Mudminnow River i am an anarchist; an anti-christ; an asterisk

Of course he should've fled, he should've fled like a fly from a spider. But Ico was easily compelled by fascinating things, and the stranger was so regal and powerful and statuesque, Ico could not help but pause in his retreat. They were a good distance apart now, and the youth saw no bared teeth, nor heard a rumble of warning. I... shan't come near your food, he said pointlessly. Reassuring the stranger of this was like the the rain reassuring a rock that it wasn't going to melt it.

I'm seeking a safe place to cross, he gestured at the river with his slim muzzle. Yes he was vaguely hoping for directions, but more than that he was wishing for some clue into who this shadow could be — and what his story was.