Liam could say that he was impressed how calm Killian was as they were leaving. Though it only lasted until they were a respectable distance away thankfully before Killian felt the need to ramble about it all.
"Can you believe it Liam? A soul mate! Imagine how rare that could be!"
"I imagine about as rare as the dust on my boots." Liam retorted dryly.
"Do you not believe it?" The hurt danced across his brother's gaze. Killian was many things, unfortunately one of which being of the romantic superstitious variety. Liam sighed.
"I would like to believe in what she says Killian, but I also think she was a very good swindler. She was very believable in acting aloof and misty, and her words were clever, but she wasn't able to give us specifics."
"But she knew things from my past. Things impossible to know!" They turned the corner and closed in on The Bell, one of the most boisterous inns on the waterfront. As ranking officers, they were to be afforded a night on the land for once and Liam had every intention to sleep in a comfortable bed with fresh linens.
"That was odd, but who knows how she knew that. Maybe she just was skilled at reading people and guessing their past."
"I still think she was true." Killian grumbled as they entered the establishment. "I think you were just cross that she saw greatness in me and didn't spare the great Captain Liam Jones a glance."
Liam couldn't help but crack a smile at the jab before finding a seat for them both.
"Exactly that. How could she not see something of me? Clearly its proof enough that she hoodwinked us!"
"That would require taking money brother. She asked for none."
"Then it turns out she was the greater fool. She could have made a profit off you. You surely would have given it to her."
"I would have if she asked for it. But I also would have liked a name." Killian sighed wistfully. "I would have liked a name at least."
"If she gave you a name you would keep turning away every girl based off it and most likely grow old still looking for your fated lass. Actually, that might be a good thing, leave the rest of them to us." Liam laughed allowed while Killian turned away with an exaggerated scoff.
"Fine then, you think she lied, and I think she told the truth. Why don't we put it to the test?"
"Oh? How so?"
"She gave a prediction on the stew for tonight, we don't order it until we see the barkeep get slapped." He pointed over to the large burly man that fumbled getting drinks. A sheet of sweat was glistening his forehead making him even slobbier.
"What good will that prove? He might get slapped any number of nights just for touching a girl."
"Well, there can be no harm in waiting a moment to see!" Killian grinned deviously before leaning closer. "Unless you are scared to be proven wrong."
"Anything to prove me right." Liam groaned, waving over a barmaid who carried pints of ale. He took two mugs from the tray and handed one to his brother. "To the truth."
They clinked together before sloshing the warm alcohol down their throats. Liam didn't drink often, usually only in port and usually only with his brother, but he missed the taste of something other than stale water.
"Let's hope it comes out soon though." He sighed. "I am wanting something hearty that will allow me to have all the ale I want tonight."
"Agreed."
"Just understand your limit…little brother."
"Younger. Younger brother Liam, why must you do this to me?"
"You make it too fun."
The two laughed and polished off their drinks quickly, ordering another round. The barmaid seemed all too eager to sweep by and deposit more, lowering down enough in front of Liam with a saucy wink before flittering away to another table.
"Oh, she winked at me Killian, do you think the witch predicts she is my soul mate?"
Killian opened his mouth to rebuttal the jab before a large shout occurred behind them. The two looked over to see a stout woman standing before the barkeep. Her own face flushed from either anger, work, or heat, but she was mouthing off to him. They were too far away to hear but they watched her with bated breath. Until she turned away from him with a swish of skirts.
Liam let out a laugh.
"See little brother if that was it, the witch made an error. She was only guessing after all." His grin vanished though when an older woman came out and slapped the barkeep hard enough it earned several drunken cheers from around the tavern. Liam's smile dropped while Killian turned to him with a wide smirk.
"An error you say?"
"It wasn't much of a prediction! She lives here and more than likely that was a marriage spat. Everyone in this town probably knows about it." The barmaid sauntered by their table and Liam held up a hand to stop her.
"Excuse me, does the barkeep often get into spouts with his wife?" The girl crinkled a brow in confusion before looking over to the pair, realizing the intent.
