Bit by Bit

Redrum observed the older man, Coran, as he deftly worked on his recent catch. There was a calm precision to Coran's movements, a familiarity born of experience. As Coran delicately separated the flesh from the meat, Redrum thought back to his mother’s lessons.

"That- is– why," Redrum began with a slight smile in acknowledgment of Coran's remark about fishing, his lips twitching as he let a spasm run its course before continuing. "Redrum needs– to practice." As the conversation unfolded, Redrum grew a bit wary of Coran's subtle attempt to discern his origins. Mother had told him before; in these lands, affiliations could carry weighty implications. Maybe not in those exact words, but same thing. “Redrum’s mother is– Queen of Insomnia.” Redrum replied vaguely, choosing not to reveal too much about his background, but dropping his own status in the process.

Suddenly, a spray of blood caught Redrum off guard, causing him to flinch instinctively– his paw sliding into the water haphazardly and spooking the fishes. "Ah." He raised a mucky pay, suppressing a chuckle at Coran's sudden sneeze that had surprised them both. And the fish.