upnorth

- Well. Erik started. - I've been meaning to come find you too actually. I got mauled by a couple of wolves yesterday going on my usual trip to get firewood. I'm an experienced woodsman but none of the age old rules seem to apply to nature since the aurora. My radio doesn't work any more either and all in all, living in solitude is not the peaceful existence I came up here for any more. he continued. - You are correct that I have a truck that still works, although I'm not sure what good that would do us until we know somewhere safe to travel? As you say, we are in relative safety here still and we might be better off sitting tight until we can get more news. I did meet a man that was apparently here with friends, I suspect they were illegal hunters, but I think I managed to send him off to the coast. So hopefully we wont have any additional trouble, but we should perhaps get better control of the available supplies, how well stocked is your store? Erik finished, with a questions to Christine. Meanwhile both Emma and Mocha had started to relax a little, Emma holding her mothers hand and looking curiously at the backpack and stacks of canned foods. Mocha approaching Erik and licking his wounded hand, Amy did not try to stop it.

When everyone had got inside after a dramatic few seconds, they stood huddled together by Eriks workbench, not sure what to say or do. - Well, first time I had any visitors. Welcome to my cabin I guess. Erik started. - You wanted to come by and say hi? he continued. Amy glanced nervously at Christine hoping she would present her "grand plan". Christine looked back and understood. - Well. As you might have noticed, there is no electricity in town after that big aurora a few days back. Also, wildlife seems to behave strangely. Most of the town seems to have left in a panic since then, but we don't want to risk getting caught in a storm. Not when we have a warm house and there are still supplies around. I own the grocery store in town. We did manage to get a hold of the authorities over the landline a couple of days ago, they didn't know any more than us but were scrambling to uphold the law and help people in need of medical attention, mostly through old vehicles less dependent on electronics. And the landlines thankfully still work. But, we probably can't stay here forever. Which is where you come in. You seem to have an old enough truck to still be able to drive around town? And we can provide food and some local area knowledge. So we thought that we might team up to improve our odds a bit. What do you think? What are your plans? Christine explained. They all starred at Erik, waiting for him to reply. He looked overwhelmed and went to sit down on his bed.

- I thought you were a damn bear trying to get into my cabin. I was sleeping and just heard load bangs on my door. Scared the hell out of me. Erik muttered he let them in. His cabin wouldn't be any warmer with a hole in the door either, so having it full of people with a storm picking up was the last thing he needed. Unless they were the least bit handy with tools, but he doubted it.

Amy managed to get the group past the now cold ruins of her former home without any hard questions or attempts at pity. Although Mocha whined a bit. But now she could finally see the cabin with the old truck. - Ok, we're here. It's that cabin. I guess I should knock and introduce us or something. Amy told the group. - Yeah, we can stand back a bit, but the wind is picking up so it would be nice if we could all fit. Christine commented. They arrived at the door and Amy knocked. No answer. She tried again. Still no answer. She tried the handle, open. Carefully she opened and peaked inside. Now she could see Erik on his bed, snoring. - Uhh, he is home but asleep. What should I do? She asked Christine. - Close the door and knock harder, perhaps he will wake up then. Christine suggested with a shrug and a smile. - Ok, here goes. Amy carefully closed the door. She knocked a few times much harder. - Anyone home! She almost shouted. Suddenly the group heard as something heavy hit the floor and an angry voice screamed back. Amy then heard metallic sounds. - Everyone away from the door! Amy turned and ran to pull the others down the hill. As they ran, they heard a gun go off and wooden splinters flew past them. - Mommy! Emma cried, as Mocha also started barking. - It's just us! You met us the other day! Amy shouted towards the cabin. Finally, a familiar figure exited the cabin with a gun in one hand and a bloody bandage on the other. - What the HELL are you doing! I could have killed someone! Erik shouted back at the group laying in the snow outside his cabin.

