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Bernon stood up on his hind legs, his ears pricked forward. I think I can hear a river to our left a little. Let's head that way first, I want to try to catch us some fish for breakfast.
Mike glanced at him. "Have you ever tried to hunt in your bear form before?"
Bernon stuck his nose in the air. No…..but I'm sure it'll come easily to me.
"Surely." Mike smirked just a little, but not unkindly. "I guess I'll do my own fishing far away from you then."
Tanrial scowled a little, Fine, do what you want, Mike. She walked at a steady pace in the direction of the river.
Both boys glanced at her. Tanrial? Bernon asked tentatively. Are you angry? Did we miss something?
I’m fine, just tired. She said, sighing a little.
Mike fell in beside her, nodding. "We did have a pretty short, tense night. After breakfast let's take a quick nap and try to get rested up before we set out again."
Yeah, let’s do that. She respond, continuing to the river, shifting back to her normal apperance once they got there.
Mike began setting up a fire while Bernon plodded right into the water, still in bear form, and took up a position at the edge of a small waterfall nearby. He stared at the water intently, barely moving.
Mike took out a fish trap from his pack and set it up at a safe distance from Bernon. in the calmer water near the bank. Then he returned to the fire and started rummaging through his things. "We still have a few food supplies from what the Gardeners gave us a couple days ago, but it won't last long. We should restock on edible plants as well as meat. I see some cattails over there, wanna help me gather them?"
“Sure, why not.” She said, turning to Mike with a small smile but one that did not reach her eyes.
Mike looked right at her. "Are you sure you're okay? Because it seems like something's bothering you more than just tiredness. I know you and I don't communicate very well, so if you'd rather talk to Bernon, that's fine. But if something's wrong, please tell us."
Tanrial shook her head, “I’m fine, honestly I’m fine…” She said.
Mike stared at her, then turned and began picking cattails. "This whole trip, it seems like there's been something you're not quite telling us. Sometimes you're extra tired, sometimes you seem like you're in pain. I think it worries me and Bernon both. I won't badger you about it anymore if that's what you want. But if it's something you're afraid we'll judge you about, just know that we wouldn't. Or I wouldn't, at least." He shook his head. "I don't know, maybe I'm imagining things and you really are perfectly fine."
She rubbed the back of her neck, “The magic can be a strain sometimes is all.”
"Ah. Is that what it is? That makes sense." Mike inspected a cattail, then discarded it. "I keep forgetting that magic is a factor in a lot of people's lives. Narrow-minded of me. Does anything help, if it's bothering you?"
“Rest, nothing you can’t help with.” She replied.
"Okay. Good." Mike gathered his good armful of cattails and glanced at Bernon. "Fishing's gonna take a while. Why don't you get some sleep and we'll wake you when the food's ready."
(I gotta go to bed now, seeya later ^^)
“Are you sure? Because I can help if need be…” She said, walking back over to the fire.
(Seeya later^^)
"Nah, it's fine. These cattails only need to be cleaned and cooked. Then I'll just be sitting next to my fish trap waiting for something to swim into it. The hard part will be not falling asleep myself." He gave her a little smile. "You go ahead. Bernon and I will keep watch."
Tanrial nodded, “If you’re sure.” She said, then fell asleep next to the fire.
About two hours later, the sound of voices and the smell of roasting fish woke her up. Mike was sitting next to the fire with Bernon, who was back in human form, talking about different ways to survive a blizzard. A long stick with several crispy fish on it was balanced over the fire, showing that they'd had a very plentiful hunt.
“Why in the name in all things are you taking about blizzards?” She asked, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
They glanced around and grinned at her. "It's always a good time to trade tips about blizzards," Bernon said. "Sleep well?"
She shrugged, “As well as I could.” She answered, yawning a little, “I see fish hunting went well.”
"Yup," Mike replied. "Bernon caught three fish, which is a lot more than I expected. He's got some natural talent."
Bernon smiled proudly. "It's kinda weird to catch fish in your mouth, but after a while it gets pretty easy. I gotta remember this when and if I end up traveling alone again." He took a fish off the fire and speared it with his knife, offering it to her. "Try one. It's delicious."
She reached out and took the fish, taking a bite, “Well you’re not wrong, it’s pretty good.”