As Aashand walked slowly, listening to nothing but the crunch of his boots piercing the crust of ash, he peered out of his cowl and looked at his former home. It was burnt to the ground nothing standing but the remains of the great pine trees that use to stand there. He pulled his cowl down more to protect himself from the light snow that started to fall. Even with all the carnage it seemed oddly peaceful in the grove. He slowly wandered through the remains of his old barn over to where the great river Ir started its journey out of Lake Tongstein. He cupped his hand in the cool, clear water and took a drink. As the icy water rushed down his throat he remembered swimming in the chilly water. He looked back through the burnt clearing and had the sudden urge to swim once more.
Quickly taking of his thick leather traveling boots, then his woolen pants, next he gently took of his mottled grey and green cloak. After taking off his wool shirt he wrapped it in the cloak and hid it carefully. He slowly glided out away from the shore, taking in the feeling of the brisk water. Aashand marveled at how clear it was, not realizing how much he had forgotten. Going under the water to wet his head, he quickly came up and gasped for air. No matter how use to the water he got he never could keep his breath the first time he submerged. Under again he went this time he opened his eyes and looked around, the water was only about 15 feet deep and he could see clearly to the bottom. He scanned the bottom looking to see if any fish inhabited the icy water. As his eyes ranged from side to side he saw a glow from inside a crack in a rock formation. He came above the water, remembering the place he saw the warm light. Slowing his breath he prepared for his dive, for he had to know what the mysterious light was. After several deep breaths Aashand quickly went under and in a matter of seconds reached the bottom. Roaming the bottom he found the glow and could finally see what this strange item was. When he grabbed the rock a jet of fire released from it, temporarily blinding him. He knew the danger now, however Aashand’s curiosity was too great. He went back up, took multiple deep breaths and quickly sunk down to the bottom of the lake. Slowly reaching out he touched the rock once more. Waiting for the fiery jet to release again, he braced himself. He opened his eyes, for there were no flames. Quickly Aashand grabbed the rock and rocketed up to the surface. As he slowly swam to the shore he pondered what the rock was, and how it could do those mystical things. Once he got onshore he clothed himself once more, but this time left his cowl down to see better. He slowly turned the rock in his hands, as he examined it. He noticed that it was perfectly round and had no flaws on it. As he was feeling it, and wondering how the fire came out of it he heard a crunch. Cursing at his foolishness, Aashand pulled out his dagger, and prepared to defend himself.

this one feels pretty good. i have alot planned for it, i even have an outline for once in my writing lifetime haha. anyways tell me what you think. sorry for not having it paragraph'd yet was in a hurry when posted and wanted to get it up

i tried to hit edit for some reason it wouldnt let me add to it but ill make sure to keep that in mind. and ya felt i used "he" way to often. and it was to remember his childhood. Aash is a bit crazy. but thanks for the critique much obliged

For a solution to not using 'He' too much, you could say 'The man', but don't use 'The man' too much either, it makes it a little boring