After making sure Dalko was sound asleep again, Roland took the remaining half of the food and tiptoed out of the cave.
He crept forward cautiously, slowly approaching the Red Squirrel that was busy gnawing on a pinecone, and stopped when he was about three steps away.
After taking a deep breath, he activated the [Animal Companion] Trait.
In an instant, a familiar cacophony flooded his mind like a tidal wave.
Roland's brow furrowed. He consciously reined in his scattered attention, just as he did when activating his [Concentration] Trait.
Gradually, the chaotic sounds began to fade, until only the sounds in his immediate vicinity were left.
"Phew…"
Roland let out a long sigh of relief and calmed his nerves.
Gazing at the Red Squirrel, which was still focused on its pinecone, he slowly raised a hand and forced his facial muscles into the friendliest expression he could muster.
"Hello…"
