7

You drop your bags, which kick up a cloud of sand as they hit the seafloor below. You push into and through the cold water as fast as you can. The water drags against you, enveloping you, but you push against it harder still. You fully immerse yourself in the embrace of the wide expanse, closing your eyes, enjoying the silence of being so incredibly alone. You breathe heavily from a fresh ocean current. There is no feeling more exhilarating.

It's some time before you go back to retrieve your bags and head toward the city.

You clasp your bags tightly shut and let them trail behind as you speed back to the city. It will be nice to drop off your supplies for someone else to deal with. They'll probably be happy to help you, considering the difficult journey everyone knows you'll have picking up Tephra's quest. You do your best not to dwell on it, and speed along ever faster.

Then you hear your name: