Reaver glared balefully out of the four paned window that looked out onto the slow moving river. The room he stood in was not large, but the wooden walls and floor had warm homely feel. The bed that sat secured to the floor and against one wall had lain upon it a slumbering Sparrow, her head had wrapped around it a bloodied bandage, which was due to be changed. Beside her, curled up like a cat, was Lorna dozing peacefully. Either side of the bed were simple wooden cabinets and on one side, closest to where Reaver stared out of the window, was a little wooden chair.
The door opened and Garth entered with a tray stumbling a little as the boat rocked gently. He set it upon one of the cabinets and opened a small box retrieving a roll of bandage. He looked over at Reaver with a mild expression as he unwrapped a length then turned to the slumbering women lain on the bed.
"Have you been up all night?" Garth asked as he leaned over Sparrow's body and began to carefully unwrap the bloody fabric. Reaver made no comment as he continued to stare out the window lost in his own thoughts.
Garth sighed a little dipping a piece of cloth into a bowl of water that glowed faintly and dabbed it on the fading gash the liquid making a faint hiss as it slowly healed the flesh.
"It's looking better today and there is more colour to her cheeks too," Garth said but this to was only met by silence. The mage shook his head beginning to wrap the woman's head and Reaver turned his head a fraction to watch him as the fabric was bound neatly and Garth cleaned up what mess there was. When he had finished Reaver turned to look out the window once more as he watched the world sail by.
"Reaver, is something wrong?" Garth asked seriously turning to the pirate.
Reaver's scowl deepened. "Nothing I care to speak with you about," he said tartly as he gritted his teeth causing his lower jaw to jut out slightly, making him look more like a sulky child.
Garth sighed again and took the tray, turned, and headed for the door. Just before his hand touched the handle Reaver spoke, the sound no more than a whisper.
"Do you think she will forgive me?" the pirate asked regarding the wizard sadly.
Garth paused a moment as he thought then he smiled gently.
"Depends on how bad you want her too." Reaver gave the man a half hearted glare as he scowled, then he looked down a touch of shame tinting his cheeks as the wizards words sunk in. Garth nodded as if confirming something to himself.
"You've changed Reaver," Garth said and Reaver shot him a death glare his fingers twitching on the handle of his pistol, "for the better I hope." With that he left the fuming Reaver to mutter under his breath, fists clenching and unclenching. With a resigned sigh he slumped into the chair and looked blankly over to the sleeping Sparrow. He huffed and crossed his arms not noticing Lorna's mauve eyes watching him from between half closed lids.
Lorna slowly slid from the bed with a tired little yawn and put a hand on Reaver's knee, staring up at him with wide eyes. Reaver regarded her with a raised eye brow the corners of his lips pinched with distaste, but to his shock Lorna took it upon her self to jump into his lap. She then began to pat his cheek with gentle slaps humming a little to herself. Reaver grimaced taking hold of the small girl and dumped her back on the bed. Unfazed Lorna slid back off and returned to his lap with a huge smile. Reaver sighed in frustration and glared balefully at the small girl.
"Why do you insist on doing things like this, hmm?" he asked and Lorna just stared at him straight faced.
"Because I want too," she replied and then she giggled, "you have a comfy lap."
Reaver stared at her incredulously and sighed. "This is going to be a long evening," he muttered and Lorna giggled.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sparrow stirred groaning as her body shifted causing stiff limbs to protest loudly. Her eyes flittered open and a moan escaped her lips a headache erupting in her skull fit to tear it open. She blinked rapidly as bright light stung her eyes and she looked over to stare into amber eyes. She let out a startled scream as her hand instinctively went to find a weapon that was not there.
A deep, velvety laugh caused her to hesitate just before she could fall off the bed.
"Easy, easy ," a soft accented voice said and Sparrow looked up into a handsome, dark face that looked back with amusement sparkling in his eyes. "I'm not going to hurt you." His black hair was braided in a similar fashion to Garth's, but it was tied at the back of his neck with a piece of leather thong and was longer. His face was clean shaven and along his left ear were golden hoops and in the other was a single diamond stud with brightly coloured feathers dangling from it. He wore a simple tunic that was a rich purple with a silver sash and his long black trousers were baggy with similar boots to Reaver. Sparrow blushed and smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry," she apologised returning to where she was lying and sat up leaning against the headboard.
"Don't be," he replied, "It is I who should apologise, I did not mean to scare you."
He sat down in a chair beside the bed whilst he poured out brownish liquid from a strange pot with a spout into a simple handleless cup. Sparrow watched curiously as steam rose from the contents.
"I am Corban by the way," he said as he handed the cup too her, "Be careful it will be hot."
