Making Camp in the Forest – 3A-EW

Chapter 3 – Getting Underway (continued)

“Let’s look for a camp site.” Kaylen decided, “There’s no point stumbling around in the dark, and one night in the forest isn’t going to hurt us.”

They all agreed as they returned to the horses, “Anyone need healing?” He asked before they could mount up.

“She tackled me to the ground, but my armor took the impact.” Lyria explained, raising the visor of her helm.

“I landed under the harpy.” Vesili reminded them.

“Then have Alanthea take a look at you both once we make camp.” He instructed, then vaulted into the saddle of his mare.

With the sun set, and the sky shrouded by the tree canopy, the light was fading quickly. But Talindra still spotted a clearing next to a leaning boulder about 30 yards off the road before full dark. They quickly moved into that partial shelter and set up some canvas tents as makeshift awnings in case of rain.

Armor started coming off as Kaylen and Ursa gathered some firewood, and Kaylen lit a fire with a muttered incantation while Alanthea watched with large avid eyes. They did what they could to ensure the light of their fire wouldn’t travel far, keeping it behind some of the canvas, with the smoke able to escape around the top of the boulder.

The girls were all choosing their spots, with Lyria’s bedroll near one end of their shelter as she motioned for Alanthea to approach. Then she sat facing away from the group as the priestess examined her for potential injuries she may not have felt earlier. Kaylen averted his gaze when the pale-haired healer had to lift Lyria’s tunic to expose her back.

“There is a nook around this side of the boulder where you could have privacy, Kaylen.” Talindra pointed to an area where the boulder was cracked and the earth had mounded up providing a low barrier to block line of sight of someone laying down, looking much more feminine out of her armor and with her braid uncoiled from around her head and hanging down to her knees even though she still wore her sword belt with her unstrung bow and quiver hanging from it as well. “Though it would be less cramped if some of us are willing to share space and warmth.”

Kaylen glanced around the campsite, and noticed Dinnae and Vesili watching them. There wasn’t much space to hold an entirely private conversation, but Dinnae didn’t seem to be bothered by it, and Vesili was getting to her feet.

“If we’re going to be sharing, I wouldn’t mind sleeping next to you, Kaylen.” The half-elf offered.

The green-eyed elf blushed as she nodded and made a little bow. “I will leave you to settle things together. I was going to suggest Ursa might be amenable to such a thing, should you ask it of her.” She gestured towards the far end of the camp where the half-giant had disappeared to after depositing her share of the fire wood. “She volunteered to take the first watch. I suppose I will keep Dinnae company.” She added, as she turned to where the ****-girl was sitting nearby.

“Shouldn’t I have been part of the watch decision?” Kaylen arched one eyebrow.

Talindra shrugged, “You seemed otherwise occupied, but we can consult you in the future should you desire.”

He sighed, “No, that won’t be necessary, just keep me informed. I think my dynamic with Ursa is a bit fresh at this point. Vesili,” He turned to address the half-elf. “I will set up my bedroll with you after I’ve spoken with the others, and after you’ve had Alanthea look at you.”

“Sure, though she looks busy with Lyria at the moment.” She turned away to grab her bedroll from where she’d set it earlier.

Kaylen began his rounds, first heading to where Dinnae sat. “You heard what we were discussing?” He asked.

The brown-haired girl nodded. “I am fine sharing with Talindra, if you and Vesili are together.”

“I’ll be near if you need anything.” He assured her, then turned as Talindra approached with her bedroll.

The green-eyed elf set her bedroll down. “I’ll look after her.”

Kaylen nodded, and shortly moved on to where Alanthea was still knelt over his sister, who was laying face down on her bedroll, most of her torso obscured by the priestess’s body.

“Shit, Kaylen!” Lyria said when she saw him standing there.

Alanthea turned, shifting to the side to look up at Kaylen, revealing what had bothered his sister so, as she lay completely topless, her arms pulled in to her sides to cover anything he might have been able to see aside from the expanse of her bare back.

Kaylen dutifully averted his gaze, though he couldn’t honestly say he was sorry for catching a glimpse of his sister. “Calm yourself, Lyria. If we can’t handle seeing some skin from time to time we’re going to have a hard time traveling together. Besides.” He turned back towards the two women, “With your physique, you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.”

Alanthea smiled at him, and followed his gaze to Lyria’s bare back, “Her muscles are quite impressive, I agree. I was simply massaging some lingering soreness she was feeling.”

