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d r ii BONES's Fangirl

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                                                                              ♦It didn’t take long for the crowd to conjoin into a mass large enough to challenge the tides themselves in the center of what appeared to be a village like district. By now Estelle’s poor heart was beating her rib cage to a pulp and her breath was forced out in quick huffs as she pushed against the angry swarm of men and women to see what it was they had gathered around. Caspian followed close behind, keeping two of his fingers pinched to the back of her bustle to keep from losing her as she shoved through the sea of Vampeera. As the duo moved in with Alaric’s crew following in suit, Estelle came to an abrupt stop causing the imp to collide with her from behind and Jolly to do the same unto the imp. But it was what she saw before her was enough to make her blood run cold. "Are you going to confess, demon? That you were sent by Hades to kill our children and consume their flesh!" The accusation was preposterous but among the three it was Caspian who was less than surprised by the merchant’s reaction. Vampeera weren’t hard to enrage as they were quick to turn on anyone who so much as dared to stare at them cross eyed. But an entire herd of vampeera….. Now that was a feat. An imp like himself yearned for mischief and mayhem. And it was for that reason that he found himself rather impressed with his former lover’s new beau. ”You always did have such impeccable taste in men. I’m glad to see this one is no different.” He jeered slyly but Estelle was far too horrified with the manner in which Alaric had been entrapped by these people to be bothered into engaging in argument with him. Instead her gaze remained focused solely on the battered, bloody, and naked man strung up on a wooden pole for all to gaze upon. The slurs and hate filled glares cast upon him by these strangers enraged Estelle to know end. And had Caspian not grabbed her arm in an attempt to restrain her she would have most certainly thrown herself at Alaric’s antagonizer as he proclaimed that the captain deserved such treatment. That it would be best if he were to admit to the crime in which he’d been accused. Whether or not it was true, Estelle did not know. Nor did she care. The fact that anyone could find this behavior just in any way was appalling. This was not a trial. This was an execution. Already the vampeera around her were chanting for his death. But Alaric was not a man to give in so easily. Even now as he stood before his foes he reacted boldly. Shoving the man before him to the ground and silencing the blood thirsty crowd if only for a short while. The man recovered quickly and demanded that his hands be bound as well but not before Alaric was stuck with a knife to the shoulder. His cry of pain wracking Estelle’s mind with a cascade of thoughts and emotions that words simply couldn’t do justice. Her own shrill scream rang out as her hands flailed angrily in front of her, Caspian’s own wrapping around her waist and pulling her back before he clamped a hand over the woman’s mouth only to withdraw it with a sharp hiss.

                                                                              ”Damn it Estelle! You bit me!” He waved his hand free of what pain lingered and clasped it around her jaw whilst his other remained firm around her waist, jerking her back just enough to where he could whisper in discontent in her ear as she struggled against him. ”If you persist on making a fool of yourself, then he won’t be the only one on that stake! Silence yourself, less you want to be signaled out. Don’t mistake me for a kind man, Estelle. If you draw their attention you can’t expect me to be here when they turn on you too. So tighten your lip.” She would have responded in defiance but before such words could part from her the sound of laughter broke through the quarter and reverberated off of every body present. It was not just any laughter. It was the laughter of her captain. ”Gods forgive him….” She was beside herself with anger and disbelief. The fact that somehow he could find humor in all of this was beyond upsetting as surely this was no time to taunt his enemies especially given that they had the upper hand. The man was mad! Caspian on the other hand was beyond amused with Alaric’s tactics, even going so far as to let out a hushed laugh of his own as he went on to call the man a pig, claiming himself to be without the ability of taking the life from someone as innocent as a child. ”This one’s quite the character. Where did you pick him up? A tavern, no doubt.” Estelle shot him a look but immediately turned back towards the captain as the vampeera before him stalked off angrily and declared his execution to take place some time after sunrise. Eventually the rest of the crowd began to scatter and Caspian urged Estelle and the rest of Alaric’s men to do the same. At least until they were under the cover of shadow and without the threat of being seen. ”There’s four of them. We outnumber. Surely that counts for something.”

                                                                              ”With these men? Guess again dear. They’re stronger. Quicker. No, you’ll need to rely on wits if you want to save your husband.”

                                                                              ”You’ll not help us?”

                                                                              ”Why should I? As far as I’m concerned he’s just another fool who happened upon the wrong woman at the right time. He’ll die with his pride…… Or at least what of it is exposed-”

                                                                              ”I’m pregnant….” It was by far the worst lie she could have ever made but she knew Caspian. She knew that children and the lack of a father figure was a subject he found particularly sensitive given his own lack of attention towards their son. And she was right. The tune in the imp’s voice changed as did the expression on his face as his eyes wandered briefly towards her mid section in disgust only to grow softer with each moment he stared. ”…..How long?”

                                                                              ”A month along, or so I was told. Went to see a witch not long after I escaped Moriel….. Caspian…. I know I’ve done wrong by you in the past but please….. Don’t allow my second child to grow up without a father.” The crew were stunned but whether they understood that such words were of fallacies was unknown. She merely wished to utilize Caspian for all he was worth. Even if it meant putting his life in danger to save that of Alaric. And it worked. After several moments of uneasy silence Caspian hesitantly reached down to slice open the palms of Estelle’s hands and allow her blood to run down her arms. A shiver crept down her spine as the throbbing pain of his short blade running over her flesh sank in, but she knew that it was vital that she not complain less he decide to change his mind. Without another word Caspian shoved Estelle out into the open where she stumbled towards the four men on either side of Alaric. Even from where she sat hunched over on the bare ground she could see the man’s frame tremble in agony and distress. He was ill and needed healing as soon as possible. The dark provided little cover against the vampeera men as the scent of her blood wafted through the air, enticing their gaze as she slowly stood and lifted her arms out in offering. Curious, the men looked to one another for confirmation before suddenly breaking out into a walk towards her. All the while she could see Alaric’s men creeping up behind him and begin working away at his bindings……… Until one of them dropped the knife. The blade hit the ground with a clatter and drew the attention of all four men who immediately turned back on Estelle with barred fangs and angered expressions. Two of the men charged for the crew whilst the other two pursued her. Estelle fumbled for her weapon but found it to be missing and hissed a slew of curses for having not checked for it before hand. One of the vampeera closed in on her, lashing out and making a move for her throat but before he could strike the sound of gurgling erupted from his lips. Estelle glanced down at the man’s torso and watched as his neck spewed forth a fountain of crimson liquid, a dark hand shoving him away as it wielded the knife meant to do away with him and moving to dispatch the other as Caspian then lifted what appeared to be Estelle’s pistol and fired a round into the second man and two more into the third and forth leaving all parties stunned and without words. ”Do you know nothing of subtlety? The entire village will have heard what you’ve done! Their blood is in the air!”

                                                                              ”You’re not pregnant.”

