Ren stood naked in the center of the hollow, hands on her hips, staring at the raw ingredients laid out on the leaf. The fire crackled invitingly. The rain poured relentlessly outside.
It was time.
"Alright, listen up," Ren addressed her sole audience member. "Welcome to the pilot episode of Naked Gourmet: Tree Edition. I'm your host, Ren Reynolds, and today we are making a meal that will make your taste buds take flight."
The Golden Eagle stared at her. It blinked once, slowly, its silver eyes tracking a droplet of water rolling down her shoulder.
"First, prep," Ren announced.
She turned to the inner wall of the hollow. With the precision of a surgeon, she used her high-carbon chef's knife to pry two thin, sturdy strips of bark from the tree. They were curved perfectly—nature's plates.
"Hygiene is non-negotiable," Ren lectured, marching to the entrance.
