Stavanger Bay I’m half the man I was

@Eydis — Permission has been given to PP Adah (John’s sister)

John had become only a shell of what he used to be. Even though the death of Heda drifted further and further behind him, he still couldn’t seem to let go of the loss. She was family to him, and her children, to John, were like his own.

If it wasn’t for his sister, perhaps he would have succumbed to his grief, become swallowed by the darkness. But his beloved sister helped to sustain him, made sure he was fed and cared for. He had regained some of his energy, but still, was generally a melancholy man.

She would often go off to hunt small game, leaving him to himself. Today, on this early summer morning, they had drifted into the lush grassy field of Stavanger Bay. It was here that he sat, where the sand become grass, and looked out at the endless ocean. He still prayed, and yet, he felt lost.

Life had been quiet since re-meeting Towhee. Eydis hunted, walked, walked some more, and all of it in relative silence as her days passed by.

She had made her way to the coast, a sight she was nearly surprised by. It had been a long time since she had seen the ocean. Was it the ocean? It was hard to be sure.

Spotting another wolf ahead of her, it was hard not to let a frown coat her face. Nonetheless, she offered a 'woof' as greeting.

It was quiet, with only the waves speaking to him as they gently rolled onto the shore, then backed away. But then he heard a “woof” and turned his head. Standing not far from him was a wolf colored in sandy hues, much like his own. He was surprised at first, by her presence. But, he felt no threat. He simply woofed back, “Greetings.”

It was hard to be comfortable, despite the stranger's unthreatening demeanour. I hope I'm not intruding. Eyeing the water, Eydis wondered if she was any good at fishing anymore. It might be a good change of pace from her relatively similar meals. However, none of that would matter if she was told to turn around.

Never having made time to visit the coast, it was difficult to know the status quo. Were there any packs? Where were their territories? Were the wolves aggressive?

“No. This land is unclaimed. I’m just…” He paused. Just what? Moping? Wallowing in his grief? Lost? Yes. That was it. “…lost.” 

“You’re more than welcome to sit and stay a while.” Perhaps unfamiliar company would be good for him. If she would accept his offer, he might as well introduce himself

“I’m John.”

He didn't mind her staying, leaving Eydis glad to make her way towards the salty water. Eydis. She returned his introduction, glancing back at him for just a moment.

If you're lost, what way did you come from? Though based on his expression, she wasn't sure they were talking about the same kind of lost. He had that sad look about him.

"It's a pleasure, Eydis." John said with a faint smile. "Well," he sighed, "it's a long story. I wouldn't want to trouble you with it." 

He would only tell her if she wanted to listen. If not, he didn't blame her. Who really wanted to be burdened by a stranger's problems anyway. Once upon a time, he would've been the one to be a listening ear, to offer advice. Would he ever return to the man he was? Would he let go and come to terms with what had happened?

I can listen. She decided, wading into the sea. Eydis had no plans to be anywhere anytime soon, and listening to a stranger speak of his problems sounded better than the usual silence.

Standing still, she eyes the water for any fish big enough to catch. None of this would matter much if these waters were empty of any potential meal. Then again, fishing was about patience. Something would come.