Down to Earth

Chapter One - Beginnings

On a frosty and frigid morning in March, before the golden sun had yet risen, nineteen year old Kristian Lindholm left his house with haste. The boy was setting out to go ice fishing. The lake his father always took him to was around 20 miles from their home in the tiny and frigid village of Lisma in Inari, Finland. Kristian had followed in his father's footsteps in this fishing trip since he was a child, but now things were different. For the first year in his life, he'd have to go alone. He hated to leave his dear mother at home on her own, but part of him knew that their neighbor would likely visit her while he was gone. The trip would be one week long, and he'd catch as many fish as he could before he had to return home. On the long trip there, which Kristian took on his horse, he'd stopped to buy a new fishing net as his current one had gotten worn out. He thought it strange that the fishing shop only had one net left in stock, a very large one at that. After getting his supplies, Kristian continued on his way.

The wind had picked up and snow could be seen beginning to fall, the temperature standing at -12°C (10°F), and Kristian was silently grateful that he'd brought along his thick fur coat. His horse's mane had frozen together, the black-coated mare's gentle breath visible in the freezing air, along with Kristian's own warm breath. After several hours, the pair arrived at the frozen lake. Kristian tied his horse to a post near the dock, setting up his camp close by. He'd known how to pitch a tent since he was three, which was a skill he'd come to cherish now. His father taught him everything he knew. Kristian felt a sudden emptiness as he scanned his deep hazel eyes across the thick and snow-covered ice. He'd been here countless times, but never had it felt so desolate and silent. Usually he'd hear his father's hearty laughter echoing through the surrounding forest, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. But this time Kristian could only seem to notice things no longer there. He shook his head to clear his thoughts, trying to remain positive as he forced a smile across his lips. The boy glanced back at his relaxing horse, reaching into his coat pocket and clicking his tongue. "Elmira!" He called, the mare lifting her head and perking her ears. Kristian smiled and tossed her a carrot, and as he watched her catch and eat it he felt thankful for the company. Not wanting to waste any time, as it was already around noon, Kristian brought his fishing gear out and set up on the ice, a few feet from the bank. He drilled a wide hole in the solid ice with his auger, the same one he'd used every year leading up to this. He smiled as he ran his fingers along the scratches and marks, now worn smooth due to using it so much. Kristian's heart swelled with anticipation as the hole became bigger and wider, as well as digging deeper into the ice. Finally, he hit the dark and freezing water below. "One foot deep..." He mumbled to himself, used to saying it to someone else. He took his ice chisel and carved the hole until he felt it was wide enough, then unfolded his small chair and set his line. Kristian gave a deep sigh as he closed his eyes for a few minutes. After relaxing for a bit, he now kept his eyes on the fishing line. "We'll be here a while." He said softly in amusement with a smile.