Nathan stepped forward, adjusting his eyes to the daylight that greeted him once more. His body still felt damp, and the sweat on his back hadn't dried yet.
He looked around.
Across the stream, Validia was crouching while drinking. Her shield-sized hand cupped the water, and she sipped it like a little kid who'd never been taught manners.
Nathan gave a small smile.
His eyes drifted farther.
Domina and Livia were beneath the shade of the Prunus Vitalis tree he had nurtured. Thin smoke curled from the grill above the cooked Blacksteel Boar. Domina was busy carving the meat, while Livia was already tasting it with an expression far too pleased for something that hadn't even been seasoned yet.
Nathan swallowed. Thirsty.
He leapt across the shallow stream, his feet landing lightly on the damp ground. Without much thought, he knelt down and scooped water with both hands, ready to take a sip.
Suddenly—
POKE.
Something touched his butt from behind.
