The Quiet

The sound of water drowned all other sounds for some time. He drank as if he had never drank before. When he was satisfied alas he lifted his head, studying the lake for a moment. His green eyes widened to hear the rustle of reeds and turned to find a stranger lingering among the lake, picking at some plants.

He waited a beat, unsure if she'd noticed him. It seemed she was lost in her task and he drew nearer. He stood a few feet away but studied her ashen pelt. From where he stood he could not see her eyes up close; but noted that they seemed foggy, as if a cloud of gray. "Hello?" he called out gently. "I'm Cathal Darragh, sorry to interrupt," he added. He hoped she would not be scared or irritated by his presence.