First night together

They lay face to face, both reveling in how good they feel together. Nina reflects on the day, thinking about how close Dan came to finding her fox tail in her outer pocket. She doesn't feel quite ready to explain why it's there; maybe he'll understand, she wonders. In the semi-darkness, she gazes into Dan's eyes, and he wonders what she's thinking about. He, on the other hand, thinks about her playful interaction with the magical clearing. It was a bit childish yet romantic. He smiles at her, thinking about her playful-romantic side. Dan gently strokes Nina's neck and shoulders. He doesn't know when he falls asleep, but he does. Sleeping together is so wonderfully soothing. In the morning, they wake up to the sounds of cawing. Happy black birds hop around, investigating their belongings and pecking at the remnants of yesterday's food. Annoyed, they move aside as Dan and Nina stretch groggily. Dan looks shyly at Nina, he wonders if she still likes him, or if it was just something she said, she felt yesterday.

"I'm going to fetch some water for tea," he says uncertainly.

"Come," says Nina, looking at him. Her hair is tousled after a night on a hard sleeping pad, her eyes sleepy and slightly swollen from the smoke.

"Yes?" Dan replies with the sooty teapot in his hand. Nina shuffles forward, takes hold of his neck, and pulls him towards her, giving him a warm morning hug.

"Cuddle-puff," she says in his ear, her breath warm against his cheek. Dan isn't sure what to say. He contemplates saying "love," but perhaps it's too soon? Too much? Is it too big of a word to use when it implies something that might not be there yet?

"You're the best," he says instead. "Do you want some tea?"

"Sure," she says and pats his cheek.

Dan breathes life into the embers she didn't think existed. With a few dry spruce twigs, it starts to burn with small crackling sounds, followed by slightly larger sticks. Soon, a nice little morning fire is burning. Nina looks on with amusement, kicking her legs where she sits at the edge of the shelter's rough wooden floor.

"You know," she says, wondering, "How can you be so good at conjuring fire? I watch you and it's like magic. Do you have magical fingers?"

"I don't know?" he says, pondering. "I think because it's something I can do and find easy, it should be easy for everyone?"

Nina scoffs, "It's not like that, It doesn't work like that, just so you know."

After breakfast consisting of tea and nutritious powdered porridge, they prepare to embark on today's journey. Dan and Nina pack up their belongings and ensure that the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the shelter behind. Today's route is long, and they are both aware of the physical challenge that lies ahead.

In the beginning, they are a bit confused about which way to go. "Doesn't the sun rise in the west?" Dan wonders. (probably sleepyhead)

"I think so, or was it the east?" (probably right)

"I think we need a compass," Dan says, somewhat frustrated, as his compass is back at home in his kitchen.

"Well, I have a compass, a regular orienteering compass," Nina says cheerfully.

After studying the map for a while and comparing it with the compass to determine the correct direction, they finally agree on the route.

They start walking along where the trail should be, and as they enter the airy beech forest, they spot a trail, probably the right one, as there don't seem to be many other paths to choose from, but also no markings. Dan sighs in frustration.

"Shall we have a competition today as well, to see who can find the most trail markers?" Nina suggests excitedly. She would like to win another day, looking forward to more massages. Dan likes the idea, yesterday was very enjoyable, and he contemplates what today's competition could involve. He secretly smiles at the thought that it could potentially have an erotic twist.

"How about this: the winner gets a back massage?" Dan suggests.

"We've already had that, and besides, I'd gladly give you a back massage even if you lose, which you naturally will," Nina charmingly smiles back.

She has another idea that the loser should sing a beautiful song and perhaps dance as well? She revels in the thought of seeing Dan sing and dance. "What do you think of that?" Nina wonders.

Singing has never been Dan's strong suit. It's not that he thinks he's bad; he KNOWS he's bad. And dancing, not sober at least. Dan takes a deep breath.

"Can I get a handicap?"

"Of course," Nina generously replies. "You can have two."

"Okay, then, I'm in."

But Dan gets lucky. As they continue talking while walking, he spots something that Nina doesn't see. He sees something orange and calls out excitedly,

"There, on that tree, 3-0, right?" Nina, who doesn't quite enjoy being on the losing side, responds with an exaggeratedly sour expression,

"Congratulations."

Dan is almost overly delighted and practically bounces along the trail, which causes him to completely miss the next marker. "3-1," Nina says a bit gleefully, pointing with her arm. Dan reacts with a mixture of frustration and humor and mutters something that seems like a swear word, but then changes course and continues with "very unlucky" instead, with a smile on his face. Nina responds by sticking her tongue out as far as she can.

"Do you know that you're incredibly beautiful?" Dan says. Nina is flattered by Dan's compliment.

"Oh really?" Nina replies with a feigned surprise or modesty rather than genuine disinterest. Dan shakes his head slightly,

"You also have a very sweet tongue."