Levi didn't mind; better for her to show excessive initiative than none at all. He couldn't fault her for misinterpreting his intentions, either, since he hadn't been straightforward. If there was an aspect of training he could struggle with, it was the teaching — showing, rather than telling, often felt arduous when he preferred to be blunt and to the point. He'd gotten better, over the years, but many of the finer aspects still eluded him.

It may have been only early evening, yet, but Levi had long since learned to get his sleep as time and situation allowed. He decided against a second cup of tea and ate what remained on his napkin. Afterwards, he tidied up the area around the fireplace and prepared for bed. He rinsed his mouth with water and a solution from his effects, then spat out the window. From one of the bundles he took a rolled blanket and unfurled it across the mattress, then stripped to his undershirt and shorts.

Before turning in, he approached their collection of firewood and divided it into piles, each representing roughly two hours worth. There looked to be enough to last the night, and it was as good a way as any to keep track of the time.

"Take as long a shift as you want," he said.

And that was all. Returning to the bed, he lay on his side, pulled the blanket over himself, and hardly shifted after closing his eyes.