Day Three
As promised the second the sun rose on the horizon Carrie quietly unlocked the door to Sparrows room and gently nudged her awake. She was fearful since the last time she had awoken Sparrow (albeit by accident) it had resulted to a gun pointed at her head. Luckily she had yet to cause Reaver to react to her in the same way. Then again were he ever to, it would probably end both her employment and life. Reaver wasn't big on giving warnings or second chances. Sparrow mumbled something that sounded like "five more minutes" and Carrie smiled and let her sleep while she gathered up a nice outfit for her to wear and laid it on the bed next to her. She placed the gorgeous necklace and earrings Reaver had bought her on top of the outfit as a hint. She had heard Reaver pout about how he hadn't seen her wear it since the day he gave it to her. It was kind of nice to hear him pout about something as trivial as that. Miss Sparrow really must have found a way to claw through that tough exterior Reaver had polished for years for him to be so attentive to her. She even found herself hoping the two would work out in the end. When Sparrow spent her first night at the manor Carrie sincerely thought Reaver would bed her then send her out the door like everyone else. Then when he asked her to buy all those nice gifts for her to surprise her in the morning she knew Sparrow was different. She liked the idea of tending mostly to her. It would be a lot less stressful and probably be less life threatening.
She would have let Sparrow sleep a little longer but she had already spent the last hour boiling water for her bath and it had probably cooled down by now. Nothing was worse then a cold bath but defiantly guaranteed to wake you up in the morning. Besides once Sparrow was situated she had to prepare a bath for Reaver so she had to be hasty. She lightly shook Sparrow again. "Sorry Lady Sparrow, I'm afraid you have to wake now. I got a nice hot bath ready for you and the chefs should have your breakfast ready before you get out. Don't worry I'm sure you will be nice and alert after you bathe and eat something." Carrie said kindly and Sparrow groaned. She could never wrap her head around a "morning person". She knew if she had the power she would probably breath fire in the morning just to find peace. None the less she forced herself out of her warm covers and stretched. These few days of peace must have made her a little lazy. Each passing day she wanted to sleep more and more. She even had a nice nap yesterday and it still wasn't enough. She looked over to Carrie's smiling face and gave her a weak smile back.
"Good morning Carrie. You don't happen to know where Reaver wants to escort me to do you?" Sparrow asked. She had been trying to think of it a handful of times last night but she was drawling a blank. The few things there was to do in Bloodstone didn't seem like Reaver's style and she knew she would not desire anything this city had to offer either way. Carrie shrugged her shoulders and sighed
"I'm sorry my lady I'm afraid I don't. Must be something important to him though. I don't think I have seen him awake this early since his return to Albion." Carrie explained. Sparrow gathered up her clothes that were laid out by Carrie and headed towards the bathroom. Telling her it was okay to do whatever other chores she had to do and she could go about the rest of her morning alone. Once Carrie had skipped out of her room she opened her dresser drawer and fished out one of her pairs of pants instead of the skirt Carrie had laid out for her. Though she had to admit the simple pink top did match her jewelry this time so she decided she'd wear it. Maybe she should have her pick out all her clothes while she was there. Avo knows she needed the help. After she hid all the skirts and dresses that is.
She was now a little more accustomed to the manor and found the bathroom quickly on her own. She laid her clothes to the side and found comfort in the warmth of her bath. She was going to have to try a new combination of soaps and shampoo this time since all the ones sitting by the bath tub were foreign to her. Once she became completely awake and alert again she remembered the dream that had visited her last night. It was disturbing. The first sexual dream to ever enter her subconscious and of course it had to be about Reaver. Had her body finally urged her to fulfill her unwanted desires that she had neglected all these years? Great. Now in this awful predicament she just had to become stimulated didn't she? It's not like she could fulfill it anytime soon. She had already swore to herself she would never have sex with Reaver under any conditions even with this love spell. When he became sober he would just hang it over her head more then likely and if she picked some random man it would be like taking advantage of them since she couldn't truly know if they were interested or not. Still…she had to admit the dream wasn't necessarily a bad one and she would take it over her usual nightmares any day. What bothered her the most was it had to mean that Reaver had gotten to her on one level or another. Now she had to go on another outing with him that more then likely was meant to entice her. Damnit Reaver when were these gestures going to end? Your just making things harder on both of us. The only true trait the pirate and the hero shared was their stubbornness. So asking him repeatedly to cease was just wasted breath.
After she was clean she forced herself out of the bath and changed in a hurry. Her stomach was growling it's demands to her and breakfast was her favorite meal of the day if not only to give her a tiny bit of motivation to get moving in the morning. She raced into her bedroom to put her boots on then headed to the kitchen. She felt refreshed and all but once she sat down and got comfortable that sleepy haze started to take over again. She even caught her head drooping down to her chest as she sat and patiently waited for her breakfast. It should be illegal to be awake at this ungodly hour. When her plate was set before her she saw through half open eyes there was some fluffy scrambled eggs and crisp bacon waiting to be eaten. She gobbled up the eggs and nibbled on the bacon but just enough to keep her tummy from growling. She pushed her plate forward and decided to lay her head on the table. Just for a few minutes. After about twenty Reaver happily strode into the kitchen. With far to much cheer for someone awake at sun rise.