                                                                              ”What?” But he knew she had heard him. ”You were with the prince during that time. Had he known you were with child he would most certainly would have done away with you immediately or married you in the very least. He did neither. And that’s besides the fact that any woman bearing her own would never tempt fate by putting her and her child’s life in danger. You’re not pregnant. You’re just a bitter old manipulative b***h.” He grunted and tossed the pistol on the ground before her. Estelle merely rolled her eyes and snatched the weapon up as she stood, wiping her bloodied hands on Caspian’s leather jacket and moving to help release Alaric from his bindings. Ignoring the look of disapproval and disgust written on the imp's face and focusing on the captain’s health….. somewhat. ”Oh for heavens sake…. Someone lend the man a coat.”


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                                      Alaric, despite the crippling physical state he was in, was still aware of what was going on around him. He was a man of great physical strength. At times, his gift even verged on supernatural. But unfortunately, his loss of blood kept him from being able to free himself. He knew by now, that it was likely his men had realized something was wrong. The captain knew he could count on this group to retrieve him, however he worried about Estelle. If they both hadn't shown up to the Tavern, it was possible that the other's believed she was with him-- and would not search for her. By now, in a town like this... she could be dead; and it was said that there was no worse kind than to be sucked dry by a Vampeera. These creatures weren't soulless and could be killed, but their curse could be passed on to their victims if they didn't die from the attack.

                                      Surely, it was foolish to be concerned with her well being, when it obvious that he wasn't exactly in the best of situations. However, it felt good to worry about someone else-- someone other than himself. He was a man that thought he was better than others. He believed his life was of more value than those around him. Nevertheless when it came to Estelle, everything felt different. She made him feel like a new man-- one with responsibilities-- not just to his mother, but to she who had saved his life. Alaric did not have many friends. Indeed, Jolly was one of few. But this-- this anguish he felt at the thought of continuing this task without her, was beyond compare. Should he find the one responsible for her death-- they would pay dearly.

                                      It was then, in the midst of his foreboding thoughts, that the Vampeera growled at his side-- shrouded in heavy burlap cloaks-- and began to move. Alaric could hear the creaking of the wooden platform beneath his feet. He turned his head slightly, hair falling into his eyes, as he peered through strands to see where they were going. In shock, and fear he watched as they descended the stage toward a woman in the center of the Square. Tragically, it wasn't just any woman. Estelle had her hands raised in the air, and it took all Alaric had not rip his own arms off to get to her. What on Earth was she doing? And who was the short fool standing next to her allowing her to do it? He surely wasn't Vampeera; in the dark, his skin and eyes glowed like that of an imp. The captain had seen every creature this world had to offer. And he knew that no creature such as that, meant Estelle goodwill and fortune.

                                      But before he could call out to her, he heard more footsteps. He threw his head over his shoulder in preparation, only to see Jolly as he rushed to the front of him and took his face into his hands. There was relief in his eyes, as he swallowed hard and wrapped his arms around Alaric's neck. "Thank the gods you're alright." He whispered.

                                      However, his captain merely rolled his eyes. The boy was overly sentimental. He hated when he acted this way in front of the crew, but there was not much he could do in this state. "Untie me," He demanded in a hoarse voice, which barely rose above a whisper. "Estelle's in trouble."

                                      It was then that he felt the rope around his wrist being tugged upon. "She is with her lover. He will protect her." Trigger said softly, as he worked on the binds.

                                      "Her what?!" Alaric's voice didn't carry, but it was enough to startle one of the men into dropping his knife. Jolly pulled away from him, eyeing the man with reprimand, but it was too late. The Vampeera had heard, and two turned from their pursuit of Estelle to defend their post. The three other men they had with them, not including Trigger, charged to defend their leader as he continued to work.

                                      Jolly quickly began trying to console Alaric. He could see the obvious anger in his eyes. "She found him in the Market and asked him to help you. I assume he is under the under the suspicion that you are her husband and that she carries your child..."

                                      He wasn't sure what to think as Jolly reached down into the bag on his shoulder and removed a pair of trousers for him. Alaric did not like the idea of having to be around a man who had seen her naked. Or worse, fathered her child. "By getting her killed!"

                                      "Captain, please stop moving!" Trigger growled, finally getting him loose a moment later. But by that time, shots were being fired. He almost fell to his knees, not sure if the fire was friendly. And it was only moments later, when Alaric moved his hands around to his front to massage his aching wrist that he realized all the Vampeera were dead-- struck in the heart by the imp. Perhaps he owned this man his life, but the gratitude was short lived. Estelle shrieked at the man for how careless he had been. And she was right. There would be more fanged creatures upon them in a matter of minutes. However, that seemed to her ex-lover's plan all along. He spoke words of hatred, before tossing the pistol at her feet, obviously unhappy about whatever 'unspoken' relationship she had with Alaric. But the captain was just as displeased that she had ever wasted her time on this clodpoll.

                                      Estelle needed not to help him, as before she could get to him, he was already free. He snatched his pants from Jolly, and pulled them up to his waist in a fury of rage. "IF YOU EVER! SPEAK TO HER LIKE THAT AGAIN! I WILL END YOU!" Once more Alaric's tone was not his own. And in a clear night sky, the clouds had gone thick above, and thunder rumbled in the distance.

                                      His bosun pressed his hand into his shoulder, desiring to calm him down-- as he had noticed the storm, and worried since this was not the first time that his captain had brought such elements without knowing. "Please...cap--"

                                      Alaric swatted his hand away and jumped down from the platform, his bare feet landing in the sand like craters in a mountain. "YOUR OBVIOUS JEALOUSY IS NOTHING SHORT OF DISGUSTING." His voice boomed, as an eerie wind rustle through the empty quarter. His eyes had gone black, albeit not to his knowledge and his body was trembling with an anger that no human man had ever felt.

                                      "Sir, please stop!" Jolly called from the platform, his eyes filling with tears as he looked up at the sky for fear of his own death and all in the town.

                                      "YOU ARE WORSE THAN VERMIN." His blond hair had lifted off his shoulders, flowing behind him as if he were floating in water. He was approaching the man at a very slow speed, but all were entranced by his presence and the command in his tone. "IF YOU EVER COME NEAR ESTELLE AGAIN, EVEN DARE TO LOOK AT HER, KNOW SHE WILL BE THE LAST THING YOU SEE."

