Kaelen sat beside the fire. The stew was hot, but not very flavorful and He didn't complain. At least it was better than going hungry.
Garka slurped her bowl noisily across from him. She rubbed her mouth with her sleeve.
"This is kinda bland," she said.
Kaelen arched an eyebrow. "You want to do the cooking next time?"
"Nope. I like free food," she said with a grin.
Kaelen smiled slightly. It was weird, but he didn't hate having her near. She would talk non-stop, but it wasn't so lonely anymore.
After a short while, she seemed serious again.
"I don't wanna return to the ruins," she told him.
"Then don't," Kaelen said.
She appeared stunned. "Seriously?"
"You may stay. You were of much help. I don't have a problem."
She glared at the flames for a brief moment. "You're certain? I'm not exactly a quiet person."
"I noticed," Kaelen said, rolling his eyes.
"But I also snore. Loudly."
"I've heard worse."
Garka smiled. "Okay then. I'll stay."
Kaelen felt a small wave of relief. He didn't want to be alone again.
"There's only one bed though," she said, pointing.
"Yeah."
"So we're sharing?"
"Looks like it."
"You better not try anything," she said, squinting.
"Trust me, I'm too tired for anything."
She laughed. "Fine. But I sleep on the warm side."
---
They both slept in the straw and fur bed that night.
Kaelen remained rigid on his side, not daring to shift. Garka rolled over and quieted down quickly.
It wasn't romantic or strange. It was simply. warm.
He gazed at the ceiling. The roof was holey, but he didn't mind. For once, he didn't feel cold.
Morning arrived.
Kaelen opened his eyes. Sunlight leaked through the cracks in the wall.
He tried to move but stopped.
Garka was cuddled up to him.
Her head rested on his shoulder. Her arm was across his chest. She looked peaceful.
He froze. He didn't want to wake her.
But she opened one eye.
"You're warm," she said, voice sleepy.
"Good morning," he whispered.
"Shhh. Let me enjoy this," she mumbled.
He stayed still. He wasn't sure what to say. Part of him liked it. Another part was just shocked she was so relaxed.
Finally, she sat up and stretched.
"You always cuddle like that?" Kaelen asked.
"Only with people who don't smell bad," she replied.
He laughed.
They both got up and went outside. The air was cool and fresh.
Kaelen checked the soil where he had planted a few seeds.
Suddenly, a gentle chime resonated in his head.
Quest Complete: "A Place to Call Home"
You constructed a shelter and gained a companion.
Reward: Earth Magic Unlocked
Green light surrounded his hand for a moment, and then it dissipated.
Kaelen blinked. "Did I just receive magic… for sharing bed with a goblin?"
Garka approached him from behind. "What's with your hand?"
"Magic," he replied.
She leaned her head. "Cool. Can you make the ground blow up yet?
"No. But I can possibly create a hole."
"That's less interesting."
Kaelen shook his head. He still couldn't believe it.
They went back to the shelter. Garka cleaned her teeth using a stick.
Kaelen sat on a log and thought about all this.
This was the first time after reincarnation that he was feeling relaxed.
Warm food. Roof. Person to talk to.
Not bad.
"I'm glad you stayed," he said.
She looked over. "You're not bad, for a weird human."
Kaelen smirked. "You're not bad, for a loud goblin."
They laughed.
And somewhere deep in the ground, the earth magic inside him began to wake.