Rrrslck (a brief snippet from a much larger story)

I have tried to give this passage a sense of its own, outside of the larger story (Awilda), it's not quite finished even in that sense, as it is due another layer (from the POV of Alwun who has a passing mention here) which reveals the true nature of Rrrslck. Unfortunately, those of you most likely to read it have already had the game given away on that account. I mostly wrote it whilst walking home. Apologies for my formatting and punctuation fails. Here 'tis:

Rrrslck

Awilda’s intentions were honest as ever, Rrrslck could taste and feel the current of it but she had yet to fathom if her place lay with the Captain in this affair. Rrrslck appreciated the warning deeply and the woman believed that she was right to involve them, that these things she described would come to effect all of them. She herself had had the sense something was out of place for many weeks but was yet to discern anything of its nature, in itself was a worry as her senses rarely failed her. These musings flickered quickly across her mind, as she showed her respect for Awilda’s wisdom with a straight and steady stare. She offered in thought: I will need proof. I will need the signs. Rrrslck knew she could convince her kind to move not an inch without the evidence of their own senses.

I will need proof. It took all of Awilda’s power not to reel back at that strength of thought but she had known Rrrslck for a long time and knew she was dealing with a creature of immeasurable wisdom and singularity of thought. Rrrslck had quite likely already anticipated and calculated much of the situation from the few things Awilda had already given her. So, Wilda kept a steady respectful look and nodded softly, hoping that, somehow, her gesture was understood. At that moment though, Rrrslck’s demeanour changed ever so slightly and her stare shifted, Wilda sensed a question combined with a tingle on the back of her neck and turned her head quickly with some concern.

****

Polly stepped softly along the path to the hidden cove, leaving Alwun to his molluscs on the flatter, sandier beach. This way took a low arch in the headland which would be quite invisible with a high tide; it drew in quite close and tunnel-like for a few moments and she could see neither end. Sand turned to shingle and shingle to rough rock, despite walking barefoot, Polly hardly noticed the change; she had not known a pair of shoes until she had met Awilda and never would be over fond them. She was close to the mouth now and was beginning to have a sense that more than plain curiosity had brought her to explore this way. As she turned the slight corner, ahead she saw ‘wilda, stripped to her underclothes, waist deep in clear water, her hair a wet slick of ashy blond, just at the precipice before a plunge into vivid blue depths. She was with another creature, of great eye and a stare that made the hairs on Polly’s neck prickle, though perhaps not in an unpleasant fashion. She instinctively stepped out with respect and caution. The rocky ground fell away in steep, uneven steps toward the water Awilda had her hands beneath, palms upturned.

****

Rrrslck used much of her courage in staying still and calm but she relaxed quickly as she almost immediately felt Awilda soften once she had turned her head. Rrrslck felt the rush of affection and was near overwhelmed by the strength of emotion. Encouraged by this reaction, she looked more keenly at this other and studied her (Rrrslck thought they were of the same sex) differences from Awilda: this one was slighter and quicker, her head colouring orange-brown and she was smaller in both length and width.

Awilda smiled carefully and spoke softly:

‘Polly, come, put your hands beneath the water this is Rrrslck who I have spoken of’, she said, trusting to Polly’s good sense that she would not give away too much shock, ‘As you may guess it is not entirely necessary to speak aloud’.

Polly was not actually as shocked as she might be and she obeyed without much thought, carefully descending the levels of rock. Journeying with ‘Wilda in particular but  with life in general she had come to have few expectations, she took things as they were and did not often feel the need to question the sense of them unless she sensed an injustice. As such, her head was quite level as she knelt and placed her hands palm up, Rrrslck’s touch was gentle and Polly’s thoughts were sincere: I am sorry to have disturbed your meeting with Awilda but I am pleased t’ meet you, I’ve waited a long time and I have heard much of your wisdom and good counsel. Often I have wondered why you were so particularly elusive, even that you did not exist I will confess, I suppose my questions are answered.