Otter Creek memories

she was weary.
bone-deep and mortal, the exhaustion had grown within her, birthing itself outward as if it were some blight in her marrow. the seizings had become more constant; soon her daughters would see. 
and maegi had not returned.
the listener drifted as if in a dream from blackfeather's ailing borders, seeking the frozen ribbon of the creek beyond. the last time she had been here ... the last. no. it was lost to her, that memory, and this upset the woman. what else would she lose in the days to come?
the gilded-ash creature turning from her did not warrant more than an ear-flick as relmyna crouched down beside the creek, seeking the parts not covered with ice for a drink.