                                      The wind was growing stronger, pushing through cracks between the shops that made up the Square-- flinging sand, and knocking over signs in the street. "LEAVE." It was a warning. Something that Alaric would not have given, did it not worry him that Estelle would find even less favor in him after killing a man that could have very well been the father to her lost child. So he merely stood towering over the imp, in hopes that he flee, and not force his hand.

d r ii BONES's Fangirl

Hardcore Trash

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                                                                              ♦It wasn’t Alaric’s sheer size alone that had managed to frighten Caspian, but the man’s unnatural ability to bend his surroundings with impending rage. Thus the imp’s usual sarcastic grin was immediately wiped off his face and replaced with an expression of disbelief as he looked around him. The sky was inked out with stormy clouds and the stars had all but vanished in their wake. A rumbling storm could be heard closing in on them in the distance followed by a hollow wind that drifted through the quarter and sent chills across his skin. The man’s glowing blue eyes darted from sky, to woman, and man alike as he looked on with a furrowed brow and began slowly backing away within the same pace that Alaric used in his initial approach. He knew not what this man was but surely it was not of this world as nothing less than a god could utilize such power. Not even a warlock. Caspian was unaware of what dangers lie in having awoken the captain’s temper but Estelle…. She knew all too well. And should he stay a moment longer she hadn’t the slightest doubt that his fate would be the same as the man who had dared attempt to strike her aboard the Sea Dragon. ”CASPIAN GO! JUST GO!!!” It was not that she cared for the imp so much as she couldn’t bear the thought of having to explain his death to their son should he grow up wanting to know what had happened to his father. That, and although empowered by his heavenly bloodline, Alaric was injured. To enrage him further would be to worsen his condition and she simply did not want to risk taxing him any further. ”You’ve been keeping secrets, Estelle…” It was all he could mutter in the midst of his fear before casting her one last glance and vanishing in a gust of blackened smoke. But the danger had yet to be eliminated. She could see in the tearful eyes of Jolly that should Alaric continue, something terrible could happen. And they all might perish in the process. And so without thinking any further, she left the side of the crewmen and moved towards Alaric. Her heart racing as she came to his side and held her hands up in defense of the winds whipping her hair about wildly into her face. Oddly enough, his own form seemed unaffected by the current nor did he move in compliance to the storm around him. His eyes were black… empty. But in some ways full as well. She did not fear this man. But she did fear the damage he could cast upon them should he allow his emotions to get the better of him. It was strange…… Despite having denied caring for him Alaric had never stopped doing so for her. He didn’t know Caspian. Nor did he understand the pain she had caused him or the relationship they’d had. And yet still he moved to defend her.

                                                                              She’d tried to kill him. She’d put a bullet in his arm, fled his presence in Tavare, denied him what it was he desired, almost left him for dead, and forced him to dive into dangerous waters to save her. But not once did he hesitate to come to her aid. He never stopped caring. Estelle didn’t know much about relationships despite having had her fair share and wasn’t sure on how to create a successful bond with another human being without enduring some manner of pain. And yet despite this she found herself believing that they were bonded. Not only by fate but by the pain they’d experienced in the past and the twisted turn of events the wound them together. They were a mess. Looking for any chance to do harm unto the other without doing any severe damage. He’d pushed her, and she pushed him back. It was a disaster… but it worked. It left her overwhelmed with a sense of understanding. Compassion. Perhaps even tenderness for this man. She didn’t want to think that these feelings were the result of something else simmering beneath her hardened heart but unfortunately her abrupt action in that moment spoke otherwise. Just as Estelle came around to the front of Alaric and stared up at him with a stern and unwavering gaze she felt her arms lift from her sides and her body collide with his as she placed either hand on the side of his face and pulled him in to a rough and yet emotion fueled kiss. It was a dangerous bet to think that something as irrelevant as a small display of bodily affection could calm a god into submission. Then again Estelle wasn’t quite so sure that was her only intention in that moment. Her hands slowly moved down and to the back of Alaric’s neck as her eyes closed and allowed her a moment to take in the thrill of the contact amidst the storm brewing around them. The wind continued to flick her hair about and the thunder had yet to cease. Yet she did not care. There had been many single embraces she’d shared throughout her life and just as many, if not twice, kisses. But this….. This one alone was one she could find herself easily becoming addicted to. Unfortunately she knew better and before she could be pulled into the strange and infuriating allure of the captain, Estelle pulled back. Her arms shot down to her sides indignantly and she quickly began moving away and back towards the crewman without so much as bothering to see if Alaric had calmed enough to silence the storm.

                                                                              ”Those bodies… Take what goods they have. They won’t be needing them where they’re going and I doubt what I have on me will be enough alone to pay for our rooms. We’re going to need to move out of here. Fast. The storm might have scared what’s left of those who had lingered near by but it’s only a matter of time before somebody comes to investigate where the gunshots came from. And I’d rather not be here when they find out. We’ll need to stay in an inn. Alaric is in no condition to travel…. He needs a healer. A good one. The best, if such exists in Weknox. He won’t be able to go wandering about in the open with his face out there so I suspect that we’ll need to bring the healer to him…. In the early hours of the morning before the vampeera return….” Her voice was just barely over a whisper and she was more so addressing herself if anything, walking past the crew and towards one of the body to recover another pouch of coin and a dagger, pocketing both as she mumbled to herself in hopes of avoiding the stunned looks she was receiving from every which man along with the growing heat in her face upon realizing what it was that she’d done. This was in no way part of what Ares had asked of her. She shouldn’t have done it…… So then why did she lack the necessary regret?


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                                      Alaric worried that Caspian wasn't going to depart so easy. Should his connection with Estelle, run any deeper than his outward distaste for her, it was likely he would not want her around a man as brooding as the captain. However, Estelle had seen how far his rage could take him. And sparing a man's life-- was out of the ordinary for someone like Alaric. He believed in quick judgement, and a swift execution, and that was likely what the imp was going to receive should he not make haste.

                                      It was strange, but he hadn't once thought about the fact that he was naught but a human when he made these threats to those of a fantastical sort. Yet, he always managed to come out of the situation with his life. Those who would have excelled in a fight against one without magic, were quick to back down when Alaric requested it. And perhaps that was the reason he thought himself close to the gods. He believed his mere presence demanded respect. As even now, such seemed to be the case. Estelle bid that Caspian depart in compliance with the wishes of her captain. And after a brief statement left his lips, he vanished in a cloud of onyx colored smoke.

                                      Although pleased with the outcome of the situation, it seemed that there was going to be a storm. The winds had picked up, and sky was black. Momentarily, his eyes darted around the quarter, knowing that the Vampeera would thrive in this kind of environment and he feared their coming. In his condition, he would not be ready to fight a horde. So should it start raining, their chances of survival would be slim to none. Alaric had debated staying in an Inn, but now that he was a wanted man, he knew he couldn't put his men...or Estelle, at risk. He was not against going back to the ship. And depending on what his crew decided about the dangers of staying outside of their element-- a decision would need to be made.

                                      Unfortunately, he hadn't the time to fully sort his thoughts before he realized that his supposed 'wife' was standing before him. His eyebrows knitted together as he looked down on her, realizing that she seemed rather upset with him. Alaric knew he had flown off the handle. But he had been defending her honor, and he thought that she would have at least seen the good in that. However, he hadn't the time to delve into such things-- not with the Vampeera on their way. Estelle, on the other hand, believed they did. She lifted her arms from her sides like she might slap him, and he parted his lips slightly to chastise her, only to have the gentle tug of her hands, and collide of her body thwart his speech. Her mouth found his with a hunger that was almost intoxicating. His breath slowed immediately, as did the pounding of his heart. There was no hesitation in her actions-- the motion was fluid, and the press of her body terribly alluring.

                                      His lips which had been ajar, closed just as she pulled away, and he leaned forward not wanting such passion to end-- it was simply uncharacteristic of her. Alaric hadn't the chance to register what had happened, which was evident by the way he was staring down at her with a narrowed gaze. His eyes returned to their crystal color as she indignantly slammed her hands back down by her side to simply stalk off. And having been brought into an uncomfortable state of bewilderment, the storm clouds cleared-- the wind stopped.

