Sunspire Mountains There is no such thing as a lousy job - only lousy men who don't care to do it.

The boy appeared to be shy, but the consort assumed it was simply his training. He could barely remember himself with the same mannerisms - but Atlas had always been somewhat jovial when compared to the other men. His time travelling with Akantha had been quiet so he had amused himself in various ways; now, with everyone coming together again, his own desire to socialize often overcame the propriety of his station.

Atlas smiled at the boy and then turned away from him to survey the beach. He had noticed a few clusters of gulls along certain rock formations which could be of interest to the sirens, but it was something he'd explore another day. There were probably all kinds of new trinkets to be found within the sand, things the Nereides had never seen before, so that was where they'd start. Atlas motioned with his nose for the drudge to follow, then began to pick his way along the water's edge. Do you have much experience with beachcombing? said the Consort, conversationally; he didn't want to push the boy too hard for conversation since it wasn't a regular thing for any of the menfolk, but, it would help to get to know him.