"Oh, they's aren't married sir. They are brother and sister. She's the cook of the inn."
"Why would she slap him then?"
"I expect it has to do with something in the cooking. Marl there, he ain't that right in the head. He might have been asked to do something in the kitchen and could have mucked it up." She sighed heavily. "He probably turned the stew unto sludge again, now the whole pot will be inedible. Pat should know better than to even allow him into the kitchen."
Killian's grin was irremovable as Liam cleared his throat.
"Do you have any recommendations on something for our supper then?"
The maid's eyes twinkled as she nodded eagerly.
"Of course, sir! I made some meat pies earlier than are quite excellent…if I do say so myself." Her voice lowered to a purr. Liam only gulped heavily and nodded.
"They sound excellent. Two of those then."
She winked and sauntered off, throwing a coy look to him over her shoulder. Killian only laughed.
"So that is proof."
"That is evidence that she knows the people of this inn."
"Then how did she know it would be this inn we were staying at?"
"We are in navy uniforms Killian, it's only natural to stay near the docks. I still don't believe it and I'm appalled at how much you are believing this too!"
"Why do you find it hard to believe? Of all the magic in the realm someone seeing the future is strange to you?"
"Not strange but rare little brother. There is a difference. Do you know how many street urchins claim to do something bizarre like reading your future and selling these lies?"
"Then how do you tell the story of how our father abandoned us? That part at least was true!"
"It was, I'm not denying she might be a witch of sorts, that much was clear. But believe me this little brother, a seer wouldn't be wasting time in this port. I doubt very much that what that girl said was true."
There was a beat of silence between the two and it took Liam a moment to realize the harshness of what he said. The pain that flickered across Killian's eyes displayed the dashed hopes and beliefs he heard the girl say crumble away at the hands of his most trusted older brother no less.
"Killian! I don't mean about the fact of you becoming a great sea captain or even finding a lass to share a romance with. Anyone can see that happening! Look at you! Lieutenant at your age and you are a handsome devil! It proves my point! Anyone can see it is bound to happen."
"I understand your point. Regardless brother." Killian's voice was hoarse as his blue eyes drifted away from Liam's face. "I would be most grateful if you could have them send my own meal up to my room, I'm already tired enough. I don't trust myself to be in a drinking mood tonight."
With that, the younger Jones rose from his seat and made the way to the staircase to disappear on the landing without another look back to his brother. Liam let out a heavy sigh before he chugged back the last of the ale to burn the taste of disappointment from his mouth. Liam was a practical man, grounded in a world of magic and only believed in using magical tools to execute his orders.
It was often he sometimes forgot that Killian was the dreamer of the two. Killian believed. Killian was the romantic. Killian deserved all the things the girl spoke of that night. And it was because he deserved those things that Liam had to bring him to reality before his brother's hopes were crashed if they didn't come true. He didn't mean to be cruel. Just practical. Nobody wanted the life they heard for Killian more than Liam.
Hopefully he'll understand that someday. I don't want him to get hurt. Not Killian.
The barmaid sauntered over and looked to the empty seat beside Liam in confusion.
"Where is your friend?" She asked in a sultry purr, her brown eyes looking up to him underneath long eyelashes.
"My brother." Liam corrected, taking his own bowl from her. "He wishes for his meal to be sent to his room. Number 11."
"Of course, sir!" She smiled charmingly. "It's just a shame that you'd be eating alone."
"I'll manage alright."
"Are you sure sir? My mum said it was always a pity for someone to eat alone. Especially a handsome naval captain like yourself."
His chewing slowed while he looked up to her. Her sole attention was on him, and her eyes twinkled with admiration. She was a pretty girl, dark hair piled atop her head in a loose bun with tendrils flowing out, a heavy chest busting from the top of her bodice that promised womanly curves. She would be nice company for a night at the very least to share a meal.
"Then by all means let me pay for the food, you send that up for my brother, and I'll buy you a drink."
Her answering smile encouraged him as he reached to his waist and felt around. Feeling nothing, he patted around in his pockets. Again nothing. His own smile melted off his face as he kept looking around.
