TOTSS:
More Than Words
by Beckers
****
Chapter Two:
By the time anchor was dropped near Baritonga the skies above the little island were black and threatening. Grief debated with Mauriri. Should the three of them stay on the ship, riding the storm out below in the safety of the cargo hold, or risk going ashore? Both, despite Isabelle's reservations, eventually decided it would probably be best to row a dingy to the island. Once there they could meet with the Bari people, an intense but reasonable tribe of savages, and request sanctuary in one of their hut homes until the storm blew over.
"A great uncle on my mother's side was a Bari." Mauriri had told Isabelle, noting her concern, as they pulled the small boat onto the wet sand. "They *should* welcome us with open arms."
"*Should*?" she questioned, leery, automatically placing a hand on her hip to feel for the comfortable bulk of her gun.
"They've only been semi-civilized for ten years." Mauriri half shrugged, realizing his reassurance was falling flat.
"And you know how unpredictable some of these native tribes can be." Grief commented, adding to Isabelle's trepidation, lifting a small telescope from a clip attached to his belt. He put it to his eye and examined two routes in the distance. "We can either go left into the valley or take the longer route through the jungle."
"I suggest the jungle." Mauriri said, "The trail to the valley is shorter but we'd have to pass by the Tonga tribe and that wouldn't be good."
"Why?" asked Isabelle.
"Cannibals."
At this bit of information Isabelle looked directly at Grief's profile and arched her brows, "Somehow you thought going ashore would be *safer* than staying on the ship?"
The trio pulled the dingy behind a shield of boulders, to keep it from floating away when the tide came in, then set off to find the Bari.
***
"The best laid plans of mice and men." Grief commented, shielding his eyes with one hand and holding Isabelle's arm, keeping her upright, with the other.
Halfway through the jungle the skies finally let loose with a torrent of rain so powerful it blinded the visitors, making travel impossible. The wind was so fierce it took more energy for the men and woman to stand on their feet than realistically acceptable. Finally, it got to the point where they couldn't see the jungle floor only a few meters in front of them.
Laboring to keep upright, Isabelle panted, "I've been threatened with drowning before but not while I was standing on sold ground!" and she began to cough, struggling with the effort to speak.
"David! Here!" Mauriri had gone ahead of Grief and Isabelle and found just what they needed.
It was a dark shallow cave, more of a crevice than anything else, but it served its purpose. They were out of the rain and now, with a small fire burning, all three were huddled together, waiting for a break in the storm.
Miserable, Isabelle fussed with her dark hair, pulling the wet strands away from her pale face with a small ornate comb made from ivory. She had it nestled in her back pocket.
"Never seen that before." David commented, shivering beside her, warming his hands over the fire and watching her.
"The comb? Samuel gave it to me for my birthday."
Grief stiffened a moment. "You had a birthday?"
"Most people do."
"When?"
"A little over a week ago."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Mauriri asked, also surprised.
"No one asked." was her simple replied.
"Happy birthday." both Grief and Mauriri spoke in unison then looked at one another.
Isabelle barked a laugh and tried to hide her reaction with the comb. She found the entire situation quite funny. Here they were, three drowned rats stuck in a dark, cold cave during a deadly storm, possibly a typhoon, and her two partners were looking guilty because they hadn't been aware they missed her birthday. Isabelle said, "Don't worry about it. I didn't get a card from my brother either." but her smile faded slightly at this disclosure.
Grief knew what she said was to alleviate their guilt but it just made him feel worse. He would have to do something for her once they got back to Tahiti. Perhaps he could arrange something with Lavinia at the bar, a small celebration amongst friends.
Mauriri stared out the cave entrance, noting how the wind was vigorously whipping the palm trees about, "It looks like this storm is going take awhile to pass." he commented, "If it's all the same with you two I'm going over there and take a nap." He pointed over to a moss covered stone wall not far from them, "I was up at four a.m. after having slept only a few hours in the first place."
Isabelle watched the muscular Polynesian drag himself over to the moss and make himself comfortable, "Why do you think so little sleep?" she whispered to David.
"His daughter has the flu." Grief replied.
"He should have stayed home to take care of her."
"Mauriri had already committed himself to this trip. Besides, his wife is very capable."
Isabelle noted the affection and slight envy in Grief's tone. He and Mauriri really were brothers. It would have been a terrible shame if they hadn't worked out their differences. "I'd like to meet her sometime."
