Part 1: Growing up a water princess and taming the water sprite

First part to the story.

 

Untitled

 

Growing up a Water Princess and Taming the Water Sprit

“Truth is beautiful, without a doubt; but so are lies”

 

Walking the short distance to the booth, I reached up for one of the colored metal bangles. I felt it in my hands, turning it this way and that way, admiring the shine and sheen. The shop keeper stood and came to me.

“It’s 15 pence. Or three for 40 pence.” Placing it back on the counter I turned to the more ornately colored ones. He eyed me wearily. Picking up the pearl one, I twisted it in my fingers, while eyeing the acid washed metal ones.

“I don’t think you can afford those ones, missy.  These…” he said pointing to the one in my hand and the tray that held some others. “…are 3 scirts each.” Slipping into the state daddy calls merchant mode, I questioned the value of the item. It looked to be real pearl, seeing it dozens of times before I should know. It was cut well, and sanded down softly so as not to scratch the surface, there were no noticeable blemishes, over all a worthy product.

Sliding the pearl one on to my wrist and reaching up for three metal ones, I slipped four gold coins onto the counter. Again the man eyed me wearily, as if he was waiting for me to turn and run. The gold coins had the face of the country’s late king, King Victor. They were each worth one scirt, one scirt was 250 pence. Waiting patiently for my change, I scanned over the other products. Nothing of great importance. The man handed me back 215 pence. I fiddled with the copper coins hesitantly.  He had given me two scores and 15 shicks. Annoyed with the man for giving me so many shicks, I turned away and skipped off. The star burst necklace around my neck bobbed up and down with each skip, almost hitting me in the face. Stopping, I spun around and stared at a woman and boy.

‘He had just called out to me, right?’ The woman was turned in the other direction, clucking over a vegetable stand, the boy ran up to me. He was older but not by much, maybe a year or two. His smile was nice.

“Hey, fer’ a girl, you’re dressed pretty funny.” He put his hands on his hips and leaned over me. Looking down I tried to find out what was so funny about my clothes. A dark blue dress that went to my knees, breeches and a pair of boots. My hand went up to tug at my hair that was in braids, the bangles clacking loudly. When I didn’t answer he continued.

“That’s’ok though, ‘cause you’re pretty.” His smile looked crooked, but happy. Kind of lopsided. Mumbling out a quick thank you, and a faint blush tainting my wind chapped cheeks, I ducked my head.

“Kylin? Kylin! Come here this instant!” The woman, most likely his mother, or nanny called. The boy, Kylin, waved bye, then trotted over to the woman, his blonde hair bouncing with each step.

“Don’t ever go near her again. She’s a pirate. If haven’t I told you once, I’ve told you twice! The sea people come every few month to restock the market. Keep clear of them and their kind, they are dirty people.” The woman admonished him, a finger wagging in his face. She tossed me a gruesome look, her nose sneered up. The boy looked back at me, curiosity evident in his face.

“Soleil! Finally! Do you know how long we’ve been looking for you? Cap’ain would wring us if we didn’t find you. Don’t leave the ship unless you tell someone next time! Now come on, we’re making out.” Two large, burly men had come lumbering up to me, out of breathe and red in the face. I could only stare at the boy as he stared back. The woman had gone terribly pale in the face, and her breath was coming in short spurts, her fingers clutching desperately at Kylin.

“I think it would be cool to be a pirate.” He murmured at the same time I said

“Yo ho, Yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.”

I was then hoisted up on to one of the men’s shoulders, and we then boarded my father’s ship.

 

2 years later

 

Yawning widely, I sat up in bed, still a little disorientated from sleep.

‘Wait, wasn’t today the day daddy’s new apprentice was to come a board?’ I stumbled out of bed and seeked out the answer on the calendar. Fall 6^th : Apprentice 8AM.

‘Shoot! What time is it? 7:45. Why wasn’t I woken up?’ Scrambling around my room, I threw on my clothes. Halfway to the door and my brain hit a reef.

‘Shoot, Daddy wanted me to wear the new dress.’ Tossing my clothes off in a flurry I reached for the silk shift. A deep shade of green with intricate black stitching, the dress slipped on easily. It billowed out at my knees, but was tight every where else. As my arms moved to and fro the bangles clacked loudly around my wrists. On the way out the door I slide my dagger into place at my hip.

‘Ah, I didn’t put my hair up! Whatever, I don’t want daddy to leave without me.’ I knew my hair would be curly by the time on got up to the deck. My necklace was flying out behind me as I ran up the stairs. ‘When did I put my shoes on?’ I couldn’t remember, but there they were on my feet. My new black dress shoes.

“There you are, I was just about to leave. Let’s go.” He held his arm out for me and I looped mine in his. As we walked through the center of the market, people made a path for us to walk in, stepping out of our way, some even bowed. I did what I had always been told to do, stare forward, and occasionally nod. Finally we made it out of the market, and stepped into the car that was waiting for us. The inside was some kind of plush suede, soft and comfortable.

I’d only been in a car two other times when father personally saw to a private party.

The ride wasn’t very smooth, as the cobble stones were unforgiving to the wheels, but we made it in one piece. The house was medium size, compared to those said two clients houses. It had white shutters, and a gingerbread roofing with a pale green lawn.

‘Ah! I need to pay attention!’ Daddy had already gotten out of the car.

“Come Soleil, do not be frightened.” Making a face at him, I made it loud and clear that I wasn’t ‘frightened’. He just chuckled and walked us up the front walkway and rapt on the door three times, hard and loud. A woman in pale blue answered the door; her face struck a cord in my chest.

“Good day, we are here to see the man of the house. And the boy.” Daddy always had such a gentle voice with women. The woman stared up at him like a Roice caught in shallow water. Her eye’s bugged out, and her mouth stood agape.

“Linda?” A man’s voice came from inside. “Who’s at the door? Is it Ian?” A man much of father’s build appeared in the doorway. He practically shoved the woman away.

“Ian! Welcome! Come in, come in. Please.” He stood to the side, allowing us entrance, and then led the way to his study. The inside of the house was overly decorated with furniture and knick-knacks. The walls were adorned with floral paper of a gold color and the floor was hard wood. The man’s leather shoes made a squeak every time he moved foreword, while our boots were quiet but heavier.

“Is this little Soleil? My you have gotten bigger.” He patted me on the head and gave a small smile as we stepped into his study. This room differed greatly from the rest of the house, or at least of what I had seen thus far. There was no paper on the walls, just wood panels, with a pale rose colored carpet on the floor. There was two large chairs of a beige color with a wood frame, and the desk was the same color wood as the walls. A book shelf took up on entire side of the room, mostly large books with large lettering on the spine, screaming ‘Anatomy’ or ‘Medical Journal’. The room seemed a little closed in, the rather large room pulling off a look that made it smaller then it actually was. The man held the door open still even though we were well past it. The woman stood just outside the doorway.  

“Linda would you please take Soleil out back to go play. If that is fine with you of course.” He turned to my father who just nodded and gave me a kiss on my forehead. The woman, Linda, led me to a back door and slammed it behind me, the glass panes shaking with the force.

‘Something tells me she doesn’t like me.’ The thought passed quickly as I looked about. The backyard resembled a jungle. It had a large amount of flowers, trees and bushes. Hidden way in the back was a swing set made of sanded wood, light in color.

A familiar figure sat on a swing, slowly swaying back and fourth. Walking quietly through the grove of trees I began to sing softly, just loud enough for him to hear.

“Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.” His head shot up looking around for me, obviously having heard me. Giggling I peeked my head around a tree. He smiled as I stepped fully into his view.

“You’re wearing normal clothes this time.” Sticking my tongue at him I slide into the swing next to him carefully.

“I’ll have you know, I was wearing normal clothes the last time too.” Silence came upon us, and lasted for a few minutes when I noticed him eyeing my waist.

“What are you looking at?” Looking down on myself I saw only my dagger.

“Why are you wearing that?” He looked perplexed. Pulling it out of its sheath, I showed it to him.

“I use it for a lot of things. To cut rope, to open packages, to stab people with.”

He looked nervous then.

“Have you really done that?” Staring at him I tried to fully understand his question.

“What? Open packaging, cut rope and stab people? Yeah. I got it for my birthday this year.” I twirled it in my open palm, studying the smooth blade.

“How old did you turn?” It was obvious he wanted to change the subject. Putting the dagger away, I smiled up at him.

“Eight.” Frowning I pulled at my hair. Every time I turned my head, I could feel the curls shake and bounce.

“I’m turning eleven in late winter.” I opened my mouth to comment back when the women, Linda, came storming out, shouting so loud the birds in the trees above us scattered.

“Kylin move! Get away from that little wench! She’s wild and dangerous!” By now she had reached us. Grabbing me by the wrist she pulled me up and pushed me to the ground, all in one fluid movement. I landed face down in the dirt, the palms of my hands scratched by the small rocks; the bangles’ sound was smothered by the dirt and my cry. I wasn’t anticipating being touched, and pushed by her.

“Hey, don’t hurt her!” Kylin had stood, but was quickly dragged to the side, far away from me. The door she had come storming out of slammed against the opposite side before drifting closed.

