Everyone ready to explore the mountains?

Sir Robert: If it does not involve Georgi snoring in my ear, oui.

Ursula: Sir Robert! (Sighs) Yes, I'm ready.

Georgi: I know these mountains like the back of my hand! *looks at his hand* I don't remember that freckle...

(Sir Robert groans. Ursula sighs again.)

(It's dawn over the mountains when we open. Sir Robert, Georgi, and Ursula tramp through the brush around the mountainside area. Sir Robert looks tired and not in the best of moods. In fact, if his mood got any darker, there would be animated storm clouds over his head. He pushes past another tree limb.)

Sir Robert: Do we have to collect berries now, at 7 in morning?

Ursula: (She holds a half-full bucket) I don't see what the problem is, Robert. These people have been very kind, and we have little food of our own. It wouldn't hurt to repay their hospitality to us by helping with this morning's meal.

Sir Robert: Where is Georgi, anyway?

Ursula: I think he was telling his sisters why they couldn't go with us.

Georgi: *Returns* It was a fight, but I'm pretty sure my sisters won't tag along.

Sir Robert: They are sweet enfants, but I am afraid they may not be much of a help here.

Ursula: I'm sure they have their own chores at home. (As she leans over a bush to pick some berries) Georgi, how do you and your family...get on...up here?

Georgi: Papa does most of his business in the village. The rest of us do what we can, but we also do a fair amount of living off the land.

Sir Robert: (Nods) I can understand that. Many people think of army life as fancy balls and sword fights, but it is very harsh. There were times when there were not enough rations to go around, and many men died of starvation or disease.

Ursula: Georgi, how have you been doing with filling your bucket?

Sir Robert: Oui. My stomach is making noises. I wish to have breakfast.

Georgi: Almost full here, too.

Ursula: (Sees Georgi's mouth stained with purplish juice) When you aren't eating them.

Sir Robert: Mon dieu! Can't you wait for all of us to eat?

Georgi: I only tried a few...

(That's when we hear a huge growl.)

Sir Robert: I swear, I did not do that.

Ursula: Georgi, tell me that was your stomach.

Georgi: Uh uh...

(They turn around to see a huge, tawny mountain lion coming in their direction. Sir Robert slowly steps back.)

Sir Robert: Bon chat, bon chat. Good kitty. I hope you don't eat berries.

Ursula: Oh, dear. He doesn't look friendly. (Pulls away as the cat takes a swing at her)

Sir Robert: (Pulls out his sword) Georgi, does your maman need a cat muff?

Georgi: *takes a few slow, easy steps towards the mountain lion* Good kitty... *smiles*

(The cat swings at him, growling.)

Sir Robert: We must have invaded his territory.

Ursula: Or perhaps, it is a her, and she is protecting her cubs.

Georgi: *Shakes his head* Nope, it's a he with a bad attitude. I'll take care of that... *jumps at the cat*

Sir Robert: (Eyes widen) Georgi, be careful!

Ursula: Has he gone mad?

(Ursula jumps away. Sir Robert raises his sword and stays close-by in case Georgi wants his help.)

*Georgi lands on the cat's back. The two struggle.*

Sir Robert: (He holds his sword over them, but shakes his head) They are going so fast, I cannot keep up!

Ursula: (Sees the lion drawing his claws against Georgi) Oh my!

Georgi: Hey, now! *rolls the cat over, digging its claws into the ground*

Sir Robert: Georgi, watch out! (He lunges for the cat, sword out)

Georgi: Bad kitty! *slams the cat into the ground*

Sir Robert: (Draws back as the cat lays on the ground, unconscious) My God! Are you all right?

Ursula: I don't think it's dead. It's just knocked out.

Georgi: He's just taking a little nap. *brushes himself off* I'm just dandy.

Sir Robert: I saw the cat scratch you.

Ursula: He looks fine. You were very lucky, Georgi.

Georgi: *Shrugs* It isn't the first time I've played with a wild animal.

Sir Robert: You live in the mountains. You must see such chats often. (Sheaves his sword)

Ursula: Georgi, you were amazing! Practically savage!

Georgi: Really?

Ursula: Yes! I've never seen anyone deal with an animal like that!

Sir Robert: Nor have I. They usually spear him...or are gored to death.

Georgi: Oh...

Ursula: (As they head back for the cottage) Have you ever thought of traveling outside of the mountains?

Georgi: Not really, no.

Ursula: You have some incredible skills. You deal with wild animals like it's nothing, you can make explosions, and you know how to deal with rugged terrain like this.

Sir Robert: I can't imagine that. I had wanted to leave Alsasce since I was a child.

Ursula: You could really use those talents for something special.

Georgi: No, me? It's nothing, really.

Ursula: Yes, you. You say it's nothing, but I've seen soldiers and alchemists with less ability than you seem to have.

Georgi: It doesn't seem special to me.

Sir Robert: You would be surprised, monseuir. Mademoiselle Ursula is right. You do seem to have some interesting talents. Why not share them?

Georgi: Share them with who?

Sir Robert: (Shrugs) Everyone. I did that in the army...and I'm doing that now.

Georgi: I guess I just never considered it.

Sir Robert: All I ever wanted was to leave the village where I grew up. I was considered an outsider there. I enjoyed music and reading and books, things that did not appeal to what was largely a farming town.

Ursula: I've spent my whole life traveling. (Sighs) I have to envy you on one thing, Georgi. You have a good family. I've never had a real family before.

Georgi: And I'm just a humble young man trying to do his best for his family. I'm nothing special.

Sir Robert: And I thought I was just a no-account, unwanted knight until recently... (Frowns as we hear hoofbeats) Merde. I think we've been found again.

Ursula: And the hoofbeats sound like they're going towards the cliff where your family's home is, Georgi!

Georgi: WHAT!? *takes off for his home*