Beware the Bear

So in my travels I have encounter much wildlife such as, trolls, rats, scuttlers, and many more animals n’ such. But there is one animals which I hate, a bear. Every time I encountered a bear it turned out not to be so fortunate. They are big fearsome beasts, sure there are bigger n’ stronger out there. But you can see them or hear them from a good distance away, not like bear. They could be right around a tree and you won’t be none the wiser. I remember one time I was trekking through the forests of Arran on this old little hiking trail. After I while a sat down against a tree to rest. Well I was sitting there and from behind the tree came a massive bear that was easily taller than any man and more muscled than any orc. I just froze, sitting there, eyes straight ahead. From the corner of my vision a first saw the snout, than muzzle, and then its black eyes, staring straight at me. I did not move, I couldn’t. The beast towered above me on its hind legs and brought down the front ones. I was able to block its blow with my forearm, its claws digging deep into my flesh. Well to say the least I wasn’t just going to sit around anymore, so I ran. Through all the roads I walked and all the people I met, not one told me you could not outrun a bear. So the beast swept at my back, striking my right shoulder. At this point I fumbled to unsheath my weapon and as soon as I armed myself I was struck again. I dropped my weapon, staggered forward and almost fell under my own feet. On the trail ahead was a stream which I jumped in and let the current take me away. The bear pursued for a bit but must’ve gave up, I couldn’t say. I blacked out due to exhaustion, or blood loss, maybe both. Next ‘ting I knew I was waking up on my back staring through spotted rays of sunlight through a big timber tree which I lay beneath. This forest elf was nursin’ my wounds. Must’ve been a funny sight, a man flowin’ down a stream, all bloodied and such. Well she patched me up just fine ans she told several of her elven stories, I told her some stories of my adventures. I should have rewarded her with all I had, she did save my life and all. But I think she took what wanted. It wasn’t till I was in the next town when I realized that she took my coin purse. Should have known she had sticky fingers, and not due to tree sap either. Well that is just one of the reasons why I hate bears, that and their meat is tough and greasy.