"Well dearest are you ready for…" he started and then noticed she hadn't moved since he walked in. He held his arm out to stop his servant that was following him in his tracks so that his loud clunking feet wouldn't wake her. Reaver inched his way closer until he confirmed that the precious little thing was snoozing peacefully on the kitchen table. She couldn't have been more adorable if she tried and it cut him to his core. With a warm smile he gently picked her up and cradled her in his arms. She shifted for a second to get more comfortable then laid her head on his chest. He made his way towards the front door and his servant carefully followed close behind, carrying all of his gear. Knowing one false move and he accidentally woke up his masters mate or dropped something it would mean a bullet piercing his heart.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
When Sparrow awoke for the second time that day she gasped out loud once she got a sense of where she was. She was back in bed but not her bed. Instead it was a much larger bed and all of her surroundings was wooden. Of what kind she didn't know right off. When she listened carefully she heard the sound of waves crashing against the ship…wait ship!? Was she on a ship? She threw the covers off of her and walked towards the door. Before she even opened the door it confirmed she was on a ship considering it took a fair bit of effort for her to get her bearings. She never acquired her "sea legs" so to speak so she stumbled out of the door with little to no grace and had to hold onto one of the closest pillars to stop herself from falling flat on her face. When she looked around she was surrounded by the blue ocean and the scent of the salty air overwhelmed her senses. Their were only a handful of crew members she saw at first and all were to busy to even notice her. Looking around she couldn't recognize where she was and now she was a little un easy.
"There you are love." She heard Reaver's voice from behind her and when she turned around she had to look up to see him. He was standing at the helm of the ship and steering the vessel. She was a little surprised…looking up at him with the ships wheel in his hands and the ocean air sweeping through his dark hair he looked…well a good deal more attractive then he normally was. Like he was where he was supposed to be. The confidence in his smile and his fearless eyes actually seemed to fit instead of being the usual annoyance. She knew he was a pirate and she knew he was even considered the king of all pirates in Albion but for some reason she had never pictured him on a ship before. Maybe because she had never seen him on one before and she more or less pictured him with a gun in his hand or with a whore wrapped around him. This image was defiantly preferred and thank Avo the sun was constricting a proper view of her or else she would be caught gawking like a little girl getting a glimpse of their crush. She shut her gapping mouth and turned her eyes back to the sea. Trying to guess where they were headed before their arrival. Sudden flashes of her dream reentered her head without permission. His lips on hers and the feeling of her nails digging into the smooth skin of his back. She shook it off and bit her lip. Great, now that was back in her head.
Reaver ordered for one of his henchmen to take the wheel then walked down to greet Sparrow properly. He noticed for the first time that day that she was wearing the jewelry he had gotten her and took it as a small victory. He would have spoken right away but he found himself lost her eyes. With the glorious blue of the ocean around her they had changed to a paler blue to match. That beautiful golden lines mixed in enticing him. Hm. Now he'd have to deeply consider which color he preferred her eyes but the green currently was still his favorite and he would almost bet that, that was the color they were without any influence.
"Glad you decided to join me dearest. I was afraid your sleepy self was going to miss the splendor that is this morning. It truly is a fine day to be at sea." he said and his charming smile effected her very differently today. She smiled and said
"Yes it is…" her eyes gave him a quick once over, up and down and damnit if he didn't look gorgeous again today. Damn you Reaver. Damn you. "Where…um where are we going and more importantly why did you bring me on board without my consent?" Sparrow caught herself quickly since there was no way he missed that look and the wider smile on his face was proof enough for that.
"It is a surprise silly girl but to answer your question without giving it away we are going to Brightwood and I didn't want to disturb you. You are absolutely adorable when you are asleep. If you saw the content look on your face you would understand my turmoil." Reaver explained and Sparrow refused to look at him directly for a while. She almost felt embarrassed. Like Reaver somehow would know about the dream she had if they made eye contact or something.
"Brightwood huh? I haven't been there in awhile, but it's mostly just farmland, why are you taking me there?" Sparrow insisted.
"You will find out soon, love. We should be reaching our destination shortly. In the meantime lets just enjoy the view of the sea and the warm sun." Reaver smiled and walked to lead her to the edge of the ship where they could get the best view. Sparrow tried her best to follow him but lost her balance again. When Reaver turned his head he had to stop himself from chuckling in case she thought he was making fun of her. It wasn't uncommon for people to have a hard time adjusting to the way the ship softly shifted from one side to another. Especially for those who rarely took a step on a ship. He made his way back to her and said "It's alright dearest. You can hang on to me for support. I won't let you fall." Reaver smiled and without any other options and the fear of looking like a complete idiot she took a few steps and she wrapped her arm around his waist and he wrapped his around her shoulders and led her forward. She tried her best to step in time with him and it didn't take long before she found her balance again.
Being this close to Reaver she was reminded how much shorter she was to him. The top of her head barely reached his chin. Normally she was irritated with her height and how most men pretty much lorded over her but with her arm wrapped around him it didn't seem to bother her as much. They reached their destination and she immediately let go of him but Reaver kept her close. Dropping his arm from her shoulders to snuggly around her waist. Sparrow felt even more uncomfortable and damnit if those images from her dream didn't flash vividly in her mind. With her face burning red she decided to say something, anything to keep him distracted.
"I have to admit Reaver, this is one of the nicest ships I have ever been on. You must take good care of it." She voiced while looking around. The craftsmanship was exquisite and if she didn't know better she would guess that the ship was either freshly made or recently purchased. The smell of the wood seemed to linger and she kind of enjoyed it. Reaver scoffed and said
"Tut tut dearest, this is hardly my finest vessel. Merely a small carrier used for quick deliveries or fast escapes. Since time was of the essence for you today I decided it was the most appropriate." Reaver explained and a wave of anger hit him suddenly. He did not care for sharing Sparrow's time with someone else. Least of all the obnoxious so called monk. It didn't bother him so much a day or so ago but today it was burden gnawing away at him. He hid his sinister smile from Sparrow. He had already taken the necessary steps in being rid of that awful girl forever. Just had to be patient now.
"I can show you my favorite ship when we get back home if you would like. We can sail the seas together one day. There is so much I want to show you. There is a small island on the coast that I think you will find your preference. Believe it or not I am on friendly terms with the natives there so we can stay as long as you like. The palm tree's there provide the sweetest fruit I have ever tasted and the sun burns so hot you could almost pull out fully cooked lobsters from the very waters." Reaver smiled then grimaced when he looked back at Sparrow. She was fixated on the horizon and was subtly inching her way away from him. He let her go and placed both of his hands on the edge of the ship. She was so troubling sometimes. Could they not have a pleasant conversation without her fighting him?
