Muir reaches the river just a short way down from where Strange is standing. He takes off his pack and leaves it on the ground so that he can move more freely. He looks around for a target to practice on, noticing Strange but not considering him as a target. Instead, he chooses a tree near the bank. He faces the water and raises his arms, lifting a small amount of water into the air. He sweeps one arm sideways towards the tree, and the water stretches out like a snake and whips against it. However, as it touches the wood, it looses its shape and splashes to the ground. Unsatisfied with his effort, he repeats the action, intent on getting it right.