As the minutes stretched on, a comfortable silence settled. The only sounds were the soft crackling of the flames, the spoon scraping softly against the bowl, and the occasional pop from a stick as it splintered from the heat.

So much has happened so far, and so quickly too…It’s kind of surreal to think about when you look back on it. Hm…

Though I’d been focused on the fire, some movement from the corner of my eye caught my attention. Shifting my gaze from the blazing embers to the movement, I found the young man standing at the edge of the ring of light that the burning coals cast. He stood there awkwardly, his right hand holding the cloak closed just below his throat, the left firmly holding the bowl.

“Uhm…” He glanced down at the bowl before looking uneasily up at me. “Could I…have some more soup?”

After intensely staring at him for a few moments, I casually gesture to the pot that still hung over the fire, shifting my focus from him back to the flames. “Go ahead. It’s for you anyways.”

From my peripherals, I saw a genuine look of surprise cross his features before he approached slowly. After heaping a few heavy spoonfuls of stew into the bowl, he took a seat opposite me, while remaining close enough to the blaze to feel its warmth. Pulling the cloak more securely around himself, he began eating, though I felt him glancing at me occasionally.

“It really is that good.”

“What is?” I ask flatly, never taking my eyes away from the happy bonfire.

“The stew.” He responded, holding the spoon between two fingers and drinking the rest of the broth.

I gave a light shrug, glancing at him briefly. “I just picked things that looked similar to what I’m used to.”

Placing the bowl and spoon next to him, he gave a sigh of content, pulling the cloak more securely around him. Almost instantly, I felt his focus hone in on me. Due to my eyes being completely black, sclera and iris included, it was hard for anyone to tell if I were studying them. Still, that feeling of being watched usually nagged at them – it was easy to tell by their facial expressions. Instead of flat out staring at this stranger, I focused on the campfire, keeping an eye on him through my peripherals.

“So…” He trailed off, tilting his head ever so slightly to the side. “What’s your name?”

“Why do you want to know?”

He shrugged, glancing to the dancing flames before refocusing on me. “Well, I figured that since we’re travelling together – even if it’s temporary, I don’t think calling you ‘you’ all the time will end well.”

Though I momentarily glanced at him visibly, I made no attempt to respond. Instead, I pulled up my knees and hugged them, continuing to focus on the blaze.

“Are you heading to Citruv, by any chance?”

At this, I turned my head to indicate my full attention on him. “What makes you think that?”

He gave another shrug. “Just a guess since it’s a popular travel destination. They have a stadium for fights, and one of the largest markets in the quadrant.” He continued to study me. When I made no reply, his expression shifted to a more concerned one. “Are you sure you're not cold?”

“I already told you that I’m not.”

“I’m just making sure. A cute girl like you doesn’t deserve to freeze on a cold night like this.”

Oh please… I rolled my eyes before mildly glaring at him. “Cut the shit. I don’t want to hear how you might find me attractive.”

Once again he shrugged, continuing to watch me. With a heavy and mildly irritated sigh, I stand, brushing the dirt off my black pants.

His eyes widened with worry. “W-wait… Are you…leaving?”

I stopped, studying him. “It’s going to get colder, so stay near the fire tonight. I’ll be back in the morning.” Before leaving the clearing entirely, I paused and looked back at my guest. “Get some sleep. We leave at first dawn.”