"Why won't you look at me? Have I upset you?" his hurt tone broke whatever barriers Sparrow had put up. Slowly she turned her head back to him and she couldn't help but smile. Being on the sea it was confirmed that Reaver's eyes were the exact matching color of the ocean. Pirate or not Sparrow was positive that Reaver belonged on the sea in one way or another. Now that was she supposed to say? "Sorry Reaver I'm trying not to jump your bones right now?" That couldn't end well.
"I'm sorry. I had another dream last night so I'm just a little distracted." Sparrow said simply and left it at that. Which technically wasn't a lie. Reaver was a little relived and kissed the top of her head and brought her close to him again.
"I told you, you could wake me if that happened again dearest. Don't fret however, in days to come you will be to happy to let such horrors enter your mind again. I promise." Reaver smiled. Sparrow sighed. He was making this very difficult. Suddenly he let go of her and from what she could tell they had stopped. Looking up she raised an eyebrow. Since when was there a dock in Brightwood? Most of the land was unpopulated save the bit she owned. As if he read her mind Reaver said
"Convenient isn't it? I had this built a couple of months ago. There are a few caves near here that were told to hide riches and my men found it difficult to keep dragging them back and forth on the road. Bloody bandits. Anywhom, off we go dear." Reaver took her by the waist and led her off the ship and onto the small dock. He grabbed another shoulder bag before rejoining her. He told her to follow him and without another word, made his way into Brightwood. Sparrow remained behind for a few seconds before carefully following him. Her head turned back towards the ship, in wonder if any members of his crew were supposed to be following them or not. Looks like they were to busy to even notice the two had left and then she couldn't help but feel nervous. That meant that it was just going to be her and Reaver wherever they ended up. She felt reassured that she had the sense to grab one of her pistols before irresponsibly passing out on the kitchen table. She was usually a pretty light sleeper so how he was able to pick her up and carry her onto a ship without waking her up she had no clue. She must be letting herself get to comfortable around him.
He led her deeper and deeper into the wilderness. Stopping a few times to get a good look at his surroundings before continuing, which she assumed was to confirm they were going the right way. Their path together was unusually quiet considering her journey was accompanied by the narcissistic pirate lord. When they reached a hillside and Reaver continued forward she paused. Now they were going to climb uphill? It was a good thing she chose to wear her pants over her skirt and the only shoes she owned was boots or else this would be a very unpleasant and difficult route to follow. She couldn't hold her tongue and blindly follow him anymore.
"Reaver seriously where are we going?" She asked just to be answered by Reaver's deep chuckle. He tsked at her.
"Come now Sparrow, where is your sense of adventure?" Reaver asked as he walked up the hillside. Now she happened to notice that he also was wearing simple clothing that would be meant for hiking or various activities outside. Leather pants that clung to him in all the right places and a common white shirt and matching leather vest. She felt herself redden. It was funny how the more common he dressed the more attractive she found him. Surely it should be the other way around? She couldn't help it. She loved strong men that weren't afraid of getting dirty. As mentioned she rarely found a man that could be considered stronger then her physically and she long ago gave up the hopes of finding one. Lets be honest the only reason Reaver was dressed that way was because he didn't want to get his nice clothes dirty. Not exactly the robust man of her dreams.
"My sense of adventure? Your one to talk. The mighty king of thieves has resorted to allowing his henchmen to do all his dirty work for him? I am revoking your crown sir." Sparrow smirked and he chuckled again.
"True, true. I have gotten a little indolent over the years but I always handle all the difficult heists myself." Reaver smiled. "Especially when they are of interest. Like ancient stones hidden in crypts near decrepit cemetery mansions for example." Reaver said and turned his head to wink at her. Sparrow raised her eyebrow. She recalled hearing a similar rumor about a stone in the Bowerstone Cemeteries that concerned her. She even went so far to buy the mansion just to try and find some clues about the stones location. From the word on the streets, (legends really) their were a group of lost souls that were tied to the stone so she set out to free them. Sparrow looked through every crypt, every gravestone, every square inch of it but she saw no sign of the stone or even proof it ever existed. So she just chalked it all the up to rumors.
"Reaver did you find the Stone of Myr'Bregothil?" she asked after she remembered the name of the fabled stone.
"Hm? Sorry dear I have no idea what you are talking about." Reaver smirked. His voice mocking innocence. Which only made it more obvious that he had. Sparrow absentmindedly clenched her fists. The only way Reaver used to talk to her was in a mocking and condescending tone. It was one of the biggest reasons she couldn't stand the thief. Well…before. Now he was tolerable and pretty charming. Still that voice reminded her of the spell and to not get attached. After a few minutes of continuing to walk up the hill Sparrow scoffed.
"How much farther is this surprise Reaver? Also explain to me why all of your surprises have to involve a large amount of walking and being outside?"
"Just up ahead dearest and most people would find it romantic." Reaver chuckled and Sparrow just ended up getting even more frustrated. Even when she tried to annoy him he just laughed it off and was good natured about it. He was true to his word however and in just a few more footsteps they were on top of a large hill over seeing a valley beneath them. Reaver sat down after he laid a blanket down on the tall green grass. Without waiting to be summoned she sat down next to him. Eagerly wanting to give her feet some relief. She was used to walking greater distances of course but no matter how little she walked or how often she did it her feet would end up aching. Ugh. Reaver didn't say a word. He simply was staring down into the valley with a soft smile on his face. Sparrow followed his train of sight and for the first time noticed there was several men in the valley and it looked like they were constructing something. Some men were stomping down the ground and working on the foundation while others were putting up a nice wooden fence around the perimeter. Why would he drag her out this far just to show her this? The construction site was even right by the main road. She knew where they were now. A couple of miles ahead was Giles old farm. One that she bought once he and his son wanted to move to Bowerstone for a different life. A nice young couple was now tending to the prosperous farm since she wouldn't know how to properly take care of it.
