“Yes. Why, only the sharpest of ears in all the lands.” Up to the tips.

She’d not been slow. In the end, maybe, when each leg muscle started to shut down and give out into the very cold that ripped at them. Each time, excitement took over— told her a story of normalcy and a great adventure. It was only that her body betrayed her, and the very control that one was supposed to be gifted at birth was stripped away so easily. A single mistake, being reminded every time Nutuyikruk desired to see the sun.

One fall. Irreversible damage.
One mistake.
What had been his?

A family secret. With none left, perhaps it would not be so bad to share with another. If only one. “Well, wait just a moment, and you will see. But, be still! You are not very good at being calm.” Oh, only the worst ever!

Fish moved close, circling just away from the hides. Little shadows that emerged from the bottom before disappearing, daring a closer each second to submerged hides. Nutuyikruk watched his face, the water, motioning to the fish who she imagined were not far from being in Aivar’s belly if he’d any less restraint. Was his interest true?

“Can you see them?