Barley tossed another log on the fire. It crackled a bit, and Lyra watched as he began to set out blankets from his pack.

They made camp by the river, much to Fox's delight. She swam in it, laughing. Lyra didn't know how Fox could stand the cold. No matter how many times Lyra had asked her, Fox didn't say why she was wanted by the king, or her reason for going to Fenrir. She wouldn't even say her true name. Barley advised against it, saying Fox rarely revealed her intentions.

Barley sat next to Lyra once he was done, and chuckled a bit as Fox dived in the water. "I hope you don't mind...Fox is the only family I got, besides my father, and I worry about her. I sometimes don't see her for months at a time." Lyra shrugged, drawing swirls in the dirt with her foot. "I dunno, I guess she's alright."

The two cousins had some similarities besides the red hair. They both had high cheek bones, and somewhat slender bodies, though Barley was a bit more muscular.

The main difference wasn't only their personalities, but their eyes. Barley's chocolate brown eyes were gentle and kind, and Fox's were a sharp bright green.

Lyra hummed as Fox came out of the river. She was wearing a long white tunic down to her knees. She casually sat next to Lyra, still dripping wet.

Fox yawned a bit. "Barley, could you pass me the bag?" Barley tossed her his pack, and Fox rummaged through it a bit. Then she pulled out a yellow fruit, and peeled off the skin.

Lyra looked confused, tilting her head. "What's that?" She said, pointing at the fruit. Fox looked dumb founded, the fruit halfway to her mouth.

She stared at Lyra. "Haven't you ever seen a banana before? They're amazing!" Lyra shrugged. "Nope. Only heard of them." Barley cleared his throat.

"Fox, she comes from Fenrir, remember? They don't eat a lot of sweet foods. They mostly eat bread."

Fox pursed her lips. "I completely forgot." She broke off a piece of the fruit. "Try some. It's delicious." Lyra hesitantly took the piece. Fox waved her on, smiling.

Lyra put it in her mouth, and chewed the soft fruit. The amazing taste filled her mouth, and Lyra unwillingly gave a soft sigh of contempt.

Fox gave a satisfied hum, and then looked back at the fire. "You should play a song for us, bread girl." Barley piped up, "Yeah, that's a good idea. I haven't heard Lyra play before, besides War Playing." Fox's eyes widened. "You can-" Lyra nodded quickly. Fox looked impressed. "There's more to you then it seems, bread girl. Now go on. Play a song."

Lyra looked embarrassed. "Alright, alright." She grabbed the neck of her violin, and put it on her shoulder. Lyra picked up her bow.

Fox sat up eagerly, and Barley half-smiled.

Lyra decided to play smoothly, so as to not destroy. It was a simple song, but very fluttery. The rhythm had Lyra's companions in a trance. They watched, their mouths wide open. Lyra smiled as she played, and the she lowered her bow.

Barley clapped, and Fox whistled in approval. She pointed, before leaning back. She was beginning to dry now. "This one...this one has talent." Lyra smiled. "Thanks." She put down her violin.

Barley tapped his chin. "Good job there, Lyra. Now, we should probably get to bed. Lots of traveling in the morning." Fox yawned. "I agree with that. G'night."

She chose a pile of blankets, and then collapsed comfortably down in them. Lyra chuckled as Fox faked some snores. Barley rolled his eyes, and then went down in his blankets. "I'll see you in the morning, Lyra. G'night."

"G'night." Lyra laid down in her pile of blankets, and looked at the stars. Soon, the sound of Fox and Barley's snores were heard, almost in rhythm. Lyra smiled.

The king was after her. She didn't know what would happen. She could be dead tomorrow, or worse, back at the king's castle. Clyde's face still flashed in her mind.

But for now, Lyra was alright. She had two friends beside her, and at the moment, nothing to worry about. Lyra closed her eyes, and finally surrendered to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi, I'm back 😋

-Clo