The male sat by the girl for what seemed like hours. He didn't speak, only because he didn't know what to say. And after patting her on the back, he didn't touch her again either, again, because he had no idea how to comfort her. All he could think about was the people taken from Below. Their first night in Above, away from the world they had known.
Below was horrible, but it was home. It was all people from here knew. And while the sunlight, and the trees, grasses, and clean air were wonderful, they were unknown, and could be terrifying. Is this how they spent their first night? Sobbing on a strange bed? At least Mannik tried to comfort Adelmar. He doubted anyone taken up there had any signs of comfort or pity shown to them.
But, then again, all the tears could be a ruse, an attempt to lower Mannik's guard or turn him soft hearted so Adelmar could try and convince him to take her home.
She spoke, and Mannik jerked, surprised out of his thoughts. He didn't waste words, but slipped away from her, to his own pile of furs.
That night, he slept lightly, and very little, keeping an ear open in case Adelmar tried to slip out. Where would she go, though?
Eventually, the tiny little watch that sat in his pocket gave a tiny beep, and Mannik stood, loading a few weapons he had unloaded the night before. The weapons went into various holsters on his person. He moved to Adelmar, then tilted his head. How did people wake up girls? Originally, he was just going to nudge her with his boot...but, it would probably be taken the wrong way. Shake her? What if he hit her head on the floor or something.
"Girl...girl....GIRL!" He finally called out. He refused to use her name. If you gave a name to something, you got attached. No way was Mannik planning on getting attached. He was rewarded when she sat up and bid him good morning. She started fiddling with her hair, and Mannik turned to dump more meat and roots unto a plate, setting it next to her, along with a full glass of water. "No." He answered her question curtly. "I'll return them when the lessons are over and all the kids are safe at home."
"We've got a lot of walking. And we need to start picking them up soon. So eat. Won't get to until dinner tonight. Once lessons are over, I'll take you to see Sarah. We'll get you holed up someplace else."