Kai's Patience

The orchard settlement stirred under the gentle glow of morning light, lanterns still flickering along the walls from the night watch. A thin mist clung to the newly fortified fences, carrying the scent of fresh earth from the re-planted farmland. Despite the persistent fear of infiltration or another raid, a steady hum of purpose guided the orchard staff through their dawn routines—water checks, donkey feeding, watchers changing shifts atop the newly built watchtowers.

In the courtyard, a small group gathered for a new scouting mission that would venture into the foothills, searching for enclaves rumored to excel in carpentry and forging. Mark, typically the orchard's chief liaison, shouldered a light pack while Tamsin's watchers stood guard. Two orchard workers harnessed the donkey, who brayed mildly at the early commotion, while Harriet's group hovered nearby, uncertain if they would be included this time.

Leila stood at the edge of the circle, arms crossed, scanning the orchard staff with a measured gaze. Though the orchard's synergy had grown, infiltration concerns lingered in her mind. The orchard donkey stamped its hooves impatiently, orchard watchers patting its muzzle. Dawn's light cast shadows across the battered orchard walls, a reminder of the siege they had recently weathered.

"Kai," Mark began, turning to the man who usually accompanied him on such expeditions, "I know we typically go together, but Leila suggested this time you stay to maintain orchard security."

Kai, standing a step behind Mark, dipped his head in quiet acceptance. "Understood. The orchard can't risk being undermanned if infiltration or raiders strike again." His gaze flicked to Leila, who met his eyes briefly before looking away.

The orchard donkey let out a snort, as though sensing a shift in routine. Tamsin's watchers exchanged looks, evidently relieved that one of the orchard's best fighters remained behind to protect the settlement. Harriet's group signaled readiness to assist farmland tasks, if needed.

Leila cleared her throat, addressing the team. "Mark leads this mission. Tamsin's watchers will accompany you—two or three at most. Orchard staff, keep an eye on the donkey. This is a recon, not a large caravan. Our farmland is stable for now, but infiltration might lurk in any new alliance. If you confirm these enclaves are forging experts, we'll plan a bigger trade run later."

Mark gave a firm nod, orchard watchers murmuring agreement. Leila's gaze slid to Kai once more, chest tightening. She remembered how synergy with him had saved her life more than once, but she'd decided that, for this mission, she wouldn't rely too heavily on him. I need to prove we can function without always leaning on him.

Kai offered no argument, only a composed half-smile that held both understanding and a hint of sadness. "I'll stay and help maintain orchard security," he said, turning to Tamsin's watchers. "We'll keep infiltration checks thorough. If infiltration attempts arise, we'll handle them."

A hush rippled through the orchard staff. Some orchard workers looked surprised—Kai usually led or joined these expeditions, but now he was stepping back. Harriet's group gave him a respectful nod. Leila's heart twinged at his quiet acceptance; she recognized that it pained him to watch others go forth, but he respected her leadership choice.

With final instructions given, Mark motioned for the donkey to move out, orchard staff guiding it by the harness. Tamsin's watchers took point, scanning the orchard perimeter for any infiltration sign or last-minute sabotage attempts. Harriet's group parted ways, returning to farmland tasks. Kai lingered near the courtyard's exit, arms folded, while orchard watchers unbarred the gate.

Leila pulled Mark aside. "Be thorough. We can't risk infiltration from these enclaves, but if they truly have forging or carpentry expertise, it might be a turning point for the orchard's future expansions."

Mark offered a reassuring smile. "We'll be cautious. You trust me to handle negotiations, right?"

Leila nodded. "Absolutely. Just keep watchers posted, in case infiltration rumors pop up." She hesitated, scanning the orchard donkey that blinked placidly at her. "And… stay safe."

He gave a short chuckle. "Always do. Good luck with orchard security."

She forced a small smile, stepping back as the donkey brayed, orchard staff re-checking harness straps. Tamsin's watchers signaled readiness, rifles slung. Within moments, the gates creaked open, and Mark's team slipped out. The orchard donkey trotted forward, orchard staff exchanging final waves with those inside. The orchard watchers swiftly re-barred the gate, leaving behind a hush in the courtyard.

Kai watched from near the orchard fence, posture calm. Leila caught a glimpse of resignation in his eyes. She mustered a nod of acknowledgement, turning away to bury the pang in her chest that told her she'd miss his steady presence. I can't appear reliant, she reminded herself with hollow resolve.

Though Mark was the official liaison, Leila had decided to tag along as a second lead, wanting to personally verify new enclaves for infiltration risk. She recognized that Tamsin's watchers might be more comfortable with her direct oversight on the mission. However, for the orchard's security, she insisted Kai remain behind—a subtle line drawn in her mind to keep them from always traveling as a pair.

They took a different exit from the orchard's farmland side—an older gate near the watchtower expansions. There, Tamsin's watchers scanned the farmland rows one last time, orchard donkey braying as it stepped onto the dusty path. Harriet's group waved from a distance, orchard staff calling out goodbyes. Some orchard watchers remained posted on the watchtower, ensuring infiltration or sabotage couldn't slip through unnoticed.