Erik felt a bit more relaxed walking back home. Mend his wound, get a good nights sleep and chill out in his cabin for a while seemed like a good remedy for the latest events of his life. Luckily his hand didn't hurt, so his antiseptic seemed to be working. Damned wolves. He did NOT like the change in wildlife behavior, especially after the aurora events making supplies in general and ammunition so much more scarce. - I hope that guy finds his friends and leaves the island. He muttered as he got home and closed the door behind him. He lit his stove and laid down for a quick nap before lunch.

They cleared away breakfast, got dressed and together all started to walk towards Erik's cabin by Amy's lead, not knowing if he would actually be there. But they didn't really have a choice when it was so hard to stay in contact with the rest of the world - they would have to travel for both answers and resources eventually. Emma kept close to her mom and a watching eye on Mocha who she had yet to become good friends with. She missed having friends to play with, wondering where they all were. Mocha on the other hand just seemed happy to be out and about, but seemed to notice that Amy was a bit stressed out as well, turning to look up at her every few seconds. - So, his cabin isn't that big, we might not all be able to fit. Amy remembered. - Ok, well I guess we won't have to stay long. Just introduce each other and explain our respective situations and plans going forward. Damn, I forgot we should probably survey the town for people in need too. I know a few of my regular customers but not everyone. It will take a lot of time to go door-to-door... Christine answered. The walk up to the cabin went as expected with neither people nor wildlife in sight. The wind seemed to pick up a bit though.

Amy went back inside with Mocha after meeting with the stranger. The reality of losing her house and not having her boyfriend around was starting to sink in. She felt lucky to have met with a nice little family to stay with, but was still reluctant to open up about everything. She preferred the quiet company of her furry friend for now. - How is that drawing coming along Emma? She asked as she sat down with a cup of coffee at the table. - Ok I guess. Emma answered while deep in concentration with her crayons. - Can I see? Amy inquired. - Ok. Emma tried to push the paper over the table but only reached a couple of inches. - I'll come over to you. Amy suggested and switched chairs to come closer. - Very pretty! She remarked. - Thank you. Emma answered absently while continuing to draw. Amy didn't press it. She had been amassing courage for something else. Trying to call her boyfriend. She really wanted to hear his voice but was afraid of bad news at the same time. But enough worrying. The note with the number was lost in the fire, but she had memorized it. She picked up the phone and dialed. No answer. - Fuck... she sighed. - Everything alright!? Christine suddenly shouted from upstairs. - Yeah, uh, sorry. I just tried to call my boyfriend, no answer. Amy answered, slightly annoyed with the lack of privacy. - Oh yeah, I just met another dude when I was out with Mocha. Didn't really like the look of him, looked like the kind of person who might try to rob your store. Amy mentioned, happy to be able to change the subject. Christine was now walking down into the kitchen again. - That's nice Emma! Christine noted as she watched the drawing walking down the stairs. - I've been thinking, I think we should try to talk to the guy with the truck. If we had access to transportation we would have so many more options, especially since it's so hard to reach the authorities for news. Christine continued. - I guess it wouldn't hurt to get to know him better. He doesn't live very far from here. Amy replied. Then realized the only way there she knew about went right by her house, and a tear rolled down her chin. She quickly wiped it and had another zip of her coffee.

Erik watched the man again for a moment. Something was off and it wasn't just how badly dressed he was. But he was hesitant to push his luck. A person could go crazy in situations like this even without being abandoned outside a remote town, and he could be armed for all he knew just waiting to be triggered by taking offense. - Well, James. If you have friends waiting for you I can understand if you are in a hurry, but I'd say stick to the roads even if it means a longer journey than cutting through the woods. If you aren't an experienced woodsman, I can't really teach you enough over a few minutes for what you might need to deal with anyway. So stick to the roads, you are more likely to find good shelter and possibly supplies that way. You would also be able to move at a good pace, not risking getting stuck in deep snow or worse. Taking shortcuts through the woods also means a risk of getting lost. You seem to be dressed well enough to manage the elements. Erik tried to sum up the situation and his best advice for dealing with it. He avoided mentioning his working truck, luckily he always tracked by foot and hadn't driven it here. He didn't like the look of this guy and did not like the prospect of dealing with a whole group of people possibly like him. The faster they all left the better. - Hell, I didn't expect that kind of advice from a woodsman, but it does sound pretty smart. Just hope I can get there in time to find them... James scratched his forehead. - Well, good luck then. Erik nodded and for the second time turned around to leave.