Sparrow reached up and took the warm cup and sniffed it gingerly. This caused the Samarkandian to laugh the sound made her blush again.
"I'm Sparrow," she said politely holding out her hand. Corban looked at the extended hand the corner of his lip curled in amusement and took it shaking firmly.
"I know," he said simply causing Sparrow's eyes to widen. "We helped you and your friends fight of the last of those brigands and I pulled you out of the river. Its not a good idea to go swimming in one after a down pour like yesterday, very dangerous. At the moment we are on one of my boats traveling down the Rushara River."
"Thank you," she said in a small voice, but Corban waved his hand indifferently.
"Don't worry about it."
Sparrow sniffed the drink again and hesitantly took a sip. The taste was a bit bitter with a herb like after taste. She liked it though and took another sip gasping when she took to much and scalded her tongue. Corban laughed gently.
"I told you to be careful."
She smiled sheepishly and asked, "We are traveling down the river?"
"Yes," he replied crossing his legs and clasped his hands in his lap, "We are one of the few nomadic tribes that still travel the rivers. Some call us pirates, others scum, I prefer river rats sounds more interesting don't you think."
Sparrow laughed. "Yes it does," she agreed taking another sip, "So are you like the leader or something?"
He paused as he thought about the question and shrugged. "I suppose you could say that, they do tend to come to me when something goes wrong," he said mock seriously, "Mind you I do other stuff, you know the usual, shouting, yelling, ordering, healing, cleaning, cooking, child minding, mending the boats that sort of stuff."
Sparrow could not help but laugh causing the dark man to grin showing white even teeth.
"And occasionally I dance but only for a pretty lady or after few drinks, but then I tend to start singing," he said with a wave of his hand and a grimace, "but I am no a virtuoso believe me."
Sparrow laughed heartily her headache forgotten and Corban leaned forward slightly. "You have a pretty smile."
Sparrow blushed suddenly and stuttered a reply hiding her face in the cup when she took another sip. Corban grinned widely and was about to make a comment on the colour of her blush when the door banged open. In the door way Reaver stood glaring darkly at Corban who regarded the Pirate with mild dislike.
"Ah Reaver," Sparrow sputtered her smile leaving her lips, "How are you?"
"Well, thank you," he said stiffly as he continued to stare at Corban. "How are you?"
"Ah, I feel much better thank you," Sparrow replied sensing the tensions rising in the room. Both men remained glaring at each other until a squeal broke the ice and Lorna bounded in leaping onto the bed to embrace Sparrow tightly. The little girl nuzzled Sparrow then turned to glare at Corban. Corban replied with a friendly smile, but Lorna was not having any of it and stuck out her tongue hiding her face in Sparrow's shoulder. Sparrow smiled apologetically and Corban shrugged.
"No worries," Corban said with a wry smile, "I didn't say I was any good at child minding."
Sparrow giggled a warm smile on her lips as she stroked the small girls velvety hair.
"I'm sure you are wonderful with children," she said with a grin, "It's just that Lorna can be a bit funny around new people."
Corban chuckled and nodded. "I can see that."
Reaver interjected with a cough to remind them both he was still there and they turned to look at him, Sparrow stoic and Corban a heated glare. Lorna looked up from Sparrow's shoulder and she waved to Reaver who bowed a little in her direction. Corban sighed and stood patting down his tunic.
"Well I am off I have things to oversee," he said bowing to Sparrow who inclined her head.
"It was a pleasure to meet you," she said with a smile and he replied in kind with a cheeky wink and grin. Sparrow giggled as he left and as he passed Reaver his smile dropped. They stared at each other for a moment till Reaver stood aside to let him pass. Corban smirked as he passed and a deep loathing encased Reaver.
With a kick of his heel the door snapped shut and a dark sneer of hatred twisted Reaver's lips. Sparrow stared at him blankly and he allowed himself to relax a little as he sat on the end of the bed with a leg cocked over the side as he sat sidelong. He looked over at Sparrow with a raised eyebrow as she continued to stare at him.
"Yes?" he asked nonchalantly.
The sound that escaped her lips was harsh and exasperated.
"Cut to the chase Reaver," she said pointing her finger at him, "You hate him, why?"
Reaver regarded her steadily and frowned. "I just do, what's wrong with that."
"You have to have a reason to hate someone," she said.
"Yes, you should know shouldn't you," he retorted hotly leaning over to glare at Sparrow who returned the stare undaunted.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" she asked through gritted teeth.
"What the hell do you think I mean," he half shouted suddenly getting up from the bed.
