"I SWEAR IF ANY OF YOU SO MUCH AS LOOK AT HER FOR TO LONG I WILL LOB YOUR SODDING HEADS OFF!" was the loud and booming exclamation of Hannah as soon as they boarded the ship to Bloodstone. Sparrow almost chuckled. Thank Avo, Hannah was here for this occasion otherwise she didn't know what she would do. The carriage ride all the way to Westcliff was very…interesting….and by interesting she meant a disaster! She would have covered more ground if the two had walked the distance. Since every bandit that caught a view of her through the carriages tiny window would ambush the thing with even more proclamations of love and devotion. The carriage driver even stopped anytime he spotted a pretty flower to pick it and give it to her. Never had she heard so many cuss words fly out of Hannah's mouth then on that day. She could tell her vow of peace was starting to get to her.
Sparrow on the other hand's heart was heavy with guilt. These poor people truly believed they were in love with her and even a simple turn of her head would break their hearts. She sighed. She was considering going back to the monastery with Hannah when they finally had this straightened out. If she didn't want to date before she defiantly didn't want to now. She wondered why such a potion was even created. Why would you want love or affection from someone when you knew it was a lie? She knew she wasn't exactly a spring chicken anymore and she was awkward as hell to talk to but she wanted someone who knew those flaws but wanted her anyway. Not that she would ever want to dump all her emotional baggage on anyone. Maybe that was why she chose to be silent more often then not.
"Ugh, Sparrow I promise the next time I visit I will stop at the gift shop and buy you a five gold piece box of chocolate if I feel you need a present!" Hannah said to her as she pulled Sparrow away from her admirers and into a room that was meant for the ships crew but she didn't care. If she heard another half witted sod proclaim their love for Sparrow without ever meeting her before she was going to take her vow of peace and throw it out the window. Only in Albion could you find a potion that actually had the power to make men swoon over you. She spotted the broken dresser in the corner of the almost closet sized room and pushed it against the door. So if any of them wanted to break the door down bad enough they would have an obstacle to go through. Sparrow sighed and pushed her blonde bangs out of her face. She had to look a mess since they hadn't stopped moving for twenty four hours before now. Yet that didn't seem to dull the potions effects. She honestly didn't know what to do anymore. This was becoming not only annoying but burdening. She didn't want to hurt anyone. She let herself laugh at Hannah's last words.
"Do not blame yourself Hannah. Neither of us would ever imagine that the potion had any real power to it. And if you are going to get me chocolate spring for the twenty gold box. The five gold one has gravels in it." Sparrow said making Hannah let out her own exasperated laugh.
"I will keep that in mind. Or maybe bring you a bat or club of some kind." Hannah said making light of the situation. A thought crossed her mind and she laughed even louder. Sparrow was exhausted and she wondered several times throughout her life where Hannah got the energy she had.
"Looks like were on another adventure Sparrow. Just like all the hollow men in the caves, and the bandit hideout in Westcliff. I think it's just destiny. We are meant to travel on quests together." Hannah smiled looking at her best friend. Hell even with her hair slightly messed up hair and tired bags under her eyes Sparrow was beautiful. She found herself often jealous of Sparrow's beauty in the past. Let's be honest, Hannah didn't look like most girls. She was insanely tall and had bulging muscles that rivaled that of any man. It seemed only natural to be envious of Sparrow's petite physique and golden hair. Baby pink lips, ivory skin and the most inviting hazel green eyes you would ever seen. Even they had shreds of gold in them. But Sparrow was never arrogant or boastful. If anything she probably thought little of her appearance just like she thought little of herself in general.
"I think I would rather face the bandits and hollow men." Sparrow stated and they chuckled again. Hannah looked around the room and there was only one cot on the floor surrounded by mostly trash and empty beer bottles. She scoffed. Obviously a sailor resided in this room. Stained grimy walls, trash everywhere and there wasn't even a blanket for the cot just a pillow. What time was it? It had to be getting late in the afternoon. They would be arriving in Bloodstone in a matter of hours and she decided the best course of action at this point was to get some much needed shut eye. Hannah propped herself against the dresser to give it some extra reinforcement, just incase and let her head drop to her chest.