"It's going to be an orphanage." Reaver spoke after a few more moments of silence. Sparrow looked over to him in disbelief. How could he know…did he buy the land just to have an orphanage built there? But why? It didn't make any sense. Reaver wouldn't do that.
"What?" was all Sparrow thought to say. Reaver smiled a little wider.
"They are building an orphanage here. There was few decent places to put one and considering the distance it would be accessible to all the major cities in Albion so that no child could go without a home. I have provided enough gold for them to keep going for a year, what with new clothes, food and basic medical supplies and after that donations from the temple of light and donations to the orphanage it's self should keep it running smoothly. My men have already confirmed the temple of lights cooperation." Reaver explained. His eyes remaining on the construction to make sure it was running smoothly. Sparrow was speechless. She never considered building an orphanage. The amount of gold needed was outrageous since you needed staff and all the other things he had mentioned. She didn't consider it possible yet he just threw all this together?
"…Why?" Sparrow couldn't help but ask. There was a catch. There had to be a catch. There was no other explanation. Reaver shrugged and looked over to her at last. She partially wished he hadn't because the light hidden in those sea colored orbs was gripping at her heart relentlessly.
"To be honest dearest after having heard of your unfortunate past I wondered why you didn't have a refuge of your own. Then I realized Albion had no such organization so I decided to build one. You expressed to me what fueled you the most was the attempt that no child grew up the way you were forced to. So I thought with my aid you may very well find it achievable."
Sparrows heart dropped into her stomach. She had mixed feelings about it but she was still flabbergasted that it was even possible. Then she realized there wasn't a catch but more or less this still stemmed from Reaver's selfish desire.
"So you built it to impress me and not for the actual good in it. Not because you care…not because it's who you really are." Sparrow told herself out loud. Trying not to be overwhelmed at his choice. She really was beyond appreciative and all but she couldn't trust it. There was no way the pirate and king of thieves would choose to do something like this out of the kindness of his heart. Reaver tried his best to keep calm and even bit his tongue not to lash out at her but it failed.
"This is who I really am!" Reaver shouted and Sparrow jumped back a bit. She had never heard Reaver's voice get that loud. He was always to reserved for that. She subconsciously reached for her pistol and after a few short breathes he lowered his voice but his obvious anger was not even attempted to be refrained. "Look Sparrow, I have walked countless years in the shadow. Taking what I wanted, destroying whoever stood in my way and killing for the sheer ungodly thrill of it. I forgot how to be a decent human being because after what I did to the only people I cared about I didn't consider myself one anymore. I don't expect you to understand nor am I making excuses for myself but damnit I am trying! I am not saying all those years didn't change me, because they certainly did. Yes I am still the most selfish man Albion has ever seen, yes I am still as much of deviant as I was two years ago and yes this orphanage was built because of your influence but not because I am trying to "impress" you but because I consider you one of if not the only important factor in my life now and I think of you in every step I take and every decision I make. Did I not vow to make you happy everyday? I know what I have done. More so then you do but I cannot change my past anymore then you can change yours. I am asking you to put all of that aside and focus on the present. For you to assume I have ulterior motives in my acts to prove to you I am not some heinous monster is starting to become…hurtful."
When Reaver finished and Sparrow saw the saddened look on his face she sighed. Maybe she had been to hard on him. He could have simply dumped a bunch of gold on a hungry family if he was just trying to fool her but instead he decided to build an orphanage that would hopefully last for the years to come. Really…he had done more good in a day then she had in months. The sorrow that reflected in his eyes was agonizing and she reached over to place her hand on top of his. She cleared her throat before softly saying
"I apologize. I shouldn't leap to any conclusions about you like that. Just understand I am not used to…well anything like this, and half the time anyone gave me a good gesture it was followed by some kind of betrayal or deeper plot to exploit me for all I'm worth. I really appreciate all of this Reaver. I really do. It is the sweetest thing I have seen anyone do in a long time. I don't even know what to say." Sparrow gave him a small smile and lightly squeezed his hand. He smiled and all signs of his anger disappeared in an instant and he was refilled with the warm and content feeling he got when he looked into her eyes.
"No dearest I apologize. Under no circumstances should I speak to you so harshly. Incase it wasn't obvious I am foreign to this as well. I am glad you are happy. That is all I ever aspire to do." Reaver smiled.
"So, when do you think Reaver Orphanage is going to be up and running?" Sparrow asked sincerely curious. She begrudgingly knew several young children in westcliff that was in desperate need of such a place. She assumed it would be named after him considering every ship in his legion was his name accompanied by a number. He merely raised his eyebrow to her.
"I thought the point of charity was to remain anonymous?" This surprised her even more. He wasn't even going to take credit for it? Not even as a tax write off? Wow. Maybe he did have a lot of good in him. Hidden beneath all that arrogance and bravado.
"Well yeah but you like to slap your name on everything it seems. I just assumed." Sparrow smiled. Realizing that was the very thing she had just promised she wouldn't be doing. It was kind of nice looking at Reaver with a blank slate. Avo knows if this was how he had initially acted upon their first meeting then she probably would have fallen hard for the thief. Guess it was good things turned out the way they had. Reaver chuckled.
"Yes, but besides the charity I have several reasons to be anonymous. I have a bit of a reputation I have to uphold in Albion's underground and if word were to get around of my softer side it could very well be the end of me. I can hear the chastises and ridicule already." Reaver said with a roll of his blue eyes. She giggled. Guess that would look a little funny. A pirate building a home for lost and wayward children? If she wasn't seeing with her own eyes she wouldn't have believed it.
"Oh and you own the little farm close to here don't you? I hope you don't mind but I thought it would be a nice place for the children to visit from time to time. Children seem to be found of animals. Even the common ones found on farms." Reaver said after a few seconds of silence. Sparrow smiled. She never imagined hearing such a sentence leave Reaver's lips. He was…so different then she thought he would be. Even knowing he was under a spell.
