---
"Find where birds land and scratch," he said. "They do not waste time where there is nothing to eat. Learn the shape of rabbit runs. They choose the same path until they do not. Look for sap bleed on the south side of a tree. It means sweetness nearby. Do not pick berries you cannot name. If a plant looks like it wants to be eaten, it is either safe or very rude."
This made her laugh again. He liked that she laughed, not loudly, but with a relief that did not ask permission.
They found a stunted tree that held small fruit. He cut one and showed her the seeds. "This is safe," he said. "It will not make your stomach curse me. Eat the flesh. Boil the skin with a handful of needles for tea. It will keep your throat from climbing up and strangling you during a cold night."
