A few more words were exchanged between the four of them. Eliza and Geoffrey both apologized for the altercation while Kaiden continued to eye the pair before leaving shortly after they did. However Cypher couldn't help but notice the way Kaiden reacted to things around him. He was always happy, eager to speak with Cypher and at times the look he gave to others was that of jealousy... or perhaps the need to be protective of something. Cypher couldn't quite put his finger on what it was but it did peak his interest and he found himself smiling after the man as he walked off. [center][b]---[/center][/b] The party was in full swing now... at least the first half. Everyone had gathered under the golden lights of the clearing and found their place among the tables. Food had already been set out and as soon as the prayer had been said, everyone began to dig in. Their musicians had been given the privilege to eat first if only to provide subtle music while everyone else enjoyed their meal afterwards. They sat across the clearing on their own platform and with whatever instruments they managed to scavenge over the years and tune tonight, they provided soft strings and gentle melodies. The rest of their tricks would be saved for later that night. Everyone else lost themselves in the first camp wide diner in a long while. Food was fresh and warm and the smell of meat and rice and bread filled the air. Everywhere one looked there were stuffed mouths and wide smiles. In between bites, people would share stories and laughter. Kids would yell, babies cry, fathers would bellow and mothers sing to her children. The few dogs they had would pick up the scraps as they fell from the table, those lucky enough to dodge their masters. Just as the food was being scarfed down, so too were the drink. Barrels of water... the good stuff, was carted out and poured freely. It'd put a dent on their rations for sure but it would be worth it. Cypher found himself moving from group to group, sharing smiles and a few good laughs of his own with friends before moving on. People would talk about their ideas for the future, what they hoped to find in paradise and how they were happy their days out in the dangerous waste was finally coming to an end. Cypher was sure to sympathize with them knowing full well that the last few steps to their new home would be the most grueling. It would be many days before they could enjoy themselves like this again.. if ever again. They needed to let loose and have some fun before the real work began. As Cypher was making his rounds, he came to Kaiden's table and noticing the empty spot next to the man, sat down next to him. He smiled at the others who were eating with Kaiden, mostly his family and a few of his good friends. [b]"Thank you again for the meal."[/b] Cypher began nodding toward the aging woman. [b]"I couldn't begin to express how delicious it's been. I have yet to finish the second course but I promise I will [i]and[/i] have room for more."[/b] Cypher had his own table where his half eaten meal awaited. He was eager to finish but the need to mingle drew him away as always. [b]"Before I do, I have to hear from you. I hope you've found the camp safe and enjoyable. As much a home as it has been to me. Your family has been a blessing on us all and I know as much as I know you do that this all couldn't have been possible without you."[/b] He looked around at the entire camp gathered around them. [b]"Are you ready for step into Paradise?"[/b]