"No, it was. She's a bit... clumsy, along with her antisocialness. You saw how big she was- if she hit you by mistake, it could at the bare minimum wreck your ship."

Drake frowns, "Oh I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I seem or seemed hostile, seeing a kelpie especially for the first time is terrifying. Is there anything I can help you or your friend with?"

He shakes his head. "She just wants to be left alone. Strangers make her stressed- she worries a lot more about being found than I do."

Drake frowns, "So she wants a safe place? If I may offer my help let me look around, I know more about the waterways and hidden coves than anyone else in this village. Besides I don't need a boat to look around."

He thinks for a moment. "I could take you to her. She should be able to stay mostly calm if she knows I trust you. Well, mostly trust you."

Drake frowns, "It's only fair you know my secret since I know yours. Are you willing to stay in this area until sunset? I don't wish to take any unnecessary risks right now."

He shrugs and nods.

"In the meantime, would you like to help," Drake asks motioning to the boat, "it's not going to be that difficult to sand down the wood."

Drake's mother watches them from the porch and smiles. She was glad that Drake had found a friend.

He nods. "Sure. What's the new boat for? Is the old one breaking?"

"No, the old one is sound aside from a couple of minor repairs. This one on the other hand is special," Drake lays a hand on the unfinished wood, "It's hard to explain but I'm trying to prove something not just to myself but to this place so I can leave. I've always wanted to travel the world like my father did before he died. I'm good at sailing and I know others who have made the journey in a smaller sailboat."