Being used to sleeping in the field, Hak woke up much earlier than Yona the morning after they left Fuuga. He briefly tried to figure out how much time he would have before the princess rose for the day, since he didn't want her to get freaked out by his absence in case she woke before he returned. He concluded that since the sun had yet to fully breach the horizon, he probably would have time to relieve himself and fetch some water. Walking on nearly silent feet born of long practice, Hak left their campsite and made his way to the stream he had located the night before. He had already visited a bush on the way, so he wasn't feeling an urgent need to return immediately. He knelt down and splashed some water on his face, relishing the refreshing chilliness of the stream. He let out a small sigh as he looked across the burbling surface that was starting to gleam in the early pre-dawn light. It would be easy to get lost in the beauty of the early morning, but he had a princess to attend to. Scooping up some water, he stood and returned to their campsite.
As he re-entered the small clearing, he quickly sought out Yona's form first. Good, she still appeared to be fast asleep. Feeling reassured on that front, Hak set about his next task for the morning; their breakfast. He stoked the embers of the fire from the night before, and they sprang readily to life under his expert ministrations. Once it was crackling away merrily, he dug in the bag for the food that his grandpa had sent with them.
The smell, or perhaps the sound, of the sizzling meat seemed to finally wake the princess. She sat up, yawning and rubbing her eyes. Locating Hak, she directed a sleepy half-smile at him. "Good morning," she mumbled.
"Morning," he returned bluntly. He grinned at her disheveled appearance, half amused and half aroused at the sight. Seeing her in disarray from sleep made his brain go down a trail of thought that was sure to make itself physically known if he didn't stop it. He deflected this thought by asking, "Did you sleep well?"
She regarded him carefully. "Well enough, I suppose."
He was confused for a moment until he realized the reason for her caution. Grinning, he pursued her wariness, grateful to have something to tease her for as a distraction from his growing physical need. "Not as well as you would have slept at Fuuga, of course. The beds there are much more comfortable than sleeping in the woods. More fit for a princess, or should I say a lady-in-waiting."
Her face reddened, and she glared at him. "That's not what I meant at all, Hak! I just meant that it's going to take some getting used to, sleeping outside like this. I'm glad I came with you." She stood up and stalked over to the fire, seating herself huffily next to him. Obviously trying to redirect the conversation, she said, "That smells good. What's for breakfast?"
Hak smiled at the hopeful expression that had crept over her face. "Today we have meat. Don't get too used to it though, Princess. We'll use what was given to us, but after it's gone, we'll have to rely on what I can hunt. Don't expect to have a nice breakfast like this every day."
She was back to glaring at him now. "I-I know that, Hak. You don't have to be so mean about it."
He doubted that the thought had actually crossed her mind, although she was trying to pretend that she was ready for any hardship that their journey would offer. The whole act was adorable, and Hak couldn't help trying to prolong it a little. "Are you certain, Princess? You know, this is going to be a hard trip. Who knows how long it will take us to find the oracle? We could be out here for weeks, or even months. We don't exactly have shelter, so you'd better get used to the cold, and the rain, and—"
"Hak, quit it! You don't have to be so mean to me! I know you wanted to leave me in Fuuga, but you won't scare me off that easily!" Her eyes were alight as she directed her angry gaze at him.
He grinned at her. "All right, then. I just want you to be prepared. No need to snap at me for saying the truth. Why don't you get yourself a plate, breakfast is ready." He watched her dig huffily through his bag in search of plates, and tried his best to suppress a laugh. What he had said was true, but he was mostly saying it just for the sake of teasing her. He would do whatever was in his power to find the oracle quickly. And besides, he had the necessary skills to ensure that their journey would be as comfortable as possible. The only real concern he had for her was being bored, or the possibility that someone would come seek them out. He tried not to dwell on that last thought, however, other than making sure he was keeping a wary eye out for pursuers at all times. He was determined to defend Yona at all costs, whether the foe be a human or a rainstorm.
Not that he would tell her that, of course. It was much more fun to tease her.
