A clouded, gray sky over an expanse of wild vegetation. It is a blessing among the locals to have this coming rain. The land becomes all-the-more resplendent, as the waters quench the needy roots and cool the air. Antelope meander the valley. A soothing atmosphere soaks into the prairie. Distant sounds of tribes celebrating crop up now that the late afternoon sets in.

    It was a long day for Baird. Having taken care of a morphleon struggle just prior, it was finally time to get to winding down. All he needs now is to get to cooking a bite worthy of a job well done! The barrel he has been hauling was beginning to chafe his shoulders, but a small price to pay to bring so many fine ingredients to fine people at the next locale. He sets it down to wonder what he could make. Best to grab a few things now so the rest don't get wet when the downpour comes.
    
    The caregiving blanket above finally began a drizzle once Baird had finished putting together his firepit, thankfully. He took out his flint and started the flame, carefully tending it until it weaned from his care. He believes the rainfall won't be too intense to put out a fire this formidable, hopefully. A soup sounded lovely. Something that wouldn't get ruined by the moisture and could fill his belly with warmth to ride out the wet.

    The fresh bones of wild game, some hardy vegetable stalks, rich roots, and a helping of meat! A large serving for two, one for now and the other for the road. With one hand holding a makeshift cover of branches and a spare barrel lid, he supped at the steaming meal. Perfection!

Ambrosia walked the small country roads, her companion at her side to help her walk a bit steadier. Being blind certainly wasn't easy especially when travel was involved. She paused however upon smelling the oncoming rain and on top of that, hearing the faint sounds of a fire. She turned her head towards the source of the sound and called out after a moment or two "Hello?" she questioned. Her eyes were solid white as the dark elf kept her gaze in the noises direction, her escort pausing to look over not overly thrilled or comfortable at the new comer however he could do nothing as of now. He was merely supposed to guide the girl around and assist her if need be

    Ah, he knew this would happen. [Always cook for two, because food is the friend-magnet.] Baird thought to himself. Without a hint of hesitance, he called back, "Come! I was just about to portion some of my dinner! You are more than welcome to dine with me, I made plenty just in case!" 
    
    True, a stranger's offer might not be so charming, but Baird would be cold beneath the Luna Sea's waves before he'd miss the opportunity to share his profession. He prepared himself for the usual song and dance. With beastfolk of such -surprising- complexion, some see them enough, some don't. Nevertheless! Of course, after meeting those talking stuffed animals out of sheer coincidence, maybe Baird ought to be ready for the surprise instead.

    The chimera tried to glance through the shifting light of the fire and the coming dusk. The globules of rain flashing in the light as it came down also made it difficult from the distance between them. Still, he could certainly see a small figure beside a probable canine. Her eyes did show well, something endearing in how eerie the situation made them seem. "Ah, um, sorry to say that I don't have lodging to offer, though. Always been a bare-ground-boar, y'see?" he sheepishly admitted.

Ambrosia tilted her head some curiously and surprised by the kind offer. Ambrosia listened to the sincerity in the tone but walked forwards, her eel hound at her side guiding her along. "Boar?" she asked curiously. Her milky eyes traveled over where he sat as her hound guided her a bit closer before stopping near the fire so she could warm up some "I don't wish to impose or anything of that nature. I'm surprised to have run into anyone before the town" she replied honestly "Maybe at least a moment by the fire if you wouldn't mind?" she asked as she gently moved her hands a bit closer to the flames. It was a rather chill evening after all

    "Nah, there is no imposition, it makes me feel better knowing you aren't gonna freeze! Tell ya what: I'll trade you." Baird spoke like a caricature of a salesman, moving with light exaggeration and an energetic tone, "Tell me about that interesting fella ya got beside you and you'll get a scoop of stew! I'll even loan you a bowl and spoon, free!" From here he relaxes, talking as a polite host of sorts, "Whattya think? Oh, and just in case you have a penchant for different or lighter fair, I still have some pickled canary -not meat- and spice-roasted seeds." 
    
    This beastman was austere in many ways, but plentiful in gifts of necessity. Already he plucked a pair of small porcelain vessels from a pouch at his left side. Clinking off the lids, he tries to show something inside without letting the rain get to it. If Ambrosia is able to observe within, she'd be aware of small pieces of a salty-sweet smelling fleshy gourd and a nodule of earthy spiced flat seeds. He'd wait with gleeful expectance at her answer, a beaming smile on his face. He adds after presenting the morsels, "Name's Baird Sickleclaw. It is a pleasure to meet ya!"

“Are you referring to the eel hound?” She asked unable to see if that is what he was talking about or not. The downsides of being blind and all that. The hound led her to a stump and she carefully sat on it as the hound then sat by her side “this is Milo. He helps me navigate around. I got him a year ago” she replied simply hearing him moving around. She then made note of his name when mentioned and she nodded “I’m ambrosia. Pleasure to meet you”

    It was then that Baird understood, and tried not to feel like an idiot. At least he hadn't done anything too embarrassing so far. "Well, ain't that a treat! An eel hound? Alright, deal's a deal. One meal coming up, miss Ambrosia!" He put together a platter of all his culinary fare before any reneging on the offer. Soup, seeds, and nubs of salty-sweet gourd set along a stripped sheet of bark. Baird moved gently and spoke as he went, "Be careful, the stew is still steaming hot! Pardon me, Milo.~" If he is able to approach, the impromptu meal would be set nearby or handed over. "Hope it is to your liking."

    The sky was dimming further at the start of dusk. The rain persisted. Bugs and birds continued to sing over one another. Baird returned to enjoy his own cooking, slurping like he were trying to strip the pot of any rust. Although he wasn't doing so well from recent events, mentally or physically, a fine meal quelled the symptoms of his struggles for just a little while.