the beach was, perhaps, not the most comfortable choice of destination. the changing seasons, fall almost completely melted into winter, made the wind coming off the water bitterly cold and he was sure that the temperature of the water itself was horrifyingly frigid as well. however, peace came to him when he made himself small, put himself into perspective, and there was no place better to do that then standing at the edge of the ocean.

the ocean was more vast than he could even imagine. he did not know where its depths ended or where its farthest edges touched and that was both frightening and comforting to him. every mountain had its highest peak and ever marsh had its deepest point. every forest had its tallest tree and every cavern had its furthest point. but the ocean - the ocean had no deepest point and no furthest edge. it was as mysterious as the universe and it pulled him back to earth and back into perspective, especially when his mind was as tumultuous as it was now. to put it simply, nathaniel was a bit flummoxed by what had occurred at spirane. not only had he learned he had three more children, one of them being his first daughter, but he had even met them! for all it was worth, he was a little delighted to say that his daughter, aurelia, was very similar to him in personality and looked quite like his mother. it warmed his heart a little, even despite the distrust in her two-tone eyes when she looked at him. and he could not blame them for being angry or distrustful. to suddenly swoop into their lives after being absent for two years, well, he would be angry too. but he was trying, and he hoped that they could see that. he really did want to know them and have a healthy relationship with them, even if he was not there to help them age.

but it had been time to leave and so, he had made his leave and retreated to glorall. to be back within the borders of his home had been very comforting and now, standing in front of the ocean, he was searching for peace. he should be learning, he knew. how could he be a healer if he knew nothing about healing? and he would begin learning, he would seek out those who knew what it was to be a healer, but for now he would stand, with cold sand seeping into his fur and the bitter wind of the ocean blowing into his face. and if he was really trying to seek out answers, he could pretend that the wind rushing in his ears was whispering, “it’ll be okay”, in his ear and that the waves breaking against the shore were applauding him for his bravery. but he would not imagine such things, not today when he had encouraged reality to be thrust into his life. he would find peace, though, and he would welcome whatever company wished to join him in his solitude.