Jehu
Jehu still had mixed feelings about the jungle. It was so very different than the desert, as if he were in another part of the universe. While plant life was sparse in the Burning lands, and one had to search for the shelter of an acacia tree, the jungle foliage enveloped you, encroached upon you. You could feel like the only thing living in some places of the desert, in Falyndar, the richness of life filled one's senses; sound, smell, touch, sight.
"I have a feeling Artik knows more than he lets on." Jehu spoke in a hushed tone, leaning forward closer to Sophia's ear. "He just doesn't let on so no one asks him to do anything." He chuckled as they came upon the strange spiked fruit. Stopping to examine the soursap fruit, Jehu looked back to Sophia when she mentioned poison seeds. Then he carefully plucked a couple fruit from the tree, slipping them into his pack to try later. Then he replied to her question.
"I have spent the night in the jungle, but only a few times with expert guides and traders. It was much at first, so much life, so dense, even the air was thick with the moisture and scent of living things. But I learned from those men how to manage, at least for a little time, in the jungle." Jehu replied as they continued on, lagging behind Artik who only slowed a little while his followers paused.
"They explained the the basics, shelter, food, water and some big dangers. We built lean-to's by leaning a stick against a tree and laying branches against it on both sides, making just enough room to sleep under cover. Some had tarps that they laid over the branch to make a sort of tent." He shared, hoping to offer even a little knowledge in return for Sophia's botanical teaching.
"Water was not such a big deal for me, since I didn't need any most of the time. Food was another thing. Of course, you know about plants to eat. I learned some things to hunt, but they showed me some easier things to get." Jehu stopped, prodding around with the butt of his staff at a fallen branch. It was dark and wet, already in advanced decay. Artik stopped this time, sighing loud enough for the Chaktawe and Svefra woman to hear. Jehu ignored him, crouching down to dig at the thick branch with the tip of the spear. The rotting wood fell open, revealing a number of wriggling white grubs. He picked up a couple, holding them in his palm.
"Worms and grubs are everywhere and provide nutrition. Beetles are good to eat too, but they some can make you sick if you don't cook them first. You could live a good while on just insects, if you have water." He took up one of the grubs and popped it in his mouth, chewing it up. Artik voiced a disgusted noise. Jehu held his hand out with the second grub towards Sophia, an innocent smile on his face. "The rule I was taught is that you don't eat any insect that is brightly colored or have a strong smell. Of course, don't eat any that are hairy, or bite or sting. I think most people would know not to eat those anyway!"
Artik shook his head and turned to trek on. "He's not wrong, though I'd have to be real hungry and real lost to eat any of that shyke." The man declared.
Words: 588