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Hestia lifted her head when he came back into view, her attention shifting to him without any hurry. There was no fire to be had and no matter how hard she tried, the spark of a hearth was beyond her. Instead, there was just the quiet clearing, the sound of the stream behind him, and the scent of food she’d set aside beneath a broad root to keep it cool. She watched him for a moment, taking in the careful way he held himself, the practiced politeness settling back into place like armor.

I’m glad it does, she said softly when he spoke, her voice warm but unassuming. I was hoping it wouldn’t turn your stomach after the water. There was the faintest hint of a smile in her tone.

She nudged the bundle closer with her paw, an unspoken invitation rather than a command for him to join her. It’s nothing fancy, she went on, as if that mattered, but it’ll take the edge off the hunger. You look like you could use that much, at least.

Then she settled back onto her haunches, giving him space to choose where to sit and how close to come. Eat, Hestia said simply.

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