Arrow Lake eyes carved in

Perhaps it was due to the sea salt in his veins that caused the wayward youth to have a natural affinity for bodies of water - be them still or raging, he found nostalgic comfort in their presence. And so when the sting of his wound grew to an uncomfortable level, he sought the voiceless whispers of a lake to ease his growing pain. It was here where the icy touch of alpine water soothed the burn along his side, a mix of dried blood and dirt swirling about like the colors atop a watercolor canvas.

A hiss, sharp enough to cut through wind, fled from his lips as he fought off the urge to retreat from the water's chilling bite. He knew soon enough the pain would numb from the bitter temperature of the water and eventually bring him relief, but that didn't mean the journey there was to be all that enjoyable. And so when a distraction presented itself in the form of the girl's muted figure, Xizur found himself watching on with dull, jaded interest.