Go towards the sound of water

Her desire for a bath was too tempting to turn down. Proceeding west, she followed the bubble and splash of water until she found a wide creek. Running water washed clear over a bed of round stones, hugged by a thin layer of sand.

Dropping to her knees at the edge, she scooped up a handful of water and drank. She hadn't realized how parched she was until then. The cool, refreshing stream sliding down her throat relieved her greatly and once she was full, she peered into the creek at her reflection. When she had tripped, dirt not only caked her face, but covered her body in black smudges. She scowled at the dirty young woman staring back at her.

Standing up, she slipped out of her meager clothing and stepped over to the pool, leaving her garment behind. The water was cool against her skin as she walked to the center, arousing a content sigh from her lips. Dipping below the surface until all but her head were enveloped, she languidly rubbed up and down her body to expel the lingering dirt. Her fingers brushed through her dark hair, and she massaged the soles of her feet against the smooth rocks at the bottom of the pool.

Bathing was a welcome distraction after fleeing the mysterious howls. She had completely relaxed, every now and then feeling minnows graze against her calves and thighs. She would give a tinkling laugh at their touch, peering down through the surface to see the glimmer of their scales pass by.

When she bathed with her mother and brother, they would spend the evening catching crustaceans, collecting shells and napping on the shore under the sun. She felt the urge to do as she did then, but without the company of her family, it would only remind her of what she lost.

She floated on the surface, enjoying the water, when her skin started to prickle. Lifting her head, she glanced towards the shore. It felt like she was being watched.

The spot where she had left her clothes was empty. No!

Selina made for the shore but halted when she saw the vegetation move a few meters ahead of her.