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Near a mysterious cave deep in the forests outside of Spaghetti Town, Valari lingers and talks to the guardian of the cave.
>"The days grow shorter and the nights are getting long, friend. Soon you begin your season of drowsing as well, surely?"
The guardian of the cave, now called Taco Bear, looks up at Valari sleepily. A shiver runs through Valari despite the warm sweatshirt and jeans she was given, and she nestles herself against Taco Bear's warm, rank, greasy fur.
>"It's growing cold, and I'm growing thinner. I can't stay here. Soon I must abandon you to guard the cave alone, and take steps to ensure I live out the winter."
Taco Bear makes a sound half between a groan and a whimper. Valari and shakes her head, then stares off into the distance.
>"Should I go into town and pledge my service to one of the local nobles? Find a well-traveled road and turn to banditry? Or maybe take my chances in the World Between Worlds again?"
Valari lets her mind drift.
>"Maybe I'd find Fyodor this time, and he would return with me. Or maybe I'd stay with him, and in time the angry spirits would forgive my trespass. O-Or he'd protect me; he'd fight them all off, as strong and brave as he was in life. We'd find a safe place, a warm place, to rest together....."
A memory drifts over Valari's senses: long, muscular arms enfolding her from behind, and a clay mug of cider in her hands. It feels so real that despite the cold, she begins to smile and grow drowsy.
There is a rustling sound nearby, and a snap as someone or something steps on a twig.
Valari's hand goes to her side, and her fingers curl around the flint knife she has fashioned. She has proved utterly hopeless as a hunter, but if this is an animal foolish enough to stumble right into her grasp, she'll take it.
