Less of a dive, she fell into the water.
Inhale, fill the lungs with fluid.
Exhale, the dust of their world.
She reached for the bottom, cutting through the river’s defenses of pressure and substance.
A scream, frustration, an oath. The next lure will be dissected.
Finally, an impact of warmth. The mud coats her body, every part of her slick and dark. Enclosed and safe from the piercing glare of Sun, she allows herself to peer up.
There, on the surface, a hand. Other figures appear now, hovering at the shore, curious, intrigued. The hand pauses, and she can see it form a fist. Withdraw. Gone now. She eyes the other figures, and turns away, disinterested.
Pushing off the bottom, she sets off to explore. Twisting in the seaweed, hiding behind rocks. She is alone, amongst multitudes, and finds the solitude pleasurable.
And yet, a shape moves within her sight. It doesn’t notice her. She lies still in the murk, watching.
The man, a creature like her, is arranging stones in a labyrinth. She can feel the vibrations of his sound, some ethereal song being hummed.
A curious animal, she moves quietly toward him, careful to conceal herself in the dark clouded water. A strange feeling of predation overcomes her. This being doesn’t know she is there.
She darts in front of him.
Another hand, although this time, it’s hers. He takes it.
A creature like her.
How curious.
Hiraeth Examined 