"Yeah they do. I know I always did. I will talk to the owners, I know they won't mind. Last I talked to them they were trying to have some children of their own." Sparrow commented and she was well aware her hand was still on top of his but she didn't move it nor did Reaver seen to care. "Your really doing Albion a lot of good you know. I never thought this possible."
Reaver shifted uncomfortably and lightly removed his hand from hers. She narrowed her eyes. Now she was afraid she had upset him. With a sigh and that talented fake smile returning to his face he said
"Oakvale had an orphanage you know?" Sparrow smiled nervously but didn't know what to say. Despite his claims to the contrary it was apparent in his movements and change of tone, anytime he spoke of Oakvale it bothered him. "That's why I was surprised Albion didn't already have one constructed considering the progression over hundreds of years. Looks like there was more lost then I had imagined."
"Well, it's a good thing we have a survivor to remind us then huh?" Sparrow said as lightly and carefree as she could. She leaned over to plant a soft kiss on his forehead in attempt to relieve him of the horrid thoughts that were no doubt swirling in his mind. His smiled changed to a true one and he rested his head on hers and savored the closeness she had willingly brought to him.
"Survivor and destroyer aren't exactly the same luv, but I appreciate the sentiment." Reaver answered in the softest voice she had yet to hear him speak. When he turned his eyes back up to her it felt like an eternity had passed between the two. Merely looking into each others eyes and the world pausing around them. Sparrow was the first to shake herself out of the trance. She cleared her throat and decided to broach the subject for the last time.
"Reaver…you don't have to talk about Oakvale anymore if you don't want to. I won't make you talk about anything that makes you uncomfortable."
"No darling it's quite alright. I don't mind talking about it with you. I wish you could have seen it in it's prime my love. Bowerstone be damned, Oakvale was the glory city of Albion." Reaver smiled and she smiled back. Okay…one last question…
"Alright. I have one more thing to ask you but that will be it for a good long time about your past as far as Oakvale is concerned. I only ask because it has bugged me since the moment I met you." Reaver raised his eyebrow in curiosity. He was determined to be honest with her (well to the best of his ability) so he braced for the worst.
"What is your true name?" Sparrow had to try and not giggle as Reaver rolled his eyes and whined like a little boy would when asked to do a chore. "Must you?" he asked and Sparrow nodded her head anxiously. With a deep exasperated sigh he took a quick look around to ensure no living soul was around to possibly hear him. Just to be one hundred percent sure he stretched over to her as close as humanly possible and whispered the unwanted name in her ear. A stab in his heart was felt once he had finally said it after all this time. She smiled and looked back at him. Well that wasn't so bad. She assumed a part of the reason he had taken on another name or alias was because it was embarrassing or something. She actually liked the name and couldn't recall if she had ever heard it before.
"I think I prefer that to Reaver." she said jokingly knowing it wouldn't be well received. It wasn't.
"I don't." Reaver said with his face showing the up most seriousness. "I won't set a lot of restrictions for you Sparrow but I must ask you to never say that name aloud and especially not to address me by it. My feelings for you aside, that man is no more nor should he be acknowledged."
Sparrow suddenly felt a…playful streak sweep her from out of no where. She leaned even closer to him so that there noses were almost touching. "Or else what?" the tiny smirk on her face and gleam in her eye told Reaver she was teasing and he felt his stomach do little flips because of it. He smirked back at her.
"You already told me you would never hurt me. So what's to stop me from running around Bloodstone shouting your true name about to all your loving citizens?" She said as jokingly as she could. Of course she would never do it. Even if rude obnoxious Reaver had asked her not to she wouldn't. She was a big believer in privacy and was proud of the fact she was one of the best people in the world to confide in. She didn't know how a lot of people could live in gossip and rumors. Just leave people alone and what was well enough alone. Hannah was bad about gossip back in the day. Telling her stories of people she had never met and all there black deeds.
"Dearest, there are plenty of ways I could punish you without so much as harming a hair on your pretty little head." Reaver teased back. Many, many delicious ideas flooded his head and they were much more welcome then the previous ones. Now this she had see.
"Oh yeah? Like what? You going to scold me?" She said and stuck her tongue out at him. Now Reaver couldn't contain himself and he leapt on top of her. Sparrow held her breath, now a little afraid of what was going to come next. As promised he didn't hurt her but instead he started to tickle her under her ribcage mercilessly. She gasped to let out a loud laugh but Reaver clamped his mouth on hers before she could. Between kisses she was able to get out a few struggled breathes along with some chuckles. Now she was flushed with both embarrassment and from his tickling. What were they, two teenagers sneaking out of their parents homes?
"Rea…ver…stop…it…" She managed to get out between breathes and she couldn't lie, she was actually having a little bit of fun. As childish and corny as it may have been. She even found herself enjoying the feeling of his lips on hers and even missing them even if they were only parted for few seconds for breath.
"I'm not quite sure if you've learned your lesson yet, my sweet." Reaver smirked but paused in his actions to savor the flushed look on her face and the feeling of her body beneath his. Now he realized he had to stop or else he wasn't sure if he would be able to contain himself. Gods above she was beautiful. Even now with a few blades of grass nestled in her fair hair. Was she this adorable just to taunt him? He was beginning to think so. Sparrow wasn't about to lose even this game and she wrapped her legs around his waist. She was going to flip him over and off of her and Reaver realizing this and noticing the instability of the ground he warned "Be careful" but it was to late. As soon as Sparrow attempted to flip him off of her there balance was set off and before either knew it they were rolling down the opposite side of the hill. When they landed Reaver had somehow managed to maintain on top of her and what was a little shocking was both Sparrow and Reaver were chuckling loudly at their little tumble. She was completely thrown back by this. Reaver was so posh and had to be prestige all the time she was positive he would be furious if no other reason then, because he got dirty. Instead he was laughing just as much as she was.
