I giggled as I felt the blade pull at the goosebumps on my neck.
"Oh, you think you can threaten me like this and expect me to talk?" I smiled while the elf squinted at me, tilting his head to the side with confusion. "Go on, kill me." I urged with the pain from before still shooting through my bones. "Then you can leave here without any information, and would have done all that work for nothing." I snapped, gently pushing against the dagger until he quickly stepped back and put it away. "There, good boy." I probably shouldn't have said that to him, but at that moment I felt invincible, and wasn't concerned of how that would play out later in this journey. His eyebrows dropped in anger as he glared in my direction. Carefully I pulled myself up, gripping the couch weakly to sit up and face the rest.
"I apologize on behalf of my friend here. He can go much longer without eating than us, so he has been giving up his share of food so we may have more to eat." Aragorn sighed while glancing between the two.
"You mean to say you haven't been looting the buildings you stayed in?" I asked in surprise. They just stared questionably at me. "Well, I guess you guys don't look like you're from a city alike to this." I spoke while pushing myself to my feet, though unfortunately for me, my knee had refused to cooperate and I began my descent. I stuck out my arms just in time for Gimli to reach out and catch me before the ground could, I clinged to his strength as to not make any noise, hoping he was able to bare my weight.
"It's alright lassie, I got ye'." He murmured while helping me to my feet. He held my arm tightly as I walked, staying by my side so I wouldn't stumble again. The kitchen and living room were separated by a wall that had an opening on each side to enter, I made my way in there, and opened the fridge, where plenty of drinks, and rotten food were stored. I took out one of the water bottles and held it up for the others to see as they walked in.
"You may not be used to seeing water in a plastic container, but as long as you don't have it exposed to much sunlight, it is safe to drink. Looks as if there are some unopened juices in here too, which are safe as well, despite them not looking as you're used to." I explained while shuffling through the last silver box. "Take what you need out of here, it doesn't look as if the residence is coming home." I stepped away from the fridge for the others to look inside, and using the counter as support, made my way to a door placed at one side of the kitchen. I opened it to discover exactly what I hoped for, a pantry. "Whoa, you guys know how to pick 'em!" I gasped as the light from the setting sun lit up all the cans. The three stopped from gathering the drinks and looked towards me.
"What is it?" Aragorn asked immediately. "What did you find?"
"Food." I smiled while looking back at them. "Check in the cupboards for dishes and in the drawers for utensils, and a can opener if you can find it." I instructed while collection emptying the cold room of all it's goodies hidden inside.
"'Can opener'?" I heard the elf question.
"Just bring out everything you find." To my surprise, they did as they were asked without question, I guess with the offer of food they didn't feel the need to argue with a stranger. Once everything was laid out neatly by the stove, I shuffled over to search for the tool I needed to open the metal tins that outweighed the boxes of breakfast foods and treats. I found the odd looking contraption almost immediately and quickly brought over a can. "Now, these are supposed to be warmed for a more enjoyable meal, but I don't see the harm in eating it cold, despite the strange taste it may leave." I clamped the opener down on the tins top and twisted the handle until I could remove the top, I did this two more times before pouring them into bowls and putting spoons in the cold stews, serving it to the hunters.
"What is this sorcery?" Aragorn mumbled while examining the vegetables and meats in the dark brown liquid.
"They all looked to be cooked to perfection! Why are they placed in these metal tubes?" Gimli spoke while doing the same.
"And why haven't they yet gone bad?" Legolas didn't sound very trustful of what I have offered them.
"They aren't spoiled because they haven't expired." I answered while opening a can of tuna for myself, sticking a fork in it while leaning on the counter to face them. "Look it's not the best for you," I began while mixing the juices around in the can, "but what do you want for nothing? There is no time to raid nor is there anything here that can fill you up as much as that can. You all need energy for the day to come, I wouldn't be going around refusing just anything. The date it goes bad is like 2020, you'll be fine."
"2020, what year is it now?" Aragorn inquired with a raised brow.
"2015 from where these all come from." I responded
"That is a long time for food to last, lassie, are you sure that's correct?" Gimli squinted at me. I nodded and took a bite of the white flaked fish. The elf smelt it while the man examined, though the dwarf didn't ask any more questions, he took a spoonful and chewed the meat, carrots, and potatoes he received. Soon after a smile grew, everyone stared at him, awaiting his review. "Why this is strangely new! How can something stay in a closet so long still have such a taste?" He questioned before taking another bite. His two friends looked curiously at each other, before they too tried it, giving them a spark of delight in their eyes.
"Perhaps you are right," Aragorn paused from eating. "We should not be so quick to turn down food, cold or warm." I giggled at them, feeling a sense of pride seeing their gentle smiles placed almost secretly on their lips.
"See bowman, I'm not such a burden after all, now am I." I winked at the elf as he glanced up at me.
"Do not make me lose my appetite." He murmured before taking another mouthful, not expecting me to laugh as I did after.
"As if that's possible." I said sarcastically. "Go on gentlemen, sit down and relax. I'll try to make some of this stuff a little easier to pack for when you go tomorrow." My voice slowly trailed off, becoming monotone along the way.
"Not all of it, there still must be some for you." Aragorn insisted.
"No, you guys worked to get to this place, not me. There are plenty of other rooms in this building that may have food, it'll be fine." I countered before turning away from them and organizing the new found supplies. They said nothing more, and sat down at the table that stood before the living room carpet. Silently I gathered up bags and containers, placing everything together while picking at the tuna I had opened for myself, trying to eavesdrop on what the three were talking about. Slowly I crept up to the corner, inching as close as I could so I might hear their whispering as the darkness filled the room, and the moon left a calming blue light on the walls.