"Let's try and get some sleep Sparrow. Who knows what horrors Bloodstone will bring us." Hannah said softly and gestured toward the cot next to her. "You can sleep their I don't mind." Hannah said figuring it would be more comfortable then the ship's floor. Sparrow eyed the cot and her stomach churned. Who knew what kind of nasty things happened their. She very much did not want to know.
"I think I will go without." Sparrow said politely and propped her back against the wall. She took off her long highwayman jacket to use as a blanket and like Hannah let her head droop down to her chest. Knowing when she'd awake her neck would be killing her. No matter. A little neck ache was the least of her concerns. So the two heroes sat across from one another and attempted sleep even through the banging on the door and woeful pleas for entrance.
Hours later the ships mournful horn stirred them from their sleep. Signaling that they had arrived in the city of sin. Sparrow groaned. Begging whatever gods that would listen to her that she could just get a few more moments of peace and sleep before having to enter the city of bloodshed and debauchery. No such prayer was answered when she felt Hannah's strong hand grip her shoulder and give her a good shake.
"Come on mate. Were here." Hannah said bitterly. She swore that if the alchemist wasn't in her shop she would search the whole damn city until she found her. Sparrow sighed and whispered "Five more minutes mum." with a small smile on her lips. Hannah sighed and grimaced.
"Wish I could mate. Now come on we better get out of here before the sods set sail again."
Sparrow stretched then got to her feet. Making sure her sword and pistols were still in place. The people of Bloodstone was not accustomed to the word "no" nor did they abide by it so in this case she very well may need to react violently. Then a thought came to her. It was a long shot…but maybe it would help. She frantically dug through her shoulder bag making Hannah raise an eyebrow in confusion. When she pulled out a hooded red cloak she made the connection that Sparrow had made.
"Think it will work?" Hannah asked as Sparrow threw the cloak over herself. Promptly throwing the hood over her head so that most of it even covered her eyes.
"I don't know, but it's worth a shot. If they can't see me properly maybe the spell won't work." Sparrow said hopefully. She took a deep breath and headed out the door. Letting Hannah lead her into Bloodstone and assuming if she kept her head down and face covered she might be able to sneak around without to much notice. Hannah grabbed her by the hand and lead her through the streets. All she could see from her point of view was her boots and the cobblestone beneath her feet. Occasionally she would see other pairs of feet but Hannah's speed was much to quick to decipher any of them. So far the plan seemed to be working. There were no shouts of love or anyone pushing to see her. Just the usual drunken banter and half hearted insults to the visitors. Even the cat calls from the random whores on the street corners were music to her ears. Though Hannah immediately shouted "Shove off." as soon as they did. Sparrow was happy so long as they didn't claim to be madly in love with her. When Hannah led her to a small fleet of wooden steps she knew they had made it to the alchemy shop. With moment of pause Sparrow fiddled with her hood to insure it was still securely hiding her face. She chanced a glance behind her as Hannah pounded on the door with all her might. Bloodstone still looked the same. Still falling apart houses mixed in with posh looking ones. Same beautiful ocean and wooden piers. If this city would clean up a little bit it had a lot of potential to be a nice city to live in. But without any guard or laws to speak of it was going to be a task to make it so.
"Were closed!" came a raspy feminine voice from inside the shop and Hannah grunted.
"You don't understand miss this is an emergency! Please open up!" Hannah pleaded. Considering breaking down the door incase the slag decided not to obey. After what seemed like forever the alchemy door opened slightly .A chain lock keeping the door from opening completely. The crack in the door revealed a thin and mousy haired lady with harsh grey eyes. Random splashes of different colored potions decorating the pauper dress she was wearing. She did not look like she was in the mood for guests which Sparrow could understand. It had to be almost midnight now. Sparrow could tell by her stance that the woman was holding a gun of some kind out of sight and behind the door. Instinctively Sparrow reached for her own pistol that was strapped to her hip. Not that she could shoot her even if she wanted to. This random stranger was the only one in Albion that could help her in her condition.
