The silver-glazed waves swept onto the shore, gently caressing the white sand before receding. An ivory-clad figure moved slowly down the beach, turning to gaze out at the horizon, while Varda's dusky lamps glimmered on the sky's edges.
Elwing bit her lip, her far-seeing eyes combing the ocean, ever hopeful that this evening would be different. More often than not, her daily vigil would end in darkness as she traveled back to the house alone. The teasing wind caught her whispered words, soaked with inward longing, and flung them out to sea.
"Come back, my husband. Come back to me."