"Is something wrong?" She asked, her voice losing the sweetness.
"I'm trying to find my coin purse, but it seems it is no longer on my person." He exasperated a sigh. "Please see to it that the food and drink is added to my tab, and I'll pay it first thing with the rooms in the morning."
Her eyes seemed to turn cold at that as she dipped her head in the smallest of nods before turning away in a bustle of skirts. He wondered what he did to cause offense to her, and hoped she understood he still had the intention of buying her a drink. Those hopes however were dashed when some other drunk fisherman reached for her skirts and managed to tug her into his lap. Immediately her smile returned, and she leaned down to whisper in the man's ear before she was scampering up the stairs to deliver the other meat pie.
The fisherman not so subtly turned his head back and eyed Liam before sauntering over.
"Don't look so confused sir. Tis only Lottie's way. It's her business."
"I'm sorry?" Liam blinked up at him in confusion.
"I'm just meaning no offense to yuh. The girl said she had no other promising offers tonight for her bed. I'm sure you was going to pay for her services and all, you looks honorable, but she takes it up front. It's meaning no disrespect to you that I take her for the night."
Liam only continued gaping at the man before it suddenly struck him as the missing piece he lacked in this conversation.
"Wait…are you saying she's a prostitute? And you're asking me to make sure I have no intentions for her?"
Laughter rang out from the surrounding tables of fisherman and sailors. Liam was just glad Killian wasn't down here to seem them laugh at his expense. The fisherman in front of him was chortling himself.
"Well sir, I suppose I don't needs explain with you then. Since yous so appalled by it. It's a shame. Lottie could have probably made off real handsomely tonight with you if you had the money. But don't you worry, she'll keep us company and you get to save that coin for something a little…sturdier." The pub roared with laughter again as the fisherman walked back to his own table. Leaving Liam to growl in frustration as he began inhaling the pie when another thought rung through his head.
You will find the best way to carry your money, is by not carrying it at all.
His chewing slowed as he stewed over the words. Her first proclamation on the stew was certain to be coincidence and lucky guess. Something that simply living in the town she could have known. This second, she mentioned, surely made no sense at how she could have known at all. She couldn't have known he didn't have money on him, and if he was correct earlier in saying she could read the past on a person, there was no way she would know he wouldn't return to the ship and get his coin purse before going to the inn.
But she was right. That girl could have robbed me blind if I carried it. Whether I laid with her or not. Am I really questioning this? Do I believe in it?
"You there! Enough of this ale!" A rowdy sailor shouted. "Let's bring in the rum barrels! Some of us have been on a ship long enough we need something harder than this watered-down swine!"
Triumphant cheers volleyed the request as Liam watched rum be brought in. He tended to stay away from that alcohol, though Killian was more than tempted at it enough. Before the first glass could be poured, he was walking out the door to check on the Jewel.
He walked in the shadows of dark, keeping his ears open to listen for anything. Though the docks were easily a short walk away from The Bell. He just needed to clear his head and didn't like to be around men who drank rum, he wasn't fulfilling that bloody woman's prophecy.
The wood underneath his boots moaned as he walked up the dock to his ship when he could make out a figure standing in front of the ship. Pacing back and forth clearly nervous.
"You there!" Liam called out and hurried along. The figure froze and stiffened up, but at Liam approached he realized it was the harbor master. "Is there something wrong sir?"
"Oh? Nothing wrong at all." His answer was swift, almost rehearsed. Liam appraised him, watching as the man's gaze wouldn't meet his own and his feet kept shuffling. There also seemed to be a raggedness to his appearance now that made him to believe he could have been assaulted. It prickled something at the back of his neck telling him that there was something shifty occurring around his vessel.
"Is there something wrong with the ship…sir?"
"No, no." The old man was quick to rebuttal. "I was just…admiring it. You don't get a beautiful ship like this in around these parts. Mostly just fishing barges, cargo ships, the occasional transport, and-"
"I'm sure." Liam interrupted. It was a true statement after all, the only reason they docked here was for repairs. "But surely you are not just admiring a ship."