"What you want?" she said venomously and Hannah tried her best to sound as polite as possible. Theresa had told her on several occasions that she lacked in tact and delicacy.
"Listen miss, my friend here is in a lot of trouble. I spoke with the alchemist in Bowerstone and he confirmed that she has accidentally taken an original Love Potion 9.042. We thought it was a fake so she drank over half of it. Now every man in Albion that looks at her is under the potions spell. He told me that there was an antidote that can be made and I beg you to make one for us. Money isn't an issue just please help us." Hannah pleaded and the woman inside stared at her then to Sparrow. Noting the thick cloak she kept over her. After a few minutes she closed the door and reopened it all the way. Motioning for them to quickly come inside. She lead the heroes to the back room where there was a table and some chairs for them to sit in. Shelves upon shelves of ingredients covering every inch of the rooms walls. Finally feeling safe Sparrow removed her hood and let out a needed breath. It was starting to get really stuffy under there. The female alchemist sat in a chair in front of them. The amused look on her face made it obvious she thought she was being conned.
"My name is Azmarie. I have been studying alchemy my entire life and nothing has ever led me to believe that their was ever any love potions that do what you claim they do." she said flatly and now Hannah noticed that Azmarie had a holster strapped around her stomach with a shiny turret pistol inside. That wasn't good. "It's a myth. A fable. Tall tales told by hopeless romantics and scorned lovers to be some kind of hope for the future. Whoever told you this was obviously leading you on a wild goose chase."
"I assure you madam it is very much real." Hannah said impatiently. Not caring for Azmarie's smug expression. Like they would make this up! "My friend here was practically attacked in the middle of Bowerstone by every man in sight. Husbands and elderly men alike. There is no other explanation."
Azmarie looked Sparrow up and down briefly and shrugged.
"She is a very attractive young woman. Perhaps the men in your neighborhood are just growing more eager and impatient." Hannah was about to bite Azmarie's head off for her continued stubbornness but Sparrow held her hand up to signal for her to stop.
"You have to believe me Miss Azmarie. I know it's a farfetched explanation and I wouldn't believe it myself if men everywhere I went didn't swear their love for me. They try to give me gifts, money, they swear to leave their wives…please. Is there anything you can do?" Sparrow asked and Azmarie saw the desperation in her eyes and heard the sorrow in her voice. Maybe they weren't pulling her leg.
"PHILLIP!" Azmarie shrieked loud enough the poorly built walls shook and it startled both of the heroes. Soon her young apprentice came into the room. A vial and empty tube in his hands.
"You summoned me Az-" the brown eyed and haired young man asked and then Phillp caught a glimpse of Sparrow and he tossed the empty glasses in the floor and they shattered. He threw himself on his knees in front of Sparrow and grabbed her hands.
"Oh beautiful maiden. You have to be the most gorgeous creature I have ever seen. I beg you to tell me what I need to do to make you mine. Anything. It's yours my love!" Phillip testified. Making Azmarie's jaw drop and Hannah's fury grow.
"YOU SEE! Tell me this isn't the work of magic! This boy has never even seen Sparrow before." Hannah exclaimed and banged her fist on the table. Azmarie sighed and got up from the table. Grabbing Phillip by his ear and dragging him out of the room while scolding him. When she returned she sat back down at the table after she found a particular book she was looking for.
"I'm starting to see your point." Azmarie muttered and turned through the pages in her book looking for the page she needed. Sparrow felt her face flush and the guilty feeling sure wasn't going to go away anytime soon.
"Was that really necessary? Why couldn't you just take us for our word? Now that poor boy is going to be heartbroken for nothing." Sparrow sighed and looked at the floor.
"It's okay he has his boyfriend to console him." Azmarie said flatly then got up to gather some ingredients. Sparrow was now blood red and Hannah tried her best not to chuckle. That is some hell of a potion if it can change a man's sexuality. Poor Sparrow was probably in a lot more trouble then either of them realized.
