"I wouldn't give a tinker's damn for a man who isn't sometimes afraid. Fear's the spice that makes it interesting to go ahead." - Daniel Boone.
One thing that's known about him was his disregard for financial matters. Perhaps I can learn from this? He ended up moving several times and lived his later life as a hunter. Which... all sound pretty familiar as to my back up plans for later life- living off my skill in whatever the heck I can because I get the feeling retired life ain't all its promised to be. That and this killer brow line... Yea baby.
Perhaps these parallels can be incorporated into my journey/story?
Additional interesting sentiments:
"Felicity, the companion of content, is rather found in our own breasts than in the enjoyment of external things; and I firmly believe it requires but a little philosophy to make a man happy in whatever state he is."
"Curiosity is natural to the soul of man and interesting objects have a powerful influence on our affections."
"I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks."
A simple man, happy while in danger and in the wilderness... captured by Indians, bad with money and robbed because he didn't pay his debts, enraptured by nature... I can do something with this...
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Terin woke to blackness. Where am I? There were no sounds. He tried raising his head and gingerly set it back down. The right side of his head pounded, instantly making him dizzy. Opening his eyes, he tried to focus. Stars twinkling above him. He was laying spread eagle on stone. Reaching to the side Terin felt the cold metal of his water tin, then the soft leather of his pack.
He grabbed the tin and gently set himself to his elbows to take a drink. Why does my head hurt so bad? The last thing he remembered was seeing the hairy figure puffing on a cigarette. Footsteps, shouting, then nothing. Terin looked up again. His vision had adapted. Those weren't stars, he was still in the cave. In the same place he'd been sitting, only all traces of his companion were gone. All except for a neat line of ash that laid next to the boulder across from him. It didn't finish the cigarette...
Slowly Terin sat up and pulled the pack closer looking for his food. Tarp, blanket, tin, rope, knife, pot, clothes... no purse. Where did the purse go? "DAMN it" he said loud enough to hear the echo bounce from the ceiling. The token his best friend had given him was in that bag, along with his sister's luck charm. * Why didn't I just keep them on me like she said? He checked the rest of his supplies and those were the only things missing. Whoever or whatever had taken them was no where to be seen. He snatched up his bread and instantly regretted taking a hasty bite. His head ached more with every movement of his jaw. At the same time it also occurred to him how bone cold it was. Notes of twilight were still visible from the open doorway. If he hurried he might be able to find wood for a fire before it got dark.
He picked himself up from the floor. Should I stay in the cave? He hadn't known what hit him but he'd bet money, all the money in his damn purse, it had been that hairy bastard. Still, what if it wasn't? his conscience prodded. He glanced around the cave again. Boulders still hid much of the back wall from his view but he could make out what looked like a passage to the left he'd missed before. Terin held his head as the pounding got worse from straining to focus. Better to stick with the beast you know rather than take your chances with one you don't. It would be another night in the forest before he tackled the cave again. Maybe a night's rest or two would help his head. He could gather more food and keep a look out for anything unusual before going back in.
Gathering his belongings, Terin made for the door. That's strange. The light from the door seemed to fade before his eyes into darkness. It was unnatural for night to fall so quickly. Rushing he surged forward, searching the tops of the treeline outside. The sky was dark, stars sparkled above. He blinked. Not stars. He blinked again as recognition dawned on his face. He'd reached the doorway and had walked through. Only he was standing in the same cavern room he'd just stepped out of. He turned. The door sat on its hinges as it had before, gilt and everything. Just the same. Beyond it was a dark passageway... similar to the one he'd seen while searching around the boulders. Impossible. But here it was. He was standing in the same cavern he'd attempted to leave. Only this time there was no door at the far end giving a glimpse of a forest beyond.
Terin stood for moment, eyes blurring from pain. He was tired. So tired. He'd just mistaken the doorway for the passageway. He'd just got mixed up, because of his head. The door must have closed. He'd find it after he rested. That was most important... Falling into a nearby boulder Terin crumpled in a heap against it. Just need some rest. He pulled out the blanket and slowly wrapped himself in it as tightly as possible and positioned the pack as a pillow. Before he closed his eyes he remembered being thankful the left side of his face wasn't hurt as it lowered to the pack.
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