» the calm before the storm

In his own way, Seiji continued his efforts. Once he had begun to work, his eyes darkened and his mind closed in around the work: rolling the largest stones he could still roll. Directing them when one of the others called to do so. In time, his breath came shorter and he felt the burn of it in his muscles. But he did not despair, even as the water continued to roar. He felt good, keen on his task and surrounded by allies. No one in any danger, anymore. Just the whole of them working toward the same end goal. And then, abruptly, it was over. The water calmed. Seiji stepped back, traces of sweat pale on his flanks, and blinked. First at the water, then at the others, equally surprised, and then up near the top of the falls where the great bear reappeared. Its voice rolled again through the chilly air, deep and reverberant, filled with power. But it spoke calmly, and then it disappeared. Seiji blinked after it, a strange yearning in his heart. Before he could stop himself, his head had lifted slightly, lips parting around a word which still refused to come. Wait — He sighed, instead. How could he question anyone here, even a god, without his voice? Seiji stepped back, the warmth born of hard work leeching away quickly in the frigid air. Again, he felt cold. Again, he felt lost. He glanced one final time at each of the others, only vaguely registering the new adornments they sported. Only glancing briefly at the new charm in his own mane: a shape reminiscent of the bear. It did him no good. Nodding to anyone who happened to look his way, should he seem rude, Seiji turned and wandered back into the snow, a black mark on the peaceful landscape.

img by Tildae @ flickr

Seiji out!