(normally he'd think to be concerned about the nettles on her behalf, but — having taken an initial scan of her when she spooked him the first time they met — the fine scales that cover her are hardy and belie a great durability. so they huddle together and consider.)

I'll check, (she's acknowledged with a bob of his head before he turns away to process the data picked up from a lengthier study of the beast and its immediate surroundings.

three points of interest that give them three routes: one, the safest route, denser underbrush acting as ample cover they can crawl through, bringing them within a hair's breadth of where the cockatrice in grey still-frame currently pecks at the ground; two, dicey but ultimately worth it, using the thick trunks of trees edging into the clearing to lunge out at an appropriate time with the basket; three, high risk with high reward, a deep stream crossing in front of the cockatrice that would disguise footfalls but require a preliminary distraction to draw its gaze.

silently, connor gestures out the choices for her, quietly explaining his findings until he's come to his own conclusion.) —It's risky, but I believe dampening your steps with the water and using the breeze to carry the fish odour back to the cockatrice would be our best bet. The presence of the fish should naturally draw its attention away from me.

(slowly peers over the bush for a moment, before ducking back down to rasp the rest.)

You can retreat quickly downstream if it senses anything amiss and I'll remain hidden until it gets preoccupied with its meal.