Puck stands, his back against a rock wall, with only his broken spear to defend himself from the bear snarling at him. "Mother, be merciful," he prays as he eyes the beast's long, sharp teeth. He's dead. He knows it and the bear knows it, even as Puck crouches down to reach for a large rock with which he might be able to smash the bear's mouth before it kills him.
Just as the beast rears up to come after him, an arrow sings through the air and into the bear's eye. It's not at the right angle to kill the animal, but the injury does send it retreating into the forest.
"Ho, friend," a voice calls from the cliff above. Puck catches his breath as the man climbs down the shallower face of the wall a ways down and then trots over to him. He grins as he says, "Stupid, Puck! You almost got yourself eaten!"
Puck feels his face go hot with shame and says, "I wasn't even hunting bear today. My thanks, Kurt. My mother would have cursed my name for falling to such a death. I must repay your favor."
Kurt waves him off with a hand gesture and a funny little noise. "You would have done the same for me."
"Oh, I definitely would have." Puck grins as he watches Kurt find the path back to the village. "Your hips have an enticing swing to them, friend. Such beauty shouldn't be a bear's meal."
Kurt turns and grins at Puck. "Flatterer."
Puck catches up to Kurt and leans close before asking, "Who warms your cot these days, Mighty Bear's Bane?"
Kurt laughs. "Bear's Bane! I like it!"
"You did not answer..."
Kurt gives Puck an assessing look before saying, "I did not shoot the bear to get your favor."
"I'm giving it anyway," Puck says, stepping close enough that he can lay a hand on Kurt's waist. "I like my mates strong."
"Maybe Idon't like mates who almost get themselves eaten," Kurt says with a mischievous smile. "And if you want strong, why not go after David Warriorslayer? He killed the invaders and he favors men."
As they reach the edge of the village and wave to the watch man, Puck replies, "Well, I like my mates strong andpretty. David Warriorslayer is not pretty."
Kurt laughs and looks around them at who might overhear. Lowering his voice, he says, "You speak the truth, friend." He gives Puck another long look. "Meet me at the fire tonight. You may get your favor."