The water run was as eventful as he had hoped. Erik couldn't believe his own thoughts, but he was looking forward to not being in the woods for a while and perhaps even in the company of some strangers. But as he approached his cabin something else caught his attention. He slowed down and became very aware of his surroundings, but couldn't see any wolves. No people around either. As he got close to his door, he finally noticed. Footprints that wasn't his own. No tiny girl feet either, that girl he met did know where he lived. - What the hell, who would come here? Anyone there!? He shouted. No answer. He carefully went into his cabin, empty. Everything seemingly as he left it. Would he actually have to start locking his door now? Out here!? The footprints were just outside the cabin, as if someone had stood in the doorway looking in. He put down his backpack and went outside to check the footprints more carefully. For some reason they didn't come from town, but they did continue there. - Hmm, perhaps someone lost or injured. I guess I should follow the tracks. But after some lunch. Things are getting very strange very fast around here. He muttered.

Erik woke up again at dawn. This time less confused. But hungry. Having only had some tea after his long day yesterday. - Damn, I hope this won't be the case every time I collect firewood from now on... he sighed. Both hungry and perched, he got up to cook some breakfast. He should probably fetch more water today. A shorter trip that should be more safe. Then perhaps try to find the girl and her friend. Solitude was nice and all, but now he needed more options and possibly aid. He knew he had useful skills in a situation like this, but being on your own just didn't seem like a very good idea any more. - Should clean my gun before I go, can't afford more misfires. Erik noted. He spent some time cleaning his gun. Then unpacked his backpack from the day before and got the firewood stacked. When his cabin was tidy again, he grabbed his backpack and left to fetch water with the last log from his breakfast burning up in the stove.

James waited for a few seconds. No answer. He knocked again. It was quiet. He hesitated, but tried the handle. It wasn't locked. - Hello? Is anyone here? He shouted while peering into the crack. No answer. He opened the door to get a better view. It was a simple but well equipped cabin. Embers were glowing red in the stove. He noticed stockpiles of canned food. Someone was living here for sure, or squatting. He considered stealing some of the food, but in case the owner was around he didn't want to get caught red handed. He closed the door. - Well, I'm not completely alone out here. Seems like I found the town. James mumbled aloud to himself. He ate and drank some of the supplies he had found before leaving, and started heading towards what seemed to be the city center. - I guess I'll have to come back later. Should be able to find a store around here...

- Uhhhhh. Erik woke up, confused and cold. He sat up on his bed, pain shot up from his left hand as he leaned on it. - Damn it! How long have I been sleeping!? Erik cursed as he started to get focused. He walked to the door and peaked out. It was quiet and the stars were out. Looking like the middle of the night. - Time to get a fire going, I guess. He muttered, grabbing some snow for water before returning inside. With his injured hand, lighting his stove took a couple of attempts, but after a few minutes he was sitting on a much warmer bed with a cup of tea in his hands. The hand seemed to have started to heal at least. His glove needed repairing though. He finished his tea and laid back down for a much needed night of sleep in warmth and safety.

