my notebook story 5

When Misty awoke, she found Dai kneeling over her again, holding out a plate improvised from the bark of a tree, neatly cleaned of, with a small pile of deer meat and wild herbs on it.1

"What's this for?" she asked, sitting up.2

"For you. It's food," Dai picked up her hand and placed the tree-bark plate in it. "Eat," he ordered.3

Misty obeyed and began to take small bites of the meat. Her eyes widened in amazement.4

"What did you put in this? This is probably the best-tasting meal I've had since... Wow!"5

Dai just grinned. "Cook's secret. You can forget it if you think I'm gonna tell you. I'm glad you like it,"6

He got up and went over to the fire to serve himself some of the meat and herb mixture.7

As Misty watched him scoop it onto his "plate", it suddenly occured to her that he hadn't yet told her why he was there.8

"Dai... Why are you here?" she asked him.9

Dai sighed, then came over and sat down, leaning against the tree next to her..10

"Well, I was heading south, on my way to play a little tune for some friends down there, when I crossed paths with Amlach," he paused for a moment when Misty's face became still. "He told me that you were traveling and what direction you were going in. He also told me, after asking, a little bit of why you were traveling. I just thought you might like some company." he shrugged.11

Misty had the feeling he wasn't telling the complete truth, but his story would do for now.12

"Okay," she nodded. "I was just wondering. Now how about you get me some more of that fabulous dinner?" she held her plate out to him and grinned.13

Dai laughed and stood up, taking her plate.14

"Alrighty then,"