Sparrow stared at Reaver puzzled by his retort. Realising what he had said Reaver let loose an angry growl and left slamming the door behind him. Sparrow sat on the bed looking all the more confused and Lorna shrugged.
"He's a funny man," she stated and Sparrow could not help but agree with her.
Several days past slowly much like the river upon which the boats floated. For Sparrow it was a pleasant experience having never sailed down a river before. With the administrations she received she was on her feet in no time. Corban's people were generous and kind although she always had this feeling of tension in the air. Reaver, much to her relief, kept his distance to brood moodily usually aboard deck.
Sparrow spent as much time up on deck as she was aloud to glance upon the lush beauty of the world she had found her self in. Corban was also generous and charming. Much to her candour she found herself enjoying his attentions. Although something about him caused a nagging feeling at the back of her mind. She ignored it as she found she could not help herself but laugh at his jokes. A familiar warmth covered her as he spoke and when he looked at her. She always felt so flustered and giggly, much to her surprise. She could not remember the last time she had laughed so freely. For some reason this seemed to annoy Reaver much to her delight.
As the evening began to close, much like one previous, she found herself in the company of Corban, Garth and Lorna who sat beside Sparrow on a stool sewing away on one of her many rag dolls. They were seated round a hearth to ward off the nights chill as the small ship rocked gently. The boats were surprisingly luxurious for river rats as she relaxed into the armchair. Reaver was no where to be seen, but this did not bother Sparrow, his absence was some what a blessing.
Lorna sighed as she half listened to the adults converse between themselves about things she had no wish to know about. The only thing important to her in that moment was finishing her doll. She was so close and hoped it will be a good one. She stuck her tongue out a little as she concentrated on each stitch until finally the last stitch was tied. She broke it with her teeth and slid off the stool. She patted Sparrow on the shoulder and the women turned her head with a gentle smile.
"Yes dear?"
"Am tired can I go to bed please?" she asked in Sparrow's ear as she tried to stifle a yawn. Sparrow giggled and nodded. Lorna smiled pleasantly and bid good night to all but Corban then trotted out the door.
"Strange child," Corban commented and Sparrow agreed.
"Took her ages to say anything to me," Garth commented a little dejectedly.
Sparrow laughed. "She has been opening up a lot more of late," she said looking towards the door with a tender smile.
Lorna paused outside the door and looked down at the Rag doll with a pleased smile. She had just lied to Sparrow just so she could go roam the boat freely. She wanted to find Reaver. She liked Reaver. He was fun to talk too unlike the Corban person. He did not feel right to her and so she skipped off towards the stairs that lead up on deck as that was where Reaver was most likely to be.
As she opened the door and there, for sure, was Reaver leaning on the railing to the starboard side of the ship, staring out into the night. She pottered over to him and tugged on his cloak hiding the doll behind her back. Unsurprised he looked down stoically.
"Yes dear, can I help you?" he asked politely.
She smiled warmly up at the pirate and the corner of Reaver's mouth twitched into a half smile.
"I have a present for you," she said with a grin.
Reaver's eyebrows rose curiously. "Oh really?" he turned with one hand on his hip.
Lorna nodded enthusiastically and pointed to a barrel. "But first, sit."
"Okay," the pirates voice was puzzled but he did as he was told sitting upon the said barrel. Pleased Lorna told him to close his eyes.
"Oh come on, seriously now," Reaver said, but Lorna insisted and relenting he closed his eyes with his hands in his lap. Lorna giggled and turned his hands over then with deliberate care she put the doll in his hands.
"Okay you can open them."
Reaver blinked as he stared at the doll. He turned it over in his hands an almost perfect likeness stared back at him. He drew in a sharp breath as a strange feeling overcame him and his brow creased. Lorna blinked up at him wide eyed.
"Are you okay?" She asked in a small, uncertain voice and he nodded suddenly grinning.
"Its a wonderful doll Lorna," he said brightly, "very well crafted. Have you been doing this a while?"
Lorna clapped her hands delighted that he liked it and nodded. "I have one of Sparrow, wizard man and Gerri." She beamed up at him.
"Whose Gerri?" Reaver asked, as he held the doll in his hands.
Lorna gasped a little and her face fell a little her head drooping so she stared at the floor. Reaver put a hand on her head and was about to ask what was wrong when she looked up with a smile though her eyes seemed shiny.
"He is just one of my dolls that I named," she said her voice trembling a little.
Reaver shook his head and smirked a little patting her head knowing full well that she was lying.
"If you say so poppet," he said and chuckled a little looking at the doll again, "But really I do like it and I will keep it close as it took such effort to make." He smiled down at the little girl who beamed back with a cheery grin. She then yawned making Reaver chuckle.
