Wild Berry Meadow one pulls into port

The black bear was so intent on moving forward the the woman was nearly upon her before she noticed her. And she did, for a moment, wonder if she was being attacked — but it was a very short moment before she slowed, bemused, and ended up being the one to startle the other after all.

"That's alright," Easy said at once, her tail giving a few swift shakes. "You can pounce me if you feel like pouncing. I'd be a good sport about it."

But jokes aside, the woman's appearance was just a little — alarming. And it was not so much the scars as it was the quiver in her features. Easy recognized them both well enough.

"I'm looking for a den site," she said, her voice gentling. Even so, when she said, "You can help me," — it was clear she meant, you are going to help me, more decree than invitation. She started walking again, but more slowly, this time. "My name's Easy-Ishara Morningside," she said to the younger woman. "Easy. What's yours?"