Chapter 3 - The Greek Island
This year instead of going directly along the African coast, the captain of 15th Division decided to sail through the Mediterranean Sea. It was hard to say if she just felt up to it or because of the young physician of whom she became quite fond. Holly was in awe, seeing all the different cultures in such a small continent, plus the islands were beautiful. It seemed that every island had some history. Especially the Greek ones and Gail was more than willing to give a tour and story about a lot of them. She was fascinated with Greek mythology, the divergence in gods and habits. When she talked about the ancient time, there were sparks in her cerulean eyes and the healer was captivated in her energy and charm as they were exploring the foreign culture.
She specifically valued those days when they were left alone and Gail opened up with all the joy and interest which was bubbling in her chest. Witnessing this side of her wife made Holly fall deeper and deeper in love with the unique person in front of her.
"… and then they built this temple…" the blonde stopped herself noticing the intense stare from the physician. "What?" she asked.
The slightly older woman shook her head and smiled. "Nothing, it is just, I feel like we switched positons. Usually it is me doing all the lessons and talking."
"Does it bother you?" Gail asked trying to camouflage the hurt in her tone. She just wanted to share what she liked, not to provide annoying lectures.
"No, not at all. The stories are interesting. And I like seeing this jovial side of you more often," the taller of them smiled with softness in her dark eyes.
"Nah, I would destroy my reputation," the sailor replied in much better mood nonetheless she refused to let the positivism show. "Only privileged people are allowed to see me like that."
"I feel flattered," the brunette kept their light banter.
"You should be. Now come on," she took her hand and dragged her to another temple. "Let me tell you a story of Aphrodite and her son Cupid. Who knows, maybe there will be flying arrows which do not kill us this time. Well… even that can be debatable; people do weird things for love."
"How can you become from joyful to cynical within a few seconds?" Holly chuckled in awe.
"It is a charm with which I stole your heart at the first place," the other traveller smirked.
If only she had an idea how truthful that was. However that was not the time for blue mood. The physician wanted to enjoy and get to know every bit of the historical land and myths about eternal lovers.
The brunette noticed a sculpture of a woman, there was something about her on which Holly could not put her finger. She stared at the piece of art deep in thoughts squinting.
"That would be Sappho," commented the sailor when she saw the look on her wife's face. "She is said to be a great poet, she had a gift from a muse and Aphrodite herself like only a few possessed and on the top of that she was a woman, which was rare in the times of Ancient Greece. Also interesting note is that most of her poems were about women. It might be of the fact that she came from an island full of women. It looks like those ladies were fed up of men and ran away to create a men-less paradise."
"You know it is not entirely true," someone commented and the pair jumped up startled. They turned around and faced Elaine standing behind them. She just raised her eyebrows and continued, "Lesbos is a place of art and carries the legacy of Sappho's poetry."
"Sounds interesting. It was men's world, it is rare that a woman is remembered from their time," noted the healer who turned her head back to the statue.
"Well, no time like present to learn more," the superintendent smiled looking between her daughter and her spouse. "Next stop will be Lesbos, Lord knows boys need to knock some poetry into their heads if they are ever supposed to attract decent women."
The guys were excited, not so much of the art part, but the idea of visiting an island full of women. Well, not only male crew was hyped about the idea. Holly kept talking about women's lack of power and how amazing it must have been to be that well known woman that even noble men were coming to her for advises and paying well for poems intended for ladies of their hearts.
However to the youngsters' disappointment there was a significant population of men on the island of Lesbos, mostly actors and teachers but also common farmers and merchants. If it was not for the reputation and the fame of a female poet, the island would not be so different from the others. The exceptions were a school, theatre and museum dedicated to Sappho.
Elaine hired a local tour guide, made the crew attend a performance in the theatre and spend quite amount of time in the museum and open gardens.
"What do you think?" the sailor asked her significant other half. After the busy day of lectures and learning, they sat in those gardens absorbing the atmosphere more than actually studying the artistic side.
"Well, I don't really know. I am not into Art that much, however I expected poems to rhyme, but there is something about them anyway…" the brunette trailed off.
