As they made their way to the campsite, Val noticed that there were two more men. They seemed a bit less intimidating than Cosmo or Orion, but they both had the golden eyes. It was truly rather curious. She had never encountered someone with such a unique eye color. Perhaps they are all related? But Celeste only seemed familial with Cosmo. She kept her thoughts to herself. No point aggravating those who are letting her stay the night at their campsite.
The two men immediately shot up, and looked nervously at Cosmo. It was quite obvious that he was the leader, even Orion gave off a sense of submission to him. The two looked to be quaking in their boots, stammering to say something. But before they could say anything, Cosmo cut them off.
"Corvus. Pyxis." Cosmo gave them a stern look. "You have failed your duty, but since Celeste has returned unharmed, I won't give you a harsh punishment. You two will keep watch through the night. We will discuss your punishment further tomorrow."
They both bowed their heads, and accepted their failure. Corvus was about to respond, when he noticed Val standing with Orion. "Who is she?" He craned his neck to have a better look at her.
Val seized this opportunity to speak before Cosmo could. She quickly went to his side, opposite Celeste and placed both hands on his shoulder.
"Well, I'm his lover, of course." A wicked grin appeared on Val's face. Cosmo was a bit stunned, and didn't respond. Corvus and Pyxis, once again, started stammering.
"Oh, ah, I, well" Pyxis started to say. But suddenly he stopped, when he heard laughter.
Val put both of her hands on her belly, as she was in a fit of laughter. She was nearly in tears. "The look on your faces was priceless!" She looked over at Celeste, who was trying to contain her laughter. Once she calmed down, Val explained, "I'm the one that found dearest Celeste, you lugheads. You can call me Val."
Val took a seat on the ground. She was dying to take off her pack. Celeste quickly joined her. Val put her crystal back in the pack, since there was a fire to give light and warmth.
Cosmo and Orion then sat down as well. Cosmo didn't seem amused by Val's trick. Orion had a hint of a smile, but he wouldn't outwardly admit to enjoying the show that just happened. Corvus and Pyxis both returned to their places as well.
"Is there any food?" Val broke the silence. "I'm starving."
"Oh," Pyxis retrieved the small game they were preparing, "we were just about to start roasting."
"Val, can you do my hair like yours?" Celeste asked, as the two lugheads busied themselves with food preparations.
"Of course!" Val exclaimed as she retrieved a small, palm sized brush from her pack.
She undid the half braid, and began brushing the silky, smooth hair. It was fine, but quite a bit of it. "You know, you look like a princess. And you would be quite picturesque, if you had someone around who knew what they were doing."
Cosmo and Orion cast a glance at Val. Though she didn't out right accuse them of wrong doing, there was something in her time that indicated negligence on their part. Val gave them a smirk, but continued on with her work. She enjoyed teasing people too much, and she could tell that this group were easy targets.
"Do you really think I look like a princess?" Celeste asked in earnest. She wasn't used to much flattery, so she wanted to hear a bit more.
"Oh yes, of course!" Val continued to boost Celeste's confidence. It's important for a young girl to feel her worth. At least, that's how Val saw things. "I haven't seen a princess up close, but even if you were to wear rags, you would be the most beautiful in the room."
Celeste gave a mild blush. She had not put much thought to her appearance before. And Cosmo was more utilitarian. This made Celeste adopt a similar attitude while traveling. But these compliments caused her to want to put forth some effort.
"Perhaps you could teach me how to be more mindful of my appearance." Celeste beamed as Val continued to fix her hair.
Val chuckled. She could see the eagerness in Celeste. But then she remembered the overbearing brother giving her a scowl. "Well, I'll do my best to steer you in the right direction. Before you know it, many hearts will be in the palm of your hand."
Cosmo was about to open his mouth to reject such a thought, when Corvus started to serve the food. He figured that his discussion with Celeste would be better left for a private moment. Val finished up braiding Celeste's hair, and they began to eat.
The meal was mostly quiet, with the occasional jab from Val. Celeste seemed to become more bold as she too started to sass them. Though they were a bit annoyed, none of the men could reprimand them. Mainly, Cosmo couldn't bring himself to dampen Celeste's fun, and the others were too afraid to offend him.
When the meal was done, they set up for the night. Corvus and Pyxis set out to keep watch for the night. Orion quickly settled down to sleep. Cosmo laid down as well, but didn't immediately fall asleep. Val and Celeste curled up together, as they continued to chat for a while. Val would have continued, but today really had been exhausting.
"I've really enjoyed our chat, but I think it's time to get some sleep." Val pulled Celeste's blanket up under her chin. Then she brought her own blanket over her shoulder. "Goodnight, princess."