“You can at least look away.” Lyria scowled at him, but then sighed, “But you’re right, I suppose. I’m not injured, but Alanthea thought I could use some relaxing to ensure I stayed limber after getting tumbled in that fight.” She added, her voice thick with embarrassment.

Kaylen smiled and held her gaze as he deliberately sat down in her line of sight. “As I said; nothing to be ashamed of. If you weren’t my sister…” He trailed off, and had the decency to blush as they both glanced away from each other.

“You’re right.” She admitted, turning back towards him, her cheeks still red, “You surprised me, is all. Look your fill, I guess. I trust that you don’t mean anything unbrotherly by it.”

After a moment, Alanthea returned to her previous position, her agile hands working at the knots in his sister’s surprisingly toned back. He could see a light bruise along her ribs, but it didn’t look very fresh, so he guessed it must have been from sparring before they’d met up that morning.

“Talindra suggested that we would mostly feel more comfortable with the available space if we shared bedrolls and body heat. So she will be sleeping next to Dinnae, Vesili will be with me, and I figure you can keep Alanthea company if she desires. I haven’t spoken to Ursa yet, but she seems to run a little hot, so maybe she won’t need the companionship.”

“I assume you invited Vesili to share with you?” She asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“No, actually. She suggested Ursa as an option, but Vesili volunteered.”

“I’ve noticed you developing a bit of a rapport with Ursa.” She said, letting her breath out in a groan as Alanthea bore down on a particularly tense section of her back. “I’m surprised by how that’s turning out. It is a bit new though.”

“It is. Well, I should talk with Ursa before turning in. She’s keeping watch. You know where to find me if anything comes up.” He added, getting back to his feet, and leaving the two human women to their healing.

He passed Vesili on his way to locate Ursa a little outside the camp, sitting on the hill that led up to the top of the boulder. “I volunteered for first watch.” The half-giant explained when he took a seat next to her.

“Talindra told me.” He informed her.

“Good.” She said simply.

“She didn’t tell me who’s taking second watch.”

“She is.” The half-giant added, glancing at him.

“Did you decide who’s third?”

The half-giant shook her head. “Ask Lynn.”

“Next time, let me know when you determine such things without my input.” He instructed.

“Of course.” She said, a hint of a blush on her cheeks.

“Talindra suggested that people could double up for warmth if necessary, even hinted that you might want to share with me, but I figured we should probably wait a little longer for something like that.”

“I should be fine.” Ursa said, not meeting his gaze.

“Well, if there’s nothing more you need from me, I guess I’ll turn in.” He said, as he got to his feet and dusted off his trousers. “You can set up your bedroll next to one of the others, if you are so inclined.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” She acknowledged.

“Good luck then.” He ducked back under the tarp canopy, and made his way to the nook formed by the crack in the boulder.

There he laid his bedroll, making sure there would be room for Vesili’s before setting his staff beside it, with his knife belt and the sack with his armor next to that. Finally, he sat to remove his boots and then laid himself out on the bedroll.

It was a few minutes before he sensed Vesili move alongside him in the dim light. “Did Alanthea clear you?”

“She said I’m fine.” She murmured, taking off her own boots before laying down next to him. “Do you… I’m a little chilled.”

“Come here then.” He held up his blanket for her, and she shifted into his side, gathering her blankets beneath his.

“This is a little odd for me. I’m not used to touching.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll get used to it. You’re safe with me.” He told her as he wrapped one arm loosely around her as she nestled into his side, her head on his arm.

“I know, and this feels right with you. I’m still a little unsettled, but I know I can get used to this kind of thing with you.”

“I aim to make an impression.” He said with a pleased grin.

“You have.” She nodded, a movement he felt more than saw.

“Why don’t you give me a kiss before we settle in to sleep?” He suggested as he combed his fingers through her hair in a way that made her shiver as she tilted her chin up to meet his gaze.

“I’d rather not tonight. Not with the others so close.” She said, looking apologetic.

“Very well. But I plan to get you to want to kiss me.” He said playfully as he pulled the blankets close around them both. Vesili laid her head back down and murmered softly against his tunic. Her body was thin and willowy, and she had a seeming fragility, but he knew her to be quite resilient.

Kaylen wanted nothing more than to explore further, but figured he’d pushed her limits enough for one night, so he allowed himself to drift off to a peaceful slumber.