The meat, or whatever it was, smelt so good. I carefully took a bite. Immediately flavours exploded in my mouth. It was so tasty! I just had to hope I wouldn't throw it up.

Uuuhhh, what was his name again, Dayxo? He keeps staring at me. He doesn't seem like a bad person. At least I really hope he isn't.

After finishing the food I slumped against the wall of the cave. Now that the hunger and thirst were gone, I could think a lot clearer. I finally noticed just how grave my injuries were. If it weren't for the fact that I was a halfling, I would most definitely not be alive anymore.

The pain also started comming back, probably since I wasn't on the brink of death anymore. It used to be no more than feeling like I got punched in the gut. But now that I was no longer in constant hunger and thirst, the pain was getting worse every second. My breath hitched in my throat. It felt like somebody was cutting me open again and again.

Dayxo probably noticed it was getting worse, because he gave me a worried look. I was helpless. Couldn't move. Breathing was starting to hurt. Tears blurred my vision. I didn't know what to do.

If I didn't get help I would certainly die. If I did get help, if I trusted them, I might get hurt again. I don't want to get hurt again. But I also don't want to die. I slumped more against the wall. If only Fenir was here. He'd know what to chose, well, I hoped he would. But he's not here, I'm all alone, again.

*Maybe I should just crawl back in the crack and die there, cold and lonely. It's not like anyone, except Fenir, would care. At least then I wouldn't have to suffer anymore.*

I don't know why but somehow I just can't accept that. Dying without ever having accomplished anything. I guess I could pretend to trust Dayxo. He seemed like a decent human, hopefully he was.

*That's also what I thought about the last one and they still betrayed me.* A choked sob escaped my lips. *Damnit, I'm getting lost in memories again.*

"Hey...sshhh...it's okay," Dayxo softely cooed. "I'm not going to hurt you, I just want to help, please let me help." I looked at him doubtfully while he gave me a little smile. He looked sincere, maybe I could let him come close, just this once.

I kept staring at him for a few minutes before I reluctantly gave a tiny nod. He immediately looked elated and turned around to get the medical supplies off the floor. Then very slowly came closer to me and stretched out his hand.

I, ofcourse, flinched away from the outstretched hand. He eyed me carefully and backed away a bit. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. After a while I gave another nod and he tried again. I didn't flinch away but the moment his fingers touched me my entire body went stiff.

*It hurt. Everything hurt. I'm scared. He'll put his hand around my neck. Just like them. He'll try to kill me. Just like them. He's just like then. Everyone is.*

But his hands didn't reach for my neck. Instead he pulled on my arm. Making me fall right into his broad chest. He pulled my whole body into his lap and wrapped his arms around me.

For the first time in years I felt something I never thought I'd ever feel again. Safe. I felt safe. In the arms of a stranger I had known for only a few hours. I was confused to say the least but who cares. It was Safe. It was Warm. It was Home. It was Mine.