"Now do you have the potion in question with you?" Azmarie asked after consoling her books to refresh her knowledge on the matter. Sparrow nodded and pulled out the little yet potent jar and handed it to Azmarie. She got up to grab an empty glass from the cupboard and poured a little of the potion into the glass. Sparrow and Hannah watched her intently. Sparrow half hoping she could just run to the back and grab the "magical legend love potion" antidote from her cupboard of tricks. Though if her luck ran like it normally did then it would be no where near that simple. Azmarie held it to the candle light then lightly tapped the glass. Before all of their eyes the clear water looking liquid started to sparkle a bright red for a few seconds before returning to normal. Azmarie gasped and started laughing hysterically.
"Well I'll be damned you actually did find one of the true love potions. That's incredible! Do you have any idea how many people have searched for these over the centuries?!"
"Lucky me." Sparrow groaned. Azmarie looked back at the jar and raised an eyebrow.
"Good lord girl why did you drink so much of this?! No wonder it has a such a strong effect on the men around you."
"It tasted good!" Sparrow defended again. Letting out a frustrated sigh. Never again. After all this was over she was going to buy a dozen cats and live by herself forever. Now all she needed to do is learn how to sew.
"Well I have bad news for you strangers. The effects of the potion will only intensify as days go by. Good news is only weak men will be effected in this way, the strong may only become obsessive and demanding. The love potion will eventually fade but considering how much you drank it could be months before that happens." Azmarie said in a very matter of fact tone.
"Isn't there a antidote?" Hannah sighed. Starting to feel hopeless. She really did feel responsible for this madness that Sparrow now had to go through. She wanted her to open up and be more comfortable with the idea of dating but she didn't want men throwing themselves at her like puppies.
"There is, but it won't be easy. To gather all the ingredients I need and the time it takes to be made and settle it will be…two weeks. That should be enough time." Azmarie said simply and Sparrow almost crawled into a little ball on the floor then and there. Two weeks? That would be agonizing. She thought at worst a couple of days but two weeks?
"Seriously? No way, that is not acceptable! We need it sooner then two weeks! The girl can't go anywhere!" Hannah screeched. Azmarie chuckled and gathered a small bowl and some unknown ingredients and poured them in the bowl.
"It's not negotiable. I'm sorry but the two weeks alone is me working at full capacity and putting all other tasks aside. Unless you want to try your hand at making the antidote and decrypting an ancient formula." Azmarie said and effectively silenced Hannah who gave Sparrow an apologetic nod. Sparrow was trying to figure out what she could do in those two weeks. Maybe have Hannah do some shopping for her and just lock herself in her house. She let a half smile show on her face despite the situation. Sad to say that scenario wasn't to much different then her usual everyday life.
"Forgive my friend Azmarie, she just has a lot of concern for me. You will be paid whatever amount you desire for this I assure you. And I apologize for my rudeness. My name is Sparrow and this is Hannah."
"I know who you are hero." Azmarie smiled and the mixture she made was finally ready. "I don't think there is a being in Albion that does not. Now I need you to please place your hand in this bowl for me. It's for the antidote, I need to get your essence to add to it."
Her essence? That sounded peculiar. She didn't care to much for the idea of putting her hand in the unknown concoction either. Especially when she spotted a few jars on the shelves labeled "Rat brain" and "Troll urine." Still if it moved things along then she decided to do what Azmarie advised without question. When she dunked her hand in she was surprised that it was warm instead of freezing cold like she had braced for. She spotted a few tiny green leaves floating in the mixture which was also odd. Azmarie gingerly grabbed Sparrow's free hand and started whispering foreign words out loud. Hannah rocked back and forth in her chair nervously. Not liking that they had to put their trust in a shady alchemist from Bloodstone. Luckily whatever Azmarie was doing was over in a matter of minutes and she handed Sparrow an already dirty hand towel to dry off her hand.