“You dirty little pirate w***e! How dare you threaten him!” By now, daddy and the other man had come rushing out, and I had sat up on my knees. Looking down at myself, I saw my dress was dirty beyond wash. Dirt was smeared into it, and my hands were sore.

“What’s going on here? Linda?” The man was angry, his face was tinted red. I bit my wind chapped lip to waken myself from the shock. Daddy came over to help me up, I was spaced out. Never had someone touched me without daddy’s permission. There was the one man in the jungles, but that was why I got the dagger. He took my hands in his and examined them.

“My, I’ve never seen dirtier hands on a girl.” He gave me a small smile; I think I tried to return it.

“Linda what is going on? Soleil are you ok?” The man was switching between stern and soft, his voice lilting.

“Oliver! This wretched thing pulled a knife on Kylin! She could have killed him!” The way daddy held his hand on my shoulder warned me that he was mad but holding it in check.

“Mrs. Jenks, I assure you my daughter would not harm him. She has been taught not to wield her dagger unless necessary.” Daddy used his ‘calm but don’t push it’ tone of voice. Kylin wrestled out of his mother’s grip.

“Mother! She wasn’t threatening me; she was showing me the dagger. I asked to see it!” he looked flustered. The situation seemed to defuse after that, except Kylin’s mother was still arguing with her husband and being stubborn.

“Let’s move along shall we. Your father and I have discussed your apprenticeship, employment, and such. So if you would quickly go and get your things, we should be on our way soon. We have to make dock at Worchester by morning.” Daddy took control of the conversation. In my state of a daze, the next hour passed in a blur of tears, goodbyes, luggage and some more pointless talking. Before I could count to ten, the three of us were in the car, heading towards the ship. Kylin’s face was pink, and he refused to meet my eye. We ended up staring out the windows the entire ride back to the ship. I rubbed my hands on the dress, it was already dirty, what did it matter if I added a little more. Father took my hands from their pacing on the cloth and held them still.

 

“Hey Sol, what happened to yer’ dress? It’s all dirty.” Jacob, a jungle man with dark skin that came to work for daddy when I turned three asked me with a smirk.

“Really? I couldn’t tell. I thought it was part of the design.” The only way to be with Jacob, was to be sarcastic.  He was like an uncle figure to me; I had grown up knowing him. He was co-captain, and tradesman. If daddy got sick, or was off at a private client’s place of business, Jacob would be in command. Daddy turned to me.

“Soleil, go wash your hands, and change. Elihe needs assistance tying sails. Go help him.”

“Yes sir.” Jogging off I thought of poor Elihe, he was twenty-one and couldn’t tie a square knot to save his life. Most of the crew was off loading shipments due for this market, and then we would be off to the port of Worchester.

I fished the clothes I had thrown about this morning off the floor and put them on, then cleaned my hands in the wash bowl. The scratches hadn’t even broken skin. I kicked my dress shoes into the closet as I stepped into my boots, and pulled my hair back into a high pony, and trotted out the door to go help poor Elihe.

 

A Few Days Later

 

‘Dog rhymes with fog, Draft rhymes with raft, uumm…can’t think of the others right now. Must focus.’ My thoughts ran away with me over and over again as I scaled the mast. There was a tangled sail at the very top, and they volunteered me to go fix it.

‘Gee, thanks guys. Hope the swinging sail is secured, really hope it’s secured.’ Rain was making all the ropes heavy and the wood slippery. Most of the crew stood below me looking up through the pelting drops. Leaning up I made to grab the next rung of ropes, when my foot slipped in mid climb. I lay out with only my arms holding me on.

“Sol! Come down, we’ll fix it in the morning. It’s too dangerous!” Jacob was yelling up at me, but most his words were drowned out by the roar of the sea. She was angry at someone for something. I continued my upward accent.

“The knot’s only a little further up, just by the swinging sail! I can get it!” I shouted over my shoulder. My rain coat was soaked, as was the rest of me, but it kept the winds chilly arms off my body, although it was unmerciful on my face. ‘Chafing, ow, ow’

Having made my way up to the top, I sat precariously horizontal to the deck on the ropes, tugging at the knotted sail. A rumble of thunder and the shouts of some of the crew was enough warning for me to duck. The swinging sail coasted over my head and back, just missing me. The momentum almost knocked me off the ropes. When the ship rocked due to a large wave I was hit hard in the side. The mass of wood and cloth had enough force to push me off the ropes. Clutching onto the wood for dear life, my lower body hung freely in the air as the sail whipped back and fourth. My hood fell back, and water began dripping down my back sending shivers up my spine.

“Soleil!” Chorused many and most of the crew. I hung there for a few seconds before pulling myself up onto the shaft. The water logged wood splintered under my fingernails, making it more difficult to get a grip.

“Soleil! Get down here now!” Someone yelled up, but I was riding the adrenaline, and even so, I still had to make it back to the ropes to climb down. ‘Daddy is probably down there now, probably the one that just yelled at me. He’s probably angry I didn’t listen to Jacob.’ I was not looking forward to that lecture. Looking down I realized just how high I was, about 190 feet off the deck, give or take 10 feet or so. ‘Why did the tallest mast have to get tangled?’ On unsteady feet, I attempted standing. Being a great balancer had its perks at times. Standing straight with my arms out horizontal to the deck I began taking small steps to the main pole. Suddenly the wood under my boots jerked, sending me dropping.

“No!” Daddy’s yell was loud. Some of the men inhaled air loudly, making an odd suction sound. I dropped maybe twelve feet or so before I snagged on the ropes. They flipped me upside down, and hung me there. After getting my bearings and swallowing past the panic, I took deep breaths. Kicking my foot out proved no good as it was thoroughly twisted in the ropes. Reaching for my knife, I came up with air. Looking back below me, I watched the blade drop through the air, and hit the wood with a clunk, glimmering off the rain.

‘Shoot, this day couldn’t get any worse.’ Hanging there for a moment I scanned over the quick possibilities, but was interrupted.

“Soleil, try and pull yourself up onto the ropes, someone is coming up!” Daddy’s voice was so commanding I didn’t dare tell him I could barely move. Therefore, I struggled to right myself.

 

‘Ah, blood rushing to head, so dizzy.’ Having hoisted myself as close to ‘up and onto the ropes’ as possible, I could only hang. The calf of the stuck foot was cramping, and my knuckles were sore from being in the same position for so long. ‘It probably hasn’t been that long, it just seems longer ‘cause I’m hanging upside down over a large drop to hard wood.’ Trying to calm fraying nerves was difficult, only then did I realize I was shivering violently. ‘Great! Let’s add a cold to the list.’ A shadowy form came into my line of vision, and began to cut away at the ropes around my foot. His hood was blown back by the wind revealing straight brown and blonde hair. Meeting his eyes he smiles the ‘nice’ smile. ‘Good, he didn’t grow out of it.’

“Fer’ a girl you do pretty crazy things.” I couldn’t help but laugh even though this was not a laughing matter.

“That’s’ok though, ‘cause you’re brave.” He gave another smile, and cut the remaining rope free, my foot slipped right out.

‘Now to make it right side up, and onto the right side so I can get down.’ He gave me his hand but we were both drenched and our hands slipped away from each other, like trying to push to magnets with the same charge together. We couldn’t hang on to one another, and were risking falling every time we tried. We gave up after a few minutes.

After some careful maneuvering, and a strong grip we made it most of the way down.

My ankle protested slightly against its use, but it wasn’t unbearable.   Daddy and Jacob were waiting at the bottom, and I was crushed into a hug by both of them.  I could hear my teeth clacking together as I shook. I was led towards the lower deck, when I actually put feet on solid (or so to speak) ground. A sharp pain shot through my ankle, forcing me to hop in a circle on one foot while clutching the other. 

“Ow, ow, ow. Painful, ow...’ Hopping proved to be too difficult for me on the slick ship deck though, and I found myself face down.

“Ow!” Sitting up, my hands flew from my ankle to my nose. Some of the crew chuckled but most kept quiet having had their scare for the night, and heading either to their post or to get out of the soggy atmosphere. Acting very mature for my age, I made a face and stuck out my tongue at them. Elihe came to help me up, offering his hands, pulling me up. His arm went around my shoulders, and I leaned on him to easy the weight off my ankle.

“Jacob take her below; have Doc take a look at her ankle.” He patted me on the head.

“Don’t scare us like that again ok?” I made to retort that I in fact had not planned to do that, but Jacob had beaten me.

“Come on Sol; let’s get you out of these wet clothes. Wouldn’t want you to get sick now would we?”

 

Later That Night

 

 Thunder cracked loudly over head, and lightening constantly lit my entire room up.

Daddy’s shouts and orders from on deck could be heard one minute then drowned out by the roar of the sky and sea the next. Whimpering at the next hit of thunder, I ducked under my blanket. I tried to recall the myth mommy had told me when I was little about an hour ago, but it didn’t bring any comfort as I was forgetting main verses. There was a knock on my door; I dragged the quilt with me as I went to answer it. Elihe stood at the door with a tray of something, almost looked like biscuits and milk.

“I thought you might be up. Care to join me for a late night snack?” He had a small smile on his face, and his eyes were clouded over with some emotion I couldn’t read.

