I don't even like fish [Sol/Liana]

Sol really did live an interesting life. It was only him that could suggest a fishing trip between a student and teacher, to tell his life story. And as they marched through the winding paths of the outlands, he seemed to know the way to a decent fishing spot. At least, he thought he did. Who knows.

He was currently carrying two fishing poles, nothing fancy just basic enough for either of them to use. And on his other hand was a tackle box holding all the things one might need on a fishing trip. Just as he felt he was going to be lost and make a fool of himself, they burst into a large clearing with an impressive lake.

“Ah! I remembered!” He’d shout with a grin of genuine excitement, he turned to look at her before motioning with his head to follow him. He did a small little jog over towards the edge, hopping over a log with a rope secured to it. There was a small boat, big enough for maybe three people comfortably that was tied to said log. He seemed to be ready to place the items inside as he prepared to push the boat on the water.

“Don’t worry, this boat is mine. Kinda. I found out just sorta upside down in the woods long time ago. You mind giving me a hand?” He’d point towards one of the two knots securing the boat.

Sol, unlike Liana, was more of a handyman when it came to this sorta thing. As he placed the items into the boat, he’d kneel down next to the knots beginning to untie them with practiced ease. He looked like he knew what he was doing, or at least familiar enough with it. As he prepared the boat to get on the water, he’d speak without looking to her.

“In my homeland, Ethiopia, we did not spend much time at sea. But many rivers flowed through the mountains, and my pa’ show’d me how to fish.”

He’d remark fondly, his lips pulling into a smile as he got into the boat. The creak of wood was heard as he reached for a paddle, making sure everything was in order he’d push off the land and begin to row. To some it might be a surprise that Sol was knowledgeable in these rather mundane parts of life, but he picked up a lot over his life. As he paddled them out, there seemed to be a calm serenity over the water.

“It’s fine, good to have a backup if we lose a rod.”He’d shift his gaze to her, who was sitting on the other side of the boat. He hadn’t commented on her outfit yet, but he liked it. “I like your ‘fit.” He’d compliment as he turned his head to make sure everything was clear, as he paddled them deeper into the basin. Before slowly going to place the paddle within the boat, rubbing his hands together muttering an ‘ok, alright’ to himself as he picked up the tackle box resting in his lap.

It seemed he was ready to prep the fishing rods, but was open to anything she might want to say or ask.

“Hmm…”

He’d remark as his hands rubbed the top of his tacklebox, he looked across the open water before turning his head back to her. An almost impish grin on his lips as he spoke. “No idea. I just sorta feel in my gut, this is the right spot. All those years of fishin’ ya’ know?” He’d joke lightly with her. He was sure there was a science to this all, but that wasn’t the way he learned.

He learned by listening to the world around him, watching the water and feeling the brief if fake connection. The world responded to those who ventured into it, and he felt this was the right spot.

“I don’t think they’re bad. As long as you're comfortable, and it shouldn’t be too cold so… I think you chose well.” He’d nod as he opened the tackle box to reveal all types of items, mostly fishing lures. His fingers would play around with the sharp items for a moment, speaking as he did so. “Most of this is different lures based on what you’re trying to catch, depending on time of year and species. Also some extra fishing string, and spare parts.”

Provided she didn’t stop him and showed interest, he would briefly rattle off what types of fish might want what type of lures. But when it came to what to use here, he’d turn his gaze from the box to her.

“As for here, I have no idea what might be best! It’s exciting being in a new spot with someone. But I’d wager we can… use this.” He’d point to a type of lure that was generally good for fishing in freshwater, something he’d use back home in the rivers of Ethiopia to catch medium sized fish. As he began to prep the fishing rods, it was clear he took great pride and care with the way he worked with his hands. A profound appreciation for this craft, that wasn’t too dismissal from his fighting.

“Do you want to try to put a lure on yourself, or need any help? I used to end up poking myself in the fingers all the type.”

“Look at you, you’re a natural.”

He’d compliment offering her a thumbs up from his side of the boat. It was time for the most important part of all this: The cast. Such a thing was dangerous, many fishermen have stuck themselves or their companions attempting a good cast. And with the look in her eyes, it was urging him to get to the next step in all of this.

He’d shift his position so that he was looking over the side of the boat, the fishing rod in his hands. “Alright, now we’re at the fun part. I know you wanna get to the fishing part, but this one is important. Watch closely, press down on that button and-” He’d demonstrate pressing a button to make the rope go slack and with a quick motion would flick the rod towards him. This would send the string behind briefly, before a quick snap of the wrist would send the lure flying forward deeper into the lake landing with a small ‘plop.’

“You’re turn.” He’d beam, only minimally worried. He was sure she was naturally graceful enough to figure it out, but you never knew. Rather not catch a sharp lure to the back. He’d wait for her to cast the lure out, before resting the pole between his legs. If nothing went wrong, he’d offer an almost proud nod to her.

“And now, we wait. Congrats, you’re a fisherwoman, Liana.”

He just offered a smile to her first words, before watching her attempt her first cast. It was immediate he saw what went wrong, but he definitely caught it after the fact. And it made sense what she did wrong, all things considered. He’d hum lightly as she asked for tips, before slowly moving to secure his rod in a little holder that would make sure he didn’t lose it if something caught it.

“You’re… overthinking it, if that makes sense.” He’d remark with a light chuckle before shifting his eyes to look at her hands, while making the gesture to reel the lure back in. “It takes a bit getting used to the feel of a rod, but really it all comes down to just one fluid motion. Something like- here.” He’d begin before beginning to shift over to her, now sitting beside her he’d gesture with his hands to her rod silently asking permission to touch it.

If she gave it, he’d place his hands on the rod with her. Without fully committing to the motion he’d help demonstrate the smooth motion. “As long as you get that motion down with a quick snap, you’ll cast that thing out far. You don’t even need too much strength. Just smooth, fluid, motion.” He’d remark turning his head to look at her, a silent encouragement in his eyes as he slowly released the rod and offered a thumbs up.

“Try it again.”

This was nice.