Good idea, going out into the forest in search of herbs. Bad idea, disturbing a sleeping bear. That last decision, he regretted. But on the bright side, they'd escaped a mauling. Not so great, they were stuck, high up in a tree. Biding their time until the coast was clear, Ricken swung his legs out in the open air, keeping a good grip on the branch he was sitting on.

"Too bad we didn't have any weapons on us. We could have brought a bear back to camp in time for supper."

Pausing to crunch the bit of candy in his mouth to crumbs, Gaius hummed in agreement. "I was more concerned about getting out alive to be honest. For a second there, I didn't know if I was going to get up in time after I boosted you into the branches." The bear's angry roars still seemed to be echoing inside Gaius' head, and he took a moment to pop another piece of candy into his mouth to settle himself. Shaking the bag in hand, he offered some of his sweets to the mage.

Smiling in thanks, Ricken took a piece of the brightly colored orbs of sugar. Glancing down at the forest beneath them, he could hear the bear crashing through the woods, branches breaking beneath the force of the animal. "I can see why Sir Frederick doesn't like them very much."

"What I can't see, is why you decided to take one on. You knew I didn't bring anything with me right? A little stroll in the woods usually doesn't mean I need a sword." Raising an eyebrow, he asked the mage. "Think you got something to prove?"

Not looking at the thief, Ricken stopped swinging his legs, frowning at the question. "I just thought it'd help.." He rubbed the back of his head, not entirely sure where he was taking the sentence. "Just to prove that I'm not useless."

"Who said you were useless?" Cocking his head, Gaius glanced curiously at the mage. "You're slinging spells left and right, I wouldn't say that anyone things that."

"You really think so?" Venturing to ask, Ricken searched Gaius' face for any trace of sarcasm. But he didn't detect that the thief wasn't being sincere.

"Look kid, you're young, and you're working on getting better than you already are now. I'd say that you're doing well." Ruffling the mage's hair, Gaius knocked RIcken's oversized had askew. "Just be at bit cautious next time."

Grabbing his hat before it could fall to the ground, Ricken pressed it against his chest and nodded. The compliment was simple enough, but to him it meant much more. "Thanks Gaius."

Gaius smiled, waving off Ricken's gratitude. "It's just the truth. And uh, you might not want to thank me just yet."

"Why is that?" Confused, RIcken could see that a look of slight dread had crossed Gaius' face. "Gaius..?"

"I think the bear can smell it."

"Smell what?"

Holding up the pouch of candy, he smiled sheepishly. "It's got uh. Honey in it.."

DinklyAnon: Haven't played anything but Awakening sorry.