Grief glanced at Isabelle as she stared into the fire. That's right. She had never met Mauriri's better half. Grief had been her friend for over a year now but really didn't know anything about Isabelle Reed, other than she was beautiful and capable. Now, in the light of the fire, he could see the pain and longing in her expression. Isabelle had no real family and very few friends. His heart suddenly went out to her and he put an arm around the woman's shoulders. "I'm sure she'd like to meet you too."
Smiling mildly, Isabelle continued to look into the fire and leaned into his half embrace, pleased with the warmth. "I like kids too. I bet his children are beautiful."
They listened to Mauriri's gentle snoring.
"They are. Sometimes they call me Uncle David ..." he trailed off.
The couple then looked at one another, aware of a closeness, caught up by the soft glow from their fire and the warmth of each other's bodies.
David lifted a hand to touch her damp hair, sliding a gentle finger down her smooth cheek. He looked deeply into Isabelle's blue eyes and was acutely aware of sensations he hadn't allowed himself to feel or think about for months. Isabelle had once told David Grief he would never totally get over her influence on him and, by God, she was right. He fought this attraction for a long time, not entirely certain he could trust Isabelle but also disquieted with the way she made him feel. Grief continually told himself he was not a man to settle with just one woman, one reason he had allowed Lavinia to slip from his grasps. Yet, when Grief was around Isabelle, watching the woman do all the things he did with, perhaps, even more confidence and panache, it unsettled him. Could he *just* have a love affair with a woman that so plainly mirrored his own spirit and passion? And, if he did, would she demand more from him when all was said and done? Isabelle could be damn well vindictive when she wanted to be.
The fierce wind outside reached its zenith, pulling trees from the ground and knocking large stones together above the mountain the threesome were huddled underneath.
Isabelle closed her eyes quickly and held David tightly. She was so afraid and hated that he was here to witness it. The last thing Isabelle wanted was to be weak in David Grief's eyes. Yet his arms, as he held her, were comfortable, kind and secure. Slowly but surely, Isabelle felt her blood begin to stir ...
David gulped slightly and looked over to Mauriri, still unawake. That man could sleep through anything. He felt Isabelle shiver from more than the cold, "It's okay." he whispered, the scent of her rain-soaked hair mesmerizing him. He couldn't deny it. He wanted her, craved her touch, but fought his desires ... until she looked up into his eyes. No. Not just a love affair. Not just a one night stand. Not just an adventure ...
Isabelle felt herself losing a battle to remain composed. His very touch was making her pulse race and when his lips moved in to touch hers she could not help reaching for him. She pulled David Grief closer, feeling the heat of his powerful body as his arms held her, his mouth crushing against hers in a torrent of pent up passion and, dare she think it, adoration.
Kissing deeply they slowly fell backward together in front of the blaze.
"Wait, wait ..." Isabelle, suddenly cognizant, gasped and gently pushed David from her. She struggled into a sitting position, "Oh David, I'm sorry. What am I thinking?" she apologized, pulling at her blue blouse where a few of the buttons had come undone in front.
"What's the matter?" Grief asked, panting, unsettled and almost frightened by the disruption.
"Samuel." she explained, "He and I are trying to ... I mean we ...."
It hit him suddenly and Grief nodded. Of course. "You're in love with him." he unexpectedly said, although the revelation gave him no pleasure.
"In love?" Isabelle blinked, "I'm not sure." She put fingers to her temples, carefully massaging, as if attempting to clear her mind of the fervency she and David had just shared. "But I just can't have a romp with you while I'm trying to get my personal life in order with another man." She was stunned by how easy it was for her to let David Grief, not to mention her own lack of moral ethics, compromise her new found principles. "You may find it hard to believe but I'm just not that type of girl."
"I know ... and even if I didn't know it I'm not the kind of guy who has a fling with a woman who's involved with another man." The words were true but 'fling' was hardly what he would describe as what he wanted with Isabelle Reed. Grief could have kicked himself. He had the worse timing of anyone he knew. A month ago, if they had been in this cave, experiencing the same situation, there would be no stopping the passion. Both he and Isabelle were free and he, for the most part, was over any remaining pain involved with either Lavinia or Jenny. It was time to move on. But now, here he was with a beautiful woman he'd been wanting, but he kept at arms length, for months. He was feeling all those old familiar, and not so familiar, emotions and now she wasn't his for the taking or giving.
What had he expected? Was Isabelle supposed to wait around forever?
***
A little over two hours later, David Grief roused Mauriri. They were in the eye of the storm, an eerie moment of calm, and were ready to trek on into the Bari village to ride out the second half.
