I'm alive-ish! With a juicy, new chapter!
Shiva spent the night in the comfort of the Captain's cabin with Gangplank observing her slumbering form from his seat throughout the night. Gangplank had mixed feelings. Never would he have thought that a woman like this would have conquered his heart - or any woman. He was cognizant that as long as she was by his side, he held the minimal interest in anyone else and he was happy. Falling into a stupor after a league of imbibing rum was a temporary idyllic, yet his time voyaging through the sea fared better at swelling his soul with mirth. Questions plagued his mind, as to last night's event and the pieces of information Shiva had kept from him, but for now all he cared about - is his beloved's well-being and recovery. Finally obliging to his famished body's request for rest, the Captain's lids shut and went into a slumber.
The following morning was the first experience as a mortal being. The after effects overwhelmed the matron as she roused from slumber, slowly moving to the edge of the bed to plant her feet on the floor. Gangplank slept on his chair but she couldn't help but smile at the sight of the man she made this sacrifice for. Not an ounce of regret coursed through her conscious; she knew she'd finally find happiness with him.
The routine was responsible for his rousal, a guttural grunt vibrated from the depths of his throat but opted to join his beloved by embracing her daintily - fearing he may break her like a glass cup.
"How are you?" he uttered in a susurration.
"I'm fine, love..." she exchanged with a whisper of her own.
Elevating a palm to caress his tuft of honey brown beard with gentle strokes, her pate eased in to nuzzle and close any gap between them. Arms hooked under his own, planting her palms against his shoulder blades to inhale that prominent sea salt from his coat.
"If there's anything you need, all you need is ask." commented the concerned pirate.
"All I need is you..." her palm clutched at his coat, wrinkling the fabric beneath with an affectionate tug.
Corny. Gangplank couldn't help but stifle a simper and stroked the length of her back ever so delicately.
"We're a day and a half from Bilgewater. Once there, we can seek proper care for you," he spoke as-a-matter-of-fact.
"Don't worry about me, Cap'n. I'm as healthy as a horse," she spoke with confidence.
To strengthen her proclamation, she'd rise to a stand and almost immediately collapses out of sheer exhaustion. Shiva had fallen from a high - to become the average Jane. Strength, agility, and dexterity had once surged through her in abundance but all of it had been sapped and rendered null. Her body had to reprogram to adjust to this downgrade, leaving Shiva vulnerable to even fatigue. Quick to capture his beloved in an embrace, he'd ensure Shiva took advantage of garnering as much rest as possible.
"Rest. My presence is required through the day but I'll make rounds for your sake," he suggested.
"Mm, thank you" she nodded and complied.
Easing her gently onto the couch, a blanket was draped over her form to shield her from the windy elements and preserve her heat. Gangplank grunted in approval but his thoughts lingered as he was reminded that even after the events of last night, she was still the woman he fell in love with. But was he still the same man? He is still the ruthless Reaver King and last night, he felt emotions that he didn't think he had. Or at least had none to make him cognizant of them and now, he has Shiva - that some would consider a weakness to be exploited. His face contorted at the ill thought plaguing his mind. The pirate dismissed the thought; Shiva was safe in his domain and at the hands of his crew. So long as she remained within arm's length, he had no reason to trouble his thoughts. The crew required his presence and hoped it was enough to gear his train of thought to first priority; his ship.
Every few hours, Gangplank checked on the slumbering Shiva, finding nothing worth disrupting her peaceful nap. Acknowledging the absence of their cook - for obvious reasons - the crew concluded in sharing the task of preparing today's meals. Two bowls were delivered to the Captain's Cabin - potato soup. Oh boy. Gangplank took humor in Shiva's forced smile; his wasn't any better. Claiming a spot beside his love, both indulged in the bitter soup the men had stewed from good will. Supping the soup while dubiously chewing the undercooked potatoes, Shiva veered her gaze toward the troubled pirate. At first, it was almost unfathomable to read the male's countenance without straining her sight for the most insignificant wrinkle but it was true, the pirate's sanguine hues had lost their light.