The orchard donkey ambled forward, orchard staff guiding it carefully. Leila walked near the front, tension coiled in her shoulders. Am I truly ready to do this without Kai at my side? She inhaled, recalling synergy from past missions. But I can't let personal feelings overshadow orchard leadership.

Mark offered a reassuring grin, orchard staff behind them carrying small supplies. Tamsin's watchers flanked the group, rifles ready, but less anxious than they might be if infiltration was suspected within. The orchard's calm behind them gave Leila a pang of guilt—Kai had become a rock in so many ways—but she hardened her resolve. We can't rely on him for everything.

They traveled through farmland rows battered by previous raids, newly re-planted seeds just starting to sprout. The orchard donkey navigated the rough terrain with help from orchard staff, Tamsin's watchers scanning for undead or infiltration risk. Mark chatted with orchard workers about potential forging enclaves, excitement lining his tone.

But Leila felt the absence of Kai keenly. The orchard donkey, though a loyal companion, didn't offer the same synergy she'd grown used to in the field. She missed the quiet way Kai had of anticipating threats, stepping in to defuse tension, or reading her unspoken hesitation about infiltration. I've led missions before, she told herself, chest tight, I can do it again.

When the orchard donkey spooked at a distant crow's caw, orchard staff scrambled to calm it. Leila normally would have expected Kai's calm approach to settle the donkey, but now she took over, soothing the animal with gentle murmurs. The watchers provided cover, Mark assisting with minimal fuss. They managed, but the hole Kai left in their synergy was palpable.

As they trudged further, climbing a gentle slope toward the orchard's outskirts, the farmland gave way to rolling hills. Tamsin's watchers reconnoitered each bend, orchard staff coaxing the donkey onward. Leila forced her mind to remain vigilant for infiltration signs—footprints that weren't orchard staff, unfamiliar watchers lurking, sabotage to the orchard donkey harness—but found nothing amiss. Kai is home, watching orchard security, she repeated, pushing away the longing for his steady presence.

Meanwhile, inside the orchard settlement, watchers carried on infiltration checks, Harriet's group maintained farmland rows, orchard staff bustled about. Kai oversaw the orchard donkey stable, verifying extra feed for future caravans. Tamsin's watchers who remained behind recognized his leadership in orchard security, though some teased that he looked restless without traveling.

He responded with a mild shrug. "The orchard needs a strong defensive posture. With infiltration always a risk, someone has to coordinate watchers. It might as well be me." Despite missing the synergy of traveling with Leila, he quietly accepted her boundary—giving her the space she seemed to need.

The orchard donkey dozed in the stable, orchard watchers paced along the orchard fence, and the orchard's hush felt both safer and emptier without Leila around. Kai exhaled, focusing on infiltration drills, ensuring Tamsin's watchers remained vigilant. She'll handle the mission fine, he told himself, trusting her leadership as he maintained orchard stability.

Leila's group marched on, farmland rows receding behind them, orchard donkey forging ahead across rough paths. Occasionally, orchard staff asked her about infiltration threats or Jace/Ellie's potential ambush, seeking reassurance. She gave calm, concise answers, but each time, she felt the sting of lacking Kai's supportive calm. I can't appear reliant, she reminded herself for the thousandth time, refusing to show any vulnerability that might undermine orchard staff's confidence in her independent leadership.

Mark, noticing her reticence, offered, "Leila, you okay? You seem tense."

She mustered a thin smile, waves of farmland grass rustling in the breeze behind them. "I'm fine. Just… infiltration risk never fully leaves my mind. Let's stay focused on the mission."

He nodded, orchard donkey snorting as if in agreement. Tamsin's watchers scanned the horizon with rifles half-lowered, orchard staff whispering about forging enclaves rumored to dwell in the hills. Beneath it all, Leila's shoulders remained rigid, carrying the weight of orchard leadership and the memory that synergy with Kai had once saved her from betrayal after betrayal.

By late afternoon, the orchard settlement lay far behind, the donkey stepping into rolling foothills. The orchard donkey harness jingled with each step, orchard staff glancing back at the receding farmland. Tamsin's watchers kept watch for infiltration or undead, while Mark led the group in search of a route rumored to connect them with advanced enclaves. The orchard battered walls were out of sight, but the orchard's spirit guided them forward.

Leila walked at the front, near the donkey, occasionally shading her eyes against the sun. Her heart panged with a blend of longing and relief—Kai remained behind, letting her prove she didn't always need his presence. She recalled the orchard's donkey from old arcs, how synergy had formed with Kai in countless skirmishes. But this time, I face it differently, she thought. We must be able to stand on our own if infiltration or sabotage targets us again.

The farmland behind them thrived with newly planted seeds, Redwood's seed gifts, and Harriet's group's labor. The orchard watchtower expansions were nearly done, infiltration checks ongoing, and now a scouting mission ventured forth without Kai, forging new paths. Even as old heartbreak and suspicion lingered, they pressed onward—the orchard settlement growing, forging alliances, balancing caution and necessity.