The morning air was crisp as the mist drifted effortlessly through the trees, moisture clinging onto pine nettles which slowly fell in drops to the forest floor. This moisture in turn made the earth wet beneath Bear's feet, he could feel it tugging at the warmth from his oiled seal skin mukluks. A sound of a large raven flying by made him look up to the trees, the smile on his face was enough of a greeting for the young raven he called Huginn.

 He had befriended the raven a winter earlier when he saved it from an old snare. The two shard a special relationship, the bird would stay near and alert Bear to danger with a loud squawk, yet make simpler more cooing noises when prey was near or everything was clear and in return was fed with whatever meat was left over. Again the large man checked his small lean to shelter for anything he might need, the cabin he had found yesterday was over the next ridge and Steve was rather excited to be so near always repeating something about '[u]others[/u]'.

 After securing the campsite Bear decided to be careful, the sun was still behind the horizon and it was getting brighter. Quickly the man destroyed the shelter, picked up his spear, and moved on, no fire last night to risky he wanted no, needed to keep stealth on his side. Something about this place made his instincts flare, run, hide, fight, all of these at once is strange. Bear took his time yesterday getting a feel for the area mostly so he would know how to escape or find the quickest way to whatever resource he would need while in the area. This took time enough that he was using energy to stay concentrated.

 One unknown benefit to taking the essence of other living things for him was a bug spray of sorts. Anytime he was outside in the open he was constantly taking the essence of one of the most pesky insects, the dreaded mosquito. Every time one would even slightly touch him they were drained and fell to the ground. Now, one would think that one mosquito doesn't give all that much energy and they would be correct. However, when you count the hundreds of thousands that seek to prey on you in one day that tiny bit of energy they give pays off in a big way. Unless Bear is using his ability actively, this consumption is enough to stifle the hunger on a day to day basis.

 [color=00aeef]“[i]OI![/i]”[/color] the sudden voice made Bear sink low where he stood expecting someone nearby to have said it, “[color=00aeef][i]We need to move and get with the others to survive[/i][/color]” with a sigh the large man stood more relaxed. “[color=39b54a]Oh hey Steve, where have you been these last few days?[/color]” He spoke aloud but still quietly, “[color=00aeef][i]I have been watching you carefully walk around the place you are supposed to be at... and stop calling me STEVE![/i][/color]” Bear turned his head slightly to the right as if flinching from the voice. He smiled and started walking, “[color=39b54a]your funny Steve, I hope there are more Steves like you where we are going[/color]” the only reply he got was a distant sigh as the cold fluid presence in his mind dissipated.

 The walk through the mist was slow, walking a few yards before stopping, looking around, and listening. Picking every foot step to be as quiet as possible, Being as mindful as he could to avoid the dryer twigs and sticks that would snap under his weight. This part of the forest was also ripe with several varieties of berry that he was familiar with, as well as some edible plants. This took even more time because Bear will always stop for food, who could say when he might find it again? He soon noticed that he could spend hours here just picking berries and collecting leaves but he knew not to be too greedy and opted to take just a little more than he would need.

 As he picked, he could feel the cold pressure in the back of his mind reminding him that Steve was not happy with this detour. Yet he knew these berries from what his life givers taught him, Blueberries, Raspberries, Cloudberries that Look kind of like a golden raspberry with a tart taste to them, and these small and red berries called Lingonberries that also taste a bit tart. He could also tell from the trails running in and out of these bushes and shrubs that animals frequented this hill side. Just one more thing to note for resources, from what he could tell already there was little in the way of human activity. Aside from the cabin and the unkempt trail leading towards it, forgotten maybe or perhaps hidden.

 As the man neared the cabin he began to crouch walk, the thick brown fur coat that covered him blended in quite well with the surroundings. Before long, he found himself slowly crawling on all fours, moving slow as to make as little noise as possible and stop the brush from moving too much around him. Then as he neared the last defilade between him and the cabin he began his slow belly crawl up to where he had clear line of sight. Being as still as he could he looked through the bush that was dominated by thin firm branches and large green broad leafs.

 He thought it was a moose at first by how loud it was through the forest, that was until he heard the breathing. Labored not wounded, more exhausted mixed with a bit of panic maybe. He could recognize this from hunting and chasing prey, but this girl did not look like prey. Short with a dark skin tone like that of some villagers yet she wore thin clothes that hardly covered her. How strange for someone to be wearing such strange clothing all the way out here. He would have rather waited in his bush to see how things would play out yet Steve had a different idea. “[color=00aeef][i]You are meant to be the leader of the pack, not a coward in a bush![/i][/color]” the voice screamed in his head, “[color=00aeef][i]Reveal yourself boy! Or so help me I will make you regret it[/i][/color]” Bear knew the voice was serious. The first time he heard Steve and ignored him he was sent to the floor with a migraine from hell.

 After a few breaths, he slowly stood being sure not to make any noise. She spoke “[color=92278f][u]I'm here[/u][/color]” then a short pause, “[u][color=92278f]Now what?[/color][/u]” did she see him, no she was too busy running from... what was she running from? He was maybe 20 feet from her and she didn't even notice him, “[color=39b54a][i]how? She wasn't blind... maybe deaf?[/i][/color]” he thought well lets check. “[color=39b54a][i]Now how to introduce myself?[/i][/color]” again he thought for only a moment before talking, “[color=39b54a]Hi![/color]” he paused awkwardly for a moment as if remembering what he looked like. Long black tangled hair, a beard that he's kept short with a stone knife. He's holding a spear with a metal tip, his clothes are a combination of what one would call leather armor and various furs, the biggest being the bear fur that covers up his chest, arms, and the cape he is wearing not to mention the stone knife and hand ax on his belt, “[color=39b54a]Do you know where I can find Elvarren? I'm quite confused about who or what it is and Steve is being very quiet about it[/color]” again an awkward pause.

[@Utrax]