Chapter Four:
A bundle on the shore of a strange island twitched as a wave crashed over its body, rolling over and spouting a small stream of salt water. The thing was clad in a rough bodice and some tattered slacks, barely what Sarah had been wearing when she had been swept over the side of the boat.
She groaned and tried to sit up, complaining wordlessly as another wave swelled up against her and knocked her back onto the beach. She lay there, defeated, and allowed the waves to completely saturate her. Her blue eyes closed as another, more adventurous gush splashed over her face.
Then there were two incredibly strong arms around her, pulling her away from the water. She moaned and squirmed, wondering what it was, but not conscious enough to open her eyes and look for herself.
She was sitting up now and something was pounding on her back, a gentle voice whispering comforting words into her ear. She coughed, spitting a small stream of salt water onto the beach. "Ah-rg." Her body gave out and she fell back again, the strong arms catching her and letting her rest on something soft and warm.
"Sarah?"
The word broke through her weary haze, her eyes opening fully at last. "Mm . . .?" She sought out the source of the voice, her eyes meeting a concerned face above her. But . . .
"Sarah, it's Erik. Wake up."
She blinked, reaching up to touch the face. "But . . . where's your mask?"
He looked away. "I lost it, when I jumped into the water to try and save you it was knocked off."
She sat up, shaking her head to try and clear it. "I've never seen you without your mask. Eri', look at me." She put a hand on his shoulder, trying to see what he looked like without the mask.
He turned, his face sad and serious.
"Oh." She blinked once, putting a hand over the exposed flesh. "Well, that's unexpected, but it's nothing to hide. Why do you hide your face?"
The blue eyes blinked at her. "You-- don't think it's . . .?" he trailed off and looked away again.
"Think it's what? I always thought you were beautiful, mask or not. What does it matter, I've seen far worse. You don't sail the sea your entire life without coming across some grotesque characters." She smiled at him, the haze having finally lifted from her mind. "Besides, it's the person that matters, not the face. Remember that."
He smiled gratefully at her, standing and helping her to her feet. "Come, we have to find water. Put this on, it'll cover you better."
She took the cape he offered, wrapping it around her shoulders firmly. "Thank you."
He nodded and took her arm, leading her into the woods.