"Oh? What makes you think that?"
"Your stance. You're hiding something."
The man's nervous demeanor only grew. His gaze flittered to the ship and back to Liam, but not discreetly enough that didn't have Liam withdrawing his cutlass. Immediately the man froze up and held his hands up in defense.
"Now I have no patience for this. I ask again, what are you doing shifting around my ship sir?"
"There's someone aboard." He blurted out. "He…he said I could be repaid handsomely if I just kept watch. Please I have a child."
Liam pointed the cutlass in motion to the ship.
"Come aboard then. I'm not letting you out of my sight. The old man nodded furiously and led the way up the gangplank. Taking up some spare rope, Liam made short work of tying the man's hands around tightly to the mast of the ship, before assuming to descend below deck. Being in port, he knew most of the crew would be out, though a few trusted sailors were left to watch over the ship by his leave. That didn't mean that they would be patrolling around the captain quarters though, where most of the noise was coming from.
Not a very bright thief. He couldn't help but think as he opened the door and saw a pudgy man holding up a familiar looking necklace of pearls that made Liam see red.
"Drop those at once thief or I will cut off that hand."
The thief did so at once as Liam held his cutlass up before scooping up the necklace. There were very few mementos he cared for, but the little jewelry that belonged to their mother was one of them. He guarded them as best he could and wasn't going to allow a poor thief to touch them.
"Do you know who's ship this is?"
"The navy." The man huffed, his breathing heavy. "For the king."
"Very good. Then you know that there is a serious crime robbing from any navy vessel off the sea."
The thief didn't answer but thought to try and barrel past Liam for the door. He didn't hesitate to press the blade into the neck of the man casting a shallow cut of blood.
"Don't move. I will escort you personally down to the brig and we will turn you over to the authorities in the morning. He walked him down to the lowest level of the ship, his blade pressing into his back the whole way until he was safely trapped in one of the holdings. Returning up to the main deck, Liam was prepared to get the harbor master as well when he ran into one of his trusted crew members.
"Sir! I was just making my rounds when I found the harbor master tied to the mast. Something must be amiss!"
"Quite right Mr. Owens. It seems there was a thief on my ship and the master was in cahoots. Inform those remaining on deck, I want a lookout on the gangplank until morning, Andrews can do it, he's a good young lad."
"Aye sir."
"And see to it that the harbor master is put into the brig until morning, we will have someone come to see that the two receive justice of the lands."
"Aye sir."
"Check all the cargo supplies and anything of value to make sure nothing else is amiss. I believe he was only looking for baubles in my quarters, but I want everything double checked at once."
"Aye sir."
"And I don't want this mentioned to Lieutenant Jones. As far as we are concerned, I am enough to handle it."
"Yes Captain."
"Very good then. Dismissed Mr. Owens." The sailor saluted and ran off to follow the orders as Liam turned to head back to the room. The lock was picked and would need repairs, he would have someone see to it in the morning. The rest of the room would take a more delicate touch as it was completely ransacked. He always took great care to organize everything and knew his work would be cut out for him once he had a spare moment. Though, it was easy to glance over the room and tell that there was little missing. Most likely the thief was an amateur and looked everywhere around before thinking to check in some of the boxes of personal mementos on the shelf.
His heart was in his throat at how close the thief was in stealing one of the few things they had left from their mother. The pearls had always been her favorite, and he had fond memories of seeing them on his mother. But the other thing held more value. Lifting the chest, he flipped it up and eyed the hidden compartment before springing it open and letting out a small sigh of relief. From the small opening he reached in and plucked out a small ring. His mother's ring. A sapphire that seemed a reminder of the eyes he and his brother both possessed from their mother, he gingerly picked up the ring and held it up. While he didn't expect to get married in the near future, if Killian did ever find someone, he hoped to give it to him.
A token of the mother his younger brother barely remembered other than her name. So close from being lost possibly forever. His relieved smile slowly began to melt from his face when he recalled once again the last prediction from the girl.
