Paula stumbled through the darkness toward the little campfire by the beach. She had seen Tal go by earlier when she was taking care of the owls and when he hadn't come back she set off to find him.
The path was treacherous and she started to regret coming out to look for him. She wouldn't do the group any good with broken limbs. After a few more minutes of stumbling around she finally made it to the beach.
Tal was sitting by the fire cooking what looked like fish he had caught.
"Tal, what are you doing out here by yourself?"
Tal looked surprised to see her. Once again she thought it was a bad idea to follow him. Maybe he wanted some time alone.
"Oh hey Paula, I just wanted to clear my head and do some fishing."
It was an awkward situation. Should she turn back and leave him alone or sit down. She waited in silence for direction from Tal but when he didn't say anything she turned to leave.
"I should probably leave then-"
Tal interrupted. "No you're fine. Please stay. Come sit. I was lost in thought. I don't want you going back alone anyway."
That made Paula blush for some reason. She took a seat by the fire. The fish smelled delicious and she remembered how hungry she was. She looked out at the ocean to distract herself and noticed the moon shining on the water. It didn't seem so dark now.
"It's beautiful isn't it?"
Paula looked at Tal and realized he was staring at her.
"Yeah. It takes you away from all this death and destruction."
Tal smiled. "Exactly."
"Although it is nice to see everyone again, despite the circumstances. Jewel and I spend a lot of time together. It's like we were never apart."
Tal was quiet now. "Yeah I noticed. Keneth and I still live in Razril and we hardly see each other. I've got my fishing and he's still with the knights." Paula studied Tal's face. Tal respected Keneth and maybe it was a guy thing but he felt like he needed to prove himself to Keneth. "I wonder if I chose wrong? Being here with you all just seems right, ya know?" Paula nodded. She had been struggling with the same thoughts. Being away from them had been hard. "Keneth is also much stronger than us."
Paula thought about what he said and decided he was wrong. "You can't think like that. Keneth has his path and we have ours. You love fishing! Don't give up your passion because of guilt. I agree that it is very nice to be together again. We fight because we want a better future. I want a future where you don't have to worry about how strong you are or if you have to pick up a sword and fight. You should do what you love to do."
Tal just stared at her for awhile and Paula felt like she had said too much.
"I'm sorry. I-I shouldn't have-"
"No you are completely right. You've had a lot to think about it seems. You've made up my mind. Once this war is over I'm getting us all together and cooking the best fish meal you have ever tasted."
"That's sounds like a good idea." They both smiled.
"Speaking of which, I need to take these fish off the fire. Would you like to join me?"
Paula beamed in delight. "I thought you would never ask!"
The two laughed and ate fish recalling the good old times. The four of them would be friends forever it seemed.