Eating, Talking and Meeting Thiago

"Hendrix, this Trilobite tastes good." Priya expressed while taking a bite from its juicy cooked flesh.

"Indeed, it tastes amazing despite not mixing with other food items. I guess we know what to do if we're hungry from now on for the duration." Hendrix stated while taking another bite of one before yawning

"Hendrix, after this, we should head to bed. You've been up way past the time you should be sleeping." Priya stated.

"Alright, that'll work. Priya, what kind of weapon do you want to specialize in? And what kind of fighting style do you want?" Hendrix questioned with his brow raised.

"To be honest, I'm not sure. I've only used this sword, but I didn't have a mentor or teacher to teach me." Priya replied.

"I learned my fighting style through trial and error, Priya. Do you want to do the same?" Hendrix asked.

Priya went silent after hearing Hendrix's question and pondered what she wanted. After about fifteen minutes, she shook her head.

"I'm curious why you don't want to create your fighting style." Hendrix stated.

"I want to see if any styles already out there suit me. But I'm open to you making one for me. Also, I need to find a way to assess my talents and reveal if I have any stat physiques or affinities without those in charge freaking out by not seeing my stats." Priya replied.

"Alright, I understand. We'll either sneak inside the area and use that chalice for you when no one is looking or find another way." Hendrix stated.

"Hendrix, let's pile up all the Trilobites and place them in a corner and go to bed." Priya suggested.

Hendrix nodded, and the duo placed all the bodies littering the cave floor in a corner opposite the entrance. Afterward, they grabbed some new firewood, and Hendrix lit a small fire in the cave. And they placed the rock and some snow In front of the cave, closing themselves in. Hendrix also willed his Tlyacuv to disappear.

Subsequently, Priya lay down while picking up Hendrix and laying him in her embrace.

"Now just relax, Hendrix, and listen to my heartbeat. I'll take care of you." Priya cooed while wrapping her arms around him and rubbing his back.

"Alright, Priya. Goodnight." Hendrix replied before slowly closing his eyes.

"Goodnight, Hendrix." Priya stated before kissing his forehead.

For the next hour, Priya held Hendrix as he slept, making sure he was safe, warm, and comfortable. Additionally, she pulled him very deep into her embrace. However, near the end of the duration, she fell asleep also.

'I guess I'm awake by myself again.' Hendrix thought before clinging to Priya, not wanting to leave her embrace.

"Zzzz..." Priya slept silently.

Hendrix listened and felt himself rise a bit with every breath Priya made. Additionally, her heartbeat and breathing lulled him into a relaxed state.

After eight hours, he fell asleep twice, and once he woke up the last time, he realized nothing had gone wrong this time.

"Priya..." Hendrix yelled while muffled as he struggled to speak, his face against her chest.

Priya didn't answer. However, there was a sound of something trying to move the rock, partially blocking the entrance outside. Additionally, blood began to flow from the top of the stone.

Hendrix heard the sound and began to shiver a little.

"Hendrix, it's okay. I'll make sure you're okay. Now, please quiet down. I'll deal with what it is." Priya replied while she stared at the rock with narrowed eyes.

After the thing outside moved the rock, they walked inside, and their silhouette was visible. It was a guy who had yellow hair and blue eyes that held a long knife in his hand. Additionally, he wore pants and a shirt riddled with holes, and blood dripped from many ghastly wounds on his body.

"Who are you, and why are you here?" Priya asked while staring at the possible threat.

"Huh, there's people here?" The young man asked while staring at Priya holding Hendrix protectively.

"Yes, now who are you?" Priya questioned.

"I am Thiago, an orphan." Thiago replied in a scared voice.

"Alright, and why are you here?" Priya bluntly asked, not caring Thiago was injured.

"I just want shelter and food. Can you share some and let me stay here?" Thiago countered.

"You don't look like you'll survive your injuries Thiago. Besides, what caused your injuries might be following you. I don't want to endanger Hendrix." Priya expressed while shaking her head.

"At least give me food. Please?" Thiago pleaded while feeling lightheaded and starting to sway from blood loss.

"Fine." Priya replied before holding Hendrix tighter.

Thiago entered the cave and started cracking open some Trilobites and eating their flesh ravenously. As he did so, his injuries seemed to heal rapidly, and after eating all the meat in three Trilobites, no injuries remained.

'Thiago can heal by eating corpses?!' Priya thought, alarmed. However, her emotionless expression never changed, as she said. "Now go, Thiago. You got the food you needed."

"Please, can you let me stay here? I have been chased and attacked by many creatures that grievously injured me." Thiago begged.

"No, now go." Priya rejected it while pointing out the opening.

'Hmm, so he can heal by eating corpses. As long as we have them, he could be a meat shield. However, that's also dangerous if he turns against us.' Hendrix pondered and weighed the pros and cons of accepting, eventually deciding against it. "No, you can't stay here, Thiago. Leave." Hendrix stated.

"Aww, can I at least take two Trilobites with me?" Thiago asked while his shoulders slumped down.

"Yes, you can, but then leave." Priya replied while watching Thiago closely.

Thiago nodded and quickly picked up the two Trilobites before leaving the cave and moving the stone back into place.

"Hendrix, Thiago is gone. Your safe." Priya softly whispered while cradling his shivering body. Additionally, she began gently running her fingers through his hair.

"Thank you." Hendrix replied.

"Your welcome, Hendrix. Now rest for now." Priya stated

"My back snapped, Priya, and it hurts." Hendrix stated while beginning to cry, letting his emotions out.

"Shh, I know. I have some bones broken as well. But we must persevere, however, don't worry. I'll carry you for the rest of our time here." Priya comforted.

"But your bones are broken as well." Hendrix retorted.

"You are in more pain than me. Besides, pain doesn't disturb my movements." Priya expressed.

"Okay..." Hendrix replied before clinging to Priya and listening to her heartbeat.