“Elihe, leave her alone for tonight. She’s probably tired.” Jacob appeared from around the corner along with Kylin. His eyes darkened as he heard Jacob’s voice. Elihe turned to talk with Jacob as Kylin came over to me.

“Jay, you know how scared she gets in storms. It’s only natural after what happened.” Jacob dragged Elihe away by the arm after that.

“How’s yer’ ankle?” I lifted the wrapped foot up.

“Doc let me choose the color.” It was a stark green.

“He said I would have to take it easy for a few days, that I just stressed the tendon.” Shrugging I moved back onto my bed. Kylin didn’t follow; rather he stayed at the door. I wanted to talk with him some more, I wanted him to come in, but the magnet feeling was back.

“I’m going to sleep; Captain wants me up for first shift, so I’ll need some sleep. G’night Soleil. See you in the morning.” He turned and left, closing the door quietly amid all the noise. And just as he did so, the room was illuminated by a flash of lightening, creating a distorted silhouette on the floor of my form. My legs were frozen to the bed, stuck and unmoving. They refused to do as I told them, to get up and run. It was the same that night too. My body disobeyed me, and lay in bed when I told it to run, to find my mother. Whimpering some more, I tried to not remember, but it would just come back, over and over, every storm I would live through, it would always be there.

 

Three years ago

 

The midwives were here for this very reason, but it was still a distressing problem. It would be another couple of hours before they could get her to a hospital, they would have to perform the birth on the ship. The woman screamed, her lungs expelling any and all air. Red in the face and panting for breath, she struggles to deliver her second child. “We need more towels! This is not good, there’s too much blood. Push, two more good pushes and you’re done. I swear, come on, you can do it.” The hand maid changed between shouting and commanding, to gentle and encouraging. As the storm raged outside, another storm brewed inside as well. Lightening streaked the sky, and thunder smothered the woman’s chilling screams. The baby was being delivered too early; it still had another two months before it should be time. At last the woman’s screams died down, and the cry of a baby could be heard. Some where off in the maze of corridors and rooms, a little girl lay, eye’s tear stained and breath hitched. The lightening cast long, fearful shadows across the room, the thunder creating sounds that were never there to begin with. Frozen to where she lay, she could only cringe and whimper at the terrible screams.

After much of the night passed, there was only silence. Suddenly the door opened, and in stepped the girl’s father carrying a small bundle. Sitting up the girl peered with wide fear struck eyes at the man and baby as he sat on her bed. A dark skinned man stood in the door way watching the procession. Kissing the girl in the forehead, the man quietly told her, her mother had died in childbirth. Confusion was prominent on her face as she stared at her father and the baby. Her father then explained that this was her little brother, and he would need all the help he could get on raising the infant. Not quite understanding what her father meant, the girl just nodded fervently. The man then stood and left, telling her he would be in his study if she needed him.

Two days after that event the girl walked into the nursery to find the baby dead.

‘Daddy! Daddy! Jacob! Daddy!” Her high pitched screams echoed through out the ship, startling the two men into a run. She was led from the room, her eyes never leaving those blank ones of her brother.

 

Shivering, I shook my head from the memory. Suddenly not being able to stay in the stuffy room, I jumped up, dropping my blanket to the floor and running out the door. My bare feet took me to my destination; my ankle numb from the medication given to me held up long enough for me to get to a specific door. Knocking lightly, I peeked in to see if I was disturbing him.

“Soleil? What’s the’s’matter?” Brown and blonde hair blocked blue eyes still cloudy with sleep.

“I, I ah, I can’t sleep. Can I stay in here with you?” Another strike of lightening and roll of thunder sent me jumping and cringing at the same time.

“Come on, s’it’s cold out, hurry and get under the blankets.” He held the blanket up to make a little opening, like a cave. Practically running over to the bed I slide under the covers and faced him.

“Thank you.” It was a whisper as he was already falling back asleep. He gave a sleepy smile, the crooked one again.

“S’no problem.” His eyes drifted shut, and just watching him sleep made me sleepy.

“Kylin?” We were both just on the edge of the deep sleep that comes when you’re really tired.

“Hmm?”

“I’m really glad that it was you and not some other boy.” My vision totally blacked out, and I couldn’t tell if he had answered me back. 

 

Seven and a half years later

 

The sun’s rays crept through the window, landing directly on my face. I reacted like I would any day, snuggled further into the blankets, my hand groping out for the warmth of a body that should have been there, before I realized where it was. Someone poked me in the back.

“Hey, heeey. Hey sleepy head, wake up.” Squinting my eyes shut tighter I buried my face in the pillow, inhaling the familiar scents. I knew this wake up all too well; I have received it seven times before. I tried defending myself against the poking, but he was poking the one spot on my back where my arms just didn’t reach to.

“Aren’t you supposed to be on shift? Why are you here bugging me?” He chuckled at my ranting, though the poking stopped.

“Happy birthday to you,” He sang softly in my ear.

“Shut it.” it came out more as ‘hut bit’, but he got the gist.

“Happy birthday to you,” he chuckled out. I reached my hand out to push him over, my hand meeting warm skin, but his body didn’t budge. ‘Must be sitting on the floor, damn tallness.’

“Happy birthday to Soleil, Happy birthday to you!” And the attack started. I was flipped over, blanket and all, and was assaulted by what seemed like a hundred butterflies. This kind of tickle wasn’t the kind where it bothered you, more like it forced you to laugh till you couldn’t breathe. The first time the ‘attack’ happened, half the deck thought I was really being attacked and barged in, they had gotten used to it since then. Feebly fighting back, I ended up losing and calling out mercy.

“Now, get up. Everyone is on deck waiting for you.” Hearing him stand up and walk away, I caught my breath and turned back into the pillow.

‘Five more minutes couldn’t hurt.’ I was dozing off again, just barely there when his footsteps came back.

“You better not still be in bed? Soleil! Come on, let’s go.” Hpmhing and turning on my side I glared at him.

“Go away, I’m tired, besides, it isn’t even my birthday yet.”

“Need I remind you Miss Soleil, that you are in my bed, and I can evacuate it at any time I so choose.” Gosh he looked girly with his hands on his hips. His dirty blonde hair was pulled back into a short pony, and he had a dark smudge on his right cheek, probably had been working in the engine room. His crystal blue eyes dared me to challenge him. He must have recently changed; normally he’s soaked, for various reasons one way or another.

“And I’ll have you know, that it isn’t my fault I’m in your bed, it’s the storms’, and you wouldn’t dare.” Glaring harder I pulled the cover tighter. The jewels he had for eyes glittered dangerously, I was crossing thin ice and it was cracking.

“Oh really?” Slowly walking up to me he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Hiissss!” Hissing at him was the best I could think of, and glaring, but I was already doing that. I saw it coming but I couldn’t stop it. Next thing I know I am slightly upside down, with a pretty view of the hardwood floor. Slung I was like a sack of vegetables, over his shoulder, and heading for the bathroom. He sat me on the floor roughly then left the room, but not with out a final message.

“I’ll be back in fifteen minutes, you better be dressed and ready.”

Sitting back against the toilet, I pondered the consequences of just sitting here until he came back. There were more then I could count, and I could count pretty damn high. So with my resolve broken I stripped and stepped into the shower. As always the water was cold to start out with, and the stone floor was freezing. Not the greatest feeling first thing in the morning, but it sure as hell woke you up. There were only two private bathrooms in the entire ship, and that was in my room and this room, originally my mother’s. They were put there for obvious reasons. By the time I stepped out, the entire room was foggy with steam, the mirror misted over. A quick scan of the small room was all I needed to find what I was looking for. A clean change of clothes, and the brush. Dressing quickly I knew my time was short, I take long showers. I hurriedly ran the brush through my hair, and put it into two braids. My hair being short was a necessity as it would be a hazard to have it long, and long blonde curly hair does not look nice when wind-blown (which it was whenever it wasn’t up). My final looks in the mirror were interrupted by a knock.

“You better be ready.” Opening the door, I think he half expected me to still be in my pajamas.

“Stare much? What, do I have kohl on me or something?” I looked over myself. White wife beater, black baggy pants, bare feet. His eyes never met mine but seemed to be moving up and down, judging what I was wearing.

“Freak.” Pushing past him, I left his room to go to mine to get socks, and my boots. I was then dragged up to the deck.

“Oh, look the sleepy head decided to get up. Happy birthday Sol.” Jacob patted me on the head. I did what anyone my age would, stuck my tongue out at him. Some of the other men offered a happy birthday, but most just gave me a nod.

“Sol, we’re making port in an hour, give a hand would ya’.” Father was at the wheel, staring straight forward, and then looking backwards, then forwards. He was checking to see if we were directly on course.

“Yes sir.” The sails were down meaning we were using the engine, so I headed down there to see if they needed help. It just so happened they did need help, a lot of help.  Whether it was mentally or physically, I’m not sure yet.

