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.
