Ella and Adam stepped out of their tent and made their way back toward the fire where the rest of the men had gathered. The flames crackled softly, casting warm orange light against the cold, dark woods. Shadows danced across armor, faces, and tree trunks alike, giving the moment an almost surreal calm after everything they had endured.
The men were already eating, but after weeks of travel, their rations had thinned considerably, making meat something of a luxury. In addition, hunting in the Wandering Woods was not exactly a casual evening activity, so tonight's meal was a modest vegetable stew and coarse bread, simple yet filling.
Ella lowered herself beside Beric, careful, almost overly aware of her own movements. Adam followed and settled close at her side, far too comfortably for her liking.
