[i]Taras thought he was ready. And he was, where equipment was concerned. But this heat was something else. It clung to the skin, like a warm embrace you could not escape. He had a feeling he wouldn't collapse from this heat. He'd experienced worse. The light clothing helped. But it was still terribly uncomfortable. Sticky. And the bugs were a separate issue.

He mostly stayed at the fringes of the group, taking in the sights, while also keeping an eye out. It was all very beautiful, and he'd already seen many creatures he'd never seen before. But there was a strange claustrophobia that he didn't expect to get. Back home, he could see all around them. But here, everything felt so close. And so many movements in the forest kept him on edge. 

Having had his fill for now, Taras goes back to the others. They seemed to be faring well enough. He appears atop a large, mangled root, one hand on the strap of his rifle.[/i]

"I wish we could have found a truck.." [i]he starts, wiping some sweat off his brow. His accent was strong, but he was easy enough to comprehend.[/i] "It would be a lot easier than walking all this way." 

[i]He was joking, of course. With all these trees, mud, and no roads, they would probably lose the truck fairly early on. Not even his skill could magically make paths in this jungle, nor would he want to cause damage by plowing through it all. Hopping off the arching root, he lands on both feet and walks around the others, keeping his eyes towards the canopies.[/i]

[i]It's been quite an adventure thus far already. But an adventure wasn't his goal. He looks over at the younger guy that invited them all on this crazy expedition. He was speaking with another man. Taras decides to sit for now, a little ways away, hoping this would truly lead him.. And the others.. To the people they were looking for.[/i]