The protective barrier spell around camp glimmers golden as you leave it, and when you step outside, the night greets you. Stars fill the sky. Sounds are limited; the distant hooting of an owl, some crickets, the light howl of the wind.

As soon as your steps fall on the ground beyond the barrier, Ahokal turns her head toward you. She’s always the first one on watch — not only is it something she takes seriously, it seems to bring her more peace than being inside the barrier that keeps everyone safe. It’s not that she doesn’t enjoy the company of the rest of the party. Those are her friends… including you.

It’s just the way a druid is. The natural world is freedom. Anything which walls her off from it, even if for safety, feels like confinement. Being restrained in such a way is a discomfort she can scarcely bear most days.

This is where she’d rather be. In the cool night air, surrounded by the sweet smell of grass and flowers, knowing there are insects and animals nearby. The orc in her tells her that she could run for hours in the open wilderness if she wanted to, until she’s tired, and the human in her reminds her of the value in nature’s beauty.

… Well, she is getting a bit tired, honestly. But it’s still her watch. She’s not ready to feel like she’s walking into a cage simply to sleep. So if you’re here to relieve her of watch, she’s already made up her mind to resist.

The world around her is too enticing. Too full of liberation to want to shove herself back behind the barrier when she’s right where she belongs among the dirt and plants and fresh air. Why in the nine hells would she ever want to feel trapped when she could sleep here, in the wide open? If you really want to insist on taking a watch, she’ll not be forced back inside the barrier; you can deal with her snoring next to you, if you’re truly craving a turn on watch.

A woman of more actions than words, Ahokal doesn’t speak as you approach her. All she does is keep her attention on you, raising an eyebrow as if to ask whether you need something.