Chapter D3: A New Skill

A New Skill

It was something Yuri had said in passing, which he then started to notice as he went about the town.  Fishing was a very popular activity here in AS, and as he thought about it, he felt that it was something he might enjoy; a good way to pass time on those days when he wasn't needed at the bookshop.

Unfortunately Damien knew next to nothing about the how or what ... or anything about fishing!  So, first call was the 'outdoor activities' section of the bookshop!

As chance would have it, he found a copy of the legendary "Fly Fishing" by JR Hartley which turned out to be not just very informative but also remarkably engaging and he was filled with a determination to be the best angler he could!

Enthused, Damien headed straight to the nearest general store to get the essential equipment he needed to start this new hobby.

Just as he was about to head off to use his new knowledge for the first time Damien noticed the time.  He had arranged to meet Yuri at the festival park!  Dumping his newly acquired kit into the back of the pick-up he rushed off to the date.

-- * --

One thing Damien had come to learn about Yuri; she wasn't exactly punctual.  Which, on this occasion, was a blessing. Although fifteen minutes late himself, it was almost five minutes later that he noticed Yuri coming into the park.


Ducking behind one of the barriers on the 'water battle' pitch, he waited for her to approach before launching a pre-emptive water balloon.


Yet, despite his readiness and Yuri's unpreparedness, Damien's inability to throw to his aim, and his target's agility meant that not one drop of water landed on Yuri.

Yuri, on the other hand, was something of an expert in the art of water battle.

Within only a few minutes Damien was about as wet as if he had jumped fully clothed into a pool!

Thankfully the day was warm enough for the soaking not to be uncomfortable and, indeed, before long he had dried out anyway.

Which was good, considering that they had tickets for the cinema in the evening.  So, after a few hours enjoying the games and stalls at the park, along with a little more junk food than he was used to; Damien and Yuri left for the Triple-P cinema in town.

Aurora Skies was not on the circuit for the big new films, being so far from the major metropolitan centres, most of the big-budget movies often took a month or two to arrive but this meant that even the main cinema would screen the more intelligent and interesting of independent and foreign productions.  Such as this one, 'Un Amour à Taire' which Yuri had booked.

A desperately sad story of love hidden and denied, it clearly played to Yuri's romatic side.  Initially attracted by her friendly and playful nature, Damien was pleased to discover that his friend also had softer, loving, characteristics.

-- * --

Damien spent the following morning at the Sunrise Reflection Fishing Park, testing out his new knowledge.  Of course, one of the reasons he chose this particular fishing hole was that it was reputedly one of the best places for a novice to catch easy fish.

And true to its reputation, the waters were, indeed, easy.

Within only a couple of hours, Damien had landed several fish.  None particularly large or 'difficult' but these easy successes were a good encouragement.

As he fished several people stopped by to ask how he was enjoying the fishing or offer advice on bait and casting technique.  One woman, however, asked not about what he was doing but, instead, what he intended to do with his catch.

"I, umm, I don't know, hadn't really thought about it ..."

"Well,  depending on what you've caught, you could always cook it.  Some of these fish are very nutritous and nothing tastes better than fresh, self-caught, fish!"

"That's a great idea!" Damien agreed, "Though I am rather short on cooking facilities.  I'm camping at Arbor Corner and there's no stove on the site."

"Hmm, if I remember correctly, you have a good fire pit there I think.  So you could open roast your catch.  Even tastier!"

By the time they parted company Damien had several new and delicious ideas for using the fish he had just caught.  Life was good here he thought to himself, 'I can catch and cook my own meals. Sweet!'

That very evening, Damien lit up the camp-site fire pit, prepared the most succulent looking of his day's catch.

As he bit into the freshly roasted flesh, he raised a metaphorical glass in thanks to Juanita for her suggestions. This was, truly, one of the most delicious, and satisfying, meals he had ever tasted.




Chapter D4: Falling But Not Failing



Authors Note:  The adult Damien is now available for download, see the 'Background Info' page for the link.