                                      He breathed deep, turning to glance at his men over his shoulder-- all looking just as confused, if not more so by the situation. But Jolly merely looked relieved. His body was shaking like a leaf as he dropped to his knees on the platform, quickly wiping his tears. Alaric hadn't the slightly clue as to why the boy was even upset. "Did you forget who gives the orders around here?" He growled, his voice going hoarse again as he realized just how exhausted his body was. He was battered beyond belief; the fact that he was still standing after all he had been through, was a miracle. Fortunately, Alaric knew where he stood with the gods. And such was just another day in his life; it was only by their mercy that the storm had passed, as did the wind in the quarter seize to blow.

                                      "Their blood is dangerous, and their curse transferable, Estelle." He rebutted, approaching her and reached down for her arm to pull her away from the bleeding body of the Vampeera her ex-lover had shot. "Let me see." His hand fell into the pocket of her cloak, looking over the coin in his palm and the blade of the dagger-- before he snatched her hand to make sure it was free of bodily fluids. "What the hell happened?" Alaric snapped, realizing that her palms had been cut open. And now a fear was setting in that she had been contaminated. "For the love of the gods lass..."

                                      His notion of staying in the words for the night was no longer a viable option. He needed a healer for himself, and now Estelle. She had no idea how dangerous it was to touch the blood of a Vampeera, let alone with her own wounds exposed. "Let's go! Jolly, get up! Pull your self ********]

                                      "What is it, Sir? What's wrong with her?" The bosun sniffed, gathering the Captain's cloak which had survived in the chaos from behind the platform, before they all joined him, falling in stride as he they began out of the Square.

                                      "These creatures carry their curse in their blood. And Estelle has slits in her palms."

                                      "I'm sure she is fine, Captain." Trigger said, not sure what all the fuss was about. But Alaric worried about this woman, it simply couldn't be helped.

                                      "I didn't ask you what you thought." He replied matter of factually.

                                      The crew exchanged glances behind him, all sure that what they just saw was a display of emotions neither were ready to talk about-- and likely never would. "Then I will go find you a healer..."

                                      "They are to look at her first..." Alaric warned, his eyes shifting toward the gunner.

                                      He nodded. "Where will you be?"

                                      The captain lifted his eyes over the small tents, toward the business distinct of the city where a tall round building stood. "There." He pointed briefly.

                                      "Yes, Sir." Trigger tapped one of the men next to him, as they broke off from the group, leaving Alaric with Jolly, Estelle, and the other members of the crew.

                                      As they neared the more sophisticated side of town, Alaric muttered something, "...so who was he?" He tried not to look at anyone, just kept his eyes forward. Although he was well aware that the imp was an ex-lover, and that it was probably none of his business, he found himself concerned that her fear for his life may have been because she still wished to be with him. She was his now; a part of the crew, and was forbid to return to her old life-- so why was he worried? "I should have struck him down where he stood..."

                                      "Aye, captain." Said one of his crew. "She is yer whore now."

                                      Alaric did not let his men see, but Estelle was in plain view of his face as he rolled his eyes. For the first time, he was not in the mood for sucking up. "Yes...thank you." He forced his gratitude through clenched teeth as they found the door to the Inn, lit with candles and an inviting aroma. His men dismissed themselves quickly, heading inside for the bar-- leaving Alaric and Estelle alone for a moment.

d r ii BONES's Fangirl

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                                                                              ♦Estelle had all but forgotten the wounds she bore but was immediately reminded of such upon noting Alaric’s approach. His tone held a scolding manner to it but it was his words that gave her reason to worry. She would have otherwise thought nothing of coming into contact with Vampeera blood as there were many a legend that past through tales of old on how such creatures were created. But upon being informed, bluntly at that, by the captain Estelle couldn’t help but take part in his panic as he began explaining that her own lack of careful thinking might just have cost her, her mortality. ”A-Am I going to be cursed?” She was barely able to choke the words out as even the mere thought of being forced to live all eternity draining the life out of those around her for the sake of sustenance made her ill. She wouldn’t allow herself to go on that way. And if that were the case she would gladly allow Alaric to put an end to her as soon as possible and add her blood to his collection. If it was of any use at that point. But it would seem Alaric was far too concerned with preventing further contamination to think of the possibility that such might have already happened. No, instead the man concocted a plan for one of his men to go in search of a healer while they continued on elsewhere into the business district of Weknox, allowing Trigger to part ways after having made it clear it was her who was to be examined first. Estelle did not agree to this as Alaric was in far worse condition and should he go without treatment for long, he would not last. But in fear of provoking the man any further and doing more damage unto his health she kept quiet, only bothering to look towards him as he inquired of Caspian. The man then went on to state his regrets in not having killed him when he had the chance and was immediately met with encouragement from one of his men which he, strangely enough, decided to brush off with a bitter sense of gratitude pressed through gritted teeth. Before long they arrived in front of a more secluded inn with candles for lighting and a scent that reminded her of pleasanter times. Such she hadn’t experienced in a good while. ”He was the father of my son. A relationship born in the midst of my grieving and ended not long after I decided it was time for me to return to Moriel….. My mother… She left my father when I was young in fear that the company he kept was far more important to him than raising a child in a safe environment. He was a fairy obsessed with those of a darker kind. Imps and goblins were his fascination and he used his magic to aid them frequently. Shortly after she found a place for herself amongst the staff of Moriel’s royals. She ended up caring for the queen who frequently fell ill all the way up until her final hours. And as I grew I too learned to do the same….. When my mother passed, I left to stay with my father as I have done every year. But my stay was extended. And that’s when I met Caspian. The affair was short and I never openly told him that I bore his child. He found out through my father after I’d left. He never did come to see him but he always claimed to care for the child very much.”

                                                                              Perhaps it was the welcoming aura of the inn that forced her to open up or the fear that in several moments she would soon be clawing at the man’s throat in a desperate attempt to drain him of his blood. Either way it felt important that she explain that the ties that held her to Caspian were old, weathered down, and unwanted. ”The only time he had ever seen our son was after I had decided to give him away. I told him it was to someone I knew…. A family I’d bonded with over the years who would take care of him and offer him the love and experience I lacked. It was a lie of course, but I don’t suppose it was until after my sentence that he began to suspect as much. He and my father thought that the trial had gone through and that I’d been killed…. Until now.” Estelle slipped her hands into the pockets of the cloak, relishing in what warmth they provided against the cool night air and immediately felt her fingertips brush against the charm locket she’d purchased in the market. Her eyes lit with surprise and tugged the piece out by the chain only to grab one of Alaric’s hands and press it into his palm, offering very little explanation as to why. ”For good luck. You know. Since you seem to need it every time I look away.” Her mind felt as if it were bouncing from one thought to another in a desperate attempt to avoid discussing the peculiar act she’d performed not but several moments ago or the daunting thought that she might windup as heartless and callous as the creatures that had dared to harm the captain. But her list of trivial note worthy topics was narrowing. And it would only be a matter of time before she had nothing else to say and her concerns took over, filling her with panic and embarrassment. ”…. You shouldn’t stand….. And I’m not telling you not to. I’m simply stating…. You shouldn’t stand. Should save your energy. You must be in pain…” The wounds on his chest were exposed and with the addition to his shoulder she could only imagine what he was going through. And so not wanting to risk him being seen by passersby and spreading word of his escape onto those who would be searching for him, Estelle pressed her palm against the wooden door and pushed him inside.

