Otter Creek trickle down the spine

It was a comfort, somewhat, that he was of the same mindset (or lack thereof). What could be done? The future was unknowable; Maegi couldn't predict if more things would go wrong, if the destruction would continue. All she could do was listen to Mahler's take on the herds and absorb it, even if her brain vehemently warred against the idea of leaving.

You're probably right, she murmured, again looking toward the trees. Her face was troubled, wistful. It would be strange to leave this place. Even in the meadow, the forest is still in sight. It's. . .it's my home. Our home. I can't imagine being anywhere else, not for long.

And, yet, she'd called the island home for some time, although she was eventually pulled back to the woods by forces greater than them all. They would adjust, perhaps, with time. And it would be good to be able to feed themselves through the bitter months.

Maegi glanced at Mahler, mouth taut in a worried frown. Will you stop by here on your way to the herds? she asked. Perhaps Jaes will have told me what to do by then, and we could follow you.