Meanwhile, the live stream viewers, eager to see what was happening, had no clue what was going on with the plant.
Their curiosity began to grow, as many of them had never encountered natural plants like this before, relying instead on nutrient solutions and processed food.
[What's that she's so happy about? What's in her hands?]
[Is that a plant? I've never seen something like that before! What's it for?]
[She looks excited about it... is it some kind of herb or seasoning?]
[Why is she so happy? It's just a stalk of grass, isn't it?]
[Does it taste good? I heard they don't have salt or spices. How is she going to use that?]
[Does anyone know what that plant is? I don't recognize it.]
Athena, unaware of the viewers' questions and speculation, continued to prep the fish and the lemongrass.
She carefully scraped off the outer skin of the stalks, exposing the tender, aromatic inner layers.
As she smelled the sharp, citrusy scent, she felt a flicker of excitement. Even if they couldn't have a full feast, this would definitely make the fish more palatable.
She glanced over to Mors, making sure he was still resting, and then began to prepare the fish, stuffing it with lemongrass and placing it over the fire to cook.
At least this will add some flavor, she thought, satisfied with her resourcefulness. Time to cook!
As the fire crackled, Athena carefully turned the fish over, ensuring it was roasted to perfection.
The scent of the lemongrass-infused fish filled the air, and she could feel the warmth of the fire wrapping around her.
Despite the pressure of the survival game and the constant eyes of the viewers, Athena found solace in this small, simple moment.
Mors stirred, awakening from his slumber. His gaze immediately locked onto the fish she was roasting.
"Let me do it," Mors offered, his voice deep and smooth as he stretched his arms.
But Athena's eyes signaled for him to clean himself first, her gaze firm and silent but understanding.
He had been through a lot, and it was important that he took care of himself before assisting her.
Without a word, Mors stood up and disappeared from her view, heading toward the water to clean himself.
Athena remained focused, watching the fish carefully as the flames flickered and danced beneath it.
The firelight cast shadows on her face, making her features appear even more intense, but her hands moved with precision, a calm determination settling over her.
As Mors returned, freshly cleaned and feeling more refreshed, he approached the fire without hesitation.
He didn't ask how she had caught the fish or gathered the herbs.
Mors had come to realize that Athena was full of secrets, things she wasn't ready to share, things she probably couldn't.
He respected that. Trust had to be built, and he knew that it would take time. Athena had to feel comfortable with him, and that would come in time, but for now, he understood.
Without a word, Mors took over the task of roasting the fish for her, his movements gentle as he turned the fish carefully, ensuring it didn't burn.
Athena watched him, her eyes soft but focused. They didn't need to speak, the task at hand spoke for itself.
When the fish was finally done, the two sat down together. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, it was a shared understanding.
They ate, savoring the simple, nourishing meal they had made together.
After they had finished eating, Athena shifted slightly, preparing to bring up a matter that had been weighing on her. She wiped her hands on a piece of cloth, her thoughts gathering.
"I want to move," she said, her voice steady but soft, as she looked out toward the distant horizon.
Mors raised an eyebrow, looking at her curiously. He waited for her to continue.
"I want to live in another area. Somewhere higher up, but near the sea. Somewhere safe from flooding," she added, her eyes scanning the landscape.
"This cave isn't going to be enough if it rains or floods. We need a place that's more secure."
Mors listened intently, taking in her words. He understood her reasoning, knowing that survival in the wild required careful planning.
The environment was unpredictable, and they needed a safe space to ride out the harsh conditions that could come at any moment.
"I agree," Mors said, his voice calm. "We'll move."
Athena felt a small sense of relief wash over her. It was a simple agreement, but it meant they were working together to adapt and improve their situation.
She could feel the quiet connection between them growing, as each decision they made became a step toward something more stable.
-
Athena and Mors descended the mountain, the air grew heavier, and the path became steeper, signaling they were getting closer to the area they had been searching for.
Athena scanned their surroundings, alert as always, her senses sharpened by the years of training.
But suddenly, the earth shifted beneath their feet, and the leaves rustled with an unsettling noise. Athena froze, her instincts immediately kicking in.
Out of the dense brush, a hoard of snakes emerged, slithering rapidly across the ground.
Their scales shimmered like a deadly army preparing for battle, their eyes glowing faintly with an eerie light.
[What is this? A hoard of snakes! What's happening?]
[Is she seriously not freaking out right now? How is she staying so calm?]
[Oh my god, those snakes are massive!! What are they?]
[I've never seen anything like this, are they venomous?]
[This is too dangerous, what if they get bitten?]
[She's amazing, she doesn't even flinch.]
[I think they're screwed! No way they're getting out of this alive with just knives!]
[Please, somebody, help! The Major General and Athena are in danger!]
Athena stood still for a moment, assessing the situation.
The snakes were closing in from every side, their movements fast and synchronized, a wall of deadly creatures blocking their path.
Her eyes narrowed, her body tense as she calculated her next move.
Unlike many of the others who might have been overwhelmed by fear, Athena had trained for moments like this.
She had once been to Snake Island on Earth, an infamous location used by assassins to hone their survival and combat skills.