Stavanger Bay she said there's nothing to be said, nothing to be gained

for a brief amount of time sandpiper had hung back after nox -- for similar reasons, she still felt tense -- but as the woman turned back to ask her of her opinion, and then slowed her gait so that she could catch up -- well, that eased sandpiper's feelings considerably. and possibly, her ego.

she bounded up to the woman and her expression was one of deep consideration. then she said "this way," swinging abruptly to the south, she picked along the hard-packed sand at a casual dogtrot. it would be a while yet before they reached the pools, and in an effort to quell any awkward pause between them sandpiper asked "so... how'd you end up here? like... why ironsea?"