Written for the “Bitter” challenge at Tolkien_weekly

***********************************************************

A sleek head popped above the gentle surf and blew out a spout of water. “Ugh! That tastes terrible!” Boromir scowled as he wiped a hand across his lips.

Imrahil struggled not to laugh. “Now you know why sailors must carry casks of water.”

“Look! I am a seal!” Faramir shrieked, flailing about in the shallows.

“You are getting better at it; keep practicing,” Imrahil called to him. The pair of seals bobbed up and down as the sunlight danced on the waves. His clothing and swordbelt were soon left on the sand as he waded out to join them.