Felltree Marsh black bridge

When he speaks again he is confident beyond measure. He does not back down from the challenge and appears to beg, or nearly so, for the woman's attention. He reminds her of the anneriwok of her hunting party.

She does not draw her eye from him. Watchful from her new perch in the manner of a jungle cat. I fight when I am commanded. It is a simple way of life, following orders. It is a life she imagines this boy does not understand, given how forward he is, unhindered.

Seeing that he would not back down - and that their presence together would have spooked all other life from the mire - there was little choice left. Kanuk descends to a patch of solid earth.

Or when I am threatened. Her body low, snaking; she follows the rigid structures of roots where possible to smooth her path, and moves in an orbit around where he is rooted.