Astra and the Two Fishermen

Astra saw more detail as she approached the bridge. A single stone arch spanned the river. Vines and ivy had covered the sides of the abutments. Such a bridge in Aqualaria would have had the abutments cleared so that integrity would remain sound. The space under the arch was free of debris and the stones appeared to be holding in place, though, so Astra was not worried about crossing the bridge. There were walls on the top of the bridge that rose to the height of a grown man's waist. Nocks about a thumb wide and a foot deep were incised into the wall. At one time these may have been part of a fortification, but Astra could see that the nocks were now being used to prop up fishing poles.

Astra looked at the two men. They appeared to be father and son. The father was a deep tan. His short hair was almost entirely gray, with just a few sandy streaks. The younger man was fairer, with blond hair and sporting a moustasche, although he had no beard. Both men were bare from the waist up. Both were staring over the wall and down into the water, looking at spots on the surface where their lines ended.

The fishermen now appeared to be oblivious to world beyond the surface of the water. Perhaps, if she were stealthy enough, she could pass the fishermen to the other side of the river?

1. And indeed, the fishermen are so intent on landing a fish that she did pass them without being noticed.
2. She expected a young man not to notice the form of a beautiful woman from the corner of his eye? The boy looked up and nudged the older man as Astra stepped on the abutment.
3. Astra had a thought. There was a stick on the ground that appeared to be a fishing pole at one time. If she picked it up, and gestured for some line and some bait, perhaps that would show the men that she meant no harm.

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