                                                                              A wave of warm air passed over them and the sound of laughter wafted from the bar not far off. But as tempting as the idea of drink was she was simply too burdened with woes of the past and present to be bothered into leaving Alaric behind. He needed attention. And more importantly a room in which he could rest. ”Here.” Estelle muttered as she removed the cloak from her shoulders and gently draped it over his own. Even going as far as to pull the hood well over half way down his face in hopes of shielding him from onlookers. ”You know, it’s a shame you take such pride in the way you look. Granted you’re rather… unique…Your face won’t be easy to hide in a crowd. And I don’t care what you say, if the healer isn’t half as good as I expect then you’re not leaving this inn until you’re well enough to shoot an apple off of my head. And you better be damn healthy enough to try without killing me. I squirm.” Her attempt at humor was poor but it was the least she could do to get her point across. He may have been worried about her but it was he that she was worried about. She hadn’t even begun to ask how long he’d been in the vampeera’s captivity nor what else had happened to him in her absence. Some might have thought it strange for someone like her to worry about a man as capable as Alaric. But in the past few days he had become more than a captor, a captain, a sign of freedom, a threat, and a means back to the child she’d lost…. He’d become her responsibility. And peculiarly enough, her friend.


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                                      Trigger and the other member of the crew he had brought alone with him, walked in the shadows for a great deal of time before either one spoke. It was for fear that their captain might hear that drove them to silence. But once they were sure that it was safe to discuss certain matters, their search for a healer seized, and their plans unveiled themselves.

                                      Both stood in the very center of the business district. There was a good deal of traffic, and there was a possibility that their task could take all night. Alaric could never be the wiser. As long as they pretended they had been vigilant, he would see no fault in their actions. He was a selfish, arrogant man, who thought all trembled before him. And until the arrival of Estelle, Trigger had not known fear of his captain. He thought him, but another pawn in his scheme of escaping his fate. But it seemed that the gods had other plans.

                                      Trigger worried that his smug nature, had angered those above and below. If he did not tread lightly, he could be forced to return from whence he came. And he would rather die. "Do we let his aliments take him?" Risk asked from beneath his cloak, trying not to reveal how scared he was to his master.

                                      "I may be part god, but surely I cannot decide a man's fate." Trigger said, his fake accent and gruff tone having vanished. Now that Alaric was no where to be seen, he spoke in a distinguished voice.

                                      "I thought that was the plan."

                                      "It was." Trigger said, removing his hood, and revealing a mane of dark hair. "Until I realized he was the son of Zues. Sent to kill the Keeper, and put me back at the gates for all entirety."

                                      "Your father...he would--"

                                      "My father, cares only about how many souls accompany him in the underworld. That is the job of the Keeper. And last I heard, Cavril pleased him."

                                      "So..."

                                      "So I believe, Cavril is no more. Whomever is at the gates, has displeased both Hades and the gods. And they see fit to return me to my prison."

                                      Risk averted his eyes, not sure what to say. "Is that it then? Will you give up?"

                                      Trigger thought for a moment. Not sure what he would do to right this wrong. He should have killed Alaric when he was a boy, before he could realize his true destiny. "He has weaknesses. Not many. But they are there."

                                      Risk glanced up, a small smile crossing his lips. "The girl?"

                                      "She is surely not his whore. But he doesn't love her."

                                      "Then who?"

                                      "Jolly. Jolly, believes none know his secret. However, I do. He was the son of the very man Alaric killed. All I must do, is convince Alaric that his dear Jolly is plotting mutiny. He will be forced to slay him, and such will weigh heavy on his heart."

                                      "Will that be enough to break him?"

                                      Trigger smirked. "I will not stop with Jolly. Stout will be next. Estelle feels attached to her captain. He saved her life, after all. We must reveal to the first mate that Alaric is weak for her. He thinks with his manhood, and not his brain. That he is putting the crew at risk, Risk."

                                      "And then girl?"

                                      "Yes, she will be his only support. And we'll kill her."

                                      Both men were smiling now. "Yes, master. What a delightful idea."

                                      --------------------------------------


                                      In the meantime, Alaric stood listening to the panicked words of Estelle in a state of amusement. He could not empathize fully with the tragic tale of her and her ex-lovers. Although, he did know what it was like to grow up without a mother and a father. Olivera had raised him until he was twelve years old. What he had learned, he knew from her. And despite the fact that she was a cruel woman, she had a great deal of knowledge. Without her teachings, he would not have never made it through some of the trails he had faced. Perhaps the loss of her son was for good reason. One could never know what the gods had in store. Had Alaric had his the perfect family, he may not have found favor in the eyes of such divine figures.

                                      Still, he understood her grievance, and had wanted to offer words of wisdom. But Estelle did not allow herself to be vulnerable for long. It was soon that she was slipping gifts into his hand, and covering him with her cloak. She pretended to be concerned for him. But he knew, her concern was for herself. He was naught but her captor-- a man she tolerated. His mention of her caring about him, had been a rejected. So this could not possibly be for him. Just a distraction for her...

                                      "Estelle..." He had tried to stop her several times in the middle of her ramblings. However, she was far too caught up in her worry to hear him. "I do not need a charm for luck." He assured her, from beneath the hood of her cloak. "I have you..." It was strange coming from his lips. But true. "I didn't keep you around merely for the hopes that I might see your glory."

                                      Alaric slipped the trinket into his pocket and clapped a hand on her shoulder. It was a bit rough, as the man didn't know his own strength. "I can shoot an apple off your head right now, should I chose to." He smirked. "There is a reason for everything. If you are without your son, it's because the gods did not want you have him. At least not right now. Show them your valor, and preserve as I do. And they will give him back to you."

                                      Alaric laughed suddenly, as if gleefully entertained by a thought that just popped into his head. He tossed his head back, "And don't worry, lass. If you turn into Vampeera, I'll put you out of your misery." The captain patted her face, as he did before-- without much regard for the fact that she was woman and entered the over-sized Inn to get himself a room. He was tired, and aching, and merely wanted a place for his head. They were safe here...for now.

                                      In the lobby, he paid for eight rooms-- one for each man and woman-- with the pouch from the pocket of Estelle's cloak. There was a good deal of coin inside, plenty for now. "I don't drink anymore. So I try to stay away from taverns." He placed several room keys in her hand, but kept his own. They would all be relatively close on the second floor, according to the Inn Keeper. "Take these to my men. Trigger and Risk shouldn't be long. My gunner is one of the most loyal and relied upon of my crew."

                                      When she departed, he would go rest.