"Is everything alright, Cap'n?" queried Shiva.
Immediately, he sifted to confront the concerned matron as if he'd been awaiting to be questioned. He couldn't hide such an insignificant emotion from her. He felt completely vulnerable in her presence - like an open book - meant to be perused with piqued interest.
"Did you ever love Klaud?" the question surprised Shiva.
Her hesitation didn't sit well; especially how the corners of her lip tugged into a smile. Like a flick of a switch, he reverted to his stolid mien and his muscles tightened. A knot on his chest strained his breathing at the thought of another male having a share of his happiness - even prior to their meeting. Of course, the practical logic - that Shiva was pure - during their first encounter should've mollified any qualms but it wouldn't mitigate the twinge swelling in his chest should Shiva be the one to hold such feelings for the other male.
"Klaud is like a brother to me," she replied softly. "We've traveled for centuries and he was my first companion. He protected me during my youthful times - I was under his tutelage until recently. He never mentioned longing to settle down and grew...distant once I began to search for such a life. I missed him but I figured he grew distant for a reason and never questioned it; he never questioned me".
There was that heart-melting smile again. He felt jealous for the wrong reasons. How close had Klaud and Shiva been? Did they ever sleep in the same bed? How did he learn to make her smile whenever he wished? Had he ever seen her nude? He clicked his tongue at the thought of any man who so much as stared at her differently. Shiva spoke of him so highly and that coaxed a grunt from him.
"You didn't answer the question." her first set of words should've been sufficient but he required a solid response.
"That would be a 'no', Cap'n." she cast a meek smile.
Planting a hand on his lap, his jealousy was almost palpable; she found it endearing, in a way.
"Were you ever in any danger to begin with? You mentioned substantial prowess..." guilt plagued his thoughts.
"No. I could've fled the scene if I truly desired it but...I figured it to be a coward's way out. If I chose to pursue a life here, I should face all consequences without regretting them." she emphasized 'all'.
That meant that if Shiva chose to flee from her pursuer from the start - they would've never met. Even after he forced her into labor and subjected her to the harsh living conditions of the ship, it was because she accepted it. His stomach dropped when he realized...she allowed him to force himself upon her. His greatest burden.
"I'm happy I met you..." said Shiva leaning forward to rest her cheek on his shoulder. "Nothing will change that."
His hand moved to cup her cheek, bending to press his forehead against hers and ease her onto her back. He caressed her cheek affectionately, greeting her lips with his own as he exhaled - like a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. Feeling a surge of lust stir his loins, the pirate urged himself to resist and enjoy this moment of bonding. Their empty bowls stacked under the couch as they adjusted to lay on their sides - facing each other. Losing themselves in the moment, their thoughts wandered to more hopeful wishful thinking until they'd lose themselves to the realm of dreams.
As the sunrise signaled a new day, Gangplank and Shiva were pleased to know that they'd be arriving at Bilgewater in a matter of a scant hour. Shiva had recovered significantly overnight; she spent the morning sauntering around the ship getting some fresh air, greeting her family and answering their inquiries about her whereabouts these past 2 days. An alibi had to be produced to minimize drama regarding their 'mother's origins. She returned to the confines of the kitchen to help start breakfast - just to get back into the groove of things. Gangplank was pleased to see the cheerful, lighthearted girl was coming back to full form. Refraining from commenting over last night's potato soup, Shiva stifled a simper while attending to their morning's porridge. They'd be arriving at the harbor soon and the men would spend no time to flock the restaurants and brothels at the drop of the hat.
After a hearty meal, their Captain and Shiva gazed at the view of the harbor swelling with each passing moment. The pleasant sea breeze danced with her silver tresses and for a moment, Gangplank found pleasure in admiring the sight over returning to his birth home. How could he help it? Just as the mirth filled him, it left and replaced itself with - what he could only describe as - fear.
Bilgewater was notorious for its wily inhabitants and was certain a considerable amount of ambitious pirates would strive at a chance to exploit his only weakness. Heavens forbid one laid a filthy hand upon her. Then again, he was the Reaver King and all knew the consequences of provoking their tyrant. He grinned to himself at the thought. No, Shiva was his and his alone.