Feeling a bit more rested, he packed up his gear and the collected wood and started the trek back. Afternoon was getting into evening and he needed to get going. At least he didn't have to collect water this time. Everything went as usual about half way back, but suddenly he heard growls. - Dammit... he quietly cursed while quickly checking his gun and taking out a flare. He had heard flares could deter aggressive animals, but he had never used one himself. Killing your enemy seemed a far safer option. And you got to harvest it. Oh well, here goes... - Fucking show yourselves! He muttered, starting to feel nervous. Fighting wolves was always stressful, anyone bragging about it was full of shit. You were always at a disadvantage. Suddenly he noticed a shape moving in the trees matching the direction of the growl. Too far for an accurate shot. He kept moving slowly. Hoping to find a position with a bit more advantage, preferably a rock formation or a cave, but he couldn't remember seeing one nearby. Another growl joined in, from the opposite direction, seemingly moving faster than the first. - Here goes... he mumbled now very focused. He lit the flare and threw it in the general direction of the first wolf. Hopefully he would only have to deal with the more aggressive one. The second wolf suddenly came in for an attack. He got his gun ready and pulled the trigger as late as he dared, but feeling pretty confident about hitting his target. A loud yell later, the wolf ran away. No kill, but at least a hit. Soon after, the first wolf had circled around the flare for a new attack. He aimed again, and pulled the trigger. Misfire! The wolf attacked and he was suddenly on his back rolling around on top of his big backpack. Instinct taking over from tactics he wailed with the gun in his hand and after a couple of seconds finally managed to scare the wolf away. Slowly getting on his feet, he checked himself in the light of the still bright flare. His left hand was bleeding, but didn't hurt too bad. He had been lucky. The gun misfiring was a bigger problem. But it was still his best chance of saving his life. With two wolves attacking, he lit another flare and put it next to the first, moving in between them to control the area of attack a bit more. At least until the first flare died out. The wolves came into view yet again, one attacking before the other. He didn't want to do this longer than he needed, took a deep breath and aimed yet again. This time relaxing more and focusing on a killshot. The first wolf circled him a bit at first, but then attacked. A shot was fired again. No yell. The other wolf stopped in its tracks and ran away. A dead wolf now at his feet, defeated. He won. His gun-hand shaking. - I need to get home and get some antiseptics on this, harvesting will have to wait. He sighed with relief. He also needed to clean his gun, at least now he had great reminder. The rest of the trek went slowly being exhausted from the fight, but he was familiar enough with the start of his main trail to navigate it at dusk. Stumbling into his cabin, he quickly found some antiseptics and some bandage. Took a swig of water, and laid down on his bed to rest. The cabin was cold but not freezing, warmth and dinner would have to wait for a couple of hours. It had been a long day.

Erik started his trek, feeling pretty good. Being out and about usually cleared his head. He took his usual path which was both scenic and fast. Sort of his highway through the mountains with various side paths for different points of interest. It was a bit annoying that a resource as important as firewood was so far away, but so far he had not come across a closer spot, not one he didn't pick clean in one trip anyway. - Damn, I forgot to clean my rifle. He muttered to himself. - Can't afford any misfires with this little ammo. I need to find a bow and arrows, or create some if I can find the resources for it. He continued. The trek was otherwise uneventful. He arrived at his main spot at about mid day. Having a quick snack and starting a fire with his fire striker to take off and dry his clothes while collecting wood. It was good weather and he would keep warm from working. He also boiled some potable water just to keep the thirst at bay. After working for a couple of hours, he had collected about what he could carry. But he was also getting tired. - Good to have that done, but I better get some rest and eat something before returning. He sighed to himself. Having seen no wildlife so far, he cooked a MRE meal and washed it down with some of the now cool potable water, but it was refreshing. He put about 2 hours worth of firewood on the fire and laid down on his bedroll.

His technical backpack had some basic but good quality survival gear in it at all times, including some parachute cord. Regular climbing rope was way too heavy for his needs, and cord was useful in a lot more ways anyway. He did have to take out the bedroll to dry it if he spent the night in a snow shelter, but otherwise it was good to go. A setup he ended up with over many years. No need to unpack everything every time. He might have to skip the water this time to save some weight in case he had to be able to move more quickly to avoid aggressive wildlife. If nothing else, he could always melt snow. Firewood was much more important. He knew a spot of old trees dropping sticks and branches that had served him well for a few weeks. No one else seemed to go there. Perhaps pick up some bark to possibly isolate the cabin better too. He rolled up his bedroll and packed it as usual. Also took some light weight foods, enough for a couple of days just in case. He always enjoyed catching wildlife to roast after the end of a long day, but you can't survive on that. Too much protein and too little of everything else. Yet another lesson learned the hard way. Finished packing, he grabbed his rifle, some ammo, and a few flares. This would have to be enough. It felt odd to be nervous about wildlife again. Like natures own rule book had been rewritten. He really wanted some news about all that had happened, be able to wrap his head around it. But later. He stepped outside in the now slightly brighter morning sun.

