Being the youngest in a small tribe by several years meant Aquenda never really got to experience the whole playing-with-other-kids thing. Sure, her cousin played a few games with her, but none of them involved tag.

"Huh? Wha...what are you doing?"

Maybe it was trying to lead her somewhere. Some mythical spirit disguised as a run-of-the-mill animal, here to lead her on a quest of importance! Just like all the stories! But that was weird, wasn't it? She'd already met her spirit guide. In fact, the bird was preening himself in the branches above her right now.

Well, nobody said she couldn't meet another one...

She took a few cautious steps after him...