Set on edge by the mounting embarassment the boy felt, the uncomfortable discussion over the radio, and finally by Hanako's callous interpretations of the circumstances, Elias engaged vigorously in the task of chewing his lip. This would not do, however, to placate the hormonal emotion surge this entire series of events has brought upon him. Suddenly possessed of an animation whose energy is only tarnished by the exaggerated movements his lanky form must take to perform them, Elias vigorously shuffled his tarot deck then slid it back into its case and into his pockets once more.

"You get what you put into the world." He said rigidly, perhaps through briefly clenched teeth. He lifts a hand and massages his jaw through the scarf, before shaking his head slowly. "You guys wouldn't get it." He sighs. "But if all you expect to find is a dead body, it's all you'll be looking for. I don't care what you guys think, I'm holding out hope and putting out the energy and effort that he's alive out there and needs help. If you're going to ruin that energy and hope, then do it in your own heads. Saying it out loud doesn't help anything, anyone, let alone us and our search. Let's get a move on."

Elias' frustrated movements carried him like a ragdoll on strings over to Jake where he angrily, though still politely respecting the man's personal space, leaned over to look at the map.

"Caves. Sure, a few within a reasonable distance- but no major ones in the immediate vicinity. I've been to most of the ones you'd see on the state or regional maps, and tried to stay out of any of the small ones in the area just on principle. We won't find anyone talking about where we have and haven't searched; let's just search."

And soon he was trudging ahead, spurred on by myriad emotional misunderstandings and complicated feelings about the situation. The Teenage Dilemma, as it were.

David and sighed, shaking his head as he listened to the radio conversation. He'd heard a lot worse, but at the same time the negativity wasn't suited for the task at hand. But he did agree with Elias, the man with the cards and slightly shifty eyes.

"Agreed. I'm also holding out hope that we're going to find this kid. Despite the snowstorm."

As the group began their walk, David continued to observe their surroundings, occasionally using his camera as a makeshift set of binoculars. The quiet was awkward. Tense. Even moreso with the sheer biting cold and the incessant falling snow. After a time, David spoke up again.

"Are there any other missing persons reports? Freak storms like this? There any trends we can go on, maybe? Find a pattern or something? Anything to help our search."