Ever since midday yesterday the traveling trio were no longer in a biome classified as plains. Instead, they were in a forest. To Kenan and Jorun, this place was magical. Besides for the occasional roaming packs of canines or the once a year traveling hoard of various grazing big game herbivores. There was not much wildlife where they grew up. Here, hundreds of rodents squeaked in the branches. Deer danced over the roots and birds swung down to nab a plethora of insects. Not only the animals, but the plants were interesting too. Mosses, flowers, and other multicolored flora. Not to mention the trees thrice as tall as Kenan, which had large canopies to drink the entirety of the sun's rays.

To Noctis, it was as overwhelming as it was amazing. Ever since the bonding with Dion, his senses have drastically increased. His ears heard every twig snapping or bird chirp. Too many smells whirled in his nose. Multiple times did he have to suppress an urge or instinct when he got a whiff of fresh blood. Every time he had to do so, he caught himself involuntarily looking in a certain direction. The same way as Dion would be. Not only would he have to hold himself back, but mentally pull the large dirus away too.

Not only was the forest making Kenan hyper, but also their soon to be destination. A town called Banburn. To Doco’s account, the place was much larger than the village. Apparently, it is a major trading hub for all the small markets and farms of the Zorain Plains. Tyris had gone there from time to time to sell and trade their grain and animal products. Sveige too, when he had a surplus of forged goods. Kenan didn’t exactly know what he looked forward to. For a time the village was an exciting place. Banburn was bound to be more of an invigorating place. Jorun, on the other hand, had his sights honed in. He thirsted to play at his first proper inn.

With the combination of things, Kenan simply couldn’t focus on the third iteration of “Proper political etiquette in front of Nobility and Royalty.” His attention was on the surroundings, occasionally training his magic, and the creation of qi.

As he breathed in, he strived to find new and more interesting scents. Suddenly his head cocked back in surprise and disgust. It was pungent but subtle at the same time. It connected itself to all the smells so intricately, if it wasn't attached to everything, Noctis thought he might’ve missed it. The question of what “it” was still revolved in his head. It smelled, almost tasted like rot and another totally alienable scent. Kenan looked at Dion. Through the connection he could tell the dirus was as confused and alert as he was. The horses neighed. Whatever was happening, they felt it too.

“Uncle.” Noctis said. Sniffing wildly, trying to find a trail. To no avail, it was everywhere and on everything. Inseparable.

“Yes.” Doco said. Not bothering to look back.

“Something is off. Jorun, stop playing.” Somewhat surprisingly, the bard did so without any argument.

“What's wrong?” Jorun asked.

“This place, it’s…” Kenan began. Dion sent a thought over. Less structured thought and word, more emotion and instinct. “We have crossed into something's territory.”

Doco took his own blade out and laid it across his lap. Jorun, well, actually readied his lute. The winds stilled as if preparing for a storm. Kenan took the time to unsheathe his blade. It would take entirely too long if he tried to get it out from his back in the midst of trouble. Then he switched the number on his vambrace from 5 to 4. If things get dicey, he would of course turn it off completely. The slight increase in mobility and speed was good enough for now.

An hour passed without trouble. Then another. Jorun and Doco had both somewhat relaxed their guard. Noctis and Dion couldn’t let it down. The smell, the terrible scent, kept them alert. “I don’t think..” Jorun said as he reached for the strings.

Kenan's ear twitched. “Shut up! Stop!” He half-yelled. As Noctis jumped off Jefned, he realized the beast was as alert as he was. When the final clack of horse hooves stopped, silence ensued. He wasn’t quite sure, so he got on both knees and put his ear to earth. Vibrations, very large quakes in rapid succession. They didn’t stop as they became more clear and stronger. That's when he heard it, a roar echoed. It bounced off the trees and was heard by everything nearby. Birds flew, rodents skittered, and deer spooked. Silence followed once more.

Nothing moved. The eeriness crept up everyone's spines as it threatened to freeze everybody. Noctis and Dion gave each other another look. As fast as he possibly could, Kenan straddled Jefned, whipped the reins and clicked his heels. “Run!” As he flew past Doco and Jorun. Two more ropes whipped in the air as they sped to catch up. The dirus easily kept pace.

Now, Kenan easily felt the earth shake. Daring a look behind, he saw trees started to fall and part. As whatever was chasing them honed in. Another blood freezing roar. Noctis urged Jefned even faster. At this point, the steeds didn’t need to be told twice. Their own prey senses firing.

Again there was a roar. Followed by large crashing as the thing finally broke the tree line and became visible. A four legged, brown furred, monster had given chase. It’s large maw threw saliva and foam to the wind as it ran rapidly. From the mouth and nose originated green pulsing vines that wrapped itself around the beast. A mutated and changed bear had been enraged. It roared once more.

“What kind of bear is that?!” Jorun yelled. Horses neck to neck now, the steeds gave it everything they got.

“Not the time to discuss that!” Doco yelled back. Telekinetically he brought four daggers in the air from his saddle bags. He then sent them hurtling towards the bear. They connected easily enough, but it didn’t impede the beast in the least. He tried to take the daggers back, but they were immediately wrapped in the green vines. “Shit.” Doco then used his power to hold the beast back. It slowed down just a tad, but it was still gaining.

Noctis looked back at the encroaching doom. Dion understood his master’s intention, and approved of it. Slowly, incredibly slowly, Kenan started to stand. Trying his best to keep balance. As he stood, he switched the 4 to a 3.

“What are you doing?!” Jorun asked.

“Shut up and play!”

“What?!”

“Play your goddamn lute!” Kenan yelled back. Jorun didn’t ask again. The air sped frantically to match the bard's quick pace. Mana swirled. The horses seemed to get just a hair faster. Kenan’s confidence spiked. Doco somehow held the strain on the beast for just a bit longer.

Kenan stood fully. Blade clutched in his hand. Face towards the direction they were going. Noctis chanced a look back. Despite all of the factors playing against it, the bear was dangerously close. Kenan steadied himself once more, took a deep breath, in and out. The rush of blood stopped and noise impeded from his ears. Noctis bent his legs, crunched his abdomen and curled his elbows. Then jumped. On the top of the arc he flipped. He landed on the back of a violently moving, and very angry bear. The smell of rot overloaded his senses.