Aether gripped the tiller, pushing it left, then right, feeling the dinghy respond beneath him. The wooden frame creaked and groaned as the hull sliced through the water. He adjusted the sail, letting the wind catch just enough to give them forward motion without tilting too sharply.
Each tug and push of the tiller shifted the boat's course, subtle at first, then sharper as the wind picked up. The ropes squeaked under tension, and the sail flapped in short bursts as he steadied it with a practiced twist of his wrist. Aether leaned into the movement, his feet braced against the deck, feeling the gentle rocking of the boat with each turn.
