Chomp Chomp

A flash of orange caught Balsam's eye. He studied the thin bit of color peeking through the reeds and then was startled when a golden eye sudden came into focus. It was a wolf! And not just any wolf; it seemed he had an ally in the reeds. Why else would she look at him like that? Balsam was leery of the giant but he didn't have much of a choice but to trust her, did he? Clearly he couldn't escape on his own.

How could he use her presence to get free, though? They couldn't form a plan without drawing the alligator's attention to her. Of course...he could always do just that and then flee while the alligator was busy with the giant.

Nah, he wasn't that kind of wolf. But it did raise a question: was she? Balsam didn't know much about giants, but he hadn't heard good things. How did he know she wasn't going to lure him down and then let the alligator eat him for her own amusement? He didn't...but he was going to have to chance it, wasn't it? Otherwise he was going to be treed awhile.

The young tree dweller indecisively chewed on his lip for a moment before making up his mind. Yep, gonna have to chance it. Looking down at the alligator, he said, "Persistent, aren't you? I guess it would take a pretty big splash to tear your gaze away from this tasty treat, huh?" With a sassy wave of his paw Balsam motioned to himself, clearly teasing the vengeful alligator below. Hopefully the lady in the reeds was listening. He wasn't sure how else to communicate with her.