"As for you young lady shouldn't you be in bed right now," he mock scolded and Lorna looked down coyly.
"Yes sir."
"Does Sparrow know your up here?" he then asked with raised eyebrows.
"No sir," she giggled when Reaver rolled his eyes dramatically and shook his finger at her.
"We haven't been lying, have we?" She shook her head sheepishly and Reaver tutted.
"Naughty, naughty that just won't do," he said pointedly, "as consequence I will have to put you to bed, come on young lady, to bed with you." He slid the doll inside his jacket and picked up Lorna, who squealed with delight and giggled as he slung her over his shoulder, then marched her down below. He marched straight past many of the boats inhabitants who looked on with amused smiles.
Lorna giggled as she begged him to put her down, but he refused kicking open a door. He stared into the room as Sparrow, Garth and Corban jumped to their feet. Reaver blinked and made an amused sound his lips curling into a smirk.
"Oops sorry wrong room," he said not in the least bit apologetic and reached down to grab the handle, "I will be going now." He shut the door and jogged down the corridor to the right room as Lorna filled the corridor with giggles. He opened the right door and set Lorna on her small bunk bouncing lightly on the mattress.
"Silly Reaver," she giggled as she picked up her night dress.
Reaver grinned and gave the young girl a cheeky wink. He went to the door and went to leave when Lorna latched herself to his waist.
"Good night Reaver," she said and he looked back over his shoulder and she detached herself.
"Good night Lorna," and he closed the door with a snap. He paused out side her room his hand reaching to his breast pocket and touched the fabric where it bugled slightly. He shook his head and turned only to be faced by a scowling Sparrow.
"What were you doing with Lorna?" she asked in a crisp tone which Reaver ignored. He waved his hand dismissively.
"Nothing to concern yourself with my dear," he replied just a flinty.
Her scowl deepened as she watched the man saunter down the corridor to a room just off from the hall. With out even looking back he disappeared into his room leaving Sparrow behind. She shook her head and opened Lorna's door a crack peering into the dimly lit room. However Lorna was already curled up under her covers fast asleep. Sparrow smiled tenderly and shut the door leaving her to sleep. Lorna's eyes opened a fraction to stare at the door a small smile on her face as she closed her eyes again.
Reaver sat onto the edge of his own small bunk staring at the doll. That feeling he had always hated was consuming him again. He really needed to get to a more urban setting and soon. All this lovey-dovey behaviour is starting to make him nauseous and the more time he spent with that child the more found himself liking her. He hated children so messy and noisome, they were hardly worth the trouble, and yet why was Lorna so special? Why did he have this over whelming urge to protect her?
His hand clenched the doll tightly and he was about to throw it across the room when stopped. He looked at the doll again and sighed in frustration.
"I blame them both," he muttered as he lay on his back the doll still in hand.
The next morning was bright and cheery much like the day before. Sparrow rose from the bed and dressed then slowly meandered her way through the narrow corridor's below deck to where Lorna's room was. She knocked on the door and waited, but no one responded. Puzzled she opened the door thinking that she must be still asleep, which would be strange as she always up at this hour any way. When she peered in side she nearly screamed. The bunk was empty and panic began to rise.
Further down the corridor a door banged open noisily and giggles echoed down the corridor.
"It's not funny!" a tired, annoyed voice chided, but this was only met by another giggle.
A very flustered Reaver, wearing nothing but a tunic and short trousers, strode down the corridor and when he saw Sparrow he stopped with a light frown. Under his arm was none other than Lorna who looked up at Sparrow sheepishly, but nevertheless giggled childishly.
An unsettling silence fell between them as Sparrow stared hard at Reaver. Lorna looked between the too looking a little guilty. Sparrow clenched her jaws as a wave of jealousy washed over her and she rigidly pointed to the room. With a toss of his head he entered and put Lorna back on the bed. Wordlessly he left again slamming the door to his room behind him. Sparrow entered after and closed the door behind her lighting a oil lamp on the wall.
She began to pull out clothes for Lorna who sat on the bunk, cross legged, and watched the women timidly sensing the emotions filtering off of Sparrow.
"Sorry," she said in a meek voice and Sparrow sighed.
"What were you doing in his room?" Sparrow asked gently unfolding a dress.
Lorna thought about it and smiled a little. "I just wanted to say good morning."
Sparrow shook her head and turned to regard the girl seriously. "Please don't do that again, I came in and nearly... never mind that just don't do it again."
Lorna bowed her head and nodded. "Sorry Sparrow."
The women sighed and smiled despite herself. She leaned down and kissed the little girl on top of the head, then went to the door. She turned to look at the little girl unable to help but feel love and affection. She chuckled.
