Otter Creek It always runs back but it's never quite the same

The rank she named sounded like a leadership role, and Maegi nodded, keeping that in mind. Was she Mahler's equal, or even a superior? She had meant no offense by the remark; still, she'd walk carefully around this conversation, keeping things close to her chest as need be. Except. . .

You have lost children, too? Oh, where to begin?

I will keep an eye out for them, Maegi promised, tucking those descriptions away. Her shoulders lifted briefly, wearily, in a shrug. For some reason, our meadow has been popular among lost children. 'Lost children' reminded her that the woman's question had gone unanswered, and the emptiness grew tenfold, an icy cloak around her bones.

Some are lost, she replied colorlessly. Two of mine are dead. And that was that.