The team moved out, leaving a small cairn of stones to mark the site. The return journey was slower, the forest seeming to press closer. Twice they heard movement in the underbrush, but nothing showed itself. By the time they reached the outpost, the sun was low, casting long shadows across the growing walls.
Jakob clapped him on the shoulder as they dismounted. "You held back. Good call. The men noticed."
Thorne allowed a small grin. "Learning. Slowly. But the outpost is starting to feel like home."
Tuva walked with him toward the main hall, their conversation turning to the day's findings. The connection between them had grown deeper over the weeks — shared risks, honest words, the kind of understanding that came from working side by side. He didn't rush it. He didn't need to.
The south was teaching him patience as much as it was teaching him leadership.