"My, my Reaver have you become a teenager? I never thought you'd be so corny." Sparrow said after she finally stopped laughing. Her ribs were aching and her cheeks were sore from all the laughing and smiling she had experienced in such a short time. It stood as proof that she didn't laugh or smile all that often. Reaver grinned and reached down to brush some grass out of her hair.
"You make me feel like one." Reaver said tenderly. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. How he wanted to just take her then and there. He being on top of her in that way and their bodies pressed so close together wasn't helping. He had to try and distract himself or else his…excitement would be obvious.
"Is this how you got all the village girls to fall for you? I think I would have preferred to meet teenager Reaver. He's more fun." Sparrow teased. She was finding that she rather enjoyed getting a rise out of him. She stuck her tongue out at him which properly silenced his immediate comeback. He just stared at her pink little tongue in between those pearly whites. She must, stop that.
"Ah, no you wouldn't have, he was a blundering idiot. He wouldn't have known how to so much as speak to a woman as gorgeous as you. He would probably have just gawked at you from afar."
"You? Surely not." Sparrow smiled and Reaver shrugged.
"What can I say? I was well into my twenties before I knew how to properly seduce a woman, but I would gladly have had a roll in the hay with you even then. Well grass in this instance." Reaver smirked and Sparrow suddenly realized he was still on top of her. Almost in the same fashion as her dream. She felt that heat run through her again and her body was all tingly. She just…couldn't stop herself. All she wanted was to feel Reaver's lips on hers again. She gently grabbed Reaver by the back of his head and brought him down to her lips where she kissed him earnestly. He was happily surprised and kissed her back with the same intensity. A little confused as to why confessing he was a foolish prat in the past was a turn on for her, but he'd take it. Sparrow just had to tangle her hand in his hair. It was always so perfectly styled she had always figured it would have a greasy or slick feel but actually it was the opposite. It felt just as soft as it looked underneath her fingertips and while his tongue anxiously explored her mouth she let out a soft moan and clenched her hand tighter in his hair. She subconsciously raised her hips up to meet him and the hungry growl that came from the back of his throat just encouraged her more. Her head was spinning and her body was screaming for more of his touch and kisses she didn't even know if this was fantasy or reality anymore and a part of her didn't care.
She slid her hand underneath his shirt and was delighted the feel the chiseled muscles in his stomach and she rubbed her thumb back and forth over them. Reaver wasn't sure what he was supposed to do now. She was complicated and he didn't want to upset her or scare her off if he went to far but by Skorm was she making it difficult. He decided to give her soft kisses and gentle nibbles along her neck to her breast was safe though he wanted to rip the shirt clean off of her. When he raised his eyes up and away from her he frowned and sighed. Sparrow was horrified to feel Reaver reach for the pistol that hung loyally at his side and as soon as it was out of it's holster she gasped and let out a frightened squeak. She knew it! All of this was just an elaborate act to kill her! There she was falling for his tricks again! It was just history repeating it's self.
Sure enough a shot rang out but it wasn't directed at her. Instead she heard the pirate's bullet find it's target and she heard a gross squish sound. When she looked behind her she saw a dead hobbe only about eight feet from where they laid. She looked back up to Reaver a little uneasy but he had already put his dragonstomper back in it's holster. He stroke her cheek to calm her since he could tell the sudden shot startled her a little.
"Apologies love, the damned little beast was getting to close for my liking." he said with a smile. Now she was hurled with mixed emotions. She was relieved, but embarrassed that she had just had a hardcore kissing session with the pirate and guilty that her mind still automatically jumped to assuming the worst in Reaver. When really he was trying to protect her if anything. Now she knew her face was a fresh red that was burning so hot it would probably be stained that way. She lightly pushed on Reaver's chest to signal it was time for him to get up. With a deep sigh he quickly obeyed but he would be willing to give his left hand just to continue as they were. All well. The gesture was successful and he actually had her laughing there for a little while. Her body language and way she spoke suggested she had trust in him finally so he would take that as a win for now. Though if one more thing stopped them when he was so close he would go mad and kill everything in sight. Well, save Sparrow.
They shared a few words before leaving and heading back to the ship. He let her lead the way and watched the way her hips swayed back and forth as she walked. Clearly the heat and lust for her wasn't going to fade away anytime soon but he didn't want to be pushy on the subject. She already had it in her head that he was a sex obsessed womanizer which wasn't far from the truth, but he didn't want that view of him to stay in her head because he was over eager. Though good lord with the tightening in his pants and the gorgeous woman in his presence he was finding it difficult. Usually anytime he felt this way he simply corrected the problem by finding someone pretty then having his way with them, soon after showing them the door. He could chat up the cute red head in his kitchen while Sparrow was asleep and then…No! Control yourself! This is the only woman worth your time and effort don't ruin it simply because you wanted to get laid! Besides it will be so much better when she willingly comes to him and obviously he was getting close.
He could be patient. Even on the trip home all they did was sit together and stare at the ocean. Her back laid against his chest and she sat in between his legs. Not a word need be spoken. Just basking in each other's warmth and closeness. Enjoying one another's company. Now that he had his arms wrapped around her and the glory and silence of the sea surrounded them, he was aware that this was actually his favorite part of their morning.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It had been hours since they had arrived back at the manor and still no sign of Hannah. Sparrow was starting to get impatient. Where could she be? She was desperate to speak to her about all this…well all that she was feeling. She dodn't know what to call it. It's like she was a hormonal kid again. She couldn't help herself. She actually was greatly enjoying Reaver's company and the comfort he gave her. Who was the one under the spell after all! It had only been three days for crying out loud! Now what? She was willing to throw away her beliefs and morals just to have a good time? She wasn't like that! She was never like that. Even the two boyfriends she had in the past, she was with them for months or at least several weeks before she had sex with them and that was during a legitimate relationship. Not this. This was just wrong no matter how you looked at. Sure, were Reaver of a sober mind he'd probably still want to sleep with her but if she did it now it was just like taking advantage of him. Plus the point she shouldn't sleep with him at all for several other reasons.
