Tazrae followed Bree alongside Randal. The Jungle Ixam was scenting the area, looking for more Mussurana. The enthusiastic Ixam was doing her best to mimic a bloodhound, darting this way and that with her long tail flicking. She was, however, finding no Mussurana. Randal didn’t seem surprised. The young Innkeeper didn’t think it would be a quick process either. She knew they’d wander a while. Snakes weren’t densely packed in their habitats. They had room to roam out in the jungle, especially these snakes which were harder to find. She did see Bree come across other snakes, then reject them as being vipers or rattlers of various kinds, and not what the pair of explorers were looking for.
Randal, ever practical, decided it was time to shove more Wilderness Survival knowledge into Tazrae’s head. “Getting lost out here is a real and true danger. Its easy to do so if you can’t see where you are going or where you’ve been due to thick vegetation. If you do get lost, remember one thing, Tazrae. S-T-O-P. Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan. Your biggest enemy out here is… well besides everything else… you panic. You can’t panic. One of the best ways to decrease your panic is to teach yourself to recognize it.” He added, looking thoughtful.
“Your brain is your main tool for survival out here. It stores your knowledge of how to survive. That knowledge includes things like how to spark a fire from sticks, how to build a shelter, how to find your way home… but you can’t access those skills if you can’t think. Your mind also provides intuition and judgement that will help you decide to stay put or move on…. where to build that fire… how to go about deciding which way is home.” Randal ticked off, seemingly going down a mental list.
“I understand that getting lost can be frightening. I’ve been very scared out here before. The Jungle can really unnerve you and when that happens its really hard to think. It’s really hard to plan or use common sense. And later when I am calm, I think to myself… why didn’t I just do this… do that… “ Tazrae went on, engaged in the conversation as her Ixam still searched for more snakes.
Randal nodded. “There is a fight or flight response in humans that fear triggers. This can be bad, causing you to blindly run away, or this can be good… giving you the strength to climb up a mountain face you might not be strong enough to climb to safety without fear driving you. It increases your heartbeat, your breathing, and gives you extra energy to run. You can always use that fight or flight response to get things done…. but you have to engage your mind to do that. How?” He asked, studying her intently.
Tazrae looked thoughtful. “First, don’t automatically blame yourself for getting into your situation…. Be it lost, turned around, etc. Things happen. Stay busy? Plan lots of things. Recognize your panic and fear and address them by doing something instead of just freezing? Maybe repeat to yourself that you are going to be okay until you make it a reality?” She suggested, looking at him hesitantly.
“Very good. Keep busy to occupy your mind. Use Affirming statements like you are going to be alright. Recognize and deal with fear and stress. And don’t beat yourself up mentally for your current situation.” That was exactly how Randal would have answered that question himself. Tazrae was picking this stuff up fast.