Neither Isabelle or David spoke of what happened in the cave although they gave one another side glances occasionally as they walked the muddy path to their destination. Both were wondering what the other was thinking but, stubborn and slightly embarrassed, they kept their thoughts to themselves.
"This is strange, David." Mauriri had commented.
The closer they got to the Bari village the more on-edge the trio became. They heard no bird song or, for that matter, people sound. They should have heard something, even if it was just the villagers doing repair work before the next round of rain and wind.
However, they did detect a strong chemical odor.
Finally, entering the village, they realized why matters seemed out of the ordinary. The huts were all a shambles, some torn from their foundations and others burned to the ground. It might have been the fierce storm and, perhaps, that had been a contributing factor. Yet, the bodies lining the main road into the village, many missing limbs and vital organs, told another story.
"Horses." Grief commented, looking at the many hoof prints on the ground. "Neither the Tonga or Bari ride. Or they *didn't*."
Mauriri nodded, "Horses are sacred, only to be ridden by a tribal king or priest. No other."
"And that chemical smell?" Grief questioned.
"Kerosene." Isabelle said.
"Brought here from the outside." Mauriri commented.
"Where are the women and children?" Isabelle asked, noting neither among the dead.
"If this was truly a Tonga attack they've taken them to use later." Mauriri answered.
The cannibals had gotten the jump on the villagers while they were preparing for the storm. The men, some warriors and hunters and others simple farm workers, all lay dead where they had stood.
"Could it be the Tonga have had dealings with the outside?" Grief asked his friend, "Is that possible?'
"Everything here, except the kerosene and horses, indicate a Tonga attack."
A little away from David and Mauriri Isabelle thought she heard a baby crying. Cautiously, she walked into one of the trashed huts. Seeing movement underneath a blanket, Isabelle slowly slid the covering away from where she heard the sound. She jumped back with a startled, "Oh." when a small cat-like creature sprang up and, frightened, ran out the opened door.
Closing her eyes and catching her breath, Isabelle straightened and began to move toward the exit when she heard another sound. Breathing.
She turned slowly and saw, in a darkened corner of the hut, a native man standing and staring at her. He raised what looked like a hollow bamboo tube to his lips and blew in her direction. The needle embedded into her throat and before Isabelle knew what was happening she collapsed first to her knees then entirely to the ground, unconscious.
***
((continue))
More Than Words
by Beckers
****
Chapter Two:
By the time anchor was dropped near Baritonga the skies above the little island were black and threatening. Grief debated with Mauriri. Should the three of them stay on the ship, riding the storm out below in the safety of the cargo hold, or risk going ashore? Both, despite Isabelle's reservations, eventually decided it would probably be best to row a dingy to the island. Once there they could meet with the Bari people, an intense but reasonable tribe of savages, and request sanctuary in one of their hut homes until the storm blew over.
"A great uncle on my mother's side was a Bari." Mauriri had told Isabelle, noting her concern, as they pulled the small boat onto the wet sand. "They *should* welcome us with open arms."
"*Should*?" she questioned, leery, automatically placing a hand on her hip to feel for the comfortable bulk of her gun.
"They've only been semi-civilized for ten years." Mauriri half shrugged, realizing his reassurance was falling flat.
"And you know how unpredictable some of these native tribes can be." Grief commented, adding to Isabelle's trepidation, lifting a small telescope from a clip attached to his belt. He put it to his eye and examined two routes in the distance. "We can either go left into the valley or take the longer route through the jungle."
"I suggest the jungle." Mauriri said, "The trail to the valley is shorter but we'd have to pass by the Tonga tribe and that wouldn't be good."
"Why?" asked Isabelle.
"Cannibals."
At this bit of information Isabelle looked directly at Grief's profile and arched her brows, "Somehow you thought going ashore would be *safer* than staying on the ship?"
The trio pulled the dingy behind a shield of boulders, to keep it from floating away when the tide came in, then set off to find the Bari.
***
"The best laid plans of mice and men." Grief commented, shielding his eyes with one hand and holding Isabelle's arm, keeping her upright, with the other.
Halfway through the jungle the skies finally let loose with a torrent of rain so powerful it blinded the visitors, making travel impossible. The wind was so fierce it took more energy for the men and woman to stand on their feet than realistically acceptable. Finally, it got to the point where they couldn't see the jungle floor only a few meters in front of them.
Laboring to keep upright, Isabelle panted, "I've been threatened with drowning before but not while I was standing on sold ground!" and she began to cough, struggling with the effort to speak.
"David! Here!" Mauriri had gone ahead of Grief and Isabelle and found just what they needed.