And please return to your ship before the rum is poured, you will find yourself thankful you did.
At that point, Liam truly didn't suspect it was coincidence any longer.
It was late into the night and Liam couldn't sleep a wink in the precious bed at the inn. Ever since he returned from checking on the ship, making sure that there would be someone up all night to guard it, his mind kept going over what the girl said. Every. Single. Detail. If what she said tonight was true, then it stood to reason Killian's prediction was true as well and much more valuable than stew, money, or even their mother's ring.
All he could think about is what the witch predicted for his brother. A love like no other. A soul mate for his little brother. Someone who would understand him and be there with him always. Yet the witch didn't hint when Killian would even find this woman. Was she real? Or was she just an elusive charm to try and get them to pay the girl more. He was starting to understand Killian's frustration from not being given a name.
You will have a difficult path before you Killian Jones. You will constantly be at battle with yourself until you find her. There is a darkness inside of you that is searching for permission to get out. Be cautious of it that it won't devour you and rob you of this precious gift.
Liam wasn't naïve. It was true with what she said, Killian did have a darkness. He was the wild Jones; he had always been ready for a brawl or a fight before the navy. He fought for what he thought was right, but he was incredibly defensive for those he was loyal to. He had no doubt that if things ever turned to the worst, Killian wouldn't hesitate to kill for those he loved. It was a fine quality in a man, but also a dangerous one in someone so passionate. But could it really deny him this great and epic love the girl told for him?
Killian deserved happiness. Killian deserved this. He was special, he believed the witch when she said that part. If she was right about this girl, he was destined to share a great love with, how was it fair that he didn't even know where or when he could find her.
The future is a dangerous thing to be specific about. Since it is your future, I cannot tell you the precise moment nor hour.
The witch looked at him specifically at that, baiting him. Testing him. Daring him. He knew that it was a message for him to know he could possibly grant his brother's happiness. He just didn't think to rise to it earlier. He supposed that was probably why she gave him the predictions of the night to keep daring him.
Liam was never one to be below expectations.
It was pitch dark when he went back into town. Shrouded in a cloak and holding up a lantern to guide his way with one hand on his cutlass in case he ran into trouble. It was unlikely that the girl would still be in her tent at this time of morning, but his gut was correct in confirming that she was there, for it was the beacon of light he moved towards on the street.
Sweeping aside the flap he stood in the tent again over the young girl. She looked up to him with glassy eyes and a wry smile.
"I expected you earlier Captain. Such a disappointment." She grinned. "I bet you never hear that about you."
Liam didn't rise to her goading.
"You couldn't tell Killian the specifics of when he would meet his soul mate. Can you tell me?"
She shrugged and examined her dirty nail beds. Clearly not as interested in him as she had been in Killian earlier.
"I could tell you one of the many paths Liam Jones. The question is though are you willing to pay for it."
"You are not getting my blood." He stated plainly. She snorted at that.
"I wouldn't want it. Your blood is nothing thrilling. Your brother's blood." She licked her lips as if remembering the taste. "That is special blood. The blood of legend with a soul bond to boot. I will remember it for eternity."
"Then what do you want?"
She shrugged again, back to looking aloof.
"One coin on your person should be enough."
"Only one coin?"
"I need my breakfast in a few hours. You are a sceptic anyways, it's more fun to take your money than something you wouldn't miss."
Liam reached and pulled out a gold coin, holding it up for her to see.
"I might be less sceptic now than earlier. Your predictions came true, although now I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I didn't at least hear more on what you will have to say if it ensures my brother's happiness. I give you this, you help me and answer my questions. Are we agreed?"
She gave a toothy grin; it almost made her look fierce and ancient.
"You are a very good bargainer with the immortals Liam Jones. It might be a useful skill to pass to your little brother."
She held out her hand and he placed the coin in. She adjusted in her seat and directed her full body to face Liam, providing him full permission to ask what had been on his mind.
"This girl…how long will it take for Killian to find her?" Liam asked hesitantly. Lowering down in front of the girl.
