[Content warning: Reference to child marriage]

A man and a girl were strolling toward the beach slowly, both looking incredibly uncomfortable. Was it a good thing to get to know each other better before a decision was made? Alice wasn't sure it was. If she were to marry this man whom she barely knew, and who was intimidatingly old, it would be out of despair, not love. To be forced to endure this awkward encounter where it became painfully clear that they didn't even know what to talk about to one another was only additional torture.

Tobias seemed as little at ease as Alice, and for some reason, the girl found that comforting at least. He had asked a few polite questions about the town, and she had answered him quietly, eyes down and not looking at him. She was blushing deep and praying all the while that nobody she knew saw them. It was unavoidable as they passed the quays and staiths were fishermen were working, and approached the beach, where doubtlessly she would encounter other fishing girls. They entered the beach beside the west pier. "This is where we collect driftwood sometimes. Although mostly we work under the east cliff where we find flithers in t' shale..." Alice said quietly.