A decisive chill ran up Mal’s spine as the man stepped away. The moment the blindfold fell from his eyes, it was almost like Mal was staring at a completely other person. He didn’t know what caused the change. Maybe he held a more prominent spirit inside him? It wasn’t completely impossible. He vaguely remembered reading something about spirit levels… maybe in his father’s research. Dealing with both the heavy mist cloaking his past and the exhaustion that coiled around him made it difficult to recall. Still, Mal complied with the man’s commands, not willing to deal with whatever was coming next.

 He was careless with this one. There was a reason he usually set up in bigger cities. It meant easier escapes, more places to hide, and plenty of time to rest between confrontations. 
[color=yellow]“I’ll just stay here then…”[/color] Mal grinned, stumbling back against the tree, [color=yellow]“Maybe I’ll try to catch a bit of rest.”[/color]

 The moment he let go of the Ugnis, the spirit inside him started to calm. Its offensive thrashing around that wasted more energy that Mal was thrilled about. He would just have to hope he could stay out of this next encounter and recover whatever energy He could so he could deal with whatever was coming the next day.

 So, with a satisfied yawn, even as a monster stomped off in the distance. Mal leaned against the back of the tree, and willingly shut his eyes. Any amount of rest would help, even if only for a few moments.

 Besides, he had a sinking feeling that the man had more to him than originally suggested.