"I can't say for sure." She repeated, in a more somber tone than just playing coy. At Liam's twisted face of anger, she held up her hand to stop him. "The future holds many tangles, many ways where they may meet sooner or later. Most commonly, I have seen that he may not meet her until he is over three hundred years old."
"But how is that possible? He won't live that long to meet her."
"Your brother will find a land to prolong his life and youth. So do not doubt me Captain Jones."
"But you said this girl was going to make him happy. She was going to make him be the best man he could possibly be! Are you telling me my brother is destined to possibly wait literal centuries before he actually meets her!" He wasn't quick to lose his temper when he hesitated and thought over her words. "Wait, you said "most commonly". Is there a way to make them meet sooner?"
Her wicked smile returned onto her face. Clearly taking immense joy from listening to him.
"I was hoping you would ask that Captain." Pulling out a box from underneath the small table, she delicately opened the lid revealing a glittering spool of red thread next to her shinning gold scissors.
Before Liam could ask about it, she pulled it out reverently and held it up.
"Have you guessed what I am Captain?"
"No…but something much rarer than a seer I take it." She chortled at that.
"I am a fate Captain Liam Jones. I spin and see the paths of past, present, and future. My sisters and I see all and know all, but even we have our limits divided by time. You are in luck that I am the fate of future, who has a soft spot for love. Especially one like this.
"Long ago, humans were stronger and smarter than they are now. Two souls bonded together into a physical form until the gods divided them. However, they could not disconnect them completely. While they became two different pieces, they were attached by a single red thread of fate. This red thread." She began pulling off a piece, slowly and with great care. "This red thread is enchanted to bring forth any soul mated pair together. So powerful will it pull them together it transcends all logic, of time or space. I will cut you a piece of thread. You will need only tie it to something of Killian's and throw it into the sea. By dawn the next morning, your brother's soulmate will be with you."
She pulled out a small shell and placed the curled string inside before snapping it closed. Liam held out a hand to take it before she drew it back.
"There is more to this soul bond I should let you know. It is a downward path that cannot be stopped once it has started, when they meet it will only grow, as they love it will become stronger, it is something that cannot be destroyed or severed not even by these." She waved a hand over her scissors.
"A soul bond is a precious and beautiful thing, but it can also bring great pain when they are separated, and it has a tendency to consume. It could be that meeting this girl early will spare your brother of a dark fate, however." She leaned in closely, letting the shadows from the flame dance over her face. "It could also be something to push him into the darkness. People do anything for the sake of love. A soul bonded pair is no different. If anything, they will do more. This is not going to go the way you think."
She extended the shell out to him, which Liam hesitantly took. Looking down at how small it fit into his hand and then back to the girl.
"How do I think this is going to go?"
Her answer was only her coy smile and a small one shouldered shrug.
"How should I know what you think Captain Liam Jones? I only see the future and am a fate, I'm not a mind reader."
It took Liam roughly three weeks to decide on what to tie to the thread and use for the spell. But to be fair, it was a very limited selection of what was available to use. The witch didn't specify that it had to be something of value, only something that was his, which was very hard to come by considering how little he and Killian owned on the ship.
They were military men, with little sentimentality. Not to mention they were destitute before joining the navy so there weren't many tangible things they held onto. He also figured it would be best that it was something small and probably something Killian wouldn't miss. This only made it harder because anything small, useable, and of personal belonging of Killian was something that would be missed if he just tossed it into the ocean for a spell in hopes that it would bring his little brother's soul mate to him.
It was a long process, but after a lot of deliberate thinking, Liam was proud of what he came up with. His little brother's black hair tie. It was small, replaceable, and was something Killian wouldn't care to miss. Liam took great care sneaking into his brother's cabin while he was fast asleep, so that Liam slipped it from his nape and left one of his own on the dresser. Killian would probably think he undid his queue at some point and was none the wiser it was to be used for magic. But just to be over cautious, Liam also snagged a few hairs from Killian, hairs should count as something belonging to his brother.
