The fire was already going when I opened my eyes.
Which was strange. Because the fire didn't just light itself. And none of the young kobolds moved faster than Relay. Except maybe Flick, but he didn't do things like build fire. He did things like hide everyone's boots.
So that left only one possible explanation.
Cinders.
Sure enough, she was crouched beside the pot, spoon in one hand, the other gently testing the steam. Her tail flicked once when I approached. Not in surprise. Just acknowledgment.
"I thought we weren't doing sacred soup anymore," I said.
"Breakfast," she replied.
"Early."
"I like it quiet."
No one else was up.
I sat down across the fire, close enough to feel the heat.
"What's on the menu?"
"Rehydrated grain paste, softened trailroot, pinch of bitterleaf."
She paused, then added, "I'm soaking the paste longer this time. It keeps the texture from congealing."
"Sounds like science."
"It's food."
She didn't look tired. Just… grounded.
That was new.
