Even Bears Like Smoking[[Jaiyahe]]

[Canali]

Summer
Day 38
Year 511 AV

Collecting firewood was easy. Many twigs were around, but Canali looked for needles of pine trees. They caught fire easily and burned quickly. Not long enough to leave a scent behind unless in a large quantity. Spotting some, Canali scooped them up into both hands, making sure to grab enough to start a fire with. Traveling back over to the tree she had found that had toppled over halfway up, blocking the lower half of the trunk on the top most of the way. At the bottom, it had caved slightly to one side, creating a small hole. Enough for Canali to slip through. Dropping the needles close by, Canali settled on the ground. Nearby was some fresh fish, salt water. Though she wasn't sure of the breed, Canali didn't let that bother her. A fish was a fish and would taste like such.

Grasping a medium sized twig, just large enough to be the width of the trunk, she flopped the already skinned fish next to her. After cutting it into six somewhat thick slices with her dagger, Canali weaseled a needle through a part of them, stringing them equal distance apart on the twig. Idly, she noted of how they swung back and forth with movement, dripping whatever fluids had been left behind. Setting them back down on a rag of clothing, Canali fetched the salt and basil from her back. Humming, she sprinkled salt all over the one side of the fish, making sure to knead it in as she went. Salt would preserve the texture and flavor of the fish, which would otherwise just taste like the wood burned. Choosing only one or two basil leaves per strip, Canali flipped the string over. The process was repeated on the other side. Of her four ounces of salt, two were used. Maybe one of the four basil ounces.

Scuttling over to the trunk, fish in tow, Canali weaseled her way through the small hole on her back, sliding the fish stick up at an angle maybe, oh, a foot up, jamming the stick straight across with a small grunt. Satisfied, Canali crawled back out, spitting the pieces of dislodged wood out of her mouth and brushing them away from her hair. Unaware, a smudge of dirt had crossed her cheek. "Where did I put those logs?" Glancing around, Canali floated over to the discarded twigs and sticks pile. Each was of the same kind as the fallen tree. No reason to get smells mixed up. Shoving the pine needles first, Canali rearranged them in a pile.

Out of her backpack came the flint and steel. Figuring that they needed to be struck together, Canali angled the steel at a downward angle, close to the pine needles. Careful of her fingers, she struck the flint against the steel once, twice, three times. Sparks flew off of each one but didn't catch. Growing irritated, Canali hit it one more time, with the most force. Red and white sparks flew onto the pine needles, which quickly caught fire. Happy now, Canali set four of the logs/sticks up in a tent-like angle; avoiding the flames which tried to lick her skinny fingers.

Settling back to wait, Canali watched as the wood caught, sending smoke and heat up towards the fish above. Exactly how she wanted it to. Humming under her breath still, she could practically smell the meat already.

[Jaiyahe]

Jaiyahe calmly thought to himself "Mmmm im sure this is were that human said there was valuables, he mentioned that there were gems and mountains of gold here". Jaiyahe was standing in the middle of the bleak wilderness outside the lawless pit that was unruly Sunberth, searching for what he thought was treasure, treasure that if he could get his gigantic Jamourian hands on, he'd be able to buy his first set of armor. His leather body harness and leather bracers were becoming increasing more worn and tattered as the days went on, it wasn't long before they would become an unnecessary burden rather than a help. A light coat of dust and dirt had already made his fur their home, his legs and feet weren't any cleaner either, they were covered in a thick layer of mud that started to dry and crack for the few hours that he remained dry, this didn't bother him at all as he was constantly covered in some foul concoction, stagnant murky water, pools of stinking sludge and piles of disgusting grime, infact a light dusting and a little bit of mud on he feet was the most clean Jaiyahe could be, he isn't a filthy creature, he just rarely ever got the opportunity to clean himself as he always has some engagement on and getting some valuable pickings in the wilderness to put towards his precious armor was to him a very important engagement.

Although dry, the air of the wilderness was musky smelling damp from the undisturbed, rotting foliage that fell from the tall, ancient trees and littered the ground. Picking at the ground, Jaiyahe was hoping to find riches, even the tiniest gem would have given him the enthusiasm to carry on the search. Finally realizing that there wasn't anything around, he continued on his venture. Having traveled on a couple of meters, the strangest scent was absorbed by strong nose, "Smells like smoked fish... who would have fish all the way out here?" he thought, while lifting his head and taking another large inhale.

