Kate hugged him as long as he wanted. Then stood up when his stomach growled as did hers. She extended her arm to help him stand. Soldiers formed in formation for the mid-day meal in a long line separate from the mages. Kate skirted the men in uniform. She noticed her father before his troops and he looked over at her. Late she would have to tell him about Ra'ken.<br/><br/>When she out of her father's sight, she held Ra'kens right arm with both her hands, "We will go to the mages mess tent. We will stand in line get our plates and food. Then we will sit away from the others. I like to sit by the brook. It is a quiet place away from camp. I do not think anyone else had found it. You want to rest after your meal. This morning has been emotionally draining. You are in a delicate state mentally. My father never TRUST anyone. You may too for life. Making friends is not easy. I will slowly introduce you to mine. Do not worry it will be months before you have to meet any of my friends."<br/><br/>Kate picked at his sleeve as she led him to the other side of camp into a line of mages. The smell of fresh fish, boiled potatoes,  sourdough bread, and fresh cream butter wafted in the air. She handed him a pewter plate. "You feel nervous take a deep breath. Look at the food. Point to what you want. You do not have to speak."