eadwulf lays here for a moment, resting one forearm over his eyes so he may try to gather his bearings once more. he can hear footsteps, people coming out of the water, but he's hopeful that no one will attempt to speak to him. he's hardly the only one in this state, anyways.

what he isn't expecting is zemnian, from a very familiar voice that sounds decades older than the last time he's heard it. he doesn't open his eyes right away, but he does groan his acknowledgement, a weak smile pulling at his lips. he squeezes bren's hand when it's taken, and only then does he peek out from under his arm at his former lover.

"i am," he says in their first language, "but seeing you eases that ache, just a little. where are we?"

eadwulf sits up in the sand, but takes careful measures to ensure his hand doesn't leave bren's. bleary eyed, wet, exhausted, he glances around the darkened beach, then finally to his friend.

"you look good."