Gail chuckled and nodded. "She never cared so much about rhymes but the meanings. No wonder women were so much into her in the society where marriages were arranged anyway."
"They still are," noted the healer.
"Yeah well, but we can bend the rules."
"So could they if they were wealthy or lucky," Holly looked at her partner. She was very lucky when it came to her marriage and a bit cursed at the same time.
They sat on a bench; the sailor had her legs crossed however she lazily leant against the back rest while having her arm on the top of it and behind her spouse. The moment was calm and the travellers were enjoying the beauty and peace around them when they noticed someone climbing a tree.
It must have been the heat of the summer and a lot of wine when they saw a woman on a branch reciting a poem by heart, gesticulating her hands and talking to the sky.
"Immortal Aphrodite, on your intricately brocaded throne,
Child of Zeus, weaver of wiles, this I pray:
Dear Lady, don't crush my heart
With pains and sorrows…"
"Doesn't everybody wish for that?" commented the sailor drily looking at her partner who seemed deep in thoughts. "Holly?" she asked tentatively. "Are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh sorry I just spaced out," the other occupant of the bench blushed slightly feeling exactly that pains and sorrows of crushed heart. Damn that muscle. Its purpose was to keep the organism going and living, not create pain. And yet what was the physician really complaining about? Gail was by her side, living, breathing, holding her hand, protecting her, sharing the bed with her, no one else. Yet the sharing bed part could be taken to another level.
She returned her attention back to the lady on the tree, who became more and more theatrical.
"I love the sensual.
For me this
and love for the sun
has a share in brilliance and beauty."
Suddenly they heard a cracking sound and before the actress was able to utter another rhyme, she was falling down to the ground as a branch gave up the extra weight. Immediately the two tourists were on their feet running to her. It must have been Aphrodite herself looking after this poet because of all the places, the lady landed in thick bushes.
"Are you alright?" asked the healer carefully helping her out on her feet. "Can you stand? Anything hurt or broken?"
"My pride," moaned the fallen woman.
"I am a physician, if you let me check you out."
The unknown person, a few summers older than them with raven hair and sea coloured eyes now full of pain, looked Holly up and down. "Check out all you want. Can I be your Sappho?"
The other traveller cleared her throat loudly. "It seems you are well enough to flirt. We can leave now."
"Gail," warned the brunette. "It is my duty as a healer to help those in need of medical attention." She noted and carefully ran her hands on the stranger's arm, legs and torso checking for any broken bones. So far it seemed only a few scratches were obtained.
"I think it is not just medical attention she is seeking," murmured the blonde grumpily.
"Are you two lovers?" asked the artist boldly looking between the two people who were definitely not the island's inhabitants.
"No, we are not," Holly replied without even glancing at her mate.
"The jealousy could have fooled me," commented the local woman.
"Protection," corrected the sailor with a stern glare and a little growl.
"My sister is hosting a celebration, would you like to come? Consider it Greek hospitality as a thank you for your care."
"Thanks, appreciated," smiled the taller brunette. Maybe a little distraction with other people would be good for her soul, make new friends, keep her mind occupied with other things; yup the invitation sounded great.
Ophelia, as the amateur actress introduced herself, described the way to her sibling's house and with a small limp but chipper mood she left the pair alone.
"Yeah, like Mother would let us party," doubted the sailor.
"That is how we met, you never know," commented Holly with raised eyebrows. She would really appreciate a time away lost in a crowd of strangers and not think of the object of her interest all the time, which was extra hard when she was married to the said object.
To the crew's great surprise, indeed the superintendent let them loose to have some youngster's fun. They were shocked but did not question it and ran away to the night as soon as possible.
The captain took her daughter by her arm and pulled her aside. "Gail, take proper care of Holly."
"Of course, I always do," frowned the blonde sailor.
"Do you? She seems off these days."
"I know, but she said nothing when I asked. Maybe it is the climate change."
"Let her have some fun tonight but keep an eye on her."
"Always. She is my best friend." Elaine gave her a suspicious look. "What? She is my best friend," the younger of them repeated convincing.
"First of all she is your wife," the captain highlighted the obvious. She married them after all, although her daughter did not really understand the point her parent attempted to make.
