@fcntasyadvcnturc gets a starter for Eric
Belle was shuffling thoughtfully through the sand when she spots an unusually large lump surrounded by debris in the surf. The closer she draws, the more she feels knots forming in the pit of her stomach. There must have been a shipwreck in the night! That would mean the form, she postulates, must be a man.
"Oh, Mon Dieu!!" Belle gasps. Within seconds, her book was abandoned on the shore and she's splashing through the swirling wake towards the collapsed form. Pushing aside several impeeding, splintered planks, Belle manages to grab hold of the large piece he's hung over.
His clothes are completely and utterly sodden. So much so, the odd cut fabric clings to his skin. "Monsieur?" Her voice flutters with hints of the anxiety she failed to conceal. "If you can hear me," she starts, "I--- I've got you now." It is a promise the brunette prays she can make good on.
"Stay with me," Belle piteously entreats of the stranger. Trembling fingers entrench into the fabric of his shirt in an attempt to find perfect purchase. Her arms circle about his muscular form. "Just a little longer." Belle grits between clenched teeth as she bodily attempts to haul him through the last few feet of battering waves. The roaring waters drag at her skirts, insistent and impeeding, but she pushes forwards anyways, step by struggling step, until they reach the shallower embankment.
Her teeth grit sharply under the effort it takes to drag him fully onto the sand. The turbulent retreating waves tug at his limbs as if reluctant to give him up. For a moment, Belle sags down beside him panting softly.
Hazel eyes turn to studying him properly now that the salted-sea was no longer attempting to swallow him whole. In the glistening sunlight, he is quite handsome. He isn't from Alsace. No. She knows most of the village. His features are soft, kindly. Storm-tossed ebony hair is plastered to his pale face.
His shoulders shifted then, snagging her attention. He's ALIVE!! Relief loosens a breath Belle hadn't realized she was holding. "Ca-- Can you hear me?" She asks. Belle knows she ought not to touch a stranger. She hesitates for a moment, hand gently recoiling in the air. Then, gently she brushes a damp strand of hair from his forehead.
She knows she needs to get him help but she can't leave him. Not here..