Solomon nodded. "Yes, the only downside would be getting in and out. If someone were to sneak their way in the rock formation with none of us taking notice, we would be trapped." He looked at Rose. "Let's be sure that does not happen," he added.
"Understood" came the spritely reply.
Solomon started for the campsite. "Earth looks safe enough. Yes. This will make a fine campsite."

Rose started analyzing the terrain in detail. The bowl itself wasn't particularly deep or steep; it was, however, wide enough that the sides could completely obsure a person lying down from observers at ground level, and a person sitting up from observers near the base. Enemies entering the bowl would have to climb a little ways, granting defenders a critical height advantage. With the mountain at their backs, they could only be surrounded on up to three sides.

On the flipside, the mountain gray clashed with the princess's bright colors and Rose's dark colors, so if they were ever spotted, the bowl's stealth advantage would be negated. That feature was exactly what made it ideal - no one would expect them to take cover in such a revealing position. Most scouts would search the forest.

The forest stretched out along the northern horizon and touched the mountain cliffs to the east. If enemy scouts somehow knew their position and didn't want to be spotted, approaching from the southern farmlands would be most unexpected, but it would take them an extra day to circle around the mountain to get there; hence, the scouts would most likely emerge from the northern forest. The nearby town, while ruined by fire, could still serve as adequate cover in a pinch should the trio need to make a hasty retreat.

The most difficult wildcard would be archers. Whatever advantages the mountain bowl offered, it would provide precious little cover against determined ballistic assault, unlike a forest hideout. With their best retreat option being only plains and farmland for miles, they'd be sitting ducks against trained snipers. Ideally, Rose hoped never to be spotted in the first place, harking back to the primary advantage of the mountain bowl.

Camouflage would be a good idea in case spotters in the mountains decided to look down. Rose whipped off her cloak and rubbed it the dirt with her boot. After about half a minute of this, she put it back on.

Amalthea raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?" she hissed.
Rose shrugged. "For camo," she whispered. "You weren't exactly hard to spot over the last five months, Your Highness."
The princess released a gutteral "ugh" and muttered a sarcastic apology.
Solomon glanced back at the two girls. "Also, it is good seeing you two not at each other's throats. Let's hope we all find each other trustworthy enough to have a decent night's rest. We all need it."
When his back was turned, Rose put a hand to her throat and pretended to choke, earning an amused snort from the princess.

A moment later, the princess copied the motion, and it was Rose's turn to snicker.

They clambered up to the bowl and looked in. Solomon remarked, "Looks like a few places with pointed rocks. Will make it easier to climb out."
Rose peered down and tested one foot in. It was about as steep as she surmised - adequate for cover, wide enough for the three to sleep comfortably.
Solomon glanced back again at the two girls. "Do either of you need help on the descent? Tonight's happenings did a number on you both."
Amalthea shook her head and danced inside. "Nope!"
Rose put her other foot in and skated down. "Thank you, I can manage."

The two brushed out a couple seats and made themselves comfortable. Rose extended a hand to Solomon. "Do you need help on the descent?" Her pursed lips struggled to hold back a rising smile.