26.Jul.22, 03:15 AM
Chir's second time Between was less harrowing than the first. Granted, this time, he wasn't at risk of bleeding out from deep wounds, and he had the previous 'I survived' experience to make this trip easy in comparison. As they arrived in the new location, the blast of heat had the youth almost wishing to return to the icy chill Between. Before Tiberuth even had a chance to land, Chir was leaning forward across his back to shuck off the jacket without smacking K'dar in the face in the process. The temperatures were almost oppressing enough to make the boy neglect to look around their new surroundings as Tiberuth coasted down to a clearing near a broad creek.
Able to unstrap himself without K'dar's help this time, Chir slid off Tiberuth's back and scratched the dragon gratefully as he looked around. Remembering how K'dar enjoyed fishing and had even mentioned a favored spot, Chir idly wondered if perhaps this was it. Looking across the stretch of water, the dawn light highlighted Fy-bys swarming above the flowing creek's surface, and he smiled when he spotted a Yellow-stripe breach it to gulp down a flock of the gnat-like insects. It was a good spot for fishing. Which meant it would be a good spot for hunting. An area's waterways told much about the health of all around it.
Reaching up, Chir fetched his bag from where it had been secured and tugged his bow from the knapsack. While the brothers discussed where to start, the young hunter silently strung his bow and slung it over his shoulder along with his quiver.
He shook his head in response to K'dar's question. Definitely not. After a beat, he admitted, I prefer the cold. Adding layers was easy enough, but the heat brought with it sweat before one even had a chance to do anything to earn it. Already, he felt the sticky hint of it between his shoulder blades. But he wasn't going to complain; that he was out here breathing in the fresh air away from the Weyr was more than enough to make his steps light with excitement.
Chir nodded at the Weyr Second's indication to ensure his canteens were full. The boy had made sure to do so before leaving, but he pulled them out anyway to double-check. Nothing could ruin a day of hunting faster than thirst and the need to locate water sooner rather than later.
As the others settled their own gear, the boy's eyes scanned the jungle trails K'dar had indicated. Crouching down at the head of one of the trails, Chir searched for any tracks to follow. There were a few to choose from, and habit had him picking out the cloven prints of boar. But others were evident as well, including that of Felines. They had options, for sure!
Returning to the others, Chir practically bounced on his feet, eager to get started.
Able to unstrap himself without K'dar's help this time, Chir slid off Tiberuth's back and scratched the dragon gratefully as he looked around. Remembering how K'dar enjoyed fishing and had even mentioned a favored spot, Chir idly wondered if perhaps this was it. Looking across the stretch of water, the dawn light highlighted Fy-bys swarming above the flowing creek's surface, and he smiled when he spotted a Yellow-stripe breach it to gulp down a flock of the gnat-like insects. It was a good spot for fishing. Which meant it would be a good spot for hunting. An area's waterways told much about the health of all around it.
Reaching up, Chir fetched his bag from where it had been secured and tugged his bow from the knapsack. While the brothers discussed where to start, the young hunter silently strung his bow and slung it over his shoulder along with his quiver.
He shook his head in response to K'dar's question. Definitely not. After a beat, he admitted, I prefer the cold. Adding layers was easy enough, but the heat brought with it sweat before one even had a chance to do anything to earn it. Already, he felt the sticky hint of it between his shoulder blades. But he wasn't going to complain; that he was out here breathing in the fresh air away from the Weyr was more than enough to make his steps light with excitement.
Chir nodded at the Weyr Second's indication to ensure his canteens were full. The boy had made sure to do so before leaving, but he pulled them out anyway to double-check. Nothing could ruin a day of hunting faster than thirst and the need to locate water sooner rather than later.
As the others settled their own gear, the boy's eyes scanned the jungle trails K'dar had indicated. Crouching down at the head of one of the trails, Chir searched for any tracks to follow. There were a few to choose from, and habit had him picking out the cloven prints of boar. But others were evident as well, including that of Felines. They had options, for sure!
Returning to the others, Chir practically bounced on his feet, eager to get started.