The Tangle he was hiding in the chill of a mountain

she watched her father, rapt and wide-eyed -- as he lowered down to her level she wriggled right up to him, her innocent gaze seeking his own. she had no inclination, whatsoever, to crawl through the briars. it looked dark and deep, and not the inviting kind.

she shook as a cry rendered the sky, causing the hair along her spine to stir involuntarily. she did not recognize the voice, but she recognized well the anguish -- a look of panicked worry overcame her as she turned to reek. "who is that?" she exclaimed in a hushed whisper, feeling dread chill her heart. "will he be okay? is he stuck in there?" she craned her neck, a deep frown gouging her bright features. "he needs our help, papa!" she whined, feeling a strange sense of helplessness and anxiety seep in.