"That's all I need for now miss hero." Azmarie said pouring the mixture in a empty vial. She looked back at Sparrow. "Feel free to check the shop as often as you want but as I said the antidote will not be complete until two weeks from now. My advice is to try and stay away from massive crowds and when you came here you were wearing a cloak to obscure your face. That should prevent the potions effects but any male that get's so much as a glance at your face will be under the spell. I can't even guarantee that it will remain effective as the days go on but try it as long as you can. If you must go out I would be escorted by your friend because the crowds will grow more and more violent as time goes on."
"Thank you for all your help Azmarie." Sparrow said politely and stood bowing her head. Hannah was happy to get out of there. A jar that had a pair of hobbe eyes in it seemed to be following her with any move she made. It was starting to give her the creeps. Sparrow followed close behind but was stopped by the alchemists voice again.
"Warning great hero. The love potion doesn't only effect those around the user but the user as well. Don't be surprised if you find yourself enjoying the new found affection of your admirers. Nor if you find yourself falling just as madly in love with them as they are to you." Azmarie warned with a smile on her face. The very notion made Sparrow scowl and bite her lip.
"That is not love." Sparrow answered simply. Azmarie giggled and moved to close the door behind Sparrow. "Whatever you say." she stated and with a firm clank sound the door was shut. Sparrow sighed and threw her hood over her head and followed Hannah outside.
"Two weeks! Bloody hell Sparrow I'm so sorry. Now what are we going to do?" Hannah whined and Sparrow shrugged.
"We will just have to make due. You heard her no matter what we have to wait for two weeks before we have a cure."
"Well with it being so late, we'll have to find a place to stay here until morning." Hannah said bitterly. Yippee. She really should have expected this. She handed Hannah a small bag of gold to take to the pub to pay for a room for the both of them and waited patiently for her to return. Keeping her head down and trying her best not to let herself be revealed. Real good one you got yourself into now Sparrow. She thought to herself. Your life doesn't seem so mundane now does it? What's worse is the one man you wanted to impress you didn't even see. You can't see him now. Sparrow let out a soft sigh. She was starting to feel like a leper or something. Unfit for normal society.
Some drunken slob stumbled out of the pub and bumped into her. Spilling his pint of ale all over the front of her corset. Great. That's really what she needed to top off her night.
"Watch it!" she grunted and before she realized it the drunk looked back at her, prepared to throw out an insult and to her mistake she met his eye. The man's expression automatically softened and Sparrow wanted to scream. No. Not again. Not here. He lunged forward and wrapped his arms around her torso.
"I'm so sorry my love! Please forgive 'ol Reggie he will never 'urt cha again." he shouted and Sparrow struggled to get away from his grip. She pushed him away and straightened up. When she heard several gasps of awe her stomach dropped. She reached behind her head and…of course. Her hood had fallen in the struggle leaving her in full sight of every man in the town. She gulped. Most of these thugs had weapons on them and as mentioned no was not a acceptable word. When men from every direction started encircling her she cried out
"HANNAH!" she shouted as loud as she could but she knew it was stifled by the several other shouts of admiration. What should she do? She could easily knock out all the drunken fools but this wasn't their fault. Half the people of Bloodstone hated her anyway do to her "goody goody nature". If wasn't for this damn potion! Now she had to break her integrity because of this. She sighed and knew rational actions wouldn't work with these people. She had to fight…
No sooner had she gripped the handle of her pistol in attempt to scare them off she heard and felt a bullet whisp past her. Hitting the admirer closest to her directly between the eyes. When he slumped over dead she turned around to try and spot the direction at which it had come from. Her jaw dropped when she found the source. Sauntering happily closer to her was…Reaver? Had he returned from Samarkand? Even better why had she not been informed of this when he had! No it couldn't be…yet the closer and closer he got there was no denying it was him. He looked exactly the same as he had that day in the spire. Same dark hair styled meticulously to one side. Same sea blue eyes and youthful face. He was dressed in deep reds and gold and most importantly his infamous dragonstomper was held firmly in his head. Avo knew how incredibly dangerous that man was with any type of firearm in hand. He was followed closely by a handful of his pirate crew and when he got close enough to her he snapped his fingers and one of his followers dropped to his hands and knees in front of him. Reaver used the poor guy as a stepping stool and stood eloquently on top of him. Sparrow heard then man grunt in pain once Reaver had put his whole weight on him.
