James listened quietly, his face solemn but watchful of their expressions as they explained. He didn't want to doubt their stories, but he could feel the seed of doubt in his mind - distrust towards everyone growing over the past few years. Rooted so deep he didn't even know how to tame it anymore. So he just bit his tongue, choosing not to react right away. These were going to be his comrades, people who, despite their odds had agreed to go with him into the forest and face the terrifying beast.
He had to trust them with his life. Maybe not his history, maybe not their stories, but in combat, he would. He would have to.
"Well... I'm sorry you guys found yourselves here." No matter where they came from, he didn't feel anyone with a shred of decency belonged here, and these two seemed reasonable folk, even though their stories were mysterious.
He had to admit though, his distrust of their side of the story was mostly due to the fact that it sent chills down his back. Appearing in the middle of nowhere? Somehow, unconsciously finding their way here? Could something or someone else be at work here? Could this be a trap on a grander scale?
No. He couldn't afford to tailspin into a flurry of paranoia. He had to focus on the task at hand. So he got up, and went to grab one of the mystery vegetables he'd been peeling before and took out his small knife, and went back at it, flicking the skin shavings into the fire.
"Are either of you hungry? Thirsty? Need anything? As you can see, it's no five-star inn but we can make do."
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