[ P ] on an axis of 23 degrees

Calder

You're in our talons now

The breeze bore the unmistakable tang of salt and brine, while the rhythmic crash of waves echoed across the shore. One... two... followed by another, and yet another. Calder hadn't planned to be here today. It was an impulsive choice, a sudden whim that guided him to these familiar shores— a place ingrained in his memory. The region bore a new aura, with people ebbing and flowing. The ocean, the salt, however... remained unaffected by the passage of time. He traced the shore, letting the morning lead him as far as it would. The travel stopped only when he felt it was far enough, the morning turning into early afternoon.

Calder sat upon the shore while his mind wandered to those he knew. He hadn't yet attempted to find his kin, yet he was curious of there whereabouts and status. Were they still in Rionnach? Had the family grown in his absence? Had any of them been affected by the war? As peaceful as the waves were, it did nothing to soothe his addled mind. Many questions formed while a contentious turmoil grew within him- a fear of confronting what he'd abandoned and the need to seek them out, to confirm they were alright. He couldn't shake that fear, it seemed to consume him more than any other thought. If they were fine, how come he hadn't encountered any of them yet, even by brief passing? It was irrational to think he would see them by random happenstance. If the need was so great, he would search for them.

And yet, he didn't. He sat on a shoreline wondering about them instead, thinking of the different possibilities and settling on the worst. He sighed, and stood shaking his coat hoping the thoughts would fall off like water clinging to fur. When he was ready, he'd attempt it. And if not, then perhaps fate would force that reunion. For now he was determined to stay his course, and find his place within Rionnach again.

and we're never letting go