The sudden falter in her father's normal warm expression at the mention of his sister brought her immediate concern. Talyssa instantly felt a pang of guilt- or maybe even regret at the question that had forced a wedge of something more sorrowful between them. The girl could all but see the painful memories flash before her father's eyes. She drooped a little herself, wanting to offer comfort or reassurance ... but not entirely knowing how. She waited expectantly, but in silence no less, until her father explained that Aunt Bowen and Aunt Ash had been absent much through their adolescence. The question of 'why' came to the tip of her tongue in the interest of wanting to know just what he was talking about. However, she managed to refrain in order to avoid that downcast look she was afraid she was going to get at the prompt of an elaboration.
It seemed to offer relief to their conversation at the opportunity to learn something new, and she was happy to follow her father's lead full tilt. It seemed that he had a specific location in mind, and when they arrived at the cove, it made sense to her why this was the chosen spot. It was sheltered from the brunt of the heart of the sea, and while there was movement, it was nothing like the open shoreline.
When she was instructed to enter the water, she did so with obvious excitement. Rushing in until the chill of the ocean soaked into the fur beneath her chest. It was then that her father's words registered. Go slowly at first. There was no concealing the sheepish look as she glanced over her shoulder in acknowledgment of her mistake. From there she took slow steps up until it crested at her sides in the gentle surge. Her dad was right, she did feel weightless. It was at that point, she turned around to face him. "Is this deep enough?" She asked, not sure how deep it had to be to properly swim.
Professor
Fleet-footed