Erik woke up at dawn. The first daylight started to create familiar shadows. He put some firewood on the still glowing embers and started on his morning coffee. He needed more firewood and water, it would have to be the chore of the day. - Damn it's cold. Need to isolate this place better, too much heat seems to be escaping. He muttered waiting for the water to boil. His life was fairly routine. He was mostly out and about in the mountains, had good spots to collect firewood and other supplies. Had even found a couple of caves. Hadn't explored them too much in the summer, didn't want to run into bears. But now it might be more save. He wanted to explore more of the island, but the road was blocked so he would have to find another way. He sat down to have his coffee. The only thing missing was a bit of cream, his guilty pleasure. After warming up a bit he prepared breakfast and finally prepared to spend the day collecting firewood and water. It didn't take that long but it was a few hours to trek and he needed to be more careful to avoid wildlife now.

They tried and failed to reach the authorities one more time. Emma started painting her memories of two nights ago. Amy took her best friend out for a morning walk. - So I guess the big question is, do we sit tight and possibly help people in need, or should we try to get to out of town to what hopefully is some working community. Both are risky options, short-term and long-term. Christine thought aloud to herself. - With most of town having left, we can probably survive for quite a while with the supplies left behind. That Erik guy seemed to get a long with Amy and could possibly provide transportation, doesn't seem to be in a hurry to leave too anyway. But it's getting on my nerves not knowing more what's going on. She continued. - I do have family in Great Bear, I wonder how they are doing? Especially after the quakes, this might have been too much... I wonder if I can find the phone numbers. We should probably start setting some traps to catch some wildlife as well, in case we are stuck here a long time. Problem solving and staying busy had always calmed her down. Especially after her husband died and she was left raising Emma on her own. They told her he died serving his country as they always do, more likely it was a climbing accident during some maintenance. They never talked about his work, but his background was electrical engineering. But, they should probably try to talk with Erik first. Transportation could become vital and he seemed like a resourceful person, albeit a little odd being out of matches while lighting a fire. Crazy how the simple things in life can become a luxury over night.

I try to come up with something new every few weeks to keep the thread visible. Both for people who just enjoy reading it and if someone else has a good idea and decides to join in. But yeah, it's harder to write a story than to snap a screenshot to share, never mind trying to write collectively over time. But it's pretty fun.

A bit longer up north, the first conversation for a long while within weathered walls began. - Uh, no, I don't think so. Sorry. I've been trapped here since the collapse just fishin' and getting by. Are you alright, miss, you were cutting it kind of close there? Jamie answered. - Damn... Well, never mind. Happy to be alive to be honest. Thanks for the tea though. And yeah, I'm ok. Lonnie sighed, staring into the cup. - How did you end up here, if you don't mind me asking? Jamie inquired. - Long story. Grew up in these parts and came back for a break from the rest of the world I guess... Lonnie replied with a tired look. - You can just rest for now. I don't have much around but there is plenty of fish and some popcorn. Don't ask me why, but I hear it's actually pretty good food. I know where we might be able to find a radio, but it's half a day's hike from here so we will have to wait until the weather gets a bit better.

Thanks, but it's not mine. It's just a link to the screenshot-thread with a thumbnail

Nice, but perhaps you could share these in the Screenshots-thread?

