As with the first two issues, 3 and 4 both start in the 1840s, with Ortensia and her father in Oregon. This time, we learn Ortensia's father wasn't nearly the judge of men he claimed, and what that got both of them. Him killed, her used as a virgin sacrifice by some schlubs hoping for immortality. I'm going to assume by her continued unusual existence they didn't get it.
Past that, both issues spend most of their pages in the 1860s. Issue 3 fragments itself a little further by positioning that part of the story as being told by a Native American named Ata'halne to his grandsons in the 1890s. About how he didn't go along with mass relocation of his people, and found a man wearing one of those plague masks who told him, if he hunted down and killed a "skinwalker" that was terrorizing people, he would find his destiny. He does not kill the Yee Naaldlooshi, which looks like a stag on two legs with a wolf's face and its chest cavity open, because he took Ortensia's advice and ran. Which he argues was the intelligent decision, because he's alive to have made a home, and have children and grandchildren. That seeking your destiny is foolish because it will find you. Sounds like an excuse to sit on the couch and eat snacks all day.
The flashback is presented as all full-page splashes with a particular border. I don't think Hahn changes his art style in any substantial way, but the shading is definitely different. In issue 4, a lot of the shading is masses of little black dots, which is not the case for issue 3. And the coloring on the full-page splashes has a certain weathered look to it. Irregular splotches that almost look like water stains. I don't know why that shift in approach at all, I just know I see it.
As for issue 4, most of the action takes place the year after Ortensia and Alexander saved Ata'halne. This time around they're hunting down some misshapen creature that can Hulk out when angry or threatened, and it's not going well. Alexander's had enough, and wants to quit this fighting monsters stuff. Ortensia storms off without him to finish the job, but returns to the town when it's over to find him in the bar. Apparently she's not quite willing to go on alone, and she does still own that land. . .
I think next issue is mostly going to cover how they met, but I'm curious if we'll see how that future goes. Alexander seemed to think Ortensia was searching for something that could actually kill her, but maybe she just needs to let it come to her instead. Building a house doesn't mean they have to stop roaming entirely, or that there won't be any trouble.
The conversation between them is awkward, but in a cute way. Alexander's always nervous around her, but he can't conceal how happy he is she's actually taking his concerns to heart. And Ortensia shifts between being defensively aggressive, leaning forward and jabbing her finger to make absolutely clear about certain points, but Hahn makes sure you can see uncertainty in her eyes when she explains she just wants him to understand. Kinder emotions are harder for her, but she doesn't want Alexander to be disappointed in what she's offering. Alexander seems to be assured enough not to let it phase him. Willing to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Even when she's insisting it's her land, not their land, he just lets it roll off and defuses it.
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