*I got this idea from Stahl and Miriel's supports, and how these three are best buds. Enjoy!*
"Has anyone noticed how weird Miriel has been?" Stahl asked as he wiped the sweat off his head with a towel.
Kellam placed his armor aside, exhaling as he did. He, Donnel, and Stahl had been training until a few minutes ago, and the sun was beaming down on them, making them sweat more and tire faster than usual. He plopped his rear end on the ground. "I'm not sure I follow."
"She's worse than Frederick ever was!" the Paladin exclaimed as he sat down as well. "She claims it's for study, but I wonder just how honest that is."
"I know what ya mean," Donnel sided with Stahl as he took off his shirt and took a seat between the two. "She's been askin' to watch me durin' my trainin'. I don't mind, but I'm curious as to why."
"Hmm, I guess I haven't been paying attention," Kellam shrugged as he and Stahl removed their shirts as well. He glanced over at Donnel and gave him a light slap on his shoulder. "Well, look here. All your hard work is paying off, Donny! Look at those muscles!"
"Wh-what?" He looked down at his muscles then back up to Kellam, his cheeks infrared. "I reckon so."
"What do you mean you reckon?" Stahl laughed. "I'm sure Sully can't keep her hands off you!"
Donnel's blush intensified. "Ah, this ain't nothin' to be proud of. When I get muscles like you 'n Kellam, then I can boast."
"Just remember," Kellam spoke, "muscles don't define a man."
"I know, I know," Donnel nodded. "Actions 'n heart what make a man." He glanced over at Stahl. "Reckon if I start fightin' on horseback, I'll get back muscles like yers? 'N if I start wearin' armor like Kellam, I'll get lumberjack-like?"
"Well-"
"Hold on a minute," Kellam interrupted Stahl as he glanced around the area. "Do… do you ever get the feeling… like you're being watched?"
"You mean like right now?" Stahl nodded as he and Donnel surveyed along with Kellam. For a moment, all was quiet, their hands on their weapons, ready to fight if need be. When some time had passed, they relaxed.
"Guess it was nothing," Kellam shrugged as he rose to his feet. "Well, I'm sure Cherche is looking for me."
"Olivia's making me my favorite pie tonight," Stahl nearly drooled, standing as well. He held a hand down to Donnel, who took it, and pulled him to his feet. "I can't wait!"
"Wish I can say the same fer Sully," Donnel laughed. "I shore do love her, but the gal can't cook."
They continued their discussion as they walked away.
Behind a boulder, Miriel pushed back her glasses, a drop of sweat on her temple. A long sigh of relief escaped her lips as her body relaxed in a slump. "That was indubitably, as the terminology expresses, a very close call."