“Hey Sol. Ya’ wanna’ grease the pistons?” Ryne, the engine chief, asked me while throwing me one of the black (originally yellow) heavy rags. The way the pistons moved you could make the job easy. The pistons were a set of five steel beams that went horizontally across the floor. They moved left and right into metal tubes, the same width and height as the beams, and pushed pressurized air out, propelling the ship forward (or backwards). To turn left, you stop the pressurized air form entering the tube on the left side, to turn right is the same concept only on the right side. The beams needed constant greasing to slip easily into the tube. It was a messy, tiresome job, and the engine room, because of the heavy machines got unbearably hot, well over a hundred degrees. Dropping the rag into the can of black Roice grease, I let it soak up as much grease as possible before reaching into grab it. My hands would be colored for days. If you start the job when the pistons are just starting up, it’s easy to do, just make sure there’s enough grease on the rag every few wipes, getting started while the thing is going 25 miles an hour is difficult. In a quick move I placed the rag on the piston keeping it in place while the beam moved under the rag, coating itself in grease. Now the hard part, greasing the bottom and top, and making sure you always had enough grease on, and not touching the metal with bare skin, or touching the metal at all unless with the rag. If the bare skin of your forearm were to touch it, you could get third degree burns instantly if it didn’t burn the flesh right off. First timers have difficulty with this job, but it gets easier over time. You learn little tricks. I’d been doing this since I stumbled down here when I was five years old.

After forty-five minutes I was relieved by one of the engineers. Sweating like crazy, and covered in grease, I reached the lower deck with great relief. The air was cool (comparably to the engine room), and rain was in the wind. There would be a shower just as we were to reach port. Walking along the lower deck I surveyed all that was happening. Kylin, Jacob and Little Troy were on the ropes, most likely readying the sails. Father was at the wheel; that was really it. Some men were checking lines, and knots, but most were taking supply for what would be off loaded and loaded. We would be staying two days in this port; it was one of the largest of our stops.  And my sixteenth birthday wasn’t till tomorrow officially. Walking to the rails, I peered over at the waves, resting my arms on the ledge.

Having scrubbed most of the grease off, I was still spotted here and there, mostly on my arms. A strong east wind gusted in, and the men let the sails go. I reached one of the ropes first, tying it off on the notch reserved for it, jogging up to the next. Little Troy gave a holler of joy (he seemed to like the sails better then the engine), and I smiled up at them.

“Hey Sol, you should see the view from here!” Jacob yelled down, waving for me to come up. All of a sudden Little Troy and Kylin began horsing around, punching each other and pushing.

“Hey! You two! Stop it before someone gets hurt!” Father yelled over, his hazel eyes watching their movements like a hawk. They immediately stopped what they were doing, though still throwing some sucker shots in as men will. Kylin climb down, coming to stand next to me.

“You know you do!” Little Troy yelled down at him in his high pitched voice, Kylin just smiled and called him a ‘scarfhead’. (A Scarf is an ugly looking land beast with large boil like welts all over its body. These boils are filled with acid, and can pop if the animal feels threatened. Their meat is one of the highest qualities.)

“What was all that about?” I asked while brushing back a loose strand of hair from my face to behind my ear.

“Nothing.” Staring at me again he reached up and rubbed his thumb over my cheek bone.

“Think you missed some.” Showing me his finger I saw black. Giving him a sour look I retorted

“Well, thanks fer’ smearin’ it.” Turning away he walked off to the bow, that smile still on his face. Perplexed, I went in the opposite direction to the upper deck, to stand with my father, still keeping my eyes on him. After standing there for a few minutes father grew more serious.

“We’ll make port in ten minutes; make ready the ropes for dock.” His gaze never wavered from the sea.

“Yes sir.” I made to go to the lower deck when he spoke again.

“And Soleil, Happy birthday.” Rolling my eyes I jumped the rest of the steps and called to the men who were on deck.

“Let’s go gents. We dock in ten!” Trotting off to the port side, I began looping rope around nocks, and knotting them off. There were about a hundred of these on each side, and we need to set up both sides. Doing one took me about twenty seconds, Kylin, who was across from me was a tad faster. The rope itself was as heavy as a whale, but not too thick. Seconds after picking up the third rope, the entire ship was jarred, shaking my balance loose. Looking up towards my father I cried (along with Kylin),

“What was tha…” My father cut through me.

“Brace yourselves!” Another strike and I hit the ground face down. A familiar sound reverberated off the panic. It almost sounded like a rope dropping through the water way, a rectangular opening about a foot and a half tall to allow excess water from rain off the ship. I jerked my head towards the waterway to watch the rope quickly slide through the hole.

Getting up I felt something tug at my ankle. Looking down, I found my leg wrapped in the rope, the other half dropping further into the water.

“Soleil!” Jacob was up and running for me, making to grab my arm. Another slam to the ship knocked most of the rope coil through the waterway, and dropped me to the floor hard. The heavy rope then began dragging me the short distance to the water way. I couldn’t get any purchase with my fingers on the deck, all that happened was my nails ripped and I scratched the smoothed wood. The rope would make me sink if I didn’t cut it, and I didn’t even want to think of what was in the water knocking the ship around like that.

‘Focus Soleil. Dog rhymes with fog, Draft rhymes with raft, Wail rhymes with sail…’ Pulling out my knife from the sheath on my calf (not the tangled one), I turned onto my back and reached down to cut the rope. It was wrapped three times around my boot and calf. 

‘How did I not feel that happen?!’ The deck passed under my back, and I felt each plank against my spine. I cringed, knowing that was going to bruise. The strain was pulling in my stomach as I curled in on myself, pulling the one leg up and pulling my upper torso in a ball to see where I was cutting. I was in the best shape of my life, still the cramp started up, I had to force my head down, and it scraped along the wood.  I was at my limit; time was up as was my luck. Twisting, I was on my stomach again, the edge of the ship pressing in on my ribs as I made a last attempt to grab hold of something. It was all pointless as  I dropped through the waterway, plunging through the air, I didn’t stop cutting though. By now I had gotten through two of the loops, I would have to deal with the third in the water.  My shoulder scrapped against the side of the ship and I bit my lip when I hit too close to a finger, nicking it. Just as I hit, a bright orange dorsal fin, about six feet high and four feet across, rose out of the water. All air left me in a rush.

‘Damn, Giant Rakilin.’ I hit the water with a splash. The rope instantly, being its weight, dragged me down. I had trouble surfacing, trying to catch a breath. I could make it up for a few seconds, then would be pulled down, then make it up for a few seconds again. I had to cut this thing now or drown. After what seemed like forever in the murky water, my leg came free and I back kicked up to the surface, coughing as I broke. Flashes stood out against the morbidity, a stark contrast to the grey waters. A herd of the giant fish, as far as my eye could see. They swam swiftly, creating new paths where rock had once been, tearing their underbellies in their hurry. I rose my face from under the water quickly when I felt something disturb the surface.

“Soleil! Take the rope!” Making for the rope, I was tugged under again by a brawny strength, and a pain, more terrible then being stabbed or a burn, burst in my left leg. Kicking out, I struck something solid that gave out a shriek, and the leg that was hurting broke free of the jaws of whatever had decided I was breakfast. Breaking surface in a coughing fit I grabbed the rope hurriedly, twisting it around my wrist and elbow. They hoisted me up, and I saw the red in the water that was most likely from my leg. The murky pale and red seemed to fit all too well together, as though these waters were made for blood.

 

Overall, the pain wasn’t too bad; it just felt like my leg was being torched from the inside out. Just as father slide my pant leg up to look at the bite, it started to downpour.

“Take her inside.” Kylin scooped me up like a baby, carrying me below deck.

“I can walk ya’ know.” He offered a smile, but a look I couldn’t place was still in his eyes. I leaned my head against him despite my protest, knowing he wasn’t going to put me down.

“True, but you walk like a snail even when unhurt, so you would probably walk even slower then normal, and by the time we got you checked out by Doc, you would’ve bled to death. And we can’t have that, now can we?” Rolling my eyes (I seemed to be doing that a lot lately), I turned to my father; Jacob had stayed up on deck commanding the men to finish knocking the ropes for port.

“Dad, they’re Giant Rakilin. There must have been a herd of 50 of them or so.” He seemed to process this thought slowly. Kylin spoke up before him, his voice rumbling through his chest, and vibrating my insides.

“Isn’t it too early for them to be migrating?” It was; they had another couple of weeks. It was only late spring, they migrated about mid summer.

“And in such large herds. I’ve never seen so many of them at once. It was like they were mad, they weren’t even bothering to swim around the rocks.” My voice sounded hesitant even to me, unsure what this information meant.

“Something’s scaring them into migrating early, when we make port, I’ll have to check around. For now, let’s get you fixed up.” Father knocked on a door, and a short portly man with dark brown hair and small blue eyes opened it two seconds later.

“Sir? Lei? What happened? I haven’t treated you since last year, what brings you now?” He was the only person on the entire ship that called me Lei. He said, if I wanted to live on a ship of men, then I would need a manly name, therefore it stuck.

“Are you busy Doc? Soleil needs her leg checked out.” Father was pretty calm, though he normally is. Some times I wondered if he ever really worried about anything. Doc was an original to say the least. He could make anything into a joke, it got annoying some times.

“I can see that. She’s bleeding on the floor.” He pointed to the little puddle forming just below me. We were dripping from the rain, and well, I was from being dropped into the ocean, but hey, whose keeping tabs here?  