Carrying on his trek, he again started to look around the floor, occasionally lifting up a few moss covered rocks to peer at the things underneath, a little bit on, he nearly roared with excitement at discovering a single golden coin, only to hold his large Jamourian tongue so not to draw attention to himself. They're could be battle-hardened hunters in these gloomy woods easily willing to cut his throat and take his hide, Jaiyahe silently laughed at the stupidity of the human predators, picked up the coin and walked on.

Smelling that smokey fragrance once again, his belly stared to rumble with deep reverberations that reflected of the trunks of the old trees. Upon finding the trail of the smell, he sighted the grey smoke that twisted its way to the heavens, praying for a free meal, he followed the towering smoke until he came upon its position, only to be disappointed by the presence of a girl tending to its fires. Smiling with cheekiness and the hope of stealing the meal, he crawled under a large, green shrub that was just in view of the delicious food. Waiting there, he internally implored that his gigantic frame and muscly body wouldn't be noticed.

[Canali]

Keeping wood on the fire was important. However, you couldn't just have all different scraps of trees. No, whatever type of tree you were using to smoke had to be the kind of tree you were using to keep fire underneath. Sweating lightly at the close proximity, Canali withstood the heat, knowing it would just be a waste to jump up and down for a few seconds of replenishing. A sweet smell of smoked fish had glided through the air, mingling with the actual smoke. Mouth watering, Canali mentally figure how long the meat had to cool. Generally about half of the cooking time; enough for the seasonings to harden, the meat to cool, and any juice to be absorbed. Tapping at the air with her fingers, she counted how many chimes it had been so far. Only about ten, surprisingly. Trusting her instincts, Canali figured another ten or fifteen chimes would be enough. Counting backwards from about twenty four using her fingers, Canali figured it would take twelve minutes before the meat would be truly edible.

Katahr, Canali's kitten, had stayed home for today. Although she didn't like to, Canali had put him in a cage for the time being. The cat had yet to learn how to use a collar, otherwise she would have tied him up outside somewhere. No, the idea of him roaming the woods and creating noise was not a good thing. More than one thief and killer resided out here; enticing them would be the death of her. Both literally and figuratively. Having no wish to die today, she kept quiet. No hums came from her lips. Pushing her hair out of her face, she settled another log onto the fire. Hissing and spitting, sparks danced in the air above; read and white against a dark stump. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Even though if she were to touch them, they would burn little marks into her hands, Canali watched them float away through the air, slowly becoming darker and darker, until they were absolutely useless for starting a fire.

Digging her slingshot out of her backpack, Canali surveyed her handiwork. Chips and dents were taken out of it with her carving, and what smooth lines there were connected jerkily. Antar had helped her build it, mysteriously curing the wood and tying the leather on. Spotting a pebble nearby on the ground, covered slightly in dirt, Canali wiped it off before lowering it into the sling of the slingshot. Unsure of what to aim for, Canali simply tugged on the leather for several moments before unexpectedly shooting it off. No aim, but the branches in a bush near her rustled; signaling where the pebble had gone.

"Well… Petch."

Scuffling to her feet, she didn't make a move to go towards the bush, but stared at something growing larger in the distance. For awhile there, Canali had figured it was simply a shadow; but shadows didn't lumber and sway. Swallowing dryly, Canali shifted the slingshot in her hand. Giving into the urge, she settled another pebble into the sling before bringing it up; right arm straight, left pulling the sling back with her fore-finger. Narrowing her eyes, she let the pebble fly; it hit the ground below the creature, lacking a good five or ten feet. Repeating the process, Canali aimed higher than the animal this time. An angry roar signaled the creature having been hit. The picking up of speed also did. Eeping, Canali scrambled away; her backpack in tow, slingshot in hand. Diving away into a bush, she met solidness.

Warm, solidness.


This was not ground.