"That too."
"Gail…"
"Yeah, I get it, keep your eyes open and keep her safe. I always will." Without another look, she descended the rope ladder and left the port.
The mother sighed. "More like first open your eyes finally."
They arrived at Ophelia's sister house and Holly was immediately snatched away. As the superintendent recommended, the blonde let the healer go and have some fun, therefore she ordered a large cup of wine and kept the distance. If needed her partner could always find her. And the sailor intended to be there for her best friend no matter what. It was high time for Holly to just enjoy the life and maybe even get drunk. She always took care of the others alas this time she should take care of herself, hence Gail sat back, having a small short conversations with people who passed by, nonetheless she never paid them much attention, her eyes watched her favourite person sway in the music in the middle of a group of other women. It was weird and the young woman felt stuck between the want to dance with them and stay put. It was not hard to spot her companion as the others were about half a head shorter, which was comforting and disturbing at the same time as she watched the group get closer with every song, by now swaying body to body.
Holly felt interestingly free. She was not sure what was in the wine, however it was good and she did not care. Ophelia was a nice company and finally the healer felt the tension leave her body. The music was definitely not how she was taught to dance, but none of that mattered. The Greek woman came much closer to her and took her hands in her rougher ones moving them up and down in circles. They were way too close but dancing was a good excuse for proximity. The other females of the group just swayed around. Holly did not even remember their names. All that she cared about was the alcohol in her system, lack of tension whenever Gail was nearby, even though she was in the same room, the brunette tried to block that knowledge. The other people she would never see again anyway, provided a sense of anonymity in a crowd.
Ophelia pulled the taller woman by her hands to be able to speak into her ear over the loud music. "What are you thinking about?!"
The healer just shook her head. "Nothing. Enjoying the moment," she replied forcing herself to smile.
"No one else on your mind?" she continued asking. "You had this shadow of troubles crossing your eyes."
The foreigner shook her head again. "Nope," she lied; also she tried to convince herself that everything was just fine.
"Then come with me," the wanna be poet let go of one hand and pulled Holly out of the sea of swaying bodies and outside of the house. "Fresh air and woman's touch always repel gloom and clear the head."
"I would much rather prefer the hazed mind," admitted the taller brunette and looked back over her shoulder.
"But then you could not fully enjoy the after-party," the green eyed woman commented and the healer stopped. So did the local person who turned around to look at her companion. "Oh don't worry, you will have fun. I would feel privileged to make your mind hazed again," she winked, "Just a bit differently than wine. Come on," she never let go of the hold and they set off to head to the shore. "Let's break the ice first. Tell me Holly, what kind of woman attracts you? I believe there are a lot of them falling at your feet."
The traveller frowned. "What do you mean by that?" They stopped walking and looked at each other.
"Correct me if I am wrong, but you were never really interested in men, were you?" Holly kept silent; it was not like she was allowed to be interested in anyone anyway. "You came from a land far away from here and I know nothing about your customs so I may be wrong, but there is a vibe about you that you might be more interested in female lovers than males." The physician still kept silent with expression made of stone. The Greek stroked her cheek gently. "You can relax here, be who you want to be, with whom you want to be," she almost whispered as she was leaning so close that they were breathing the same air.
"I am married," Holly admitted in almost a whisper.
"Most of the women are. Men do not mind though," she commented staring at the tempting lips. "That is the beauty of this place, you can wind up. Get away from men."
"To a woman," the healer clarified.
Ophelia looked up however she did not pull back. "To the hot blonde who is not your lover?"
"Yes. She saved my life."
"What about your heart?" Again the traveller stayed silent. "I thought so. The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else," with the last lip look she closed the distance and kissed the lips tentatively, testing the waters although there were roaring waves next to them.
"Holly?!" called a familiar voice from the distance.
"So much for getting under someone when she is around," murmured the Greek woman and pulled away. "You can either wait for her here or come with me. It is not like she would be jealous, would she?"
"I wish," the younger of them chuckled sadly but did not move a step.
The poet returned a pace and pecked her mouth again. "You know where to find me," she whispered before disappearing into the night.
"Are you alright?" asked Gail jogging to her partner.
