When I woke the memory of my dream haunted me, but it quickly faded, leaving only the faint memory of fear and helplessness. My eyes adjusted slowly to the dim lighting. It was strange to wake to darkness, fully rested. My hand reached instinctively to 'Killdeer's' stock. Then I relaxed as I recognized the place. Satisfied, I sat up. My back groaned in protest, stiff and cold. I cracked my neck. With a shrug and a stretch I slithered out of the den with the fishing net and musket. My eyes glanced around, the sun was high in the sky, already on its path down. Cora was asleep, her head resting on a tree trunk. A strange sight, but not so strange as to warrant my attention. Food was my priority. I was hungry and memory served to remind me of the numerous fish who called this creek home. Climbing up onto the near bank I made my way to the small, deep pool where the largest fish lazed away their hours.

The clear, still water was deep, and the muddy bottom was easily visible. I deftly placed my nets at the mouth of the pool and melted into the woods in search of the leaves in which to wrap the fish I was certain I would catch as they baked. The bright colors of the changing season made it easy for me to find the plant I sought. With my leaves, I returned, but not before setting multiple snares. If Cora was to be shod, I would need the furs.

The I once more stepped down the steep bank I found all as I had left it. Cora was still asleep in the sun, all was at peace. Laying 'Killdeer' down, I took out my long knife and a piece of flint and began striking them against each other. The sparks fell on a pile of shredded leaves and dry grass. Within minutes a fire blazed up on the large flat rock and I let it burn itself down to cooking coals. The comforting cracking and muted whispering tones of the flames lulled my heart to contentment.

If only….

I shut my eyes and steeled my heart.

If only.

The sun fell lower and lower, as night came on. Stretching my arms above my head and cracking my back, I stood, returned to the pool, and checked my nets. As I had remembered there were many fish; therefore I released all but two of the trout that struggled within the embrace strong of the snare. The two wiggled and flopped. Taking pity upon them I took them by their tails and struck them upon a rock and they stilled in death.

I raised my head to listen—a habit which had saved my hide more times than I could count upon my ten fingers. The sounds of the water flowed around me and the whispering of the tree bows above surrounded me. Nothing out of the ordinary. I removed the nets and slung them over my shoulder. There was no need to cause any extra trouble to the fish. I had no more need of them now. Water dripped down my bare back from the wet nets. Goose bumps rose on my arms. Returning to my fire quickly, I wrapped the fish in the leaves and slid them into the coals. Then I covered them as I stirred the red hot coals with a damp stick.

The fire sizzled and sputtered. Taking out the habit skin, I lay it upon the ground and examined it. With my knife I pared off the bits of flesh and fat I had missed in the dark. Then taking a handful of strong twigs, I built a frame and stretched the fur upon it. It was hard, as it had begun to dry already, but it was done in the end.

[Cora? Awaken….]

Her eyes snapped open, and she straightened her slouched posture, smoothing her skirt as she did so. [Hmmm?] She asked, sleep still obvious in her tone.

Her eyes were unfocused as of yet and they flicked from my face to my chest and back in confusion. I could almost hear her wondering who I was. [Eat,] I suggested, and I held out the steaming fish.

Her eyes followed the movement and she reached out for the food uncertainly. With amusement I watched her expression change—a smile spreading across her face as she unwrapped the bundle. [Thank-you,] she murmured, and began to peel off the green scales.

I seated my self a little to her left and began unfolding in the coverings of my own fish. The wholesome smells distracted me and for a time I concerned myself only with my food. After a while I was able to control my mad rush at the food and with a bite in my mouth and a burning tongue, I lifted my head to see what my companion made of the meal. The sight which met my eyes was not what I had expected. Gone was the prim and proper woman I had admired in the cave at the Glenns. Before my shocked eyes the fish disappeared, piece by piece down her throat. A smile twitched at the corners of my lips but I held it back.

She glanced up at me and caught my look, with a sniff she stood and lifted her skirts daintily. She was once more the same woman she had been in the cave. But the effect was lost upon me when she began splashing through the water. Without a backward glance she crawled into the den and disappeared from my sight.

She is a living contradiction! Who was she really, the proper woman, or the careless girl? Or is she a combination—or neither?

I shrugged and finished my repast. The sun vanished suddenly down below the edge of the ravine, and I made my way to the low burning fire in the twinkling starlight. Like I had so many times before, I kicked the fire apart and left it to cool upon the rock. Then, picking up 'Killdeer' and the frame which held the rabbit skin, I waded through the water. Just before I entered the den I gazed up at the sky. I could not see far, for the trees and ravine towered above me, but in the distance I saw the clouds which would bring upon us rain and snow. Cold, real cold, not this vague suggestion that had begun yesternight. The winter would come soon this year.

I crawled into the den and lay myself down in the dark.

I shivered.

Irina: Irina: Thank you. Cora's mother's story was something I have always wondered about and her dying in childbirth seemed a bit repetitive considering Alice.