1st Winter 516
Early Morning
Early Morning
Karin had awoken with bleary eyes that morning, before the sun had risen, with an already forgotten dream making her feel restless. A couple of chimes she had lain in bed, twisting and turning, her bedsheets twisted around her ankles like chains. Then she could take it no longer. The oppressive atmosphere of Atri's Place was growing steadily less acceptable to the Svefra, who longed to feel the cool air of the morning brightening her features. And so it was that fifteen full chimes since she had woken, the young woman was up and out, staff in hand, rucksack with food slung on her back, and her stoutest (and only) shoes firmly on her feet.
The walk down to the docks was easily followed and she daydreamed on the way, trying to remember her dream. She smiled as a bird with brown plumage hopped on the path in front of her, then at the small squirrel-type creature that scurried through the dawn scattering dew on her head. Scents of herbs drifted to her nose as she walked, hints of the still-warm weather of Autumn lingering. She ducked her head under a low arch and nodded a silent 'good morning' to bulky Akalak walking past.
Soon enough, the sounds and smells of the sea beckoned, and her mark tugged anxiously, like an eager puppy ready for a walk. In this case, Karin felt the draw of the sea pulling her to go for a short swim. The water would be cool, but she needed it, to wipe away the residual lingering sleep. It was busy along the entire dock, she couldn't find somewhere quiet to strip down. So she walked steadily further along, until she came to the rough beach that lay beyond the docks. Here it was much quieter, away from the bustle of fishermen and traders doing their day to day tasks.
The sun was just about to rise on the horizon, illuminating the skies with pastel shades and vibrant red. The sea was calm today, only out in the distance the waves were showing white. On the shore, the gentle pull and push of the waves was as normal, and Karin chose a large piece of driftwood to deposit her bag besides. In a brief moment, she had pulled off her trousers and was checking her bag for her towel. It was there, thankfully, and so the woman threaded her fingers through her hair, pulling it into a messy plait before tying it with a ribbon.
Then she strode out into the water.
The waves were shockingly cold on her feet, but she soon got used to it as she pushed forwards into the Suvan. The trick, she found, was to pretend that it wasn't cold. If she did that, then she wouldn't chicken out of going underwater. Her top billowed up as she sunk her torso into the water, but soon enough the fabric lay flat against her as she started to settle into a swimming pattern. She swam lazily, leisurely, swinging her hands and arms and kicking her feet in short, sharp bursts. All around her, the waters were alive with meaning. Fish flickered by, out of reach. Karin dipped her head under the water and opened her eyes to the murky sea.