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                                                                              ♦He thought her to be good luck. It was an absurd idea and yet… she liked it. The only use she’d ever been to anyone of the opposite sex was a means of quelling physical yearning and using solely for superficial reasons. And although such had been the case with Alaric at first she know found herself trusting in his word. He may have been a barbaric man who basked in the praise of those around him but he wasn’t a liar. He saw purpose in her….. And it felt nice. ”Yes…. Captain.” It hadn’t been difficult referring to him by his title before but after having, albeit unknowingly, said something as kind as he had the phrase had trouble sliding off the tip of her tongue so easily. But before she could come to grips with herself Alaric had placed the keys to each of their rooms into her hand and began walking away. Estelle stood in dumbstruck silence as she debated over what it was he had said and rubbing her cheek subconsciously from the roughness of he dealt when handling her. It seemed that no matter how long they spent together it wouldn’t quite register that to touch a woman in such a way might often be considered rude. Then again perhaps he didn’t care. ”Leave your door unlocked!” Not realizing how loud she’d been in calling out to him, Estelle’s face turned red as she took note of several individuals leaving the tavern only to look at her with a sly grin. More than likely thinking that they’d just walked in on a sexual request between the two. Estelle scowled and fumbled over herself as she rushed to finish her statement with further explanation before Alaric too came to the wrong conclusion. ”For the healer! Just the healer! I’m not-……. JUST KEEP YOUR CLOTHES ON!” The men burst into laughter and left the hall leaving the woman to stalk off into the bar with a huff. And had it not been for the welcoming feel of the tavern, her bad mood might have lasted. Thankfully such was not the case and it wasn’t long before she was walking down the space twixt counter and booths in search of each individual member of Alaric’s crew. It wasn’t hard to spot them. Given the bar was pulsing with activity and an array of faces she didn’t know, it wasn’t hard to pinpoint the only few men she’d seen in the past several days. Like Alaric there were only a few of which she actually trusted but nevertheless, she had a connection to these men whether it be as unimportant as a passing conversation or as significant as their captain. They were a part of her life now. Whether she liked it or not. ”Hey there. Lookin for a place to sit?” Estelle glanced off to her right as a large burly man patted the seat next to him. His smile seemingly deceptive over his long brown beard and his eyes wandering. She felt herself shrink up beneath his gaze and shook her head but before she could reject his offer she felt a firm hand take her own and pull her into the booth on her left which just happened to be occupied by the rest of Alaric’s men. [******** off you soiled vermin. Soak your old pisser in sewer water n cool yourself off.” The lot chuckled, causing the man to snarl as he spit on the ground between them and turned to call the bar tender over to refill his glass.

                                                                              Estelle glanced back at the men and handed them their keys but after having tucked them away they seemed uninterested in paying her any mind. Her place was obvious. In their eyes she was and always would be Alaric’s whore. It didn’t grant her respect but it kept her safe amongst them. For these men dare not anger their leader. ”So you’ve been here before then….. in Weknox?” The men looked leery about talking but the man who had pulled her into the booth answered quickly, albeit quiet. ”Aye. Not be much to say. It’s a beautiful place full of bad people. We fit right in.” The others let out another simultaneous laugh but didn’t bother to add to the conversation. Instead they found solace in their drinks and spoke amongst each other in hushed tones. And suddenly….. she was feeling as if they were censoring themselves due to her presence. She was killing their mood. ”Right….. Well then I suppose I should…. you know. Get going. I don’t want to…… well…. you know.” The man nodded quietly and took another long swig of his drink, giving her a mock salute in the process. ”Aye.” Estelle sat for several moments longer simply observing the men before at last slipping out of the booth and taking a few steps back. ”Yeah….. Right. I’m going to go…. Wait out there. For the healer. Have a good one.” And so she left in a hurry, returning to the front of the tavern and into the open area where the Inn desk was located and taking a seat by the door where she patiently waited for Trigger and Risk’s return. She couldn’t sit still. With each passing moment it felt as if an hour had gone by with no sign of the men. And although Alaric had long since left to rest as he was in much need of it, she couldn’t help but wonder if she should go check on him after all….. If only to reassure herself that he would be alright. Of course she was still worried about the contamination of her blood but at the moment the thought had taken a back seat to the conversation they had shared. He hadn’t seemed like the sort she could get along with. And still there were times where she desperately sought a way to choke the man out if only to teach him a lesson. But she did care for him. She didn’t understand why it happened nor how merely saving her life had brought her to this point but she felt as if there were other reasons….. underlying explanations as to why she’d forgiven him for the way he’d first treated her. He hadn’t been the only one to spare her. Corvis could have just as easily killed her without any regard to the woman and child Alaric had sought out as a hostage in the arena but he had. Still, she did not forgive him for what he’d done. And in no way could she find it in herself to compare the two men. Caspian also had the opportunity to do away with her or in the very least allow the Vampeera finish her and her supposed ‘husband’ off during the attack. But he hadn’t. Again, she felt no…. connection to this man outside of the one they shared in having a child together. There was nothing noteworthy about these men that made her want to do well by them or think fondly of them in any way…… But Alaric….. There was something there. A feeling. A thought. Something that pushed her to think of him as a friend and trust him. It was a bond.

                                                                              Just then the door to the inn creaked open revealing several more customers followed shortly after by Trigger, Risk, and a hooded figure that she could only assume to be the healer they had sought out. Immediately Estelle got to her feet and smiled at the three, reaching out for them only to look down at her hands and pull them back. She was still a bloodied mess. ”Alaric, he’s…….. The captain…… is in his room resting. Please…. Will you not see him first? I know what he said but my wounds are insignificant compare to those that plague his body and he’s gone far too long without treatment. He’ll get infected, if he hasn’t already.” Estelle’s mouth lay ajar as she went to say more but found herself suddenly speechless. She turned to the healer and cleared her throat, moving forward with hopeful eyes in an attempt to clarify. ”His bandages…… the wounds were too deep and we hadn’t much to cover them. I-I’m surprised he’s made it this long without complaint. He’s a proud man and wouldn’t likely tell anyone otherwise if he was in pain so we don’t know the extent of what he is feeling….. He was stabbed earlier tonight. The wounds prior were sterilized with what we had on board but the stab wound….. I don’t know if the blade was rusted and I can’t even begin to think of how we might have taken care of it had you not come and-…..” She stopped midsentence as she realized just how ludicrous her words must have seemed to the healer who knew not their situation and likely wouldn’t need to. The important thing was that Alaric was taken care of. There was no going back to prevent what had happened. Only moving forward to do their best to fix it. ”I’m sorry….. I apologize, it’s been a long night for all of us….” It seemed that in the past day since having left the island of the wolves all elegance had been shaken from her and in its stead was a nervous, unsettled woman. But he was important to her. He played a vital role in her life. And should he die now, she would be left with nothing. Still, she needed to choose her words more wisely.... She needed to get a hold of herself.


