Ren stumbled back into the clearing, his steps heavy, his cloak tattered, and streaked with blood.
Some were his, and some were not, but they were all drying along his arms and neck.
His vine armor was gone, the skill deactivated, leaving only his tunic and battered pants. Despite his ragged state, he was grinning.
Lilith shot to her feet, crossing the space between them in a heartbeat.
"You're back!" She smiled, giving him a tight hug, not caring for the dirt and blood on his body. "I missed you."
Ren gave her a lopsided smile. "I haven't been gone that long, have I?"
"Doesn't matter." She muttered into his chest, before pulling back. "I miss you."
Thorn had also stood as well, his mouth slightly agape. "You look like a strip of meat being cooked over a fire."
Ren laughed and dropped himself beside a tree, his back hitting the bark with a satisfied thump. "You should see the other guy."
"You killed it?" Lilith asked, kneeling beside him.
