They gathered food with laughter and soft kisses exchanged between branches. Every action felt like a prayer. A preparation. Their bodies moved in harmony, as if the dance of the night before had never stopped.
Jude and Sophie shared the largest hammock as the sun dipped low, wrapped in each other, hearts slow. Lucy and Stella whispered together near the fire, their arms around Susan and Natalie. Rose sat slightly apart, but not distant - her eyes sharp, her smile calm.
At twilight, Jude stood and faced them all. "Tomorrow," he said, "we go to the Heart."
Rose stood beside him. "Tonight, we give thanks."
They nodded.
The fire was lit again, and this time, there was no need for invitation. Clothes fell gently from shoulders. Bodies slid into one another without hesitation or preamble.