The river bends left to run to the southeast as Zork continues into the muddy area, hiding and watching before moving, and the mud gets deeper. However, being experienced in the wilderness, he manages to avoid to deep parts and it only soils the top of his boots.
Two more miles in, Zork is hiding behind a bush, when he hears movement from up ahead. 400 feet away a person dressed in crude leathers is carrying an animal in one hand, and a bow in the other. He heads from the north direction, reaches the river and follows it downstream to the southeast.
A hunter possibly is what Zork thinks but is he friend or foe? Not wanting to risk he follows the hunter carefully to see where is his final destination while trying to remain hidden.
Stealth 20
Perception 1
Survival 14,24,9,24
Zork follows the man who splashes through the watery ground a lot, covering the sound of Zork's movement. The ground finally starts a small rise out of the mud, turning into a packed dirt path, obviously frequented by people.
The hunter sits on a fallen log, one of three surrounding a smouldering campfire, and begins to rekindle it. Zork hides in some bushes just 50 feet away as the man starts skinning the rabbit and removing its innards to cook it.
How long is Zork watching?
Zork will wait just a short moment until he can be sure that the man is alone. When the man begins to roast the rabbit he will come out of his hiding place saying, "I knew I smelt something good and had to check where the lovely smell was coming from." He will then introduce himself as Zork and ask for a piece of the catch.
"AARGH!" The man shouts in surprise. "Who are you? What were you doing hiding there?" He immediately reaches for the short sword at his belt, which Zork hadn't noticed.
Zork provides his name and asks for a piece of the meal.
The man replies, "I am... Phineas. Sorry but this rabbit is all mine. You don't have any supplies? What are you doing out in this forest?"
"I have supplies but I'm rather fond of rabbit meat. I did not mean to scare you, I was merely observing to see where you were going to cook the sweet meat. Once you started the fire I figured you might share. Eating alone?"
"I might have a little left over, if you don't mind trading for some breads," He replies. "But I do have a friend nearby who needs his piece.
"So, why were you following me and how long? How did your find yourself in the forest?" He tries to steer the conversation while keeping his distance.
Not trusting the man in case he belongs to the bandits, "I was actually exploring the forest, I have a heritage of dark druids but I am not a druid myself. I also heard there were bounties placed on me so I am keeping myself hidden as I did not know if you might be one of the men sent to get me."