Chapter 82: Food...Oh Sweet Food
Now, Arthur and Aziel sat cross-legged on cushions that had been pulled from the explorers’ packs, surrounded by an assortment of dehydrated food packets in various states of consumption. The meals weren’t particularly appetizing—mostly bland protein concentrates and dried fruits reconstituted with hot water—but Arthur was just glad to be eating.
"Not exactly five-star dining," Jonas had apologized when serving them, "but it keeps you going."
Arthur didn’t care. The food might taste only marginally better than burnt monster meat, but it was safe. It hadn’t tried to kill him first. It didn’t come from a creature twisted by corruption. And most importantly, he hadn’t had to fight for it. These simple facts elevated the humble meal to a feast in his estimation.
Beside him, Aziel had abandoned all pretense of civility. He had given way to something primal and desperate as he tore into the food packets with single-minded focus. He shoveled reconstituted stew into his mouth with such abandon that half of it missed its target, leaving streaks across his already filthy face. When one packet was empty, he’d immediately reach for another, barely pausing to breathe between bites.
The exploration team watched this display with expressions ranging from shock to mild concern. Jake’s eyebrows had practically disappeared into his hairline, while Lara’s professional mask had slipped to reveal genuine alarm at the ferocity of Aziel’s appetite.
"Easy there," Kay cautioned, passing Aziel a canteen of water. "You’ll make yourself sick eating that fast."
The warning fell on deaf ears. Aziel snatched the canteen and tilted his head back, gulping the water with the same desperate intensity with which he’d attacked the food. Rivulets escaped the corners of his mouth, trailing down his neck and soaking the already grimy collar of his shirt.
Kay watched this display with a raised eyebrow before letting out a low, bemused laugh. "When was the last time you two had something to eat or drink?"
Arthur paused his own eating—which, while enthusiastic, at least maintained some semblance of human table manners. He swallowed the mouthful of reconstituted beans and rice before answering.