The inner part of the cave was warm and filled with thick steam rising from the natural hot spring. The damp air carried the earthy smell of wet stone, making the whole cave feel hot and comfortable.
Aurora stood quietly at the edge of the spring, feeling every bit of the day's hard work settle into her body. Her muscles ached, and a thin layer of sweat, dust, and dirt covered her skin after spending the entire day working outside.
Asher had taken the first patrol around the tribe, saying he wanted to spend some time with the warriors again after being away for so long. His absence made the cave much quieter than usual.
As for Elixir and Reis, she just left the two at the entrance if the cave with a pile of wood. Elixir was practicing his fire control and she had left Reis to keep watch incase the phoenix ended up setting the cave on fire. That only left one person missing since everyone had finished eating - Kellen.
