Beginnings

Swoosh, swoosh. Swoosh, swoosh.

The waves gently brushed against the coracle, rocking it in the most peaceful motion. The briny air – caught on a slight, fresh breeze – filled the noses of the two occupants. Above, the great tapestry of sparkling stars winked, danced and twinkled against the violet-black backdrop of the pre-morning sky; Already they were beginning to fade and blink out of view as the horizon melted into the misty grey light that marked the border before dawn.

One of those crouching in the quiet boat pulled a rough woollen blanket tighter round their arms in an attempt to keep out the early autumn chill. Nodding towards the shadows growing in the shaded light they let out a whispered murmur of hope, “Here, at last?”

A slight grunt was the only reply from the other, but presently a soft rhythm of oars could be heard as the prow began to slowly cut through the water.

By now the light had grown and a thin strip of muted white marked the horizon behind them. Ahead the light picked out deeper shadows: clumps of tall pointed reeds rising from mist tendrils and water shades to the fore, hypnotically swaying arms and water speckled leaves of trees to the rear, smooth and rough patches of soil and marsh plants between.

The first calls of waking birds touched the air as if to rouse the world from it’s slumber, though slowly and gently so as not to startle it.

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The coracle’s body scraped onto mud and earth; the scratching of stones on hide and wood just barely noticeable among the sounds of dawn’s song. A twig snapped as the first occupant alighted and a sharp breath of annoyance from their companion quickly followed. “Shh! Silence,” floated like the soft wings of a moth, upon the air.

The occupant turned slightly and nodded. Their likeness was clearer now, as dawn grew fuller into pastel blues and soft hints of gold on white: Shrouded and hooded, yet still tall and thin, they bore a wrapped bundle in glistening leather with both hands, holding it gentle as a new born, their clothing was wool and hide – well treated but muted in colour, they half crouched and kept to the ample shadows as best they could while they were careful to keep their features hidden in the depths of their cowl.

Both now stopped still and there was a sense of listening; holding even the slightest breath to reach out with every sense.

One heart beat. Two.. Nothing. All was as it should be.

At last the other let out a steaming swirl of air and reached out a hand to touch the shoulder of their companion. “All is safe. Go now in haste, your journey is ahead.”