The beach, early Saturday morning

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal had awoken before dawn to pray, reciting the Dawn Rites on the dorm roof, and now he and Altra were walking along the beach. They had returned from Valdemar with the problem of Veren unresolved and it was worrying at him.

Six months ago, he'd have been riding Trenor, finding peace in the time spent with his horse; now, all he could do was walk. It didn't help.

Something else might, though. When he reached Ender's raft, he sat in front of it, pondering it through Altra's eyes. After a minute, he started wrapping rope around the joins.

It was nowhere near as distracting as riding, doing little to clear his mind, but it helped a little.

[ooc: Specifically for one but open to all!]

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[endsthegame]

"Sailing." He looked over towards the raft. A dozen perilous steps, maybe a little more, maybe a little less. They'd make it. "I didn't put a sail on my last one. Maybe on this one, I will."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"It sounded interesting. Sailing, I mean." Altra leapt up onto the raft and turned, so Karal could see the way.

[endsthegame]

"It does." Ender did relish the strain on his arms; it kept his mind from wandering off to topics that wouldn't do him any good anyway. "I've never done it before."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"Nor have I." He shifted his grip again, catching the log before it could slip out of his hands. "I think," he hesitated, "I think I'd like to learn more about it, if this goes well."

[endsthegame]

"Careful."

Just a few more steps, and they'd be there. He stared down at his feet, willing them to keep everything steady. "You'll have to keep me posted," he continued, "Although it might not be the season for it soon."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"I've got it," he said quickly. "And no, being wet in the middle of winter isn't the best idea."

[endsthegame]

"Spring would be a plan." Two more-- one more-- and they were there. "Still careful, Karal." He let his arms hang low and heavy, sinking through his knees to lower it.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

He nodded, saving his breath, and lowered the log carefully with Ender, knees braced.