Time for food!

As the meal finally came together, I could see Diana practically drooling with anticipation. She looked like she hadn't eaten in days, her eyes locked on the food as if it were a precious treasure. I plated up three beautiful, hearty servings of the meal, feeling a mix of pride and nervousness. Diana's fork was already halfway to her mouth when Leona, with a warm smile, raised her own plate. "Bon appétit, everyone," she said, and we all began to eat.

The flavors melded together perfectly, a rich blend of the Gromp's tender meat, wild mushrooms, and fresh berries. As I took my first bite, I felt a surge of satisfaction at the result. Leona and Diana seemed equally pleased. Leona, ever the gracious one, took a moment to express her delight. "This is truly a delight," she said, savoring each bite. "You've done wonders with so few ingredients. Gromp is one of my favorite dishes, and you've elevated it to something extraordinary."

Diana, on the other hand, was in a state of blissful silence. Her usual sharp, contemplative expression was replaced by one of pure contentment, her eyes half-closed as she enjoyed the meal. She seemed completely absorbed, her usual intensity softened by the pleasure of the food. When she finished, she set her plate down beside her, looking completely satiated.

Just as I thought of getting up to gather the plates, Diana suddenly turned towards me. Her eyes were warm and filled with an unexpected tenderness. She leaned in closer, and before I could fully register what was happening, she planted a soft, affectionate kiss on my cheek. "Thank you, John," she said, her voice gentle and sincere. "Your meal has made me incredibly happy and full."

The warmth of her lips lingered on my cheek, and I felt a sudden rush of emotions—a mix of surprise, joy, and a fluttering excitement. Leona raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by Diana's unusually affectionate gesture. "Diana, I didn't know you had such a soft side," she teased lightly, though her eyes twinkled with amusement.

Diana smiled, a rare, genuine smile that transformed her face from its usual serious demeanor into something softer and more approachable. "Well, good food does that to me," she replied with a playful shrug. Her usually aloof demeanor had melted away, revealing a side of her that was warm and endearing. The kiss had left me both thrilled and slightly dazed, the unexpected affection from this stunning warrior a highlight of the evening.

With a deep sense of contentment and a bit of a daze from Diana's unexpected gesture, I stood up and began gathering the dishes. "I'll take these down to the river and clean them," I offered, wanting to give Leona and Diana some time to relax after the meal. They both nodded, Leona stretching out contentedly and Diana reclining comfortably, her eyes half-closed as she rested.

As I made my way to the river, the cool night air felt refreshing against my skin. The water was clear and cool, and as I scrubbed the dishes, I couldn't help but replay the events of the evening in my mind. The warmth of Diana's kiss, our kinship around the fire, and the easy laughter we shared—all of it felt like a dream. The clear, starry sky above and the tranquil sound of the river added to the surreal beauty of the moment.

Once the dishes were clean and neatly stacked, I took a moment to breathe in the peacefulness of the surroundings. The light from the campfire flickered in the distance, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude and wonder for this unexpected adventure.