#honestly i don't see it DKFLSHSDLF he's so nice

[saltedearths]

His old shady government job has him gauge the man upon reflex. The niceties were exchanges, and caution is thrown to the wind as quickly as the invite is placed—if he didn't know anyone, Dante would have declined. Maharth seems to think differently, keeping the suggestions and riffing off of the conversation playfully. Either there's an optimism about people there, or Dante is too wary for his own good. Antioch's getting to him. Or the job. But looking at dead bodies arranged as if it were art really isn't good for anyone's mental health.

"No. Just a transplant, like you. Used to travel for work," he says, checking the rearview mirror as he he drives off. His migraines at least, were cooperating with him, his tone steady and even. "How 'bout you then, why come to Antioch? I just wanted somewhere to chill out and collect a paycheck. You seem like the kinda guy that should be in Loch Ness or something."

As  much  as  the  professor  finds  those  who  have  encountered  the  spiritual  world  fascinating,  he  is  equally  intrigued  by  those  who  avoid  it.  Finding  non-believers  feels  just  as  sacred,  especially  in  a  town  as  historic  as  Antioch.  What  codifies  one's  belief?  What  doesn't?  These  questions  have  been  at  the  heart  and  soul  of  Maharth's  intellectual  pursuit.

"  Honestly,  the  places  you  mentioned  are  justly  important,  "  Maharth  says,  emphasizing  his  statement  with  a  light  tap  of  the  air  with  his  index  finger  as  he  comes  to  his  conclusion.  Shepherded  by  the  other  man,  Maharth  verges  upon  a  nearby  parked  car  that  stands  out  among  the  typical  models  on  Antioch's  streets.  Its  coating  is  glossy  like  a  candied  fruit  and  just  as  tempting.

While  others  may  hesitate  to  get  into  a  car  with  a  stranger,  for  the  professor,  it's  second  nature.  The  very  manner  of  his  studies  requests  the  goodwill  of  local  people,  and  he's  probably  hitchhiked  more  than  a  thousand  miles  in  car,  wagon,  boat,  even  a  camel.  His  senses  are  astute  enough  to  pick  up  on  nefarious  intent,  and  Dante  doesn't  trigger  any  alarm  bells.  "  Why  not  if  I'm  already  tall  enough  to  ride?  "  he  says,  playing  off  of  Dante,  "  and  if  the  pie  is  as  good  as  you  make  it  sound,  I'd  love  to  taste  it  myself.  "

After  getting  the  go-ahead  to  come  in,  he  sits  in  the  front  passenger  seat  and  thanks  the  driver  for  the  ride.  While  Oregon  is  lovely  this  time  of  year,  a  spot  of  air  conditioning  is  even  lovelier.  Plus,  does  he  get  to  make  an  acquaintance?  A  friend?  Glancing  over  to  Dante,  Maharth  chances  a  conversation,  hoping  it  won't  be  a  distraction.  "  Have  you  lived  in  Antioch  your  whole  life,  Dante?  "