She twirled her blade in her hand like a baton as she sat on the cold floor of her room. Sad to say it was one of her only means of comfort. Feeling the grip of the hilt and hearing the whistling sound of the sword slicing through the quiet air soothed her. She often thought the only life she was meant for was battle since such things could still provide her comfort. She started to think as rationally as she could without being clouded by her emotions. It was a lot more simple then she was making it out to be. Of course she was easily aroused now. It had been years since her last sexual encounter and Reaver was a very attractive man who would be willing to satisfy her. There was no deeper meaning behind it other then those two facts. She wasn't weak. She could fight off her bodies urges, all she had to do was focus. Of course since Reaver was a much more pleasant human being to be around now so his attraction was only bound to grow. Hmph. Maybe she should go back to the plan of bailing and damn the consequences.
Then it hit her. She still hadn't tried Hannah's plans to repel him yet! What did she have to lose and for all she knew they would work. That way he'd want to spend less time with her and therefore she would be less tempted. Okay, think. There's got to be some way she could bring up one of those topics to him without seeming obvious that she was trying to throw him off of her. She looked through the drawers of her dresser and in the bottom drawer she found some measuring tape pushed back in the corner. A smirk came across her face as a scheme formed in her head. She grabbed the tape and marched down stairs and into the study where she knew he would be. She saw that he was sitting at his desk looking over some papers but after the initial glance she ignored him completely and began to measure everything in sight. The door frame, the bookshelves, the walls, everything.
Reaver watched this act in curiosity and let her continue until she had been in there for several minutes without saying a word to him. He got up from his chair and made his way over to his cupboard where his finest wine and scotch were and pulled out two glasses incase she wanted one.
"Dearest, may I inquire what it is that you are doing?" Reaver asked and Sparrow didn't answer him right away. Instead she kept as serious of a face as she could like she was in deep concentration. Reaver watched her scurry about the room and tried to decipher for himself what his little song bird could be up to. "Do you want a desk for yourself in here as well? I'm sure one could fit nicely over here. Oh, how darling would we appear then? Of course we could do far more then just study in here were it your desire." Reaver smirked and Sparrow still seemed focused on his task. He shrugged and started to pour her and himself a glass of wine.
"No nothing like that, Reaver. I got to get all the right measurements, since we have to haul most of this stuff out of here to make room." Sparrow said repressing a smile. Reaver was now more then interested in what she was doing. Take all of his things out of his study? What on bloody earth for?
"To what end?" he asked cautiously.
"Well I think this would be the best room for the nursery. It's defiantly the most spacious and with it being in the center of the house it would be easily accessible from any room don't you think?" She couldn't resist turning her head around to Reaver whose face had turned ghost white and the look of shock and horror was more then comical. She had to turn back around to hide the wide smile that shined on her face because of this. Reaver cleared his throat and tried to maintain his composure but he wasn't sure he could.
"Nursery…we…we would need a nursery?"
"Of course! We would need a big one though and I'm not quite sure if this room will be up to par or not. Since I want six or seven it might still be a bit small. I'm not sure…what do you think?"
She turned back over to him and bit her tongue as hard as she could so that she wouldn't laugh. The horrified look on his face was still there and he while he was staring at her he had completely forgotten that he was pouring some wine in the glasses and it was now overwhelming and dribbling down the cupboard. He finally realized and placed the near empty bottle of wine back down. He tugged at his collar nervously.
"Se…seven? You want seven children?" Was all he could manage to get out. He hadn't felt this kind of panic in…he couldn't remember. A child was extremely difficult, especially for him who had literally never so much as held an infant, but seven? He knew farm owners who had less children. What in Albion had gotten into her? Sparrow screamed in triumph in her head. So far plan number one had worked like a charm! She could look forward to the next at least five days in peace. Maybe he'd even let her wander around with Hannah in Bloodstone and out of the manor without being hounded by his guards.
"Yes. To start. We'll see how I feel after that. Always wanted a big family you know." She added for good measure. Exasperated Reaver flopped into the nearest chair to him. He rubbed his temple and repeated "Family" in an almost melancholy tone. He knew those options had long ago escaped him. Even if he ever desired it. Burying friends or even lovers was one thing but your children…hell what did he even know? He never had a father to speak of and children were always in the need of something. Not only that but so fragile, both physically and mentally. How was he going to face this one?
"I'm no father, love." he said in more of a warning then anything. When he looked into those hazel eyes of hers how could he deny her anything that would make her happy? Sparrow watched as his entire exterior changed. Not his tone or words but his body language was that of a defeated man. She had never imagined seeing him that way. Well she couldn't turn back now…
"What can I say Reaver that's what I want. Maybe were not a good pick for each other after all." Sparrow said firmly. Reaver stared blankly at the wall in front of him for a few minutes but snapped out of his pit of negative thoughts and memories. This wasn't going to break him. If this was the trials he had to bare to keep the only thing that matters to him then so be it. He wasn't weak. Not anymore. With the plans he had in store anyway…she would change her mind. After a long sigh he stated
"Darling I really think we should enjoy our time together for a few good years before we have children. That and let's start off with two or three at first and go from there. I think I can handle that. Also I don't think you realize the kind of stress you can put your body through bearing all those children and no I'm not talking about weight I am speaking more or less internal problems. After a doctor assures me you are fit to carry more without causing you any damage we will discuss having four or five. I hate the idea of you being sick and in pain all that time anyway." Reaver said and seemed to perk up after that sentence. The light returning to those blue beauties of his.
Now Sparrow was the one to panic. Did he just…did he just agree to have children with her. No…she must have misheard him. Surely he meant to say "Hell no" or "Get out of my house."