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                                      The healer agreed to see Alaric first. It was obvious that Estelle was grieved by the idea of losing the captain-- and Trigger, nor Risk bothered themselves with debating against her wishes. By morning, the man would simply be happy that he was alive and that his supposed 'whore' was safe. In addition, both were too consumed with their plans to over throw their leader, than to fulfill his wishes just as he'd asked. Therefore, they made haste up the spiraling staircase of the lobby, following Estelle's lead toward Alaric's chambers-- where he was in the middle of disturbing dream. The captain had departed quickly, and as soon as his head found his pillow, he had fallen into a state that was no quite sleep-- but rather a deep slumber. His body was in a state which he could not be woken from, and his mind was being held in the hands of a little girl. Her name was Sophia-- called Sophie by her mother. She was born with great power, and some hoped harness it for evil.

                                      The captain found himself standing in a village. And although he thought this a dream, he could feel the cool of the night air upon his face. He was dressed in nothing but his trousers, and his feet were bare in the sand. Moreover, he remained gravely wounded, for the pain was still just as prominent as if had been when he was awake. In fact, Alaric could feel every grain of dirt beneath his toes, and he could hear the rustle of the treetops in the distance. But it wasn't until the door to a nearby hut burst open that he actually took it upon himself to explore. His legs stumbled backward, reacting to the cries that ripped through the unfamiliar space. The shouts were torturous and his eyes were drawn to a familiar face; that of the fairy woman he had taken hostage in order attain Estelle. She was being assaulted by dark faces, covered in shadow. Her terror, caused Alaric's heart to pound against his rib cage, as he feared what he would see next. Although, it was not at all a surprise.

                                      Sophie was tossed out of the front door of the same cabin, and she went rolling a few more feet from the momentum. Laughs could be heard from inside as more men whose faces the captain could not see emerged from the building. They stepped over the poor girls body, going to her mother who shrieked in terror. She begged that they kill her daughter, but spare her life. And the captain was met with great anger. His body heated up, as he rushed for the girl. To hear her mother proclaim her death was enough to make him want to put a knife in her himself.

                                      Alaric fell over Sophie's tiny body and reached down, rolling her over beneath him in hopes of sheltering her from what he believed to be bandits. "Are you alright?" He asked, over the shouts not far from him.

                                      The girl's eyes were closed at first, but when she opened them, her sullen expression became one of relief. "Alaric?" She asked weakly. But he was too filled with rage to respond. He glanced up, as the men questioned her mother. "They can't see you..." She whispered.

                                      The captain glanced back down in frustration. "Why?"

                                      "You're not really here. Only your spirit."

                                      He did remember falling asleep, indeed. Yet, everything seemed so tangible. "I can't simply do nothing."

                                      "I didn't bring you here for me..." She smiled weakly. "I have to tell you something."

                                      "What is it?"

                                      "Estelle...she is being hunted by Corvis. He wants me to help him find her. And my mother will give me up to him..."

                                      "Why would the very woman who birthed you, wish to see you dead?"

                                      "My gift is a burden to her..."

                                      Alaric could see pain in the eyes of this young girl-- he could hear it in her voice. Therefore, he couldn't help but feel plagued with a suddenness he didn't know a man like him could feel. "Tell me about Estelle...why is she being hunted?"

                                      Energy was leaving Sophie quickly, she was losing her hold on the connection she had made with Alaric, and his spirit was returning to his body. He began to float-- up and away from her. "He believes she carries his future! But, Alaric! If you allow her to slip away-- you will not have one!"

                                      Her words rung in the captain's head, as he finally opened his eyes. He proceeded immediately to springing up from the comfort of his sheets, his arm shooting out as his hand grabbed neck of the healer-- who had been standing over him, humming several enchantments in the hopes of healing his physical form. The stranger gasped in Alaric's grasp, as he only squeezed tighter. His body was trembling beneath the pressure of his vision. And he no longer knew what was real, and what was simply a figment of his imagination.

                                      "Captain! Please, let him go! He is trying to help you." Trigger growled indignantly, coming up from behind the man and placing a calming hand on his outstretched arm. His crystal eyes shot up, looking at the face of his gunner-- who seemed less than pleased. But his touch was real. That much he knew. So he released the healer, whose hood had fallen off in the process. The man choked, whilst air filled his lungs once more, just as Alaric looked down to feel his chest. He ran his hand over his scars feeling no pain.

                                      "What have you done?"

                                      The healer quickly attempted to regain his composure, drawing in a deep breath to swallow the lump in his throat. "I mended what ails you."

                                      The captain nodded, seeing that such was true. "Thank you..."

                                      "You are most welcome."

                                      "And Estelle..." Alaric remembered her hands and looking up to see her not far from his bed.

                                      "She bid that I look after you first."

                                      He snarled in replied. "She does not give the orders around here! The lass has come in contact with a Vampeera. I fear for her soul."

                                      Trigger glanced away, knowing that his leader was angry with him for listening to the woman. But he did not apologize. Alaric merely offered him a disrespectful flick of his wrist before he gave nodded toward Estelle. "Make haste."

                                      The healer nodded, coming around the other side of the bed and took her hand for examination. "Is she alright?"

                                      "Sir, I must ask. Is this your wife?"

                                      He replied abruptly. "She is not."

                                      "Have you lain with this woman?"

                                      Alaric was not sure what to say. His men were in the room, and he was afraid to tell the truth for fear of mutiny. "I have."

                                      "It seems she is naught but pregnant..."

                                      If there was ever a time to be angry. Now was probably not it. Yet he couldn't feel anything but betrayed and furious. It had only been a week. He surely could not dictate her past. Still, no matter how logical he wanted to be...this was true agony. "Certainly it is not the captain's. He has only know her for seven days."

                                      The healers looked down on Estelle and smiled, as if he knew something she did not. "This is a very recent development."

                                      Trigger looked beside himself with offense. "That is not possible? What kind of witchcraft can detect a pregnancy so soon?"

                                      "I sense it's spirit. It is stronger than anything I have ever felt. A mixture of light and dark and divinity."

                                      Alaric's mind was in a bind. He felt like he had yet to wake up from a bad dream. His men may have been outraged by the thought of their captain being a father. But he knew that had not lain with this woman-- and it was surely one of their seed-- or worse yet...the Prince's. At the very least, it would make his vision with Sophie understandable.

                                      "OUT! The lot of you!" Alaric had yelled the first part, but whispered the second. "Leave me and Estelle. Go."

                                      The healer nodded. "She is free of Vampeera poison. You can be certain."

                                      With that, the man departed-- as did Trigger and Risk, leaving Alaric to stare at his 'supposed' good luck charm with distaste. "Who did this to you?" He asked in a calm voice, throwing his legs off the side of the bed, although reeling with emotion. If she was with child...he could not keep her, especially since it did not belong to him. His men would think him weak. And he was everything but, expect when it came to this woman.

