Barrow Fields Then first, there was a genesis

Sorry for my delay!

The stranger appraised him with a lackadaisical gaze as she sat up to receive company. Her eyes were like shiny copper pennies set into granite – a sliver of quartz-colored fur on her brow. She was a slim woman; not a hearty northerner one would expect to find in this region of the world. Maybe she was a transplant too? Njord was still adapting to the mainland since leaving island life behind.

Sup, she beckoned with a tip of her chin. At this moment, she was the opposite of him: relaxed, confident, assured… attributes they would have shared on a better day. But with the bear’s attack, the snow storm, and the loss of Regin, Njord could only be guarded and somber.

However, her easy expression warmed his heart… and her compliment about his beach bod didn’t hurt. Njord was able to crack a weary smile and savor the fleeting kiss of attraction he had missed during these dark days.

“It’s hardly beach season, innit?” he commented with a chuckle. “The sand’s covered with snow!” He stopped a few lengths away. “I’m lookin’ for a young lass. She’s all white with a dark head an’ copper down ‘er back. This be ‘er first winter… name’s Regin. ‘Av ya seen anyone like that?” he asked, hopeful this vagrant might have spotted the young Sapphiquian during her travels.