Bitterroot Valley mary, mary, quite contrary

Almost as soon as he had asked, a physical response was given. She appeared suddenly, like a maleficent nisse of the tar pits, and though he had been expecting it he was still startled by the revelation of such a cosmic entity grandstanding before him. Rickon was glad he had not trespassed, or closed the yards between himself and the child— and without making the conscious decision to do so, his body followed her command in swift accomplishment; getting to his feet, the yearling tucked his tail and made to trot quickly away.

Before he was out of sight, he paused, glancing over his shoulder towards the stately wall of black and the sterling girl at her side. Olive eyes lingered on the child for a fraction longer, before turning forward and pressing on.