The sun rose with a new energy. Tigris filled his bag with all the essentials Clyde told him about, slipped his swords onto the holder on his back for easy access, and 30 minutes before the rendezvous time, he was standing eagerly in front of Fini's house. Fini came out in a moment, and they trotted towards the smithy. Ferrarius Ferdinand stood there holding a large order of arrows. 'Good luck on your mission' Mister Ferdinand said as he waved them goodbye.
Tigris and Fini soon reached the North-western gate of Meridus. Clyde was waiting there with General Hearty. 'Tigris, Fini, come here' Clyde yelled from across the street. General Hearty handed the sealed envelope to Clyde and left the scene on his horse. 'Tigris, you carried all the things I asked you to, right?' 'Yessir.' 'Alright, then let's get going.'
Tigris and Fini had stepped out of the boundaries of Meridus only a few times before. This was a rare experience for them. Clyde assured them that due to the king's word, they will be getting such missions regularly. This got Tigris even more pumped up. The path was long, and the day was warm. There was hardly anything to discuss. Once in a while they would sit down to have a drink. 'Hot day, is it not?' Clyde asked gently as he pulled out a large bottle of water from his even larger bag. Fini got tired on several occasions, but seeing the energy of Tigris gave her energy too.
Though he was carrying a very heavy bag for his size, Tigris didn't seem to be tired at all. He seemed to be smiling the entire day. Trees became more and more dense around. Slowly, the barren roadside transitioned into a forest.
The Albeite forest was known for being a hiding place for thieves who would attack any passer-by for money. Tigris was prepared for a fight. This is what he had been training for all these years. To be a Warrior, someone Magnar could rely on. The forest was full of trees. The forest floor was covered with leaves in the middle of summer. The sun was about to set in a few hours. 'We better find a place to camp tonight' Clyde suggested. Tigris said he would collect the firewood. Clyde was a skilled fighter, as well as a skilled cook. He offered to make food. Fini had to settle on building the tents. After walking a bit further, they found a large open patch in the middle of the forest, perfect for setting up a camp.
Tigris headed off to find some dry wood for fire. Clyde began preparing the utensils and Fini started building the tent. 'So, are you two a couple?' Clyde casually sparked a conversation. 'NO!' Fini said in a strong voice. Clyde just laughed it off. 'How long have you known him?' 'Since I was born…I guess? His father, Tilure Tanssen, was an old friend of my father.' 'No way, he is the son of THE General Tanssen? My teacher, Memphis Vetusan, was his close colleague.' They kept talking about their families until Tigris returned with a large pile of wood. Clyde quickly seized them and placed then together in the center.
Clyde had gone come on training trips to Albeite Forest with Memphis Vetusan before, but never so deep inside. However, we knew what to do. He turned around to grab a flint from his bag, and saw a pale Fini beside a tent. Tigris immediately asked what's wrong. 'I forgot my tent' Fini said quietly.
Clyde thought of what to do next, while Tigris found the situation hysterical. 'You will have to share a tent then. Sleeping outside is far from safe here. I would be awake late for guarding and creating our plan for tomorrow.' Clyde thought to himself how difficult being a platoon leader was. 'You might get disturbed. I suggest you sleep in Tigris's tent.' Tigris, who was laughing loudly, suddenly changed his expression to dull. 'No way, I cannot sleep in the same tent as him.' Fini exclaimed. 'I guess we have no choice then. You can sleep in my tent; I will guard the camp with Clyde. After all, I did promise to protect you.' Tigris said in a tone which both Clyde and Fini found difficult to judge. 'N-No, it's fine. I'll sleep in your tent.' Fini stuttered.
Clyde stroked the piece of flint, which produced a spark, enough to ignite the pile of wood. Tigris and Fini, though inexperienced with cooking, helped him out with trivial tasks. Soon enough, Clyde had prepared a wonderful looking mushroom stew out of seemingly nothing.
Tigris and Fini fell in love with Clyde's cooking. Flustered, Clyde took a bite and managed to impress himself. The food was delicious. 'I am so glad I am in your platoon.' Tigris uttered as he finished the meal.
'I am so happy you enjoyed it. I will be cooking for both of you often from now on, so get used to it.' That meal was something they could easily get used to. They then went inside Tigris's tent which Fini had prepared.
'Clyde's great, isn't he?' Fini said quietly from inside her sleeping bag. 'He sure is.' Tigris spoke from the other corner of the tent. 'Better sleep now, we have an early morning ahead of us.' Tigris said as he slept. Fini felt less concerned about sharing a tent with someone she claimed to find annoying after hearing that.