Blacktail Deer Plateau ◊;

she did know the order.
and she did know the sound.
perhaps programming; perhaps early nurture —
perhaps she missed the voice of her father, but whatever it was, elk charm at last crept from hiding.
her dark eyes defied him, dared him, challenged him; yet to lie in that den would be to invite more death. he had her here.
thin voice, tremulous; she did not eat. "muradoii?" and closely, sharply, did the valley-singer watch the man for any sign he knew this word. she would run again!
so hungry; so hungry, and yet angered, indignant, incensed. this was all grey cloud's stupid fault!