- Well she was an odd one, nice dog though. Erik thought as he entered his cabin. He liked military history and also collected some old school equipment. The old truck had really come in handy now, no computers or other bullshit. Kind of scary what happened still, he had never experienced anything like it. Could it be Russia, or China? With muscle memory he quickly lit his kerosene lamp and started a fire in his stove. Done it a thousand times before. He proceeded to cook up some soup for dinner. He liked conserved food too. Had stacks of it. Tasted ok, lasted forever. No need to regularly visit a store and participate in the every day nonsense of common people. He had moved up to Great Bear for some solitude. Turned out it was a tourist trap for wilderness and nature enthusiasts. Oh well. He got to be alone in here at least. But hell if the wildlife hadn't become more aggressive? Thank god he could scrounge some flares. He should have stocked up on more ammunition, you could never have too much, but now he needed to ration it. The old radio didn't work any more either. He had been picking up very odd chatter for the last few months. Sounding military. Very short transmissions with various code words. Sounded like a fairly old man. Perhaps worth investigating sometime. He hadn't been able to get any regular radio for news from the rest of the world though, that was more frustrating. Are we back to the stone age or is everything under control? He felt tired and laid down on the bed next to the now very warm stove, it would burn for about 8 more hours and give off residual heat during the morning. That lady with the matches, did she have a kid with her? Odd gang that. But I guess you have to stick together in times like these. Perhaps take a break from the solitude for a while... he thought as he fell asleep with a warm body and full belly. He would never take that for granted again...

Back at Christine's house, breakfast continued. Christine thought a bit about Amy's question. - I'm not really sure to be honest, but it would be nice to get an update from the authorities about what's happening and possibly find out who else are still in town. If someone need help. Do you think the guy we met yesterday would like to join us? He did have a running car, even if he probably has limited fuel, did you talk about his plans? Christine replied. - Uh... no. He seemed sort of like a doomsday prepper, even if we all are at this point I guess. He did seem suspicious about the town but he didn't say why. Might not like the people he met so far or it might be something else. But he went home with his supplies and didn't talk about leaving town at least. It's not a very long walk. Amy noted. - Mommy, I don't like this. Emma complained. - I know. I'm sorry but we can't get all the normal food to the store any more, so we will all have to learn to eat what we don't like for a bit. We have to eat so that we can work and play, ok? Christine explained, hoping it wouldn't be an argument. - Sigh... ok. I'll eat. When can we have the food we usually eat? Emma wondered. - I don't know, we'll have to reach the authorities again so that we know more of what is happening, but it might take a while to get things back to normal. The factories might need new trucks, or at least repair the ones that doesn't work any more. Do you remember the sky dancing? Christine tried to explain in as simple terms as possible. - Yes! It was very pretty! Emma answered suddenly very excited. - Well, that did something to everything that uses electricity, and some of those things doesn't work any more, including deliveries of food to the store. I'm not sure why, but the sun is very powerful and besides making it sunny in the daytime, it also makes the sky dance. This time, something happened that doesn't usually happen. And we need to find out what and what we can do about it. But in the mean time, we have to eat what we have and stay warm and healthy. Christine hoped this would get Emma less focused on the food. - Ok. I want to paint the sky dancing. Emma thought outloud. - That's a great idea! Just finish your breakfast first. Christine was grateful for the few distractions available. Meanwhile, Amy felt very lucky that she had her best friend around still. She quietly wondered if her boyfriend would return. He was scheduled to be a way for a few more weeks, but operations were probably down now. However, they might simply be stuck out at the fields just as almost everyone else where they happened to be after the aurora. Christine and Emma were good company and she was very grateful to have a place to stay, but she still didn't really feel comfortable around them yet. Oddly, her dog seemed to like Erik more, despite his slightly paranoid demeanor.

Haha, ok. Didn't think of people writing and reading with only survival mode as a reference, makes sense. Well, feel free to write more about the relationship between Chiristine and Amy if you wanted to explore that. I'm more into mystery and exploration myself

I'm fine with anything that make sense within the lore of the game, but perhaps some stuff happened before the Aurora too. The Grey Lady mentions "quakes" so it's not the first natural disaster in the region I think?