"What…?"
"Of course you will be tended to by the finest physicians daily during your pregnancy but Avo knows a third or forth opinion never hurt anyone. If you are willing to hold off having children for another five years that should give me plenty of time to wrap up my sea voyages and claim a few foretold treasures I haven't had the discipline of seizing yet. That alone would provide more then enough gold for your physicians and probably our new home as well. Obviously we can't continue to live here with little ones running around. I'll let you design the nursery and children's rooms all on your own so they meet your requirements."
Sparrow felt her knees give out from under her and luckily there was a chair nearby for her to fall into or else she would have face planted on the floor. She could not process what Reaver had just said. It couldn't be true. Not only did he just agree to have children with her but from what she took from his statement he was ready to sell his mansion and stop his pirating…essentially for her. No way. This couldn't be real. Not even the strongest magic in the world could make Reaver leave his home. The one he vowed vengeance on for anyone who stepped into it while he was away.
"This is your home Reaver, you don't have to give it up…you love it here."
"Yes well, you will find there are things in this world that hold a much higher value to me." Reaver said and the sincerity in his eyes and promise in his voice was almost to much for Sparrow. How…how could she deny that? Now there was something tugging at her heart strings. A forlorn hope or more fantasy that all of this was real. That she could be happy. That she could have a nice, wonderful life with a man and yes even a part of her wanted that man to be Reaver. Now…she was stumped. He surprised her at every corner and he genuinely seemed to care. Like he wanted it as much as he thought she did.
"Yes but…you're a pirate you know…what else could you do besides that? You love the sea. You belong at sea…" Sparrow said. All of this just kind of spewed out of her mouth. Her brain was far to busy trying to process all of this to think coherently let alone say anything clever. Reaver crossed his arms and raised his eyebrow at her. Almost in a scolding way.
"Do you really think I would leave you alone here, while your carrying my child. Despicable. There are plenty of other practical means of pursuing income right here in Albion then me being stationed in some foreign land. Besides I have to be here to tend to your every want and need while making sure you are as comfortable as humanly possible. Tis true I adore the sea, but that doesn't mean I have to part from her forever. Once you are well we can voyage out together with the little ones."
Sparrow just sat there. Blank and floored. Much like Reaver was only a few moments ago. How was it the roles switched so quickly. When Reaver stated his next sentence she thought she was going to faint.
"Of course if you really desire children then we would have to get married first before any were conceived." He said as simply as if he were stating the time of day. Sparrow's mouth went dry and her palms were sweaty. What on earth was going on?
"Married…you…you would want to get married. Us?"
"Well call me old fashioned dearest, but I was called a "bastard" my entire youth and I would hate for our children to be chastised in such a way. Besides that is the best way I know how to declare to the world you are mine. I can't think of a more celebrated ceremony in all of Albion."
"You…you are fine with all of this. Getting married…having children…after knowing me such short time?"
Reaver bent down to her level as she sat in the chair so that he was eye level with her. His hand rested on top of hers.
"Darling all I want in my future is you. All I need is you. I am willing to spend all of this life and the next with you. It does not frighten me to take those steps with you if that is what you desire. Who am I to deny a part of you continuing in this world? Yes being a father is horrifying to me but they would be the luckiest kids in the world just to be able to call you their mother." The complete joy in his voice was the most painful. Like he was actually getting excited about the life they had the potential to have together. He clearly shook off the children plan and he just successfully shot down plan number two to scare him off by bringing up marriage on his own. Was this kind of magic even possible? Or was this really a secret and relinquished desire he had always had and the magic just brought it out? She didn't know. She would probably never know. Now it was confirmed more then ever…she was going to break his heart.
Reaver gently lifted her to her feet which she didn't hinder. She was still to stunned and lost in thought to move. He pulled her close to him and lifted her chin up to look into his eyes. She really hated when he did this. She had already drowned one to many times in his sea eyes. The smile on his face was the most genuine she had seen yet.
"Can I take it, from all this children and marriage talk you have agreed to be mine?" Reaver asked and he was more then thrilled if that was so. How couldn't it be? She was the one who broached the subject and one didn't do that with a potential lover or just a mere acquaintance. You only did that with someone you wanted to build a future with. What a glorious future it would be. Now all he need do is work out the kinks and it would be perfect. She stammered for an answer and was torn on what to say. Reaver couldn't wait. He was convinced that was the entire meaning of this conversation. Gods how she looked so damn beautiful in front of him and he was still worked up from earlier. He leaned in closer and said softly
"You know we don't have to wait to be physical just for the sake of children. Practice makes perfect after all. I don't mind to pick up where we left off." he stated. Not arrogantly. More playfully as he flashed his straight white teeth at her and moved to kiss her.
"I…" Was all Sparrow could get out and just as Reaver was about to connect his lips with hers the door to the study burst open. Revealing a smiling Hannah. A net full of dead fish slung across her back.
"Sorry I'm late all, the boys wanted to do a bit of fishing again this morning. Figured your cooks could chop these into something nice, yeah?" Hannah said in her loud and booming voice. The maids had pointed her in this direction and she assumed they were in here just looking over maps or something. When she saw the two near kissing each other and the enraged glare Reaver sent her she felt a little awkward.
"Um…am I interrupting?"
Without saying another word Sparrow used the distraction to dart out of the room as quickly as she could. Hannah following close behind with her fish net still slung over her shoulder. Yet again he had been interrupted. Not only that but the way Sparrow had ran out there, he wasn't entirely sure what he had done wrong.
A/N: Hey everyone. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It took a little longer to write then I had anticipated so sorry for the wait. Also since Reaver's real name was never mentioned in any of the fable games I wanted to leave it as a somewhat mystery to the reader. If anyone is interested I will put my interpretation of it in one of my later chapter. Hope the scene wasn't to corny or fluffy for any of you but I hope you still enjoyed. Like always please leave me a review and let me know what you think. Thanks for reading!