"Dear people of Bloodstone I have a very important announcement to make." Reaver stated and demanded the full attention of those on the streets. Some of the men were moving their eyes to Sparrow then to Reaver like they were trying to decide who they wanted to pay more attention to. Reaver turned his head to her and gave her a quick wink before continuing. Sparrow rolled her eyes. Yup. That was Reaver alright. From this distance she noticed he was now clean shaven compared to before. It actually made him look even younger.
"As your beloved leader I have a few demands that will be in full effect from this moment on. Any man that touches, speaks to, or so much as stare at this woman (he gestured to Sparrow) for longer then one second will be faced with very, very dire consequences. So kindly spread the word for me because I oh so hate repeating myself. That is all. Now off you go. Shoo." Reaver said in a very upbeat tone as if he hadn't just threatened the entire populous of Bloodstone. What surprised Sparrow the most was…they were actually backing away from her now. Could one man really cause so much fear that even magic didn't drive them against him? Reaver stepped down from the man who let out another pained grunt before laying on the ground to recuperate. Truth was, Sparrow was really grateful. Sure he had killed a man but it saved her from injuring them all and now there was promise of not being bothered again.
"Thank you so much Reaver. I think I can honestly say I am happy to see you." Sparrow laughed and when Reaver was right in front of her, her heart skipped a beat. That gleam in Reaver's eyes said it all. She had seen lust in Reaver's eyes in the past for her but this was completely different. Reaver was a man…no…surely the potion wouldn't effect him too? He was a hero. Weren't they immune to this kind of stuff?
"Why thank you love, I am very pleased to see you as well." Reaver said in a husky voice and reached out to affectionately stroke her cheek. Uh oh… "In fact I don't think I have been so happy to see a single person in a very long time." he finished and Sparrow shivered. No. No this can not be happening. Common villagers were one thing but Reaver was a dangerous and powerful man. She couldn't simply run away from him. Reaver had a knack for getting exactly whatever Reaver wanted. After she didn't respond to him, his hand moved to push the bangs away from her face and he smiled.
"My god you are gorgeous. You haven't aged a day. Anyone ever tell you, you are the mirror of perfection my love?" Reaver continued and leaned in to steal a kiss but Sparrow jumped back to avoid it. Ok. She just had to think fast. Reaver was an intelligent man who was not used to feeling anything for anyone. If she simply explained the situation to him he would understand. Well she had to hope.
"Reaver I need you to listen to me okay? I know what you think you are feeling for me but it's not real ok?" Sparrow tried to explain but noticed Reaver's eyes were fixated on her chest then traveled down to her legs then back up again. Damn shorts!
"Reaver please listen to me." Sparrow pleaded. Reaver smiled and took her hand into his.
"I'm listening darling just enjoying the view."
Sparrow rolled her eyes and continued.
"Okay. What you are feeling for me isn't real. The only reason you feel for me is because of this love potion I accidentally drank. If effects any man that lays eyes on me. So, I appreciate your help with getting the crowd away from me but whatever you feel for me is because of the potion. Not of your own accord." Sparrow explained an Reaver's low chuckle was not reassuring.
"Oh dearest you must be so tired from your travels that you are delirious! Love potions don't work that way, beautiful girl. They are just profit for inebriated traders that pander to the foolish. I have had several lovers in the past attempt to ensnare me in this way. I assure you this isn't the case." Reaver said almost like he was talking to a little girl which did not improve her mood in the least bit. She had to get through to him somehow! She sure wanted to avoid getting in a fight with him.
"No Reaver you don't understand I actual-" she started to explain further and in a blink Reaver had redrawn his dragonstomper and shot another man that was lingering to close to them for Reaver's liking. Sparrow gasped. What was that for?
"What did I say about staring!" Reaver shouted and any nearby man ran as far as they could away from the two. "There's good lads." Reaver laughed then turned his attention back to Sparrow. "I'm sorry pet, what were you saying?"
