Otter Creek iii Means to an end.

Otter Creek was the conduit into and out of the world beyond the woods. She had found herself here often over the years, usually in a state of distress—searching, voyaging, returning, mourning. . . And now, as the whispers within the trees grew too loud to bear, she arrived again, stepping into the sunlight with narrowed eyes, beams bouncing off her pale pelt.

She would find solitude for very long. Another just like her, drinking nearby. Maegi lifted her muzzle and drew in his scent. Unfamiliar, and not much clinging to it besides his own musk. He was big and well-muscled; could toss her around like a ragdoll if he wished.

But the Melonii claimed the forest just behind her, and she had always seen the creek as an extension of that domain. She felt no fear as she approached him slowly, with a chuff, waiting to see whether he'd respond with words or action.