31 Chapter 31: Bear Handed

Checking myself in the mirror I made sure that my clothing was hanging well, and free from any sort of smudge. It had been a few weeks since I had "acquired" lord Ravvins manor. Things had been going well with the girls, but there was always a deep feeling of dread in my heart. For every moment that I laid idle, there was a greater chance of someone trying to start trouble again.

Ariths' training had been advancing quite quickly. She was able to master a beginner level spell, making her an official druid apprentice! We were all rather excited when Arith was able to summon a small sapling right at my feet. Her face was glowing with pride and vitality, her cute ears even tinged with a faint hue of red.

Maya was no slouch either though. She was able to get access lord Ravvins accounting books almost instantly. She found every dirty little secret that Ravvin tried to hide. It really helped with the interrogation! Although after I told him about the wild night I had with his daughter he already looked pretty defeated.

Morning birds are calling playfully outside, and I can't help but grin slightly. Their sweet music is always so soothing to me. I pat my pockets to make sure my money pouch is still their. Currently I'm wearing a fairly large cloak that covers my shoulders well. The soft brown color and numerous pockets instantly drew me in. Wearing this I can only think of one thing. Wizard! I finally look like a wizard!

Scratching at my face softly I sigh a bit. "Well I look like a wizard without a beard yet." I say with exasperation. Lowering my hand down I'm shocked slightly when it hits the cold metal of the short sword I have hanging on my waist as well. I may not know how to use it, but the girls both told me that it should work as a good deterrent. For bandits, and other malicious types.

I turn away from my reflection, my heart heavy with trepidation. Knowing that I need to get stronger is easy, actually going out and doing it? That's a very different story. But I did not die once already for nothing! I won't be ruled by fear here. If strength is what it takes to get and keep the things I want then I'll do it.

I made my way out of the manor with little issues. Thankfully both Arith and Maya are still asleep they had...a bit of a long night....

Once I'm far enough away from the Manor a bit of my tension eases. This was the definitely the hardest part. Arith, is thankfully my obedient little apprentice, but Maya... Maya was not...very happy when I told her I was going out to train. I believe her exact words were, "Fine, then go out there and die you pig!". The poor thing was so close to breaking down into tears I almost caved.

O'Seath Forest. In front of my the tall sycamore trees that make up the majority of the forest are all I can see. Without pausing for breath I plunge into the forest making my way carefully.

There don't seem to be many hostile beasts in the forest, but I know they exist. It's just a matter of patience, and timing. I quickly secured a decent campsite near a river, gathered some fire wood, and even gathered a few small fish from the river.

"There, now that this is all settled I can begin!" My grin grows from ear to the other. Getting down in to my meditative position I focus on the myriad of life around me. I can feel the slow steady heart beat of the trees. Tall, majestic, and ageless. It's like the pounding of a massive drum. I ignore the insects and begin searching for any life that might make for challenge.

Quickly enough I feel...something tall. Perhaps a bear?

I shrug it off and quickly begin making my way towards it. My close connection with nature does muffle my movements as I draw closer. There in the distance I can see a bright pink...blob! It's not a slime, but if I didn't know any better I'd say a bear walked into a bubble gum factory!

My heart is pounding in my chest, but I make myself move forward. Inching ever closer to my prey. Suddenly the bear turns, swiping its massive pink paw at me. It catches me in the chest. 'Oh god, he hits like a truck!'

I slowly start to pick myself up, but the bear is already on top of me. Foul putrid breath filling my lungs, as its two lamp like eyes stare at me.

I quickly summon my magic thorns to wrap around me, like suit of iron. The thorns press against the bears skin uncomfortably, but they can't manage to pierce its thick hide. "First Aspect: Bears Might!"

I summon the might of the bear and manage slip under the bears upraised arm. With my footing established I use my vine to start wrapping around the bear, arms, legs, whatever. Trying to slow him down as I get make some distance to try and get my bearings again.

But the pink bastard won't let me. It's like my vines are made out of the worlds thinnest twine. Every step rips them asunder. 'fuck, fuck, fuck' I grab the sword from my waist and hold it in front of myself. I was never trained in the way of swordsmanship, but I'm gonna give it a go! The bear doesn't bat an eye, as it swipes at my head with thunderous roar.

I move my sword just in time to avoid the paw, but the bear is fast, that he already has his paw to far away from me to even try and attack.

Sweat pours down my brow and I can feel my heart pounding. "Second Aspect: Panthers Grace!" I yell with all my might. Instantly I can feel my body move..better? It's hard to put into words how it changed me, but every moment was better. There was no wasted movements, and my mind even felt like it moved better.

I focus on the bear who eyes me before swiping again. I move my sword slowly at first, seeing the bear swiping at it again, I quickly drop to one knee. I swing my sword as I descend directly at the elbow joint of the bear. I can feel a small rip. Then suddenly my vision is painted red. Getting up, the bear howls in pain and rage. One massive paw lays on the ground next to him.

Seemingly had enough the bear flees as fast as it can. I know that I should pursue him, but my knees are shaking too badly for me to move. I gently fall the ground, knees to week to hold me.

"Jesus fucking Christ!" I pant my breath coming in quick short spurts. "I've never been that scared before..."

I slowly calm down, and pick up my prize. I bring it back to camp and examine it further.

"Huh, so it's just pink fur?" I ask myself quietly. I began skinning the arm, and I was surprised to find that, aside from fur color, it was a perfectly normal bear. "I'll have to ask Maya, and Arith when I see them." I think fondly