probably nothing. There were an awful lot of sounds in the air around them after all. Gulls arguing over a washed up crab carcass somewhere in the distance, the wind rushing through the limbs of trees in the nearby forest, the occasional mysterious clicking sound from Clark. Arthur turned his attention back to the giant cricket.

[b]"Wait, so ... has there ever actually been any kind of conflict between the humans and the insects?"[/b]

Clark just stared in silence for long moments. Arthur couldn't decide whether he thought Clark was staring at him blankly or deep in thought until finally the large insect spoke. [b]"I mean, not that I can think of but that's probably BECAUSE they're scared of us. The doctor says it's the human 'flight or faint' response that makes people always run away from what they're scared of, or just roll their eyes and go to sleep."[/b]

This time Arthur just stared, and it was quite a bit more evident that he was flabbergasted rather than thinking. [b]"I'm pretty sure part of that is 'fight"[/b] he finally responded. Clark just chuckled and gave his spindly knee a little slap. [b]"Good one."[/b]

Arthur decided not to press the point, peering off again into the distance as the gulls started into their calling again. It seemed a pity to just sit here while they waited when such lush nature lay all around them, but Clark did know this place better, and was probably avoiding the forest for good reason.

It hadn't been long, but the sound of a bell tolling in the distance made Clark perk up a bit and point off into the distance, toward Irris.

[b]"There it is!"[/b] Clark exclaimed.

[b]"What?"[/b] asked Arthur.

[b]"The bell!"[/b] explained Clark.

[b]"... and what does it mean?"[/b] continued Arthur.

[b]"That we can get moving soon."[/b] Clark's tone was matter-of-fact.

[b]"I thought you said we should camp here ..."[/b] Arthur was deeply confused.

Clark chuckled again. [b]"We did, we camped it right here for almost a full hour."[/b]

Arthur was still confused, but at least he wouldn't have to fight off boredom anymore. Arthur climbed to his feet, Clark sprang to a stand beside him and both set off up the road.