The tiny humanoid's ears flickered with rage. [i]"H-how dare you?!"[/i] she exclaims as Albic lightly kicks her bag. She gets up from the ground and waves her hands in anger. [i]"What am I doing sittin' around?! You knocked me on my arse so what the bloody hell do you think?!"[/i] She didn't seem to have any interest in Albic's heritage or his belongings, only her wounded pride. [i]"What are YOU doing here is the better question, are you tryina' rob me or something?!" Albic's awareness of his surroundings may have missed the gnome somehow, but it did not miss the rustling of leaves nearby. The path that they were on was nothing but a small trail after all, and the wilderness surrounded them completely. Still, it was bright day so any nightpredators shouldn't be out roaming about. This isn't the land that is so familiar to them, however. The gnome paused her rage for a moment as she too heard the noise. [i]"Oi. Was that you?"[/i] she said in a much much more hushed tone. Her fingers stroked the handle of her shortsword. From the thick brush the pair heard the rustle repeat itself. There was indeed something in the bush. [i]"Okay, that wasn't you was it?"[/i] the gnome said and drew her blade carefully. She seemed nervous, but not in an inexperienced kind of way... Just... Dislike, probably. Albic wasn't too sure of how to read people, he was better with animals and plants. Out of the brush came a big black nose. Then a pair of yellow eyes. Then two furry black ears, and a big drooling mouth with teeth. That's a black bear, Albic realized. Not the largest of bears but still of size enough to rival himself or swallow the gnome whole, quite literally. It didn't seem agitated yet, but it did seem surprised to see two living creatures so close. It seems the two had been so stealthy that even the wildlife had missed them. Fight or flight, Albic? Or is there a third option?