Rising Waters - 2013 NaNo Novel

As the title says, it's a NaNo story, so I apologize in advance for the otherworldly number of mistakes. I'd very much like to know what everyone thinks of the plot (not so much spelling or grammar yet, it's going to make up 99% of my mistakes) Anyways, thanks for your time, hope you enjoy the story!

Chapter One

A young woman filtered into the crowd, listening to the sounds of people making their way down the street. A cart clattered down the street, echoing against the cobblestone path. The day was bright and sunny, not a cloud to be seen.

“Ah, Celena! G'morning, how are you? Ready for the storm tonight? It'll be a bugger.” A boisterous voice called, and the young woman turned to meet a smiling face.

“Good morning, Howard. I'm fine, and I doubt tonight's storm will cause any trouble.” She assured, returning the aging man's smile. He made a disapproving sound, furrowing his brows and shaking his head.

“Little lady, I worry for you. Tonight's storm is a level four, y'know; enough to topple some buildings,” He looked at her apprehensively, “and that's a mighty old house you've been staying in.” Celena gave a light laugh.

“I don't believe it will be so bad, and even it is, I've seen worse.” At her declaration a sly smile crept onto the man's face.

“Only place I've heard of with those sorts'a storms is Eros, lass. Been there?” Celena gave the man a reproachful look, catching his insinuation. There were many among the population with unusual connections to the elements. Some could hear the calls of the wind, or the whispers of the water. Those with stronger connections had the ability to manipulate a particular element. Most among Delmun were not so accepting of such people.

“Not that I can remember.” Eros was well known for its high concentration of connected people, as well as unstable weather. Celena knew the old man meant nothing harmful by his insistent prodding; he was intrigued by those who could listen to the elements. He was also right in his assumptions, but she had no intentions of making anyone privy to such information.

The crowd began to thicken, and it was time to go. The two bid one another a short farewell before continuing about their business. The town was chaotic in preparation for the coming rain, and everyone was racing to collect supplies for the next several days. Ignoring the mayhem Celena passed through the streets, following one street after another until she reached the bay. The water had begun to recede, she noted as she stepped toward it. Pulling her sandals off, she slipped into the cool ocean water. She went far enough to allow the water to reach her calf before stopping. Closing her eyes she breathed in the salty air.

In the distance, past the clear and sunny skies a large hurricane was brewing over the sea. Angry waters spun and crashed as the storm slowly grew, morphing from its usual calmness into a thing of destruction.

Celena could feel its anger, as though she herself seething with rage. It had no focus nor direction; it's only desire to exhaust its rage through racing winds and swelling waves. Reaching out Celena found the source of anger. A spirit, angry and hurt was at its center. Touching the spirit, Celena let a sense of calm overtake her and could feel the spirit's rage begin to subside. When it had dispersed the being acknowledged her, and thanked her, before fading into the waters. The storm remained, but it no longer held the energy of an angry spirit.

Content to let nature run its course Celena did nothing more, turning from the shoreline and starting toward the village. The day was nearly over and shortly people would retire to their homes to wait out the bad weather. With the spirit gone, the storm would disperse by midday tomorrow.

Stepping onto the main street, Celena headed home. As far as days go it had been uneventful, but for the spirit's appearance. Still, it was nothing uncommon. As of late there were many angry spirits, though the number was strange it was a simple matter to calm them. Today's had been the largest since moving to the town, an indication it had originated closer to Eros than the others.