A cold wind blew through the window of the town’s library, catching a few of the papers sat on Rhys’ desk. The glass rattled in its frame as the cold seeped into the building, lit by candlelight and well-needed fireplaces. Rhys adjusted his glasses with one hand, the other propping up his head as he read through a dense research paper on the archipelagos of Sumier. Creases had begun settling across his neckline, his head having been stuck in the position for the last two hours.
The authors, two brothers born and raised in Caleah, had spent their summer in the tropical region of the West Marthusian Ocean, documenting and categorising its flora and fauna. They waxed lyrically about its sapphire waters and golden sands, the descriptions invoking Rhys’ imagination just enough that he was managing to stay awake.
At least ten new species of plant had been discovered by the pair, including the Giant Redbark: a tree with a rust-coloured trunk and massive palm fronds. Peeling away its bark released a hideous odour, but one that attracted all manner of creature, including the newly discovered insect, the Giant Dropsera. Its large feeding tube would pierce the exposed tree trunk, allowing it to extract the bounty of sugars and minerals held within.
Rhys struggled through the next chapter, a boring meandering through the unique geology of the area, before perking up at the title of the next.
The Ancient Ruins of Sumier.
“Bingo,” Rhys commented, before being shushed by the on-duty librarian.
Today's prompt: neckline
This week's worldbuilding prompt: exploration
If you'd like to participate too, the contest/prompts can be found here:
@mariannewest/day-1622-5-minute-freewrite-thursday-prompt-neckline
