Sea Lion Shores and like the sky my soul is also turning

A patch of moist seaweed hung from his jaws, slicking against his chin, when she dove to inject herself between him and the pile. The boy issued a snort, and seemed to muse about his next move - continue flinging, or give in at the first moment of resistance? He chose to toss the gob of green down in to the sand, and spent a few moments licking the brine from his lips. Couldn't a consort get in trouble for doing that? she quipped, and as a small smile spread across her lips, he gave a shrug as a retort.

Maybe, maybe not. It depended on who was around. Atlas glanced around as if to show off the absence of others upon the beach, and then gave her another smug little look. I am teaching a Neophyte about the gifts from the sea, the boy went on to explain, his gaze dropping from the curve of Caiaphas' cheek and landing instead upon the messy pile they loomed over. Idly, Atlas caught some more seaweed in his claws and dragged it close, as if to inspect it. As a heathen you have much to learn.

It was a good excuse. The true Nereides may still have chastised him for his behavior simply because it was their god-given duty, but they would not have been too harsh. Or so Atlas had convinced himself.