It was a dark shallow cave, more of a crevice than anything else, but it served its purpose. They were out of the rain and now, with a small fire burning, all three were huddled together, waiting for a break in the storm.
Miserable, Isabelle fussed with her dark hair, pulling the wet strands away from her pale face with a small ornate comb made from ivory. She had it nestled in her back pocket.
"Never seen that before." David commented, shivering beside her, warming his hands over the fire and watching her.
"The comb? Samuel gave it to me for my birthday."
Grief stiffened a moment. "You had a birthday?"
"Most people do."
"When?"
"A little over a week ago."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Mauriri asked, also surprised.
"No one asked." was her simple replied.
"Happy birthday." both Grief and Mauriri spoke in unison then looked at one another.
Isabelle barked a laugh and tried to hide her reaction with the comb. She found the entire situation quite funny. Here they were, three drowned rats stuck in a dark, cold cave during a deadly storm, possibly a typhoon, and her two partners were looking guilty because they hadn't been aware they missed her birthday. Isabelle said, "Don't worry about it. I didn't get a card from my brother either." but her smile faded slightly at this disclosure.
Grief knew what she said was to alleviate their guilt but it just made him feel worse. He would have to do something for her once they got back to Tahiti. Perhaps he could arrange something with Lavinia at the bar, a small celebration amongst friends.
Mauriri stared out the cave entrance, noting how the wind was vigorously whipping the palm trees about, "It looks like this storm is going take awhile to pass." he commented, "If it's all the same with you two I'm going over there and take a nap." He pointed over to a moss covered stone wall not far from them, "I was up at four a.m. after having slept only a few hours in the first place."
Isabelle watched the muscular Polynesian drag himself over to the moss and make himself comfortable, "Why do you think so little sleep?" she whispered to David.
"His daughter has the flu." Grief replied.
"He should have stayed home to take care of her."
"Mauriri had already committed himself to this trip. Besides, his wife is very capable."
Isabelle noted the affection and slight envy in Grief's tone. He and Mauriri really were brothers. It would have been a terrible shame if they hadn't worked out their differences. "I'd like to meet her sometime."
Grief glanced at Isabelle as she stared into the fire. That's right. She had never met Mauriri's better half. Grief had been her friend for over a year now but really didn't know anything about Isabelle Reed, other than she was beautiful and capable. Now, in the light of the fire, he could see the pain and longing in her expression. Isabelle had no real family and very few friends. His heart suddenly went out to her and he put an arm around the woman's shoulders. "I'm sure she'd like to meet you too."
Smiling mildly, Isabelle continued to look into the fire and leaned into his half embrace, pleased with the warmth. "I like kids too. I bet his children are beautiful."
They listened to Mauriri's gentle snoring.
"They are. Sometimes they call me Uncle David ..." he trailed off.
The couple then looked at one another, aware of a closeness, caught up by the soft glow from their fire and the warmth of each other's bodies.
David lifted a hand to touch her damp hair, sliding a gentle finger down her smooth cheek. He looked deeply into Isabelle's blue eyes and was acutely aware of sensations he hadn't allowed himself to feel or think about for months. Isabelle had once told David Grief he would never totally get over her influence on him and, by God, she was right. He fought this attraction for a long time, not entirely certain he could trust Isabelle but also disquieted with the way she made him feel. Grief continually told himself he was not a man to settle with just one woman, one reason he had allowed Lavinia to slip from his grasps. Yet, when Grief was around Isabelle, watching the woman do all the things he did with, perhaps, even more confidence and panache, it unsettled him. Could he *just* have a love affair with a woman that so plainly mirrored his own spirit and passion? And, if he did, would she demand more from him when all was said and done? Isabelle could be damn well vindictive when she wanted to be.
The fierce wind outside reached its zenith, pulling trees from the ground and knocking large stones together above the mountain the threesome were huddled underneath.
Isabelle closed her eyes quickly and held David tightly. She was so afraid and hated that he was here to witness it. The last thing Isabelle wanted was to be weak in David Grief's eyes. Yet his arms, as he held her, were comfortable, kind and secure. Slowly but surely, Isabelle felt her blood begin to stir ...
David gulped slightly and looked over to Mauriri, still unawake. That man could sleep through anything. He felt Isabelle shiver from more than the cold, "It's okay." he whispered, the scent of her rain-soaked hair mesmerizing him. He couldn't deny it. He wanted her, craved her touch, but fought his desires ... until she looked up into his eyes. No. Not just a love affair. Not just a one night stand. Not just an adventure ...
