Nathan awoke to the sound of rustling. She cursed under her breath as she caught herself from slipping. Her exhaustion nearly cost her her cover. He stood and drew his sickle, making her freeze. This was it. Something or someone had been following him for the past three days now. It was about time he settled it.

She felt her entire body go numb as she fought to get back onto the branch. Luckily she knew he'd never think to look up, only out. Which meant she'd be safe if she could stay quiet. Her eyes followed her as he passed underneath. His bandana that hid part of his auburn hair, his tall frame and powerful shoulders. She couldn't stop herself from trying to get a closer look.

The closer she caught the quicker her heart sped up. Questions raced through her mind. Who was he? What was he doing here? Where was he from? Finally she decided it was enough. No more hiding.

" I suggest you learn to look up." She called out. Nathan whirled around, ready to fight. Then he spotted her, standing calmly in the trees.

" Who are you?" He growled. She rose a brow. He watched her descend gracefully but still staying high enough so she was still out of he and his weapon's reach.

" I could ask you the same." She knelt and propped her hand in her palm. " What happened? How come you got separated from the others?"

He knew he felt someone watching him!

" You didn't answer my question." He demanded.
" I live here." She answered simply.
" Live here?"
She gave a nod. " Yes. I live here. Have been since I was six."

" Somehow I think that's a lie."
" I don't live alone. I have a small village in deeper in the forest. So what happened? Got stupid? Had too much to drink and tumbled off the ship?"
" No."

" Can't swim?"

She watched him freeze at her words.
" Ah, so that's it." She finally lowered herself onto the floor. Nathan studied her. Surprisingly she had fair skin, which he assumed would be tanner from the sun. Her eyes were bright and bold, a starburst of green and blue. She wore a simple white dress that looked as if it was a piece cloth she had wrapped around herself and tucked the corner in, leaving her shoulders bare and stopping at her mid thigh.

She stood slowly, tucking a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear. He knew she was studying him too. Debating whether or not he was trust worthy. Her eyes drifted down to his sickle. Once he came to the conclusion she was harmless, he put it away.

" I can show you the way back to your ship."
" I can find my way-"
" You'll get lost in these forests. It all looks the same and it's easier than people realize. Trust me, I speak from experience."

Nathan filtered through her words and decided she was telling the truth. So he stepped forward and allowed her to lead him back.

" Ailani." She answered shortly. " My name's Ailani, but most prefer Lia since it's easier to say."

Nathan nodded to show he was listening. She was an odd character. She walked barefoot, letting the sand shift through her toes. She also trusted him. Which was something he couldn't just quite seem to understand. At least she didn't talk the entire way. That was one thing he was grateful for.

After two hour's worth of walking the Sirius ship finally came into view. She finally came to a stop and looked at him.

" Here you are. Try not to get yourself killed next time."

Nathan ignored her comment and thanked her for the help. Lia bit the inside of her tongue as she watched him begin to walk away. She just couldn't stop the question from leaving her lips.

" You're here for the treasure aren't you?" When Nathan turned around she continued on, " I don't think it exists. I've been on this island since I was child. I still have yet to find it and have nearly died in the process."

"I'm not interested with your treasure. But I'll warn our captain."

Every day Lia kept an eye on them. Both for their safety and her own selfish reasons. She made sure they never crossed paths with her village and was ready to fight what ever creature that came her way. However that didn't mean she couldn't stop them from brushing against every path. Sadly for the blond, poison ivy had taken its affect. She couldn't help but feel bad. So she rushed back home and returned with a cream her mother had used when she herself had stumbled across it. So she waited until dark.

As Lia worked her way up the side of the ship she couldn't help but feel disappointed. In the morning they were to head out to sea. Then they'd dock into town and try to pry more information from anyone and everyone.

She peered over the rim. Once she knew the deck was clear she flung her back over. With a swift move she swung her leg up and over, successfully pulling herself on board. Once she was on her feet she hung her bag over her shoulder so the strap laid across her chest. Inside was the cream, a few other items she felt they would need as well as her own knife. Just in case she needed it.

With her feet being bare her steps were completely mute as she made her way down the stairs and below deck. Perhaps she was being stupid. She could have left everything near the wheel, where they would be able to see it. But the adventurer in her craved to know more.

She made her way down towards the rooms. Feeling the anxiety of being caught close in on her, she knew if she did leave she'd be overextending her stay. So she picked a door and laid the gifts out. Then she quickly made it back on deck.

Just as her leg was over the side of the ship a hand clamped on her mouth and a knife was at her throat. She had been caught.