Orimo stirred awake, the soft rustle of Ryuki's clothing signaling she was already beside him. She sat cross-legged on the wooden floor, her twin swords leaning gently against the wall.
Ryuki: "You're awake?"
Orimo: "Yeah."
The door creaked open, and the man from the village stepped in, a warm smile on his face, carrying two steaming bowls. The aroma of chickpeas and tacos filled the small room.
Man: "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Orimo: "It's okay."
He set the bowls down, and Orimo took a bite. The man's stomach growled faintly, making him chuckle awkwardly.
Man: "I'll be right back."
Orimo: "Uh—no need."
Orimo broke his taco in half and offered it to the man.
Orimo: "Take it."
Ryuki: "I'm not hungry. You can eat it."
Man: "I already ate a lot, I'm not hungry."
Orimo (smiling): "Your stomach says otherwise. Go ahead—dig in."
Tears pricked the man's eyes as he ate.
Man: "Thank you… I've never had this much to eat. I won't forget today. You two are amazing."
Orimo and Ryuki nodded quietly, letting him finish. Once he had eaten, Ryuki took the bowls from him.
Ryuki: "Give it to me. I'll wash these."
Man: "No, you're my guest."
Ryuki: "It's okay. You can rest today."
Orimo glanced toward the window, where sunlight sparkled on the water beyond.
Orimo: "We should leave soon."
Man: "Sure, but be careful. If you don't find someone to stay with, they might kill you."
Orimo: "Who cares?"
Man (serious): "You should. The commander of the Aurelian army runs the country. He's not to be underestimated."
Orimo: "Yeah."
The quiet settled back in, the smell of the meal lingering, and Orimo felt the weight of what lay ahead.