The moment the first bite was taken, the atmosphere shifted.
The hesitant, cautious tension that had always lingered in this bastion dissolved in an instant—replaced by something raw, something profound.
A bastioneer sat frozen, his hands trembling as he stared down at the simple stew in his bowl, steam curling softly into the cool night air. His lips parted, but no words came, only the faintest shudder of disbelief.
And then—tears.
Silent at first, just a single streak down his dirt-stained cheek. But as more of them dug in, spoonfuls of thick, richly flavored broth warming their bodies, bites of perfectly roasted meat melting in their mouths. The emotional dam broke.
Some wept openly, voices cracking as they muttered prayers of gratitude. Others laughed, shaking their heads as they marveled at the impossible contrast—how could something so simple taste like this?
