Swiftcurrent Creek In the words that were forming

Arric?

Mae's tearful voice broke through the silence. She stood at the edge of the creek, her legs trembling slightly as she called out to her uncle. She hated to bother him, but she did not know where else to turn. Her brothers were reticent, and her father... well, he was the reason for her tears.

She watched with ears pinned against her crown, waiting for Arric to emerge from the water.