The shadow's words seemed to work — to a degree, at least — because the girl eventually stopped trembling. She still seemed frightened, trying to stay as motionless as possible… but a child was a child.
Soon enough, she grew bored and restless.
Looking around with an expression of curiosity — a senseless gesture, since she could not see anything in the darkness — the girl spoke in a brighter tone.
"My name is Tatal. I'm this many years old."
She raised a hand, proudly showing the darkness her five tiny fingers.
The shadow did not respond. What did it care what this human child was called, let alone how old she was?
The girl did not seem to understand its reluctance to engage in a conversation, though, and asked after growing uncomfortable with the silence.
"What is your name, Dark One?"
The shadow frowned.
It did not care what it was called, either. But since the girl asked, the shadow tried to remember.
