Shadows in the forest {Open}

The pace has slowed, with the story telling, the bleak light of the moon lighting the way. He nodded, smiling at her story. "Wildlife can be amazing." He murmured. There was short silence between them, only the chilling winter breeze through he trees to break it. Josh was a bit surprised no snow had fallen upon them, it was certainly cold enough. He loved the snow, how it looked as it danced down from the heavens to lace the tree branches in soft white. It was beautiful, but it didn't help him any. When it fell, it took away much of the small game he relied on, and not many plants continued to produce through out the season. It was one of the tougher times of year, but now at least he wouldn't be alone for it. Or, at least part of it.

"Perhaps we should camp for the night.." She said. He nodded. "I agree." He said, squinting through the dark in search of suitable place. Shadow could always spend the night in the tree, to stay of the frozen ground if necessary, as for himself, he'd make himself at home on the forest floor. Just like always. His jacket was thick and well insulated, and kept the chill out nicely. Only when snow began to stick to the ground did he seek to find or make other shelter. Last winter he'd built a makeshift lean-to and camped in one spot for the snowy months. It had worked quite nicely, keeping the snow off that area of the ground. Lined with pine needles to help with the frozen ground, a small fire flickering outside. As close to home as he could get out here. "See any place of interest?"

notes: thar! :-D

He chuckled, nodding. "I'd heard the rumors. But I've never been up there. Or under there, rather." He paused, contemplating her question. "What about you, seen any places of interest?" Had he? Not really, he'd just been, well, wandering. Never bothered to try and make his way to the supposedly obliterated Disstrict Thirteen. He knew, like Shadow, he wouldn't be able to bear being cooped up under ground day in day out. "Not really." He answered truthfully. "Not a lot as spectacular out here as Thirteen, if you will." He shrugged. "I've been in another district or two, trading, and such." That was about it for him. He'd only been out here for a couple years, most of that spent teaching himself how to survive.

He fiddled awkwardly with his jacket zipper. He barely knew this girl, yet he was already starting to fall for her. He stared down at his feet for moment, his eyes flitting to her for the briefest second, catching her face, a glow with silver moonlight. "So.." He began, doing his best not to sound awkward. "See any place suitable for a camp?" He asked, peering through the tangle of trees. A small, clearer area would do alright if they were lucky enough to come across another. The moon provided a nice amount of light, and visibility was decent. Good, maybe he wouldn't have to trip over his own feet and look like a doofus in front of Shadow. His gaze continued to probe the landscape. They'd have to quit soon, he knew he needed sleep, and Shadow looked worn out too.

Without a word, Shadow scaled a tree, gazing at things that couldn't be seen from below. Josh watched her closely. "Don't fall." He teased. After a few moments, she slid back down, a smile lighting up her face. "Theres a clearing not far from here, less than a mile south of us." He smiled back. Alrighty then, off we go." He replied, following her in the direction of the said clearing. He had to be thankful that snow had ceased to fall, and as they traveled he scooped up an armfull of dry logs and kindling. It would be enough for a short while, but he'd have to gather a bit more if they wanted to keep the flames goinign through the night.

Before long, the clearing came into view, a glow with the silver moonlight. "Here we are, I've got a small tent if you want to use that, it looks like its going to be too cold to just sleep out in the open." He nodded, a blush rising on his face as he caught her crystal blue eyes on his face. "Well," He began. "I guess we should get that set up, and a fire going." Josh kicked a decent sized area of dirt clear, ensuring no dry tinder was close enough for any falmes to spread to. He proceded to arrange the wood he had gathered in a neat tepee. For a moment he considered setting it a blaze the old fashioned way, but instead chose to keep it simple. Pawing through his unorganized rucksack, he eventually revealed a samll pack of matches. He struck one up, and the kindling crackled to life.