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“I don’t doubt it,” Phil said. “Before I joined the military, I used to camp here with my family all the time. If you ever want a guided tour of the forest, just ask. I know it like I know the back of my hand. That’s another expression I picked up,” he explained to Maklr.

“Figures. It’s been a long time since you’ve been back to Ashuk hasn’t it?”

“Yes, it has,” Philtan confirmed.

“Perhaps just like you’ve become an overgrown lump, so too has the forest. I highly doubt you would recognize the foliage of your youth,” Maklr said with a laugh.

Phil grinned. “You might be right.”

“I usually am,” Maklr said.

Zand landed the shuttle and deployed the exit ramp. “Rest and relaxation awaits,” he said with a sweeping arm gesture and slight bow.

“That’s it. Bow to me,” Philtan said, slinging a massive duffel bag over his shoulder. “Who cares about the twin princes, anyway? You’re right. You should bow to me. I make more of an imposing figure than they do.”

Zand mock saluted before making a very human hand gesture of sticking up his middle finger to Philtan. “Hey, Phil, you’re not the only one who learned some human gestures. Check this one out.”

Maklr chuckled at his friend’s banter. He stood a few steps in front of Nell, so she had a clear view of the ramp and Phil’s subsequent departure to the resort. “Are you ready?” he asked. “I’ll walk with you.” Nell blinked rapidly. Maklr cleared his throat. “What I mean is, I know you’re capable. It’s only an offer you don’t have to take me up on, unless you feel safer walking on your own,” he said.

Nell placed her bag on her back, shifting its weight over both her shoulders. She gestured to Maklr for him to wait. “With you,” she whispered.

“Nell, I have your other bag ready,” Zand called.

Together, Nell and Maklr exited the shuttle. With both feet on the clay-like soil, Nell looked up at the trees, putting her hand over her eyes, and squinted at the bright sunlight. She inhaleddeeply, enjoying the scent of fresh air, earthy moss. From the trees, a sweet scent wafted her way, reminiscent of pine trees humans liked to use for Christmas celebrations.

Maklr took her bag from Zand. He watched as Nell absorbed the fresh air. Her skin seemed to glow, not only from the natural light but from genuine happiness.

So entranced by the natural scenery around them, they lost track of time standing in the clearing. Their trance broke with the shuttle’s engines roaring to life and Zand taking off back to Eoris.

“I’m sorry,” Nell whispered to Maklr.

“For what?”

She shrugged. “Making you wait.”

“Honestly, I didn’t mind. If you’re ready, we can follow the path, get ourselves checked in and I’ll walk you to your cabin.”

Without saying the word, Nell began to walk, her steps cautious as she followed the wooden path, marked on both sides by smooth gray and brown stone reminiscent of polished marble. A few short minutes later, they entered the main building of the resort.

“Good afternoon,” the receptionist said, a welcoming smile on her face. “How can I help you?”

Nell tapped on her tablet before facing it toward the woman behind the counter. “Excellent. Is this your first time on Ashuk?” she asked. Nell nodded. “You’ll love it here. There’s so much to do. Did you receive the information packet we sent when you first booked your reservation?” At Nell’s affirmative nod, the receptionist continued. “Here, while I have your tablet, let me add one with all our different amenities. If you enjoy hiking, we have a few natural pools and waterfalls nearby. They’re deep enough where you can swim or you can sit on the edge and dip your feet into the water. There are plenty of places to picnic. Since humans have been coming here more frequently, we nowhave a thing called coat closure lining. No,” she paused, “that’s not it. Zipper lining. Zip lining. One of those.”

A hint of a smile crossed Nell’s face. The receptionist handed Nell a key and actual paper brochures with menus and lists of activities available at the resort. “To get to your cabin, once you leave here, turn right and follow the path down. You’re in the last cabin on your right. Enjoy your stay. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Nell stepped back, glanced at the door, her brow furrowing. “Would you like to wait for me to check in and I’ll walk you to your cabin?” Maklr asked. Nell smiled.

“Here’s my information.” Maklr passed his tablet to the receptionist.

“Do you need me to go over everything again, or did you hear it when I was talking to your friend?”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

The receptionist rummaged in the drawer to the side of her screen. “Here. Just in case you’d like a copy as well,” she said, thrusting papers in his direction. “Here’s your key.”

“Ready?” Maklr offered his arm to Nell, unsurprised when she didn’t take it, instead clutching her bag in both hands. Motion sensitive doors opened into the fresh air. Maklr and Nell walked slowly through them into bright sunlight. “Would you want to go directly to your cabin?” he asked. Nell Shrugged. “How about we take the scenic route?” he suggested. “Let’s take this path.”

They wandered down the boardwalk style path, drinking in the sight of the trees. Small streams dotted with vegetation and flowers of every imaginable color grew along the path. Maklr paused, took his tablet out of the pocket on his cargo pants and recorded a few still images. “Wouldn’t this look beautiful on the wall of the transition center or rehab? I find it soothing.” He replaced the tablet in his pocket. “Charlotte says nature is a great healer.” Nell remained silent.