The first rays of dawn stretched lazily over the camp as Arthur returned, water dripping from his hair and clothes. Aleks was already awake, seated near the remnants of last night's fire, sharpening a knife with slow strokes. He raised an eyebrow as Arthur approached, his sharp eyes catching the damp state of Arthur's clothes.
"Where've you been?" Aleks asked, his tone neutral but probing.
Arthur hesitated only for a moment before responding. "Took a bath in the lake. The crocodiles didn't mind."
Aleks's hand paused mid-sharpening, his eyes narrowing slightly. For a moment, it seemed he might press the issue, but then he shrugged and resumed his task. "Crocodiles, huh? Guess they're better company than some of the people here." There was no bite in his voice, only a faint trace of dry humor.