Isabelle felt herself losing a battle to remain composed. His very touch was making her pulse race and when his lips moved in to touch hers she could not help reaching for him. She pulled David Grief closer, feeling the heat of his powerful body as his arms held her, his mouth crushing against hers in a torrent of pent up passion and, dare she think it, adoration.
Kissing deeply they slowly fell backward together in front of the blaze.
"Wait, wait ..." Isabelle, suddenly cognizant, gasped and gently pushed David from her. She struggled into a sitting position, "Oh David, I'm sorry. What am I thinking?" she apologized, pulling at her blue blouse where a few of the buttons had come undone in front.
"What's the matter?" Grief asked, panting, unsettled and almost frightened by the disruption.
"Samuel." she explained, "He and I are trying to ... I mean we ...."
It hit him suddenly and Grief nodded. Of course. "You're in love with him." he unexpectedly said, although the revelation gave him no pleasure.
"In love?" Isabelle blinked, "I'm not sure." She put fingers to her temples, carefully massaging, as if attempting to clear her mind of the fervency she and David had just shared. "But I just can't have a romp with you while I'm trying to get my personal life in order with another man." She was stunned by how easy it was for her to let David Grief, not to mention her own lack of moral ethics, compromise her new found principles. "You may find it hard to believe but I'm just not that type of girl."
"I know ... and even if I didn't know it I'm not the kind of guy who has a fling with a woman who's involved with another man." The words were true but 'fling' was hardly what he would describe as what he wanted with Isabelle Reed. Grief could have kicked himself. He had the worse timing of anyone he knew. A month ago, if they had been in this cave, experiencing the same situation, there would be no stopping the passion. Both he and Isabelle were free and he, for the most part, was over any remaining pain involved with either Lavinia or Jenny. It was time to move on. But now, here he was with a beautiful woman he'd been wanting, but he kept at arms length, for months. He was feeling all those old familiar, and not so familiar, emotions and now she wasn't his for the taking or giving.
What had he expected? Was Isabelle supposed to wait around forever?
***
A little over two hours later, David Grief roused Mauriri. They were in the eye of the storm, an eerie moment of calm, and were ready to trek on into the Bari village to ride out the second half.
Neither Isabelle or David spoke of what happened in the cave although they gave one another side glances occasionally as they walked the muddy path to their destination. Both were wondering what the other was thinking but, stubborn and slightly embarrassed, they kept their thoughts to themselves.
"This is strange, David." Mauriri had commented.
The closer they got to the Bari village the more on-edge the trio became. They heard no bird song or, for that matter, people sound. They should have heard something, even if it was just the villagers doing repair work before the next round of rain and wind.
However, they did detect a strong chemical odor.
Finally, entering the village, they realized why matters seemed out of the ordinary. The huts were all a shambles, some torn from their foundations and others burned to the ground. It might have been the fierce storm and, perhaps, that had been a contributing factor. Yet, the bodies lining the main road into the village, many missing limbs and vital organs, told another story.
"Horses." Grief commented, looking at the many hoof prints on the ground. "Neither the Tonga or Bari ride. Or they *didn't*."
Mauriri nodded, "Horses are sacred, only to be ridden by a tribal king or priest. No other."
"And that chemical smell?" Grief questioned.
"Kerosene." Isabelle said.
"Brought here from the outside." Mauriri commented.
"Where are the women and children?" Isabelle asked, noting neither among the dead.
"If this was truly a Tonga attack they've taken them to use later." Mauriri answered.
The cannibals had gotten the jump on the villagers while they were preparing for the storm. The men, some warriors and hunters and others simple farm workers, all lay dead where they had stood.
"Could it be the Tonga have had dealings with the outside?" Grief asked his friend, "Is that possible?'
"Everything here, except the kerosene and horses, indicate a Tonga attack."
A little away from David and Mauriri Isabelle thought she heard a baby crying. Cautiously, she walked into one of the trashed huts. Seeing movement underneath a blanket, Isabelle slowly slid the covering away from where she heard the sound. She jumped back with a startled, "Oh." when a small cat-like creature sprang up and, frightened, ran out the opened door.
Closing her eyes and catching her breath, Isabelle straightened and began to move toward the exit when she heard another sound. Breathing.
She turned slowly and saw, in a darkened corner of the hut, a native man standing and staring at her. He raised what looked like a hollow bamboo tube to his lips and blew in her direction. The needle embedded into her throat and before Isabelle knew what was happening she collapsed first to her knees then entirely to the ground, unconscious.
***
((continue))
