Grouse Thicket there and back again

With a name like that, Asa expected everyone to look like the golden woman he had met. Maybe some of them were like fire and others, such as this man, the antithesis - draped in shades of coal and soot. He could not help but compare himself to the other man; it would be easy enough to take him down in a fight but fortunate for them both, Asa was more of a lover than a fighter. He did not want to burn any bridges this early in his quest.

When the man suggested heading north (or, that's how Asa interpreted it) he couldn't help but chuckle. Aye, we could go north as long as there's some way to avoid the bog. Dunno how you manage living by that soggy place. The low boom of his laughter curtailed quickly since they were discussing a hunt. Didn't want to scare away all the prey now.

It's a bit funny to me - this place is so well sheltered, I would expect more deer in the area. Perhaps the Firebirds were prone to over-hunting.