The door to the decrepit old house opened slowly. It creaked, and Drake winced internally.

Grayson came storming out of the shadows.

"Where have you been?! I've been waiting for hours!"

Drake ducked his head in shame.

"Sorry."

Grayson sighed. He really couldn't stay mad with Drake once he was making that face. He sheathed his sword.

"Jesus Christ, you're soaked through. You must be freezing. Come on, I'll get the fire going again."

Drake shook his head.

"No need."

With a flick of his fingers, a flame formed and grew in an instant.

Grayson rolled his eyes, but he let his friend coax the fire.

Drake settled down, carefully placing his bag on the stone floor. His breathing steadied as he tended to the fire. It grew strong under his gentle caress.

Grayson watched in admiration.

"Wish I could do that."

Drake chuckled.

"If you had any magical talent I would teach you."

Grayson brought a hand to his chest and made a face of mock hurt. Then he saw Drake shiver, and his expression grew serious.

"I don't think you should stay out that long anymore. I don't care how much information you're getting from your Endermen kin, you're always coming back half frozen to death, and He is more likely to attack at night."

Drake exhaled shakily. He withdrew his hands from the fire and sat back with his absurdly long legs crossed.

"I know that, Grayson. So do my kin. That's why I take extra care when I'm out there, as they do with me."

Grayson shook his head.

"It's not enough."

Drake set his back straight. He gazed stubbornly at his friend.

"I know of the dangers, Grayson. He can strike at any moment. I understand that He is stronger at night, but He may strike at any moment, and any time that we do not use to gather our strength against Him means more people are lost. That is why I must do it."

Grayson held Drake's gaze for a long time. Then, he sighed, holding his hands out the fire once more.

"Just promise me you'll start coming back earlier."

Drake bowed his head.

"I'll try."