Kaicus…..

The warm clear water felt refreshing against her skin. While she enjoyed treading water she look over across the river at Ate who look tired and due for an afternoon nap. Ate time in the water was short lived as it was clear she was not a fan of the aquatic substance. Knowing she was ready to head home she swam to the edge emerging from the water. Grabbing her towel she dries both her body and hair than sat next to Ate on the grass.

Alani: Not a fan of the water I see?

Ate: [with her head resting on the grass looks up at her]

Alani: [noticing her fur was still wet she takes her towel and dries her off] Hope this helps.

Ate: [let out a loud yawn]

Alani: [standing to her feet] Point taken let’s get you home to food and rest.

Ate: [in response raises to her feet]

Alani: [yawning] I too seem to be rather tired, come.

Ate: [following behind her quickly pauses]

Alani: Do you wish to stay?

Ate: [her ears suddenly standing at attention tensing her body immediately she senses something was wrong]

Alani: What is wrong!?

Ate: [surprisingly lets out a loud roar]

Alani: I do not understand what alerts you?! [Suddenly realizing the cause of her behavior begins running frantically in the direction. Running as quickly as her legs and lungs would allow she ran towards the inward most section of the river bank with Ate following behind her. As she drew closer the screams grew louder and more frantic. When she reached the end she looked on in horror, there was a small child struggling to keep her head above water. Without a moments hesitation she jumps in hoping to reach her in time. Pushing her way through the water she finally reaches her but panics seeing her floating absent movement face down. Turning her over, she pulls her near her wrapping her left arm around her chest. Using her dominant arm she swims them both back to shore. Cradling her small frame in her arms she lays her on the grass with Ate looking on. Placing her ear to her chest she heard a faint heartbeat. Unbeknownst to her two wondering farmers watched from a distance after witnessing enough they quickly ran towards the main village. Alani silently praying she remembered what she read in a book many years ago hoped to save the young girls life.