It was clear to her now he couldn't be reasoned with. He must have been effected by the love potions spell the same as everyone else. Now what?
"Reaver why did you shoot that man that was excessive!" Sparrow said furiously. No matter her efforts people were still getting hurt because of this stupid mistake! Reaver frowned when he saw that Sparrow was upset.
"I'm sorry daring, I gave them fair warning. You are mine and those who don't realize it need to be punished. That's just the way it is."
"So your claiming me now?" Sparrow continued outraged at his boldness and Reaver calmly took her hand back in his.
"Now, now I know you need some convincing considering our last unfortunate encounter but I will have your forgiveness and love if it's the last thing I do." Reaver smiled and then rest his head on top of hers. Sparrow was surprised how good he smelled. She always expected Reaver to smell like blood and booze but instead her nose was filled with the smell of cloves and gunpowder. Not a horrible combination. She flashed her eyes back up at him and sighed. Yes. Reaver was a very good looking man but he was also a very bad man that had screwed her over twice. Even if for some reason the love potion kept him honest she would never trust him again! Very good looking man….
"Reaver, this isn't you…you don't feel love for people right? Come to your senses and believe what I am telling you!" Sparrow said backing away from him again. Reaver sighed and then smiled.
"I guess it just took an amazing woman to bring it out in me. I admit I never thought I would…" Reaver started then shook his head like he was snapping himself out of a trance. "As I stated dearest I will prove to you my intentions are pure and my own in time. Now come, I'd rather continue this conversation in the comfort of my home. I'm certain you will find it much more suitable as well. I think I may also have some clothes that will fit you until I can send my servants out in the morning to buy you a new wardrobe." Reaver said when he noticed Sparrow's corset was still wet from the drunken man's spilled ale. He offered his arm to her with a smile.
"That is unnecessary Reaver. Hannah is getting us a room at the pub as we speak and you defiantly do not need to buy me anything!" Sparrow insisted and she watched Reaver look at the pub with a nostril flared.
"I am not leaving you to the wolves while I am away darling so I am afraid I must insist. Besides I am certain the simpletons who run the place never wash the sheets on the beds. Despicable. Nothing but the best for my little Sparrow, now come." Reaver said taking her hand tenderly yet possessively and led her to his mansion. His pirates followed them close behind. Sparrow tried to pull her hand away but Reaver just strengthened his grip and hummed peacefully to himself. She glanced back at the pirates and all of them were bearing a numerous amount of weapons. Great. Just…great. Now he had the possessive love of the most deadly man in Albion and her past sworn enemy and it didn't look like he was going to be willing to let her go anytime soon. Hannah couldn't do anything with her vow of peace and Sparrow wasn't even sure if she could do anything despite. She had no doubt that Reaver would put a bullet through Hannah's skull just as easily as he had the other men tonight.
Speaking of Hannah she had finally made her way out of the pub. A glass of water in one hand and a glass of wine for Sparrow in the other. Figuring her friend could use something to calm her nerves.
"Sorry it took me so long Sparrow, I had to talk down the barkeep to a reasonable price and it was hard to hear him with all the shouting in the bloody place." Hannah said to what she now saw to be…nothing. That's where Sparrow was when she left…did something bad happen to her? "Sparrow!" she repeated. Her eyes frantically searched for her. Then she saw her being led up the hill by a man. That's not good! That can't be good! Wait…she narrowed her eyes and her heart pounded in her chest. Was that Reaver?! He's back! Hannah dropped the glasses and chased after them as fast as she could. Repeatedly saying "Oh no, oh no, oh no!" to herself. She knew she shouldn't have left her alone! Now that deviant of all people had her! Now she had to plan some kind of heroic rescue from the king of thieves. I'm getting to old for this Hannah thought as she raced up the hill. Thinking she really should have brought her old battle hammer with her to Albion.
A/N: Okay, I hope all of you that are reading this are enjoying. I want to thank Enchantment101 for the nice review! I really appreciate it. Thanks again everyone and feel free to give me a review to let me know what you think.