Gestal’s victory against the thief could not have been anything but dumb luck. The thief had been so haughty and assured of her own victory as Gestal reached into her cloak to give her the map she sought after, only to realize too-late that the bear had pulled out a bottle of poison and smashed it against her, knocking her out cold.

The thief awakes inside a cave, safe from the raging blizzard outside. Her would-be victim sits by the fire, stirring a pot of stew. The thief is so hungry, she does not question why Gestal decided to rescue her when she’s given a bowl.

The two exchange words; learning that they are both on their way out of Eiswald. Gestal’s reason being the search for her missing father.

The thief, introducing herself as Jacks, had come to Eiswald on personal business, but lost her map through the impossible-to-navigate woods, and had been lost for days. Her attack on Gestal was one of desperation.

Gestal wants to make a deal. It’s clear she is no fighter, and has little experience in the outside world. She agrees to help Jacks get home and keep her fed in exchange for helping her find Ozwald along the way.

Jacks is reluctant. The two will obviously not see eye to eye, but the bear had bested her once, and she was in no mood to fight again for the time being.

She agrees. The blizzard dies down, and the two begin their journey anew.

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Huge huge HUUUGE thanks to Joko for this piece. Please go check them out and consider getting a comission! The results speak for themselves! artbyjoko.tumblr.com

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