[Jaiyahe]

Stilling there in silence, Jaiyahe curious watched the girl play with here slingshot, "Thats a strange thing she has" he thought to himself with fascination. His eyes shifted towards the slowly cooking fish under the fish, that filled the air with the gorgeous scent, he then licked his dry lips savoring the tasty meal to come, "Got to be quiet, loud Jamourian thief's dont get very far" he said in his head, giving a small smile. Looking back at the girl he saw she was still playing with her funny contraption, Jaiyahe was useless at them funny devices, why shoot things when you can get up close and personal and do some real damage with the gifts the gods gave you, a good punch and kick never goes amiss.

Suddenly out of nowhere the girl dislodged a pebble that flew right into the face of Jaiyahe, rubbing his nose trying to get the pain off, the bush rustled. "AARR!" he screamed in his head, thinking himself stupid for making a noise, he closed his eyes, praying that hes action *didn't gain the awareness of the young girl, although the stillness in the air was reassuring.

Opening his eyes, he was glad that the girl was shooting her projectiles in another direction, his noise started to twitch. "No" he said in his head, "No, No, No!"Jaiyahe let out a massive sneeze! a sneeze that strangely sounded alot like a roar. "Now she definitely heard that!". He then felt a little nudge as the bush shaked some more, but it wasn't him. looking down, he saw that the girl had infact jumped into him as he sat in the bush. Giving her a small push, he flinged her out back into the little opening, slowly retreating out the back of the bush, "That was so close... i was really wanting that fish". he said in his Jamourian tongue. However as he carried on a few meters he saw some large creature entering the opening that the girl was in. Running back, he hoped it wouldn't harm the little girl.

[Canali]

Landing roughly on her bum, Canali stared with horror at the shape making its way into the clearing. Large, grey eyes ran over the creature, taking in the humongous paws, thick head, black coat and a short tail. Never before had she laid eyes on such an animal. Though, thinking back quickly, Canali had overheard some men talking about a murderous animal out in the woods. What had they called it? A… bear? Wishing she had eavesdropped a little better, Canali scrambled backwards using her hands. Numbly, she was aware of her backpack being nearby, slingshot setting haphazardly on top of it. If she could get to the bag, there were pebbles inside of it. Maybe even grab the dagger if there was enough time!

Scrambling to her knees, Canali moved quickly across the clearing. Unfortunately, this grasped the attention of the bear, who turned his head to watch her; black eyes of death trained on her skinny form. Curiosity piqued, the bear moved his whole body to face her direction before ambling towards her, paws setting silently against the ground. He seemed to be moving as fast as Canali was, who had just made it to her backpack, grabbed the slingshot off of the top and settled a pebble into it; firing off several rapidly. Only about three hit the target; one in between the eyes, one on the nose, and the last on the foot. This seemed to enrage the creature as its pace was picked up and he roared with anger. Grabbing her back on the run, Canali slid into the woods; hiding behind a tree as the bear stalked after her. Canali's heart thumped in her ears, loudly and almost muffling the sounds of the bear. Trying to keep quiet, Canali dug her dagger out of her backpack, sliding the slingshot into the bag. Sunlight glinted on the metal as Canali rolled it in her hand.

Stiffening her reserve, Canali tried to slow her breathing; to slow her heart. Carefully dawning the backpack, she hid behind the huge trunk of the tree. Holding the dagger in one fisted hand, Canali waited for the bear to walk past the tree. Soon enough, twigs cracking under the large paws, he did; swaying and lumbering along slowly. Nose sniffing the air as if to catch her scent and lead him to her. Letting loose a blood curdling scream, Canali lunged forwards, burying the dagger deep into his left eye straight down as if it was an ice pick instead of a knife. The area held little resistance, letting the blade slide through the eyeball. As the bear jerked away, roaring in rage and pain, the dagger slid loose. Palm sweaty, Canali mentally registered the fact that the bear could no longer see her on his left side. Good. Wiping the blood off on her clothes, Canali backed away slowly from the tree, terrified eyes trained on the animal who shaking his head as it to clear the pain and haze from his mind.

There were only a few seconds before the bear would find her again and cause her physical harm this time with his massive paws. Glancing down at the dagger, Canali tried to think of a solution. In fear she clutched the handle tightly and raced around the tree, stabbing it down like an icepick into the bear's haunch. Swinging away from her, Canali's arm was pulled out farther; and she was forced to let go of the dagger. In an instant her situation became even more dire as the bear thrashed around wildly in pain. There was no time to get the slingshot.

She had no weapon now.


But the bear did.