As the pair headed for the cookpot near the center of camp, Alexis remained mostly silent. She was unsure how to answer Joseph's question. "I don't feel any different, if that's what you're asking." The commander's approach did not go unobserved and on of the men manning the cookfire offered the two wooden bowls. Many of the other men had already served themselves but no one was eating yet.
As expected, chopped bits of wild meat bobbed amid lentils and vegetables and the woman quickly took a ladleful for herself. "As I understand," Alexis continued, stepping aside so her guest might take his share. "Nothing about me will actually change if I manage to contol my power. I would still be an Adhara and I would still feel my ability in a subtle way..."
The band did not travel with utensils, so Alexis was the first to sip at the broth straight from the bowl before grabbing a few pieces of flat bread, still hot from baking over the fire. Seeing their commander begin eating, many of the other mercenaries, who even now were congregating around the main firepit in smaller knots, began dipping their own bread, sharing meals and conversations with their brothers-in-arms.
The commander, who had silently signalled that the food was fit to eat, took a stool near the edge of the congregation. Another had been set besider her, meant for Joseph if he chose take it...