And so, Liam stood on deck in the early hours of morning, opening the shell to gaze at the pretty thread still coiled inside. He was amazed at how the red thread seemed to give an ethereal glow in the pitch-black night. It felt alive to him, like it knew it was about to be put to work in bringing two soul mates together and was excited at the prospect. So with a careful hand, the captain lifted one end and threaded it through the tie, tying it securely in a small knot before placing it along with the few hairs back in the shell. He figured it wouldn't hurt to throw it in all together.
Taking a deep breath, he held it closed tightly in his fist, closing his eyes.
Please. Please work. Please bring my brother's love. Please bring my brother's soul mate and allow them to forge the strongest soul bond this world has ever seen. He needs to be happy. Someone else that can help make him happy.
With a great throw of his arm, he released the shell from his hand and watched it soar across the air before it landed in the water with a sound 'plop'.
He waited a moment. Then another.
Nothing happened.
Liam let out a huff of breath he didn't know he was holding before he turned away. Figures. He was conned and was preyed upon with the hope of giving his brother a great love. With nothing else to do Liam retired to his quarters for a few hours of precious sleep. He only was asleep for less than a single hour when a loud clap of thunder had him jumping awake. Outside his window, the dark waves were thrashing against the hull of the ship, clouds were swirling and thunder roaring in his ears. He stumbled into his boots before getting onto deck where a few of the crew were manning the sails.
"Where has this storm come from Mr. Clayton?" He shouted, walking up to the helm. The officer looked at him in slight distress but only shook his head.
"That's just it Captain, it came out of nowhere!"
"A storm like this doesn't come from nowhere!"
"I am only reporting what I saw sir! The waters were calm but ten minutes ago!"
Liam didn't have time to argue with the helmsmen before he began barking orders to the others on deck before Killian stumbled up.
"Is it a storm brother?" He shouted, looking out to the rough waters. While the waves were rolling violently and thunder rumbled through the sky, there was no rain or lightning. But the wind was restless, blowing hard enough the ship was making great speed over the seas.
"I don't know!" Liam answered. "It seems as if it's still brewing!"
"Something doesn't feel natural about it! This isn't an ordinary tempest!"
Liam could only nod to his brother's assessment. Killian had good instincts and if this wasn't normal to him then something odd was brewing.
That was when the flash and clap occurred. Being on sea, both Jones brothers felt violent storms. Crazy winds, violent crashes, deafening thunderclaps. But the simultaneous crack that felt to shake the sky and the blinding flash sent everyone on board tumbling over. Everyone that is, other than Killian Jones.
"Did you see that!" He shouted and pointed out. Liam only had a moment to glance and only caught a small glow of red before it vanished in the black waves.
"What?"
"That red glow on the water!"
"Your mind must be playing tricks on you brother!" Liam shouted but felt a twinge of something in his stomach.
"I know what a saw!" Killian sneered looking up to the helmsman. "Change course! Hard to starboard Mr. Clayton."
The officer looked to Liam for confirmation, raising the captain's ire.
"You have your orders Mr. Clayton."
With the new direction, the Jewel flew over the rocking waves following Killian's direction. The lieutenant didn't pay attention and went to the bow of the ship, pulling out his spy glass and surveying over the rough waves with an eagle's eye. Certain that there was something out in the water. He stared out for a few minutes before he slowly lowered the glass, a grave look in his eyes.
"Bloody hell." He cursed. Turning on his heel and shoving the glass to Liam. He held it up and couldn't help but letting out a small curse of his own. It was impossible but bobbing in the water he could make out a head of golden as the only color in the dark sea. Somehow a survivor was barely keeping up in the storm.
"Pull the pin!" Killian's shout could be heard. Liam only had time to turn before he saw his brother run past him off the side of the ship to swan dive into the water.
"Killian!" His shout cut across the deck. He cursed to himself and looked to the few on deck. "Secure that line!"