“Well, come in, come in. I just need to finish with Ryne.” We followed him in, and saw Ryne sitting shirtless on one of the wooden examining tables. Ryne was a tall well built man. With broad shoulders and a strong chest that tapered to a small waist and powerfully lean legs, he was overall a very good-looking man with black hair, vibrant green eyes and naturally pale skin.

“Hey Sol, what happened?” He asked me as Kylin sat me on an examining table. Grimacing I replied

“Giant Rakilin. You?” A surprised look crossed his handsome features before he answered.

“And you’re still alive? Beats mine, just a burn.” Only then did the obvious red mark across his collarbone become noticeable. It had already blistered in places. Doc coarsely lathered some ointment on the burn, and then covered it with white gauze. My chest hurt just thinking about it. He must have stumbled when we were hit by the fish. The engine room must smell so great right now. Yum, burning flesh. Speaking of thinking about pain, my back gave a sore filled groan. My spine really wasn’t going to like me in the morning.

“Ok, Soleil, let’s take a look at that leg of yours.” He gently pulled the pant leg up, (my boot having already been removed) to reveal about forty needle thin cuts. Most of them were still bleeding, and the skin was bright pink. Ryne leaned over, looking closely at the cuts.

“Yer’ lucky the thing didn’t pull yer’ damn leg clean off.” Doc pushed him out of the way. Luck had been on my side, or at least, she had been up until she decided I should fall off the ship AND get bitten by a giant goldfish! The bite mark didn’t even consist of the entire mouth. The entire mouth of the fish was probably the length of my body.

“Hn, not pretty. The pink skin tells me that it is being irritated by the acid, and it looks as though the teeth are still in the skin. It’s going to hurt like a devil.” Keeping his head down, Doc looked up at me, trying to gauge my reaction. I schooled my features to keep my face straight. The last thing I needed was for anyone to be feeling pity for me. Pulling up a silver tray, the contents consisting of surgical tweezers, some clear solution in a glass bottle, white cloth and gauze, he told me to hold very still. Picking up the cloth, he wiped loose blood from my leg, and then picked up the tweezers. Clenching my jaw and squeezing my eyes shut, I suffered through the first ten teeth quietly. The Giant Rakilins’ teeth were practically needles, about three inches long, and their saliva was acidic. Due to my kicking, the teeth that were embedded in my calf broke out of its mouth, staying in my leg. Going after the eleventh tooth brought a distressed sound from the back of my throat, and tears to the back of my eyes. I wasn’t able to stop them from falling; it just hurt too damn much. Someone put their hand on my lower back, but I barely felt it. My nerves were on fire, making the pain in my leg stand out that much more.  After what seemed like hours, the last tooth was dropped into a bowl, and Doc was pouring the clear liquid onto another cloth, and began rubbing it over my leg. It was some kind of solution that cleaned wounds and sealed cuts. It burned but it wasn’t too painful, not as painful as having needles pulled out of slits in your leg was. As he began to wrap my leg, I could breathe normally, instead of breathing as if I had a lump in my throat. Opening my eyes, I realized that I had in fact been crying the entire time, as tears still slipped down my cheeks. Wiping furiously at my eyes I gave a forced chuckle.

“I hate fish.” I couldn’t make myself look up, to face anyone in the room right now. I couldn’t take the pitied look on their faces, it would drive me crazy. Pride was a killer but it ran in the family, what could I say?

The sound of the ship groaning, and the rush of feet told us that we had docked.

Father was on his feet in an instant, turning to the door.

“Soleil, when you are done here, get changed. I want you and Kylin to go find these new merchants. Either sway them, or threaten them, which ever works the best.” He left in a flurry of doors and footsteps.

“Now Lei, let’s take a look at the rest of you. I gather that back of yours is on some pain.” I gave a brief nod and a smile. I bet it came out more like a grimace.

“Well, let’s have a look.” Nodding, I crossed my arms over my stomach to take my shirt off, gasping as a pain shot through my chest and stomach. I froze mid motion.

“Ok, I’m not moving.” Doc looked at me with a question clear in his eyes.

“Hn. That doesn’t sound good. Let’s have a look. You’re gonna’ have to suck it up.” Doc helped me straighten my arms over my head, and pull my shirt off.

“Sol…” I shot up straight, my back protesting at being held so tight ad stiff, my ribs protesting at my sudden movement. Why had I not remembered Kylin being there? Turning slightly to face him, I felt a dark blush cover my neck cheeks and over the bridge of my nose. The bra I was wearing hardly decent clothing, but Kylin seemed more concerned with something just below my breast line. Looking down I saw a dark, oddly shaped circle.

“Looks like you bruised a rib or two.” Doc touched the skin gently and I jumped. Kylin’s hand on my shoulder was the only thing that kept me on the table.

“Ok, Let’s not do that.” Doc gave me a sour look at my attitude.

“Don’t be sharp with me young lady.” Doc wrapped my middle section tightly in gauze and applied a salve to my back. I gingerly put my shirt back on, not liking the fact that it was still soaking wet. Kylin helped my off the rigid table and out the door. I pushed away from him once we were in the hall. Stumbling into my room, I realized I was whimpering as I leaned against the wall. Ok, I need to over this pain.

Quick to change out of my water soaked clothes, but still sore and pained; I realized that the rain had stopped.

‘Well, that was a fast shower.’ I changed into an off-white long sleeved shirt, tight black breeches, and a pair of insulated boots that went up to my knees. They were a tight fit, but it would sport my leg.  I brushed my hair back, fixing the pony, and then tried to clean the grease smudge off my cheek, just below my eye, but it was soaked into my skin by now. Pushing the sleeves of the shirt up past my elbows and tucking in the tails, I then fixed the straps of my bra. The bangles I had bought when I was six adorned my wrists along with a few more that I’ve collected since, and the star burst necklace that was my mother’s was around my neck (I never took it off). Only when I looked up into the mirror, did I see Kylin leaning against the door frame, his arms folded over his chest. He had changed too. His face was set in a half frown, and his eyes never drifted from mine once I met them.

“Ready?” Nodding I turned to walk out with him, my calf protesting only slightly against its soreness, my ribs hating me with all their strength.

 

Walking off the ship was funny sometimes. Most people expected burly, heavy muscled men to be working on the ship, and there were a few, but it was shocking to them to see slim, lean men. It was especially funny to see travelers’ faces when I came off board.

One time a man even asked me if I had been kidnapped. This was one of those times, the people, no matter how may times they see us, or whether they are travelers from inland, their eyes get wide, and they step out of our path. So Kylin and I made our way through the market, greeting important people, keeping an eye on booths and merchandise, making small talk on what would be needed in the coming months, what new ‘fade’ would hit and whether the new merchants would be pushovers, or if we would have to use force. Coming up on the pier where the new shippers were supposed to be docked, there was nothing. No ship, no equipment that would justify someone about to dock here, nothing. There was absolutely nothing.

“Are they late?” Kylin only shrugged.  We both knew that they either were using small ships, or they weren’t coming at all.

“Kylin! Soleil!” A flying object stumbled into Kylin’s back, knocking him into me, almost making me fall. I whined at being jarred. He wrapped his arm around my back to keep me from falling, leaning into me. My back gave a slight protest at the pressure, but I kept my mouth shut. He quickly released me, tugging his arm back hastily, averting his eyes and muttering an apology. A little red head peeked out from behind Kylin’s back.

“Sorry.” She was short, with a delicate face, and petit hands. We turned to her.

“Hey Terese.” We greeted at the same time. She began to giggle.

“You guys are too funny. Anyway! I’m glad I caught you two. Can you do me a really big favor? I know you guys are staying for a couple of days so it would work out.” I instantly became weary. Terese’s ‘favors’ normally involved either adventures out to see the Sea Steeds, or involved her school friends to whom she was always trying to impress.

“Depends on what the favor is. I don’t think those Steeds’ have forgotten us yet,” Thinking better of my statement I added

“Or forgiven us for that matter.” She giggled again.

“No nothing that serious, I still have the bite mark from those evil creatures. Anyway, I was wondering…if you guys…” She wandered off, poking uninterestedly at some rocks with her shoe. Kylin grew impatient, giving her a frown.

“Out with it Terese.” She gave us a pleading look and clasped her small hands together like she was praying.

“If you guys could come down to the pub to play cards with me and some friends.” She said it so fast, some of her words ran together, and it was difficult to understand, but we got the point. She had been bragging to some new friends, and now she needed to supply the meat for the tigers. Kylin and I looked at each other; silently we both weighed the pros and cons. We should let her suffer for bragging and maybe that would teach her, but we weren’t that poor of friends. Besides, we hardly ever spent time with friends that were land-based. A few hours at the most, and then we were off again. Kylin and I ended up having to put up with one another, to the point where we could finish each other’s sentences and thoughts. It was scary really, and some think we need to get out more. But that’s just it, I don’t think we stay in one place long enough. Turning to her we both replied at the same time.

“Ok, take us.” That earned another giggle from her. Trailing after her, we got some odd looks from people who passed by, but mostly it was girls staring at Kylin (which was normal). I would be the first one to admit hat Kylin stood out in a crowd.