"I will meet you in the dining room Okay." Lorna nodded sliding off the bunk to get ready. With a curt nod of confirmation Sparrow left walking down the corridor. Something tapped her on the shoulder and she turned slightly, then smiled brightly.
"Ah Morning Corban I hope we did not disturb you?"
He shook his head. "Nah, I was up already," he then yawned widely, "Oops sorry don't know where that came from."
Sparrow chuckled. "Shall we go for breakfast?" she asked with a shy smile and Corban thought about it a moment then grinned.
"Of course as long as there is fruit," he stated seriously, "I like fruit in the morning." He then began to rub his hands playfully. Sparrow laughed and rolled her eyes as she followed him through. Behind them Reaver watched detachedly as his green eyes flashed dangerously. He turned to enter his bedroom once more cutting himself off from the rest of the boat.
When Lorna was finally dressed she trotted into the small room that they used for eating. She stopped when she saw Sparrow chatting merrily with Corban. Her blood suddenly ran cold and she felt sick. She shook her head and made to move but her feet would not move. Under her tunic the necklace vibrated gently against her bare chest. Confused she put her hand over the spot a tingling sensation raced up her fingers. A firm hand on her shoulder made her jump slightly and she looked up into Garth's glowing eyes. The old man looked down with a concerned smile.
"Are you all right young one?" She nodded as her stomach growled. Garth laughed and patted her shoulder.
"This way," he said guiding her to the table that Sparrow sat at and she climbed into the chair next to the tall women. She reached out and grabbed some strange shaped fruit that Garth cut for her. She then grabbed what she thought was toast but when she bit into it, it crunched loudly and it was dry and tasteless, she grimaced and sputtered flakes spraying from her mouth.
Garth chuckled. "That is rye bread," he explained, "And you usually have something with it."
He held up a piece that was on his plate and it had a piece of sliced fruit on and Lorna made a funny face. Garth chuckled and cleaned the mess she made on the table. He handed her which she took gratefully and gulped to get rid of dry dust in her mouth. She instead began to eat the fruit given to her the sticky juice running down her fingers.
Reaver entered looking a bit more presentable although he had not bothered to don his cloak. Lorna waved and he smiled despite himself as he grabbed a couple of round fruits with dark red skins. He sat opposite Garth making sure to have at least a seat between himself and Corban. The Samarkandian looked up curiously, but Reaver refused to admit he existed as he drew a small blade from his boot and began to peel the fruit sucking on its tender flesh.
Sparrow watched with a sigh as a frosty silence settled and she looked at Corban with another apologetic smile. He shrugged and smiled.
"Can't please everyone," he said biting heartily into an apple like fruit. Sparrow nodded in resignation as she ate. One of the deck hands patted on the shoulder and Corban looked up.
"Ah Corban, Justam wants to see you."
Corban sighed and rolled his eyes, shrugging. "No rest for the wicked," he chuckled and Sparrow chuckled. "I apologise dear lady but we must cut this short."
Sparrow blushed lightly and waved him away, so he left with a grin. Reaver cast the women a dark sidelong look which she ignored as she helped Lorna with some cereal.
Upon deck a young man stood staring at the bank with a telescope in one hand. Corban came up beside him and he looked at the younger man in consternation. Justam held the telescope to his senior who took and looked through it where the boy pointed. Through the glass he could see, closer than he wanted, men in dark clothing scouting the bank. He cursed shaking his head.
"Looks like we will have to beach early." The young man nodded and coughed a little.
"Also on the other bank," he turned pointing a hint of fear in his voice, "There was a very large feline prowling along the edge. I am not sure but I think it was watching us."
Corban frowned. "What did it look like?"
Justam thought for a moment. "It was sandy coloured, with a black stripe down its spine to its tail tip which was white," he concentrated a bit as he tried to remember anything else, "Ah and it had white paws and strange red flecks on its flank."
Corban nodded seemingly unsurprised by this report and he looked up a dark speck circled high above. He made a disgusted face and muttered.
"I hate crows."
"Sorry?" The young man asked cocking his head curiously.
Corban shook his head and smiled assuringly. "Nothing, keep a closer eye out, I need to go below." With that he turned to walk down below leaving Justam to stare after him in mild confusion. He turned to one of his ship mates and shrugged returning to look through the telescope.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Another one, am so proud of myself and I really like this one as I was trying to cement more of a relationship between Lorna and Reaver as it will be important later as is everything in this chapter really. I can't wait for your reviews it makes me so happy to read them and thank you to all those who review readily, Piraticaly-Insane being one. Not sure when the next will be up because it being christmas and all but all my Read MERRY CHRISTMAS!!