So it wasn’t the Guardian waiting, there’s an explanation in the game for the timing.
I'm certain that isn't true on honor mode at least because I
just got it after the owlbear. Like right now in another window. I'm on day 3 and still haven't made it to camp!
The guardian started speaking to me after I met Nettie.
"why is this voice in my head telling me to check out the parasite? hearing voices isn't a good sign . . . "