Some how we managed to meet up with my father along the way. He told us to have a good time, and not to beat them too badly. A cheeky grin from both of us was all he got by way of answer.

By the time we made it to the pub, Terese was bouncing off the walls. We walked in right on a fair haired girl telling a group of boys about her adventures in the shop today, about the brawl, and someone who tried stealing something.  I guess that seems adventurous to a shop girl.

“Everybody!” Terese signaled to the teens. “This is Soleil and Kylin. They are the friends I told you about.” Kylin placed his hand on my shoulder, lowering his mouth to my ear. I’m going to go get drinks; I think we’ll need them.” He turned and walked up to the counter. Terese dragged me to a seat between to teenage boys, across from the girl from earlier. I could fully see her now; it was all too obvious to me the corset she was wearing was a little too low for the dress she had on. Rolling my eyes I sat back in the chair, my arms folded across my stomach.

“So, your name is Soleil? That’s weird.” The girl had her dark eyes set on me, a fake smile plastered to her face.

“Yah, it means sun.” She didn’t need to know that nor did she care, but I was humoring her. Kylin sat the mug down in front of me before pulling up a chair next to mine. I took a gulp of the bitter liquid, why did Terese’s ‘friends’ have to be weird?

“Kylin, come sit over here.” Terese pulled him up and dragged him to the other side of the table, almost spilling his brew all over the floor. Terese had the largest crush on Kylin possible, but she already had a boyfriend, or at least she did last time we were here. The girl across from me began gushing all over him. ‘So you’re name is Kylin? That’s so manly, you’re so handsome, I would have never thought that you worked on a boat.’ Gosh that was sickening; rolling my eyes I pretended to gag when Kylin looked at me. That got a smile out of him. Un fortunately, the girl took it as a sign for her, and cooed over him more, and I really did want to gag then. I did however choke on my brew when she said

“You look better suited for an escort service. You’d get all the customers.” I was laughing and coughing at the same time, hardly able to get a breath in, my ribs burning painfully. The barmaid came to ask if everything was ok. She sounded sincere enough. I asked her where the restrooms were, even though I knew. I laughed the whole walk there, the picture of Kylin being an escort loud and proud in my mind.

 

Returning to the table, I went and sat next to Kylin. (I didn’t feel comfortable sitting between the two boys, as they kept glancing at me awkwardly.) He looked a little troubled, more so then when I left. ‘Wonder what they said to him.’ We settled down to play rummy.

 After two games and much talking, we decided it was late and time to go. Kylin then told me he had told them they could follow us back to the ship. What did I care?

On the way back, Terese and Lilly hung all over Kylin, it almost made me sick. The two other guys hung back behind us, whispering to each other. If I had it my way, I would be at the back right now, either puking my guts up, or away from the two behind me. No offense to them, but I didn’t trust anyone other then those I knew well.

“Oh my gods. You really do live and work here!” The some what shocked outburst from Lilly as we stood in front of the Lisa May made my eardrums ring. It was said louder then need be, we were standing right next to her after all, it wasn’t like we weren’t going to hear her. Ryne and Elihe were standing guard, most likely for the night shift, but there was a good chance father put them out there to wait for us.

“Soleil, can I talk to you for a second? Over here?” One of the guys (I had found out their names, Mark and Riley), Riley asked walking towards a pier. Nodding, I turned to tell Kylin, who was waiting for me half way up the board we use as stairs. He was looking darkly at Riley, but that could just be the shadows created by the setting sun. It was light enough to just make out shapes if they weren’t right next to you. I saw the forms of Ryne and Elihe stand when they noticed I turned away. Following Riley over, I was overwhelmed when he stepped closer to me then I felt comfortable with. Stepping back, he took another step forward. Then the most unexpected happened, what was with people needing to touch me? He crushed his lips to mine. Wanting to get away I took another step back, making a distressed noise in the back of my throat.

“Soleil?” Kylin called out to me. I could hear him coming down the plank, Ryne and Elihe were probably following him. Shoving Riley away, I lost my balance, over stepping the pier.

“Soleil?” He called again.

“Shi-” ~Splash~

I hit the water hard on my back. When I floated back up, I coughed and hacked, my body trying to get air around the water in my lungs.

“Soleil?!” Angry and wet, I seethed out through my teeth.

“What!?” I spat. Riley walked off laughing, obviously happy with himself. Dragging myself out of the water and back onto the pier, I heard an odd sound, and then Lilly gave a short scream. Walking out of the shadows, soaked from head to toe, probably looking ready to kill, I scanned the scene. Riley lay groaning on the ground while holding his jaw in one hand. Lilly held her hands over her mouth kneeling at his side, and Kylin  was shaking his hand out. It was pretty easy to sum up what had happened. Not even caring if Kylin killed the kid, I stomped up the plank, shoving past Elihe and Ryne heading for inside and into my room. No one questioned me as I went. Slamming the door to the bathroom closed, I stripped from the stagnant water wet clothes, and stepped into the shower, pulling my hair out of the pony as I did so.

 

Twenty minutes later, I almost felt human again, and not like some water sludge. Dressed and rubbing a towel in my hair to dry it out, I walked out of the steamy bathroom to go sit on my bed. Kylin was already sitting there hunched over, his arms braced on his thighs while his hands hung in air. Grabbing the brush off the dresser, I turned back to the bathroom, leaving the door open. I brushed through my hair (leaving it down for the night), and began brushing my teeth. Kylin came to slouch in the doorway, his back up against the door frame. I could see him staring at me in the mirror. I kept my head down. Washing the brush out, I began brushing my teeth again, not feeling fully clean.

“Are you going to tell me?” His arms folded across his chest. I shook my head no. He had this emotionless look on his face, and I didn’t like it, it meant that he was feeling too many emotions to show just one.  

“Why not?” His voice was also emotionless. Keeping my head down I replied

“B‘cause.” The toothbrush in my mouth had slurred my speech. He glared at me. Why was he glaring at me? What did I do wrong? As always, he had answer for everything.

“Fine, if you won’t tell me, you’ll have to tell your father, you know he’ll get wind of it.” His eyes softened as if pleading with me. Glaring at him through the mirror, I began brushing my teeth for the third time that night.

“Soleil…” He was waiting. Down casting my head I mumbled

“ ‘e ised ‘e” Again, I blame the toothbrush for inhabited speech.

“What? I didn’t hear you? Don’t mumble.” My cheeks flushed, the heat spreading down my neck and over the bridge of my nose. I just continued to brush my teeth, spitting and rinsing, ignoring him.

“Solei…” he warned again. Having just placed the toothbrush in its holder I spun around to face him.

“He kissed me, ok? What does it matter to you anyway?” His eyes hardened, and I made to push past him. He just stood straight and blocked the doorway. It dawned on me just how tall he was, at least a head taller, my eye’s only coming to his collarbone. It had never occurred to me that I should fear any of the men on the ship, they seemed harmless to me.

“Move.” It was an order. I could see in his eyes, contemplating the consequences if he didn’t listen. He did move however, allowing me to pass. I continued on into the hall, and left him in my room. Stopping momentarily, I bounced on the pads of my feet, contemplating whether I was over reacting or not. My argument seemed justified to me, why should he care?

 

Just wandering around, I found myself in the kitchen. Slowly walking around the island, I spotted the shaggy dog we kept on the boat. He didn’t have a name, just ‘dog’ or ‘mutt’. He was lying down, facing his empty food dish. Feeling pity for the thing, I placed the dish in the sink and began cleaning it.

“So dog, you ever have an argument with your best friend?” He just cocked his head at me. Filling the bowl with the dog slop, I placed it on the ground. He began eating like he had been starving.

“No? Didn’t think so.” I slumped onto the floor, my back against a cabinet. Sighing, I closed my eyes.

“He just confuses me some times. And he’s been acting so weird lately.” Petting the dog absently, I heard the door open. Father came around the island slowly at more of a stroll pace then a walk, and sat himself on the floor across from where I sat.

“Want to talk about it?” He too began petting the dog. Bringing my knees to my chest I stared at my bare toes, my wet hair tickling my chin.

“No.” I mumbled, wiggling my toes up and down. He sat back, staring at me. People had been staring at me a lot lately. Was I growing a second head that I didn’t know about or something?

“Kylin told me everything; he was worried you were going to do something stupid.” Rolling my eyes for the hundredth time today, I began braiding the dog’s long fur.

“He’s just trying to help. I don’t think he knows exactly how your mind works. At least he’s trying.” Giving him a sour look I told him Kylin was going about it all wrong then.

“Hey, that’s not fair. He’s probably just as confused as you.” Ignoring him I continued with my braiding. We sat in silence for a few minutes when he sighed. In my mind, a thousand ways to make myself feel better came to the surface. Most of them consisted of Kylin hurting in some form or another. They were all pretty harmless, though his pride or ego may take a hit or five. I crossed out any of the ones that involved physical pain unless it was a good beating. But all those thoughts just ended with me losing. Damn him for being stronger.

“When Kylin came here, you formed this attachment to him.” I couldn’t help but grin, all the trouble we had caused the crew. The memories were mostly of us reeking havoc.

