[Sunlight brightens the coast, warming particles of sand, creating heat that burns bare feet. Jasper hauls his left foot off the ground and growls to himself; stomping sore skin into the ocean. He walks backwards in annoyance and finds solace in treading water. His nose wrinkles. By the look on surrounding faces it seems few notice - or dare to remark. He is not gentle enough to welcome concern. He watches his compatriots enjoy this stretch of beach, wishing to enjoy it all the same. Why compromise his pride?
Like his friend, he stands amongst others. Like his men, he is here to enjoy himself.
He feels the urge to move and rolls his shoulders. Eyes close in preparation. His feet cling to the ocean floor and within moments he pushes back, swimming close to their group with a series of backstrokes. He hears someone yell his name amongst splashes of water. How strange it feels, being surrounded by admiring peers who had once talked about him in harsher terms.
By the Beach
Like his friend, he stands amongst others. Like his men, he is here to enjoy himself.
He feels the urge to move and rolls his shoulders. Eyes close in preparation. His feet cling to the ocean floor and within moments he pushes back, swimming close to their group with a series of backstrokes. He hears someone yell his name amongst splashes of water. How strange it feels, being surrounded by admiring peers who had once talked about him in harsher terms.
How strange indeed.]