Serpent Lake my spirit rises off the plate

He seemed a little on edge, but still, he seemed confident. She tore a quick piece from the reptile as he spoke, chewing it thoughtfully. A talism? He must be one of those religious types, the wolves that waves around their snake heads and pigeon toes and thought themselves safe. She eyed him, coldly and expressionlessly. Ignoring the snake at her paws, she took a single step toward the stranger who's vibrant pelt was the oposite of hers.

With a voice as dead as her eyes she said softly, "It doesn't seem to be working". Her eyes met his, a challenge, and she waited perfectly still. What would he do now? Throw the snake head at her? Do some more mumbling?