Chapter 50

                                    

                                          
Darius's voice breaks through my reverie, his tone light and inviting.
"Could you help me with the seasoning?" he asks, extending a small bowl of salt my way.
I nod eagerly, eager to contribute to our morning meal. Taking the bowl in my hands, I carefully add a pinch of salt to the simmering pot. The grains dissolve into the liquid, infusing it with a savory undertone.
As I hand the bowl back to Darius, our fingers brush briefly, sending a jolt of awareness through me. It is a fleeting touch, innocent yet charged with a subtle electricity that leaves me momentarily breathless.
Curtis's voice, deep and resonant, cuts through the air as he declares, "The rice is almost done."
With practiced precision, he lifts the bamboo vessel from the fire and sets it aside to cool.
Darius follows suit, removing the pot of rice porridge from the flames.
The steam rising from the concoction carries with it a medley of aromas, a tantalizing blend of ingredients that speak of comfort and nourishment.
With the cooking complete, we gather around, the three of us forming a makeshift circle.
The bamboo vessel and the pot of rice porridge stand before us, a testament to our combined efforts.
Darius ladles the rice porridge into simple bowls, each serving a testament to the harmony of flavors that have been carefully orchestrated.
As the steam wafts upwards, my stomach rumbles in anticipation, a reminder of the satisfying meal that awaits us.
We settle down on the cave floor, our positions forming an impromptu gathering. The cave's walls seem to encompass us, providing a sense of shelter and intimacy.
Curtis's voice breaks the silence, his words a quiet reflection of our shared journey. "This meal is getting better while we learned from you. " he declares, his eyes meeting mine briefly before shifting to Darius.
"Thanks, to our new mate, we get along so fine." Darius adds, a genuine warmth in his tone.
I raise my bowl as well, a smile tugging at my lips. "I just shared my knowledge as I promised before Darius. It wouldn't be great without you. You learned so fast! " I chime in, my heart swelling with gratitude for the companionship that has blossomed in this otherworldly place.
With a collective nod, we clink our bowls together, the sound a harmonious echo in the cave.
As we indulge in the simple yet hearty rice porridge, the atmosphere is one of camaraderie and unity.
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After our satisfying breakfast, Darius takes off to search for familiar medicinal herbs in the surrounding area.
"Hey, Curtis, have you ever tried catching fish before?" I inquire.
"Fish? There's a stream nearby, next to the falls, where you can find plenty," he replies.
"Could you do me a favor and catch some for me?"
"Sure thing."
"Just put them in your shredded snakeskin, if you don't mind."
He nods and leaves the cave, his task clear in his mind.
I watch as he ventures off, wondering how he'd manage to catch fish without using his venom.
From my spot near the entrance of the cave, I can't help but stifle a giggle as a slippery fish eludes his grasp.
Yet, after a few tries, he displays an impressive skill in catching fish, using both his tail and sharp nails to secure his catch.
With Curtis momentarily preoccupied, I take the opportunity to open my laptop, spreading my belongings from my backpack on the cave floor.
My eyes settle on the laptop, and with a sense of relief, I power it on, grateful to see it still functioning despite our circumstances.
Great. Now I should transfer these files to my phone, just in case the laptop decides to give up on me.
I learn the hard way about the importance of being prepared during our countless escapes, including the chaotic beast tide.
Gathering useful items becomes second nature to me as we traverse different areas.
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