A tale of Caradhril and Morliniel as children.
Caradhril at perched upon one of the rocks that jutted out along the coast, legs swinging idly as he watched the horizon for any sign of the small wooden craft his father sailed. Above the clouds drew together, threatening rain. The young boy pulled his cloak tight about him, shivering; he hoped that his father would return soon.
The sound of dirt and pebbles tearing loose as someone scrambled up the rocks to join him caused him to turn his head, a small smile gracing his face as he caught sight of a girl his own age. She wiped one hand across her brow, leaving a smudge of dirt behind.
“Caradhril,” She greeted, folding her skirts about her as she settled down beside him.
His voice held warmth and affection as he returned her welcome. “Lin! I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
The girl shielded her face with one hand as she gazed up at the sky. “Too dark. We caught a boar, though! It’ll feed us for at least a week.” The excitement faded from her face and voice as she added quietly, “Osben got gored, though. Auntie says he’ll heal, but he won’t be going on no hunts for awhile.”
Caradhril grimaced at Lin’s news, placing one hand against his side in sympathy. He’d seen the results of boar attacks before, seen the entrails of still living men and women exposed. Not everyone survived; Osben should count himself lucky. Perhaps. Or perhaps though surviving the goring, an illness would catch him while he was still recovering. Such things happened.
Best not to dwell on that.
“I’ll bring him some of my ma’s fish bake,” He picked up a pebble and tossed it down the rocky slope, watching as it skittered through the sand.
Morliniel nodded, pushing a wisp of hair behind her ears. “Are they back yet?”
Although the change of topic was made without segue, Caradhril understood. He shook his head as he drew his knees up to his chest. “No,” He sighed forlornly, peering in vain for any sign of his father’s boat.
Lin started to look up, then quickly pulled her chin down to stare at the rocks. “Your pa knows the weather, he’ll be back afore you know it.” Her tone didn’t quite match the reassurance of her words, but Caradhril smiled nevertheless.
“Course he will.” He agreed. His father would return, but in the meantime it was nice to have his friend waiting with him.
