The dwarf and the ranger teleported
back a few armspans away from the camp. Grijhold had somehow mastered
varying the phasing distance on their return from The Place. He's
getting good at this, Nefydd mused.
The smell of cooked elk permeated the
air. Grijhold and Nefydd glanced at each other, the dwarf shrugging
his shoulders, signing 'Here we go.'
Lyn was waiting for them at their
campsite. She had taken off her fighting leathers, revealing all of
her physicality, further accentuated by a woolen shirt, unbuttoned to
reveal just enough of her breasts as a distraction. The carcass of an
elk calf roasted on a spit over a firepit.
Thank gods for the torc, Nefydd
thought, rubbing his right forearm.
“Interesting arcana,” Lyn said,
“You'll have to teach me that some day.”
“Not bloody likely,” the dwarf
responded.
“I'm sure we can reach some kind of
arrangement,”Lyn remarked, bending down in a stretch to touch her
toes. “Come, I've brought you supper.”
“Elks haven't ranged this part of the
Greendale in years,” Nefydd said, thanking Lyn as she handed him a
metal plate and accompanying utensils.
“Everyone has their talents Mr.
Foulkes,” Lyn shrugged, giving Grijhold a plate.
“Well, sit down, eat. Tell me if my
skillset passes muster,” Lyn looked specifically at the dwarf.
Nefydd and Grijhold took a seat near
their gear, but neither of them took a bite of the steaming elk meat
on their plates.
“Oh for gods sakes,” Lyn exclaimed.
She walked to the spit and gingerly tore off a bite with her
fingertips. Looking at both the dwarf and the ranger, she slowly
placed the meat in her mouth and ate.
Nefydd put a forkful of the meat in his
mouth. The flavor was exquisite, never had he tasted game so well
seasoned. Hints of garlic, onion, red pepper, and other elements
spread across his tongue. How did Alayn have access to such spices?
Regardless, the elk tasted delicious.
“Your cooking skills far surpass mine
milady. Thank you.” Nefydd looked to the west, it would be getting
dark in a bell or two. The three ate in silence, rarely making eye
contact with one another, the discomfort a tangible cloud, stifling
conversation. Nefydd finished first, placing his plate and utensils
atop his gear. The ranger began stretching, starting with his upper
body. Lyn looked at Grijhold and winked. The dwarf kept his eyes on
his plate, savoring the meal.
Nefydd nodded at the two remaining
diners,“I will be working forms.” Nefydd walked east, where the
land dipped a few armspans lower in elevation.
“The lad is right, Lady Lyn, your
cooking skills are unmatched. You could open an eatery in Pehrgast,
make a killing with the wealthy snotcrusts,” Grijhold said, taking
another bite of elk.
“Thank you. Your companion has an
unusual history,” Lyn looked into the dwarf's eyes. Grijhold
couldn't tell if there was hint of lust or perhaps a fisherman
looking for bait to reel in her catch with that gaze.
“He's what I would call an
enlightened soldier,”the dwarf responded.
“Lost his loyalty to the Imperial
Council?”
“I would call it disillusionment with
the Council's ideas of governance,” Grijhold put the last bite of
elk into his mouth. Elk had never tasted this good. “The dinner was
incredible. Allow me to clean up.”
Grijhold walked over to Nefydd's gear,
picking up the empty plate and utensils. He felt her fingers caress
the left side of his scalp, trailing down to his ear, her touch
following the shape of his helix. “How long do you think he will
play with his blades?” she whispered. He closed his eyes, took a
few breaths. Grijhold found her other hand by his crotch. He grasped
her right hand, gently prying the dodecahedron from her palm.
“Gods damned you're good lass,” he
turned around to look at her, walking away to his own pack.
“Astute, for a dwarf,” Lyn smiled.
Her beauty at the moment dazzled him.
“And your keen senses are bewildering
as well, my lady.” Grijhold found the pot needed to wash the rest
of the dishes. “Once I finish with our plates, I'll take first
watch.”
“Of course. I'm going for a stroll
while the sunlight lasts.”
“You could always go back to the
priest. Let us handle this.”
“And miss all the excitement in the
presence of such illustrious company? Never,” Lyn cooed.
Grijhold watched her saunter off to the
west.”That was bloody close,” he muttered. He took out his
waterskin, pouring water over his head. “The lad's table manners
saved my horny arse yet again.”
