Big Salmon Lake runaway

it was the heron that reacted to the wolf first, more attentive to terrestrial things than qapnuk ever was. it turned its too-long face in the direction of the approaching creature and took on an expression of nervousness - at least to the eyes, as there wasn't much expression that a bird could have upon their face, really.

qapnuk noticed this and thought he'd won the argument, and so he puffed up and drew his shoulders together. the heron gave him one last look before drawing away and taking off, its wings wide and silver.

yeah, you run off! eat 'yer marrow next. he shouted, which to the wolf would sound like a triumphant hissing.

when qapnuk finally relaxed he turned his head, but the tendril of his neck barely moved so his body remained facing the water. something pale shifted in his periphery and so he adjusted the rest of himself to face it together—finally, seeing the wolf.

he puffed up again! this time with surprise—and gave a squawk of oh shit.