Jack returns the seated figure's bow as he collects the baguette, Stands, then bows again respectfully before departing back to the tree he originally sat under.
Mama was still standing where he had walked away from, looking at him curiously, and a little worriedly. He smiled. The thought of her caring for him like that made his heart feel mushy. He called her over.
Timidly, the big she-bear waddled up, then sat down next to him with a plop, then plastered his face in kisses. He was happy to see her too.
He got her to look into his eye, then told her about the transaction. The ritualized behaviors of "2 legged things" were completely alien to her, but she totally understood the concept of food. He let her know that there wasn't a whole lot, so they should try to make it last, and eat it slowly. She felt that was silly-- If there was food, you should just eat it. Jack scratched her all over, hugged on her neck, and rubbed her chest, then made his case again, implying that she would get all the food he had, but not all at once.
She grumbled, but accepted, moved to sit behind him, and put her head over his shoulder with interest, as Jack tore a slice-sized hunk off the loaf, and presented it to her. She snarfed it from him, and practically inhaled it, before suddenly stopping.
The sudden change caught his attention. Alarmed, he turned to look at her. Here eyes were large like she was surprised or scared.
(i'm)FULL!(HOW?!)
Jack was incredulous, and still very worried about her sudden change in behavior, worried he had fed her something he shouldn't have. She nudged his face, and licked him generously, asserting that she was simply not hungry anymore, and did not understand why either.
Curious, he peeled a bite sized bit from the loaf, sniffed it, and ate it. It was bread, and not bad actually--- But still bread. He swallowed. Practically instantly, he felt full too. The two of them marveled at each other for several seconds, before Jack put the rest of the loaf away.
(Better)save it!(for later)
he mused at her, and the two had mutual agreement. This was a wondrous bit of bread. Jack felt that if it was actual satiety, and not just some clever bit of weight-loss magic, it would be DAMN helpful if they ever had to travel through barren areas.
He turned his attention back to the silent merchant, and bowed very deeply at the seated figure.
This had been a most amazing transaction.