“I thought at first it was just because you now had someone closer in age to you, and they understood you better. And at the beginning I think it was just because of that. But eight years is a long time, and I’ve watched you both grow up. You’re no longer a little girl any more. And I know not having your mother around to help you as you grew up has put a toll on a lot of things for you. Everything you’ve learned, you had to do it on your own, with no previous experiences to teach you. I think that’s why you picked up sailing so easily. You had me, Jacob and the entire crew to learn from, and you were learning with someone else.” He fumbled his hands, adjusting his position to a more comfortable one.

“Anyway, I think when you two were little, friendship was enough, but it isn’t now. You two have built a bond that’s stronger then anything I’ve ever seen before.” He sighed again, obviously having trouble with the talk. I was just about to tell him to give up, he wasn’t made for talks when he looked me directly in the eye with a determination to make me understand. I couldn’t meet his hard gaze.

“Look, all I’m sayin’ is that he cares. He cares a lot. What you do with that is up to you. That’s all the advice I can give you.” He stood suddenly, walking towards the door. His footsteps stopped just short of it.

“Just think, who did you go running to eight years ago?” With that and a sigh he left, leaving me more confused then I had been to start. Undoing the braids I had made in the dog’s shaggy mane, I mused over his words, trying to find any hidden meaning behind them. Why had I gone running to Kylin those years ago? ‘Simple, you were scared and felt safe with him.’ My mind instantly gave me the answer I thought to be true. I searched that for any hidden meaning as well. Standing, I left quietly, too tired to deal with any of this.

 

Waking early, I took the morning shift, relieving the two men up there. Sleep had evaded me the previous night though my tiredness made it difficult to think straight. Sitting here, I still couldn’t get my thoughts into order thought the mist and dew gave me enough clarity to order the world around me. I would never get lost, always knowing where the sea was, and yet I couldn’t even find my way about my thoughts in my own head. It shouldn’t be so difficult to do. As a result, I just sat on the ledge, kicking my legs against the hull of the ‘Lisa May’, the dog whining behind me, he not wanting to be out in the cool morning air. Someone leaned on the rail next to me, the heat coming off their body warm against my chilled skin. We stayed like that for awhile, neither of us talking, or looking at each other. The silence lasted for at least an hour, maybe more.

“Sol-” Getting up I moved away from him, gripping the edge until my fingers hurt. Did I even know why I was walking away? Why couldn’t I have woken up and everything is just like it was before all of this, wake up and everything was normal.

“Hey Soleil, come on, don’t be like that.” He grabbed my wrist, preventing me from walking away again. Jerking it away from him, I balled my hands into fists, digging my nails in as hard as they would go. Leaving my hair down for the day was smart, it hide my face when downcast as it fell over my eyes.

“Listen to me would’ya?” I didn’t face him, but I stood there. I was so close to tears, and didn’t even know why. There was nothing for a moment, just our breathing and the lapping of waves, the call of some gulls, and groan of the wood.

“I’m sorry.” He sounded like he was pleading, like he was begging. I didn’t look at him to find out.

“I don’t know what I did to make you angry, but I’m sorry.” He sounded like he was frustrated. When I didn’t say anything he continued in a quiet voice.

“Your father asked me to captain another ship.” He took my hand, the one closest to him and pried the fingers open, rubbing the reds spots with his thumb. His skin was a stark contrast of heat against mine, but he seemed to ignore that.

“He said that having another ship out making routes would make demands less and voyages shorter. Some of the men haven’t seen their kids or wives in years. So he asked me if I would captain the ship, I haven’t accepted yet, but I’m thinking about it.” Pulling my hand away, I rubbed my eyes, trying my hardest not to cry for no reason. 

“Good for you, may your travels go safely.” I croaked, my throat clogging up from the effort. I started to walk away but he called out to me.

“Soleil, I want you to go with me!” That did it. The damn broke. Just standing there, trying to even out my breathing, I shook my head no.

“Sorry, but my place is here.” With that I turned to walk off the ‘Lisa May’, leaving tears in my trail pelting softly onto the weathered wood of the ship, and then the worn stone of the market.

“Soleil!” I took off running through the empty market. I ran till I couldn’t hear him anymore, ran until my legs burned, and my chest stung. I ran until I hit a rough patch of grass, and was sent tumbling to the ground. I lay there crying, and then I lay there some more when all my tears were gone. Finally, sleep claimed my tired, stressed mind, lapsing me into a fitful slumber.

 

It must have been hours later that I woke, rising to the dying evening rays peeking through the window, casting pink and orange rainbows on the opposite wall. My first thought was ‘how did I get back to my room’, but then I realized the bed I was in was not my own, nor was the dresser or ceiling. The entire room was different from mine. Stretching, the bones in my shoulders and back cracked and popped. Weary of where I was, I gently placed my feet on the floor, careful not to hit any weak boards that would creak. My face felt stiff, and my thighs were sore. My calf protested every little move I made, just tensing the muscle sent shots of pain up my leg. Just how far had I run? Peeking outside the door, I was greeted with a rather harmless sight. A woman standing at a stove, stirring a pot of something, and it smelled delicious. She had a mix of brown and red colored hair, like clay, and tan skin. My instincts were over run by my stomach. The last thing I had eaten was some bread this morning, if it was still the same day, before shift. My defense was dropped as was my stealth. I just about hit every creaky board from that step on. The woman turned around, smiling when she saw me. She had dark brown almost black eyes.

“Hello dear. Did you sleep well?” Nodding slowly, I took a seat at the wooden table.

“Dinner will be ready in just a moment. I hope you like stew.” She had a kind smile, her lips pulling back over her teeth. She bustled around, placing bowls on the table along with spoons and napkins. Feeling slightly out of place, I didn’t offer any assistance, but she didn’t seem to mind.

“Elijah, dinner’s ready.” She called loudly. Opening the door she took a step out and called

“Elie! Dinner’s made!” Closing the door the woman began to dish out the food. She ladled out a dark saucy looking soup with chunks of beef, and vegetables. It smelled divine. In came running a little boy with black hair cropped short to his head, twirling around a toy ship in the air, humming as loud as he could manage. As he passed by me, his foot caught the table’s foot, falling towards the floor. My reflexes, honed from years of working on the ship and having to catch a flying rope, automatically made me reach out for him, setting him back up on his feet.

“Be careful.” He nodded, running around the table once more. The door opened and a tall gaunt man with white hair, sunken eyes and dark circles walked in, sitting himself cross from me. Removing his hat he nodded once at me and winked. Smiling I winked back. It didn’t occur to me why I was winking; it just seemed like the thing to do at the moment. The woman sat the boy, Elijah, in the chair next to mine, and sat diagonal from me. Saying grace, they began to eat. I watched how they ate first; this was all new to me. The woman caught me staring.

 “What’sa matter dear?” The man, Elie, looked up, Elijah continued eating. Well, actually, it looked more like he was breathing in his food he devoured it so quickly. Giving her a sheepish look and shrugging my shoulders, I replied

“Sorry Ma’am. I don’t really know any eating etiquette. I was raised on a ship all my life, and the way those men eat would put dogs to shame.” It was true; most of them eat very messily, even Kylin. She smiled again. My chest gave a sharp tug at the thought of him, reminding why I was here and not there.

“Well, the normal with stew is you scoop some of the contents on to the spoon, and follow that by sticking it in your mouth. Chew then swallow, and take the spoon out. I advise you repeat these actions, unless you want your food to get cold.” There was laughter in her eyes; Elie had gone back to eating. He, unlike Elijah took the time to chew his food, savoring it. The woman then demonstrated her instructions. Laughing, I picked up the spoon, and began.

After dinner, I helped Lori (her actual name was Lorelei, but she insisted upon me calling her Lori.) wash the dishes, and put Elijah (who was three years old) to bed. I also had found out the Elie was not her husband, just the farm’s caretaker, his wife had just recently died. We now sat in what Lori told me to be a living room. A side table lamp lit the entire room as Lori stitched up some clothes, and I sat on the floor, fiddling with the designs on the rug.

“So Soleil, I’m not one to be nosy, but I think I deserve an explanation.” Sighing I slouched in on myself. ‘Saw this coming.’

“Why were you sleeping in the middle of the field?” She looked up from her stitching, not stopping her hands.

“I was crying, and fell asleep.” I looked every where but her face.

“Why ever were you crying?” Resigning to my fate I then began to tell her the story, the entire story, from start to finish. It must have taken and hour or so. Starting from when I had first met Kylin when I was six, to what happened those many hours ago, leaving nothing out. Basically I had just told Lori my entire life story from start to finish.

“And I don’t know why I feel like this, or why I’m so confused. It is just so annoying, and confusing. I get confused about being confused, and that just gives me a headache.” Lori had finished everything in the basket, and ended up pulling out an old table cloth that needed repairing. She had a thoughtful look on her face.

“Hmm. Sounds to me like a difficult situation. You know what I think? I think you care more about this Kylin then you’re letting yourself know. And it’s only obvious that he cares deeply for you as well.” It made my chest hurt to think he loved me.

“I can’t love him; he’s like a brother to me.” I was feeling completely helpless, and frustrated. Lori just looked up and smiled softly at me.

