Malia listened as the other women talked to Jaeden. They seemed quite familiar with one another, almost on a level that ran deeper than mere friendship. Still, however, she couldn’t be sure. Pulsers behaved in odd ways and everyone was a little different. For all she knew, it could just be their humor as well. While the others left to do what he had told them, Malia unpacked the tents and started unfolding them. With so much fabric for so many people, orientation proved to be a little challenge. However, she soon found out how it had been folded by unfolding parts, circling the entire thing and looking at the edges and intervals. As soon as she knew what was where, she unfolded the entire tent and started digging little holes and putting twigs in them. They would stabilize the tent. Of course, the structure wasn’t too solid anyway, but as long as they avoided danger and strong wind, they should be safe inside.
While she was working, she kept an eye on Stitch and Jaeden. Firstly, they were the only pulsers still in close proximity, and second, they were the two pulsers she was most interested in. The three others, partly women, partly animals, appeared to be loyal to Jaeden first and foremost. On a scientific basis, Malia was interested in the Kelvics, but apart from that, she would keep communication at a minimum. More importantly, she noticed that Stitch’s behavior had turned to slightly awkward and nervous. It was obvious that he wasn’t used to the wilds. Nevertheless, Malia watched and took in the information. He had never been outside his city, had never built a fire-pit or ridden a horse before. Only when the comfortable environment was gone, his lack of experience became obvious. Malia observed with interest.
At the same time, however, she appreciated the fairness of the situation. Some time ago, she had demanded a favor of him, had asked for employment in his house. Now, their roles had changed: Malia was the one with more power while Stitch needed someone to show him the ropes of survival. “I agree with him. You must train your body and your mind to become stronger physically and mentally.” She threw a glance at Stitch and abruptly stopped. Perhaps she had wanted to add something, but with her exotic speech pattern, one couldn’t be sure.
When Jaeden spoke of danger, she nodded along. Hiding from pulsers and their sharp and pointy objects had taught her several lessons. Lesson one: Never hide where they expect you to hide. Lesson two: If your choice surprises yourself, it will also surprise your enemies. If she had been alone, Malia would have camped in close proximity to the dangerous place. She’d know when danger approached and get away as quickly as possible.
Then the guide started exercising with his axe. Malia watched for a while, but then turned back to work. He seemed used to handling his weapon, and his muscles were prominent. That was enough to convince Malia that he’d be a good bodyguard. Stitch ... She wasn’t sure how he’d react out in the wilderness. She wasn’t sure. For some reason, that annoyed her a bit, so she avoided the sight of the two men for a while.
Because of that, she didn’t immediately realize that she had been asked a question. When working, her thoughts often wandered far away. She needed practice, needed it badly. Where had she been ...? Blinking, Malia tried to concentrate on the answer. “Here and there”, she said as she walked around the skeleton of the tent and examined it. Was everything as solid as it should be? If that was the case, she would start pulling the fabric up and over the twigs. Her body language was minimal, even when she had her hands free, and her voice monotone enough to become a mere background noise. “I’ve mostly roamed the Syliran and Talderan countryside, stayed around villages. When encountering danger, I always fled. It was safer, back then.” Once again, she stopped. Privacy was important to her, and for a good reason.
The idea of changing the topic relieved her a bit. “I will do the night watch”, she added matter-of-factly. Of course, someone who never slept would be the best choice, right? The Kelvics, half-animals, surely were blessed with instinct and improved senses, but that didn’t mean that they didn’t need sleep. More importantly, the night bells would give her some time to practice and think about the future.
She had lost something. Now she was searching, although she wasn’t sure for what. First she needed to find it in thought and then she had to look for it in the material world.