The Forest Runaways (for Eternal)

[Mushy]

"You were caught, by me," Dusk said with deep disapproval as he began pulling out everything to make their food on the stove in the inn. "I would never have chopped off your hands though. That's a hideous punishment. If I do catch you again, however, I will spank you."

He turned and looked sharply at Dai, his eyes showing that it was not a mere empty threat.

[Spunny]

Dai felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand. He knew that spankings hurt, since his parents also always did that to him. "Ok." he said, looking down, hearing the deep disapproval. "Well...I won't do it again! I promise!" he said, looking back up with a smile.

[Mushy]

"That's good to hear, Dai."

Dusk couldn't help but smile. His friend had never, ever promised in his life to stop stealing. That Dai would promise was impressive. He ran a hand through Dai's hair, continuing to smile. Then he went back to preparing the food.

Once it was done, he set food in front of Dai and patted him gently on the back.

[Spunny]

Dai smiled as the food was ready and the other gently patted him on the back. He then began to eat his food slowly, just letting the taste be in his mouth for a while before swallowing it, eating the meal took about a half hour.

[Mushy]

"Something wrong?" Dusk asked. He had noticed Dai was eating rather slowly, and while he had no trouble eating the meal, he didn't know if Dai was sick, or didn't like the food.

It didn't make a difference really, but Dusk was certain that a slow eater while traveling would slow him down. His calculations for his travels were already completely different because Dai had followed him. Not that he could do anything about that - he wasn't going to dump Dai off somewhere and let him fend for himself. Dusk wasn't that cold hearted, he just lacked understanding.

[Spunny]

Dai quickly shook his head. "No, nothing's wrong." he said after swallowing the last bite. "It's just that I like it when the taste was in my mouth. Why do you ask?" he said as he smiled at Dusk.

[Mushy]

"I wasn't sure if you didn't like it, or you weren't feeling well," Dusk said, feeling awkward. He'd never thought himself a decent cook enough for someone to actually enjoy his food. He fixed and ate by priority, and his own tastebuds weren't picky.

"Well, it's getting late," Dusk said. "I need to set up new calculations since you'll be accompanying me. Feel free to go to sleep, or read...you're welcome to watch me. I'm letting Meyna out for the night."

He opened the window and Meyna jumped out of the window. He left the window open, which allowed a humid but at least somewhat cool breeze into the stuffy room, where Dusk had recently worked on the stove. The rainforest temperatures were hell on those not used to them. Dusk had to admit, the climate and everything had been different where he had lived, and he was more accustom to chilly nights and walking on paths of ice to get around outside.

Dusk set up a map on a table, taking out a pencil and paper, a compass, a protractor, and many other things. There were so many things to do, and now that Dai was with him...he had a lot to figure out.

[Spunny]

"Hey DusK? Where are you headed to anyways?" he asked as he went next to him. "Why are you traveling so much? Where are you going?"

[Mushy]

To be honest, Dusk didn't feel like revealing anything to the child. At least, nothing long term. He didn't think there were any spies out, but just in case, he had to use caution.

"I'm headed to a temple," he said softly. "At least, that's my next destination. I'm not really able to tell you much more."

[Spunny]

"Why can't you tell me more?" Dai asked. "Is it something I did? Or is it because it's something that I'm not supposed to tell others?"