The sky gradually darkened, and the light along the riverbank grew hazy, blurring the outlines of the hills as though they had been washed with a thin layer of watercolor.
The birdsong in the woods gradually thinned out as well, replaced by the fine, dense chorus of insects and frogs that slowly spread through the dusk.
The companions woke one after another, drawn by the aroma of food. Eevee was the first to climb off the soft cloth. Its little paws kneaded the fabric as it followed the scent in a quick trot to the grill, then squatted there and looked up at Xinhai.
Its large brown eyes, still freshly awake, glistened with a thin layer of moisture, while its fluffy tail swayed slowly behind it.
"Vee..." it called softly, its voice gentler than usual.
"It'll be ready soon. Wait just a little longer." Xinhai took the steamed eggs from the pot and sprinkled a small pinch of chopped scallions over them. Their pale golden surface trembled slightly, tender and smooth like a pool of captured warm sunlight.
He carried the mushroom soup, steamed eggs, and steamed river fish one by one to the cloth spread across the center of the grass, then portioned out Pokémon food and Pokéblocks for each of his companions.
Besides Pokéblocks and Pokémon food, Eevee's bowl also held a small piece of shredded steamed fish and a serving of steamed egg.
"Dinner's ready." Xinhai picked up his own bowl and spoon, then sat down at the edge of the grass.
Eevee crouched in front of its bowl, sipping the soup mouthful by mouthful. The steam made its brown eyes squint slightly.
Blaziken sat nearby, slowly eating the steamed egg in its bowl with a relaxed yet focused posture.
Gardevoir sat beside Xinhai with a small