Docking at the port, the men dispersed like rats to populate every bar and brothel as routine. The couple was last to disembark, a firm hook of her arm secured her descent to the boardwalk.
"I've some work to deal with but I'll escort you to a safe location until then." he uttered as he sauntered off with her in tow.
"I do not mean to hinder your work. You can gesture where this location is and I'll be on my way, Cap'n" spoke Shiva.
He chuckled softly as if finding her defiance humorous. He did.
"Last I recall, you swore an oath to your Captain. My word is absolute" to emphasize the hint of jest behind his words, he squeezed her arm affectionately.
Shiva's cheeks flushed in embarrassment, lowering her pate in defeat as they continued to walk deeper into the city. As expected, inquisitive glances from residents and passersby were directed at them. Only muffled susurrations reached his ear but minded them no attention. Let them spread the word that their King had claimed a woman and openly courted proudly. Even then, the ghostly shroud of fear was present and reminded him of the plausible dangers Shiva may face - should anyone grow bold enough to target her - and completely bypass Gangplank. In the waking presence of Bilgewatians, their tyrant escorted his dame to the tavern Shiva once worked in.
Residential drunks were scattered about and the Captain merely wended over them to secure a seat for them. Marcus flashed before them and greeted them with obeisance. Delighted to see her former employer, Shiva greeted him with a warming smile; he had always been good to her. Hastily bowing in return, Marcus offered his services immediately.
"What can I get for you, Cap'n?" he asked in an almost pitched tone.
"The usual" he paused "And would it kill ya to fetch me some rum" he ordered.
"Aye, sir." Marcus turned in the general direction of the kitchen "RUM FOR THE CAPTAIN!" he shouted before turning his attention to Shiva. "For you, miss?".
Marcus had always addressed her by her name but, apparently, Gangplank's presence hindered him from doing so.
"Chef's special, please." she added her order.
In addition, Shiva offered a meek smile in hopes of mitigating his change of attitude towards her.
"How have you been, Marcus?" queried Shiva.
"Good, thank you for asking" his response was rushed before he scurried off to retrieve the orders.
Throughout the tavern, Gangplank noticed the environment wasn't fit for any decent woman to work in. Drunks littered the place and its dim lights only assisted in deepening their slumber. Little noise was created but this wasn't a social landmark, only a refuge for the depressed and suspicious activity one shouldn't engage on in broad daylight. The perfect hideout for criminals and drunks alike. It was a natural fortress under the ownership of Gangplank himself. He owned the law enforcers and government, so none would dare set foot on his grounds - everyone knew. Only rivals would dare step the boundaries but were, more than often, punished for their defiance. He couldn't help but fathom how Shiva ever managed to live a decent life by working here.
"How did you ever work in a backwater place such as this?" he couldn't help but sate his curiosity.
Any other Bilgewatian woman; he would've understood but this was no strong, independent woman of Bilgewater - this was Shiva.
"Same as I did with your crew. Gained their respect through hard work, so it wasn't so bad," she smiled warmly.
At last, their food arrived. Steaming steak with potatoes and pork chops to fill their bellies. Idly prattle happened between them but mainly chewed their meals in silence. Gangplank imbibed the rum more than consuming his meal but it mattered little to him. The Captain reeked of rum and her lithe frame could do little to cease his feverish kisses assaulting her neck and exposed flesh. He owned the tavern and he owned her; he'll do as he pleases and nothing would stop him from taking his woman in front of everyone. Not as if most were conscious to even peek. On the verge of bending her over the very table, their empty plates rested, the door flung open as a handful of his men barged in with shock evident on their faces.
Yes, that'll stop him.
"Out with it" he groaned in disappointment to the interruption but knew his crew had a reason for the intrusion.
Their hesitation only justified his assumption.
"We've been lookin' fer ya everywhere, Cap'n...shits going down...".
Editor's note: THE END IS NEAR! Next chapter will be the beginning of my intake of Burning Tides! PREPARE TO BE BOARDED!