Is It Edible?

She melded into the essence of patience. Her breathing moved in a steady even rhythm as she observed the strange creatures, searching for any sign of weakness. Perhaps it would be better to abandon this idea and search for easier prey? Aerndis had no spirits or gods to prey to for a sign but in this moment she wish she did. Attacking a strange prey animal with little knowledge of it was dangerous. An injury could fell a lone wolf. Yet, she was terribly hungry. Her needs battled one another. The need to eat and the need to remain uninjured. She waited, the possibilities battling out in her mind until fate finally took pity upon her and made the decision.

Rustling in the brush drew her attention and the tapir's and while she stood her ground, curiosity brimming, the prey took off into the underbrush. Her eyes watched it leave. "Awww…. damn." So much for that idea. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to be overly upset. After all, half of her was very much against the idea of trying to take on such a beast alone. Curiously she turned back to stare at a man who looked like he had passed through hell. His fur was missing in several places, his skin inflamed and beating red. She was taken aback for a moment at his sharp gaze but it only made her steel herself and stare confidently back at him.

...Čo?

Eh? Aerndis tilted her head. She didn't understand what he was saying but she couldn't be sure. Maybe she'd misheard him. She grinned gently as she righted her head. "You look like you fought a fire monster! I've heard about them dwelling in the earth's scar in the north." She stomach rumbled and she wrinkled her nose, pretending she didn't hear it. She didn't want to show weakness. "My name is Aerndis."