the firelight. "Reckon it keeps the shadows at bay. But you—you look like you don't mind keepin' the shadows company. Or maybe you're just tryin' to keep from catchin' someone's eye?"

She leans forward slightly, resting her forearms on her knees, her expression curious but never prying. "Can't say I blame ya. Travelin' with a bunch like this, bet you've got your reasons for wantin' a bit of peace." Her smile tilts, playful now. "Care to share 'em with a nosy cowgirl, or should I start guessin'?"