You bloody idiot! He wanted to call after his younger brother but kept that remark to himself. Pulling up the spy glass he followed his brother who was bravely swimming across the waves, constantly being pushed down to get to the survivor. His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to follow the figure, constantly losing sight of him under the waves. It was when he finally saw the head of blonde hair being pulled towards the ship that he figured Killian had finally grabbed hold of them. Dropping the glass, he took hold of the rigging his brother tied himself to.
"Come on then you lot!" He shouted over to the deckhands. They fumbled over to join him in pulling the line until Killian was pulling himself over with a body over his shoulder. He heaved heavily, trying to catch his breath but wasted no time in rolling over the stranger. Long tangeled blonde hair fell away from the face revealing a young face or a very pretty girl.
"Bloody hell." One of the sailors cursed.
"It's a woman!"
"What was she doing out here?"
"Knife!" Killian coughed, sea water spraying across the deck. An officer fumbled but withdrew a small blade and held it to the lieutenant who snatched it and angled it under the girl's nose. When the blade fogging over from her breath, they all seemed to let out a collective sigh of relief. She was still alive.
"Mr. Banes, go below deck and find some spare blankets!" Liam turned towards the small group surrounding them. "Mr. Holmes, you and Mr. Layton secure that rigging and keep an eye out for any shipwrecks."
With a scuffle of feet, they were off to obey his orders, leaving him and Killian to look at the strange girl. Liam had never seen such odd clothing in the Enchanted Forest. She was dressed in tight pants that were damply clinging to her legs, paired with a dark odd-looking jacket that seemed to be part cloak from the hood in the back. Regardless of the odd clothing however, it took nothing away from the girl's beauty. Pale milky white skin that looked translucent from the frigid water, high full cheek bones and a small chin, and long eyelashes hiding her eyes. She was a fallen angel that landed in the ocean, that couldn't be coincidence.
Liam cast a look to Killian who didn't seem fazed at all. He was studying the girl with an intensity that he had never seen his little brother hold before. Like he was trying to forge her face to his memory in case she disappeared. Clearing his throat, Killian finally looked up to him.
"Killian, I'm going to leave…her in your charge. Don't leave her side until I return. I'll be right back." Liam announced and turned away. He was going to go down to the kitchen himself and see if Cook could start boiling some water to provide the two a way to wash off the sea water.
Killian couldn't explain it, nothing seemed normal from the tempest that awoke him from his sleep. Even now the waters were violently crashing against each other, but it seemed to begin calming down now. He couldn't fathom how it could happen, but he wasn't focused on the storm any longer. His attention was solely on the beauty he pulled from the water. There was no time to look at her properly when he saw a figure in the water, he didn't question the instinct to jump into the rough sea and try to save her, but he was glad he did. Seeing her safe brought a serenity to him he never felt before as he looked down to her.
Where did she come from? Was she a survivor from a shipwreck? Did she send a red distress signal in the water? What on earth was she wearing? Too many questions, but only one took precedence in his mind.
What was her name?
There was no band on her finger, so she was not spoken for. He was relieved to discover that, for he felt it gave him leave to raise a hand and brush aside the sodden locks that fell over her face. Even wet with sea water, it was soft to the touch, and it gave him confidence for brushing his fingers down the apple of her cheek.
The moment their skin seemed to touch, immediately her eyes flashed open, and he found himself lost in a sea of green. Her eyes bounced around, dilated eyes to take in her surroundings. He knew she would be frightened from such a predicament that he immediately hushed her. Her gaze focused on him, such beautiful eyes that he felt his heart stutter.
"It's okay." He whispered softly, not wanting to startle her more. "My name is Killian and you're safe now."
She shook her head, no doubt in confusion, but it seemed that movement alone was too much for her. Her lips opened, entrancing Killian by how soft and lush they looked, before a small word breathed out.
"Swan."
Swan. Killian thought with a smile. He assumed it was a surname, but it suited her perfectly. A graceful beauty. He continued to brush a hand through her hair, hoping it would provide her some comfort and was completely ignorant to the return of his brother. Liam wasn't focused on them either. Sure, he noticed them, but his gaze drifted beyond the pair, where the waves calmed, and the clouds were thinning out to allow the first few rays of dawn break on the horizon.