Welcome to Gaia! ::

Spring was slowly warming, the chill of winter releasing its grasp on the Redwoods. Spring always came a bit later here but chilly nights and snow flurries were finally behind them, bringing leaves to the trees that weren't dead and a bit of life to the underbrush. Hel was delighted in the warmer weather and she was looking forward to the summer when the days were long and the air was welcoming. Her new home seemed to enjoy the much more hospitable weather as a fishing tournament was announced, one that ran through the spring and into the summer. Hel had fished before but had never considered herself a master, but once the word was given that the event had begun she found herself in the river, nose to the small rapids, looking for fish.

Hel splashed along the river bank as she looked here and there, trying to find a good spot to sit and wait. Some fish liked the faster currents where the water was shallow, making little waves and a bit of white water here and there. Some liked to hide under things like fallen trees or in little overhangs along the shore line. Hel wasn't sure where to try first, but after some consideration, decided she'd try for the fish that were wearing themselves out in the faster areas.

Stepping carefully among the rocks so as not to lose her footing, Hel made her way upstream a bit to where the little rapids dipped into a slightly deeper spot. There she could see a whole bunch of fish, swimming to stay in place. Some were big, some were small, but there were a lot of them, that was for sure! Hel took her time, making sure they got used to her presence, before dunking her head quickly into the water. She came up with a flailing fish that smacked her face a few times with its tail, but she held on to her prize.

Prancing out of the river, Hel placed the fish down far up on the bank so it wouldn't wriggle its way back into the water. She returned to her spot and settled in again. The fish hadn't moved, either too stupid or too stubborn to do so. Again, once they were used to her hovering over the surface of the water, Hel plunged her head into the river and surfaced with yet another fish. She managed to repeat this twice more before the fish caught on and swam away once she poked her nose into the little fishing spot.

Ah well, she thought as she bounded back to her little pile. Four fish was pretty darn good for her first time, if she did say so herself! She gathered up her prizes by their tails and trotted away from the river, soaking wet but clearly quite pleased with herself. They were all decently sized fish as well so they'd be a nice meal for whoever wanted one.

Very pleased with herself. Hel climbed the river bank and set off to find a trader.

WC: 511