“Siblings and lovers are very close a line. You probably loved him like a brother at one point in your life, but it grew as you grew. Your heart grew allowing you to love him even more then a brother, I think the idea of it just snuck up on you. But it was there all along. Only when he showed feelings did you realize yours. This must have been very difficult on you. A mother is supposed to be there for these types of things, to offer advice and teach. I think maybe you should have a talk with this boy, tell him everything you just told me. I’m sure he’ll understand.” Sighing, I closed me eyes, pinching the bridge if my nose, feeling a headache come on.

“Another thing your father might not have mentioned, but since today was your official sixteenth birthday, you are now of marrying age.” Groaning I threw myself to lie on the floor.

“Why does life have to make things so difficult? Sailing is so much easier, it never changes.” I argued into the carpet, my voice muffled to my own ears. Lori chuckled having understood what my ranting had been, putting her things away.

“If life always stayed the same, we would grow bored with it. Making things difficult is life’s way of saying ‘learn something new’. Now off to bed with you. I’ll drive us into market tomorrow morning. I’m sure you are missed.” Picking myself up, I bid her goodnight and returned to the room I had woken up in. Changing into the nightgown Lori had lent me I slid into the bed, I feel asleep almost instantly. I did not dream though uneasy feelings rose in my stomach at what would happen when returned tomorrow. Sure I would be sick if the feeling didn’t go away I buried myself in darkness.

 

30 pounds of jumping weight rudely wakened me. Elijah was bouncing on the bed, jarring me awake.

“Ok, I’m up, I’m up.” No extra five minutes in this house. Elijah had stopped jumping and was sitting in my lap, playing with my face. He then planted a sloppy wet one on my cheek and hopped away.

“Uh! Gross! Elijah koodies!” scrambling out of bed, I chased after him, determined to get him back for the wet kiss. He was screaming and giggling at the same time as I chased him around the house, myself almost falling twice with laughter. My leg was stiff, and my ribs were sore to all hell. Lori helped me rewrap my leg as well as my ribs. Elijah was a screaming, laughing bundle of nonstop energy. He was in constant motion and couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Pinning him to the floor in the living room I blew a big raspberry on his belly, making him scream with laughter. His dark hair was wild, his blue eyes wide with energy. Lori then called us in for breakfast.

It tasted like egg, but it sure didn’t look like it. It was all yellow, and was in odd circular pieces just small enough to eat. Lori called them ‘scrambled eggs’. Who would ever want to scramble an egg though? It was just weird. After breakfast I went with Elijah to help him pick out his clothes while Lori did the dishes, changing into my clothes as well. Not too long after that, we were out the door, in the car and down the road, heading towards the wharf.

 

The ‘Lisa May’ stood foreboding and tall as we neared the market. Since the market wasn’t open yet, Lori could drive right up the pier. The tinted windows of the car gave me time to compose myself before I stepped out. No one was standing guard at the entrance. Odd, father would never let the ship go unguarded. Holding Elijah’s hand, we walked up the boarding plank, and stepped onto the deck. It was a ghost town. Normally there are three or four people on deck for one reason or another. Surely there was not an attack. The ship looked fine, nothing out of place. Even the rope that had dropped through the waterway when the Rakilin bumped us was replaced with a new spool. Things just did not add up. Elijah ran off to the opposite side of the deck, peering out over the water and waves.

“Soleil, are you a pirate?” His childish voice was soft, questioning. Smiling at him and patting him on the head I told him I sort of was, but I was a good pirate. That seemed to sate him. Lori stood at the entrance, unsure of what to do. She chose to peer around, clutching her hands in front of her. Out of nowhere voices appeared. Two men by the likes of it. They were talking amongst each other.

“…have no clue where she could have run off too. Hey, whose car is this? Hey lady! What’re you doing up there?” Obviously the men had spotted Lori. They came running up, and stopped dead in their tracks when they saw me.

“Soleil.” Ryne breathed my name out as if I was a dream. It was him and the engineer who had relieved me yesterday from the engine room. In five large strides Ryne was standing in front of me. He looked tired, and worn out with dark circles under his eyes. Over all he just looked much older then he was. His hand shot out and struck me across the face.

“Do you have any idea how worried we’ve been? The entire crew is out looking for you! What in the hell were you thinking that made you run off like that? You disappear for an entire day without so much as a word! That didn’t leave much for us to think ya’ know! You could’ve been killed for all we know.” Standing there I took it, it was my fault after all. The reason why I ran off evade me, I couldn’t think of a reason why I had.

“Hey now, it wasn’t entirely her fault.” Lori stepped up, just behind him.

“She was upset and distressed. She probably wasn’t thinking straight, you can hardly blame her.” Ryne grabbed me up in a hug, crushing all air out of me and cracking my back at the same time. My ribs protested the harsh movement and made my chest burn painfully, but I just bit my lip. The engineer was raising the main flag, probably the signal that I had been found. Why would they waste an entire day looking for me? There were things to be done, and they had taken time out of their lives to find me.

Almost instantly, crewmembers began arriving, some chastising me, some hugging, some patting me on the head. All of them glad that I wasn’t hurt and that I had returned. The last two to arrive were the ones I dreaded the most. Facing out to the sea I heard my father come up, his boots heavy on the planks with fatigue. Turning to stare at him, we locked eyes. A million words were said in one look, and I couldn’t breathe straight. Running the short steps to him, I was enveloped in his arms, the largest hug I’d ever known. I could feel the pent up worry in his muscles, and the feel of it as the worry slowly slipped away until there was just a little left. Holding me at an arms length away he smiled and said

“I thought I told you when you were eight never to scare any of us again. Girl you just took sixteen years off my life expectancy.” Hugging him again, I told him I was sorry, I had not meant to scare anyone or run away. Lori and he then struck up a conversation, walking below deck.  

“Soleil, up! Up!” Elijah held his arms up indicating he wanted to be picked up having watched the whole ordeal quietly. Sitting him on my hip we looked out over the wharf. Some times he would point things out and ask a question and if I had the answer I would tell him. The whole thing would be rather calming if I wasn’t so wound up. We were the only ones on deck, so when I heard the footsteps, I knew who it had to be. Stiffening at the contact, I had to force myself to relax in his grip as he pulled me back into his chest, his arms wrapping around my shoulders. I could feel his breath on my neck, slightly uneven and fast, as if he had just been running.

My heart leapt into my throat. Letting me go and turning me around, he kept his hands on my shoulders. The wind whistled passed us silently, displacing pieces of hair.

“Don’t you ever run off like that again! I don’t care if you never talk to me again, never, never run off like that again. If you want me to shut-up that badly, punch me or something. And who is this?” As if he had just realized Elijah was there, he stared at the boy.

“Soleil, I think he’s a pirate.” Elijah whispered in my ear, not taking his gaze off Kylin. Elijah had broken the seriousness of the scene with his innocence making me laugh.

“Elijah, this is Kylin. Kylin, this is Elijah.” Sticking out his hand Elijah replied.

“Hi Kylin. This is Soleil, Soleil this is Kylin. I hope you two can play nice, but I think we can all get along.” Our eyes met, and I gave a shy smile.

“Sorry.” It was meek, but I put what I couldn’t say into words behind it, hoping he would get the picture. Kylin leaned down pressing his forehead against mine, our breath mingling.

“Fer’ a girl, you’re pretty stubborn.” I couldn’t help but laugh lightly at his words.

“That’s ok though, ‘cause I love you.” That shut me up real fast. Lowering his face ever so more, he gently pressed his lips against mine. The touch differed greatly from Riley’s or anything else I had ever felt. It was soft but firm, gentle yet demanding. The moment would have been perfect if a certain three year old didn’t want a piece of the action too. The suction sound that was created when Elijah pulled his lips from my cheek made my ears pop.

“Ah! Gross! Elijah koodies!” Dropping to the floor I gave him another raspberry as he squirmed and laughed. He then scrambled up and shot off. Smiling again, I looked up at Kylin, who was smiling back at me. Offering me a hand, he helped me up. As we chased Elijah around, the world seemed perfect, and right. The future seemed bright and held many things in store. Right now seemed too great a moment to think of the possible perils life and fate had in store for us in the days coming.

 

End Part 1

Author's Note

Sorry for nay mistakes

Reviews

[Short.Nerd]

This is a good concept but this chapter is a bit confusing. I would seperate it into smaller parts.
I really do love the concept though (:

[Bree]

I'm totally in LOVE with the names. And I liek the way you see pirates. Gentle yet scarvy :). Love the main character. I absolutly just loved the whole thing. Brilliant story!

[Danielle]

First, I want to thank you for the awesome review.
Your story is a little confusing in only one aspect. I have problems imagining it more as the old pirating days, or a more modern appeal. I think its the cars that throw me off. Also if as a pirate Soleil and them are pirates that steal and loot from other ships or some other form that you have created. During the first parts of the story she seems way older than a six year old though. I'd imagine her somewhere in her teens. Then there is also when she is pulled under with the fishies, her leg is getting pulled off, and as she is getting checked up by the doctor her father plans to send her out into the market for information which they never got. That is the only part of the whole chapter that threw me off. It does seem a little quick paced, but that is probably Soleil (cool name by the way) lifestyle so its okay. Good story start.