"I felt better with booze in my head and dancing silly to a music I don't know," she admitted with a defeated sigh.
"That can be arranged," smiled the blonde foxily, she took her hand and dragged her away from the shore.
"Where are we going?" asked the physician when they were back in the rush of nightlife in the city.
"Well, before you decided to visit this new friend of yours, Chris told me about a club they were invited in. So we are heading there," the younger of them explained briefly feeling much better now when Holly was back literally by her side and they were going to a place with more people she knew.
It was so strange seeing her friend kissing someone else that the sailor's chest almost burst out in anger… fear. For sure it was fear and worry for her dearest comrade. She could not explain it to herself properly but it was no good at all. Plus Gail promised to find the healer the right person to tend her heart and that Greek lady was not it. For sure that was the explanation for her discomfort.
They reached the club called Kraken, which the blonde liked in the instant, and entered. She immediately spotted her crew members and headed their way, not leaving Holly's hand for a moment. "Hey losers, what's up?" she asked, took Chris's shot and downed it. "We have orders from the superintendent to take care of our favourite sage, since she is taking care of us the whole time. Let's get started," she winked at her partner and took her to the bar, ordered the local liquor called ouzo and they both gulped the shots, then she took the brunette to the dance floor where soon the rest of the group from the New World joined them. This felt so much better and right.
Chris returned with another round of ouzo and the party began. Holly shot her partner the typical lopsided grin and shook her head. She would be so sorry in the morning.
The blonde raised her eyebrows and shrugged. Then she gestured to drink up and pressed their bodies to sway in the music together.
A few more rounds of Greek liquor and the healer finally relaxed and had fun. She was so beautiful and carefree that the sailor had to wonder if there even was a person who deserved this amazing human's love. What if it really was Ophelia or that pharmacist from the Irish Bay and she chased them away?
The next morning Holly woke up with quite a hangover. "What the heck happened last night?" she moaned looking at her dearest friend.
"You were making out with a stranger," commented the blonde with a hint of tease.
"Oh yeah, well, to put in correctly she was kissing me. And I am pretty sure that is not why my head feels like smith's anvil," the physician moaned with unsuccessful attempt to open her eyes.
"Who knows, maybe it is."
"Gail… water, please," she requested in hope to stop the blonde's teasing.
The sailor handed over the cup however she continued her teasing. "And here I thought you wanted me to kiss it better."
"Later maybe," the hangover woman noted and drank the whole cup. She put it aside and reached for an apple to bite in, hoping her body would accept the vitamins.
"Maybe? Does it mean she kisses better than me and you are not sure if you want to kiss me anymore?" Gail continued her interrogation with a mischief spark in her cerulean orbs.
"Where are you going with this nonsense?" the brunette asked tiredly. Her head hurt and it was really hard to think and solve the puzzle.
"You were down the throat with another person."
"I was not and she kissed me," the healer defended her action from the last evening.
"You were not fighting it." The other woman was definitely not giving up.
"Gail… I have a terrible headache, can you be more straightforward?"
"That you want her to be the last kiss before you die from a headache, it is unfair, I am your wife," she wined with pretended a hurt in her eyes. The blonde managed to make such a puppy look that anyone would give in.
Holly glanced up at the pouting woman, she was not sure if her mate was still teasing her, which most probably she was. Despite her aching head, she snatched for the sailor's shirt and pulled her closer until their lips connected. "Can I die in peace now?"
"Will you die happy?" she smirked not easing on the teasing part.
"How the heck can you be joking after so much foreign alcohol?"
"I am a sailor, I am used to hard liquor," laughed the younger of them. "Sorry," she kept grinning and stood up from the stool and brought a plate with eggs and bacon. "Here you go, eat, it will make you feel better," she offered in much softer tone.
Holly opened her eyes again and scrambled to sit up. Truthfully she might die happy seeing the lovely face, gentle look reserved only for her and the last lips she tasted were of the woman she adored the most. She was doomed.
There were not enough people she could go under to get over one snarky sailor who was her wife but first and foremost just her friend. She was doomed indeed.
Apologies fro the long break and thank you for your interested and still reading (: