A Camping Trip With Isak

[colonelcannibal]

 *Ives is enjoying himself tremendously. It's been too long since he went camping, doing so again is a lot of fun--especially with a friend. (The fact that he has a friend is pretty amazing all by itself.) He enjoys pointing things out, and enjoys even more when Isak notices things for himself.*

We can go fishing tomorrow, if you would like? Or just swim, one way or the other.

Comments

[isak_cederstrom]

"Okej," Isak said, making his way out of the door with the items in hand. He started walking, but then stopped to let the Colonel lead the way. He had no idea where we were going. "We are hiking there? Right?"

[colonelcannibal]

We are, yes. I was thinking of the river we went to the other day, the one near the cave. *He takes the lead, and is kind enough to walk rather slowly.*

[isak_cederstrom]

"Underbar," Isak replied, trailing behind the Colonel. He realized that Ives was going slower for his sake, and he appreciated the gesture. "Thank you, for going 'average human speed.' Otherwise I would get rather turned around."

[colonelcannibal]

You're welcome. Not that I mind taking the time to enjoy nature, particularly, eh?

[isak_cederstrom]

"Still, it is considerate of you, and I noticed it." Isak kept up a fairly rigorous pace; he loved getting out into nature and going for hikes. Still, he knew that even if he was at the peak of all performance, he would never match Ives' speed. He glanced around and took a deep breath in, letting the fresh air fill his body. He adjusted the items on his person and smiled at Ives. "Thank you again for inviting me out."

[colonelcannibal]

Gladly. It gets lonely out here, just me and the dead men.

Would you rather I carried those, by the way?

[isak_cederstrom]

"Ehm," Isak said, glancing down at what he had. He shook his head, looking back up. "I think I am okay. Thank you. If I need help, I will let you know."

[colonelcannibal]

Of course you're okay. That doesn't mean it isn't worth checking.

[isak_cederstrom]

"Mm," Isak replied with a nod, continuing on behind Ives. "I think I am most looking forward to swimming."

[colonelcannibal]

I do like to swim, but fishing is a bit more relaxing.

[isak_cederstrom]

"What sort of fish do you have out here?" Isak asked, continuing the hike.

[colonelcannibal]

Salmon, a couple of kinds of trout . . . plenty of fish.

[isak_cederstrom]

"Good! I am excited to catch and eat them for supper."

[colonelcannibal]

Mmm. You're starting to sound like me now, at least to the fish.

[isak_cederstrom]

Isak let out a little, sheepish laugh.

"I suppose I am. I cannot help it -- I love eating them! Just like you, only with people."

[colonelcannibal]

It is something of a big difference, admittedly. Fish can't talk, after all--well, not as far as we know.

[isak_cederstrom]

"That is the last thing I need to know," Isak said with a laugh. "I would feel terrible eating them if they could talk and ask me not to."

[colonelcannibal]

It's strange, that. You know they don't want to be, but because they can't talk it doesn't matter.

Of course, people rarely think to ask either. Too busy freaking out.

[isak_cederstrom]

"Survival instinct is strong in everything, I guess. No one wants to be eaten or killed," Isak reflected.

[colonelcannibal]

Especially in that order. But it is a very strong instinct, yes.

It's why I'm like this, after all.

[isak_cederstrom]

"Ja, your survival instinct. It makes sense."

[colonelcannibal]

I usually do. Often more than most would like, in fact.

[isak_cederstrom]

When they came across the river, Isak carefully set the things down far enough from the water's edge. He put his hands on his waist and glanced around, smiling to himself.

"Even if we do not catch anything, it will be nice to be outdoors."

[colonelcannibal]

You don't have this much nature where you live, then? I rarely find the outdoors itself exciting.

[isak_cederstrom]

"No, not really. Even back home in Sweden; we are surrounded by wilderness and nature, but Stockholm itself is very metropolitan. We have parks and that kind of thing, but you have to travel a bit to get to the real outdoors. And there is barely anything aside from the occasional park in New York and Providence."