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                                                                              ♦He’d been in a deep slumber. One that had gone uninterrupted by the creaking of his chamber door as Estelle pulled it open and revealed Alaric’s battered and unconscious form sprawled out on the bed. His back pressed to the sheets of his bedding whilst his eyes flickered about beneath their lids. The healer made note of this but did not lack haste when going to Alaric’s side as his men joined him and allowed Estelle to stand on the other to his right. There was something oddly unsettling about seeing the man sleep so heavily without the slightest indication that he knew what was occurring around him. Especially in a place such as Weknox where his enemies roamed freely. But she trusted that the healer would be able to help him and bring the captain back to his former health. Such was evident in the confidence presented as he observed the wounds littering the man’s torso and began chanting in a muttered tone. Estelle knew not the meaning of his words but was pleased with the effects as the gashed flesh strewn across Alaric’s torso began pulling together and binding into scars. Healing themselves before their very eyes. The fairy’s eyes lit in awe and glee in seeing her companion’s body repaired and hoped that his consciousness would soon follow so that she might inquire if the healer’s magic had done well by him. But she had no way of knowing what was to happen next. Estelle gasped as Alaric shot from his bed and gripped the healer’s throat, squeezing the life out of him as if he were naught but an enemy. In her panic she began tugging on his arm and begged he spare the man but it was Trigger who managed to settle the captain’s frayed mind and put a stop to his assault long enough for the healer to explain himself. But after briefly thanking the man it was soon revealed that it was she who had put him up to it, openly disobeying Alaric’s orders in fear of his well being. They were reminded of her place, as well as his, before the healer was then demanded to take care of the wounds plaguing her as well. She watched with silent uncertainty as the healer neared her, taking her palms into his and examining her wounds before beginning the healing process. But it seemed that his mind was elsewhere and it wasn’t long before Alaric noticed as well. There was a brief exchange as the captain clarified his relationship with her and she watched uneasily as he then went on to answer the healer’s inquiry regarding their intimacy. She did not see the relevance in such details and was uncomfortable with the man’s need to speak of such matters in front of Alaric’s crew…… but it was soon revealed as to why. And the next few words that came out of the healer’s mouth shook her to the very core. ”No…… No that can’t be possible…… You must be mistaken…. I don’t…. I can’t be…….”

                                                                              But she was. Estelle had been proclaimed pregnant. It didn’t make sense and for several long moments she stood in stunned silence as the healer explained his certainty of such. Even claiming he had sensed its spirit. The last man she’d laid with was Corvis and that was by no means recent. She had broken off all emotional and physical interactions with the man as soon as she’d learned of his betrayal. And she’d refused such opportunities to share a bed with Alaric. No, it simply wasn’t possible……. But then…. ”Divinity? It didn’t make sense at first but after reflecting upon the words shared by the god, Ares, she knew. This was no mere misunderstanding. This was her reward. ”Gods….. Oh by the gods!” Estelle was struck with both grief and elation as although she had been given the gift of life, it did not come without its own burdens. She understood that in order to sense divinity her son’s soul surely must have been touched by the gods…… which could only mean that he had needed such. Somewhere in the process of being cared for by another, her sweet blue eyed child had died as there was no other reason for his spirit to be returned to her womb otherwise. How long it had been since he’d passed, she did not know. What she was certain of however was that he was with her now. Ares had rewarded her for her efforts and granted her the resurrection of her child as payment for having taken care of his own. And for that she would be forever grateful. She had not only a second chance at life, but to be a mother once more. The right way. ”A baby…. My baby…..” She blubbered happily as she looked down at her stomach with watering eyes and let out a mirthful laugh as she ran her fingertips over the corset. It wasn’t what she’d expected but she was nonetheless thankful. Unfortunately the same could not be said for Alaric. Estelle stumbled back several steps and gripped the drawer behind her, knocking over one of the candles and inevitably extinguishing its flame as Alaric’s voice boomed over them and demanded that all leave. All except her. Estelle’s heart had never beat faster in all her life. She could not begin to think of how she might explain herself to the man, but a part of her wasn’t so worried. It didn’t want to be. Surely he knew her better than to think she’d slept with someone. It may have been difficult to persuade him but she had confidence that their relationship was well enough to where he would see her way of thinking and trust her. He’d done as much with his life, why was this any different?......

                                                                              Sadly, he didn’t. As soon as the doors had shut and allowed them a moment alone Alaric turned to her, sitting upright with his legs planted on the floor and asked who it was that had done such a deed unto her. She was dumbfounded and yet far too riddled with happiness to immediately cast aside her smile as she shook her head and wiped away her tears. Estelle gently released the ridge of the drawer and approached the captain, kneeling before him and placing her hands on one of his knees as she prepared to relay on to him all that she knew……. Only to realize that she couldn’t. Ares may have gifted her the child she’d lost, but that did not mean her mission was over. It wasn’t until now that Estelle realized that her loyalty to this man ran deeper than wanting her son back. She felt obligated to help him. She wanted to help him. If the relief she felt now in having recovered someone dear to her heart was something Alaric too could experience then she desired nothing more than to show him such and help him obtain the life of his mother. As such bonds were stronger than death. Still that did not make this situation any easier on her. The secret Ares bore was not hers to tell and unless Alaric discovered as much on his own or was told so by his father, she could not speak a word of her interactions with the god. ”I have not slept with a man since having Moriel, if not well before that. My relations with Corvis ended the moment I discovered what it was he had done to my son and his intention to marry another. After which I promptly attempted to poison him as I have told you. I was imprisoned. Then I met you. Not once have I left your side. You know this. And although I may not seem it, I do respect you enough to keep away from those on your ship. I have no interest in them and have never shown as much before, just as I have done with yourself. I…… I cannot explain to you how this came about. But I need you to believe me…. I haven’t….. I haven’t had relations with anyone during our time together. Not once.” Her smile had gone now and her eyes grew serious as she spoke cautiously to the man, hoping that he would understand that such things simply could not be explained. Not now……


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                                      Alaric watched Estelle carefully, as she came and knelt before him. In his fit he almost slapped her hand away when she touched his knee-- still furious that she would betray him and lay with another when he had forbid it. Should she have told him who, he would surely return to the Sea Dragon just to cut them down.

                                      Alaric was dangerously unfamiliar with these stirrings he suddenly felt. As he hadn't cared this deeply about a person who had the capability to hurt him this way. However, the longer she spoke, the more furiously he recalled the words of the healer. She claimed she had slept with no one. And although every fiber of his being wanted to call her a liar, and leave her to the Vampeera as punishment-- he believed her. It wasn't just the recollection of the man calling her child divine, but rather the tears that she had wiped from her eyes. She was truly happy. And such was strange given that she had denied being pregnant at first; as a matter of fact, she had looked terrified.

                                      It was as if she had discovered something about herself in a very short amount of time. The way she had run her fingers over her corset, made him wonder if she had prayed to the gods for this. It was odd. And no other man believed it, but his mother had always told him that he was the result of her resilience. She told him how lonely she had been under the rule of Olivera, and how-- he had miraculously come into her life. Yet when he inquired about his father, she had nothing to say. She hadn't even so much as called him a stranger. Was Estelle ot down on her luck? Has she not lost two lovers and a son?

                                      He wondered if this was a part of their plans for him-- he was concerned that this was another test Estelle was to put him threw, and he had almost failed over pride. He could very well pass this pregnancy off as his own until he was sure of what was going on. Alaric knew people enough to know that there was something this woman wasn't telling him. But if it was not for him to find out, then he would not press the matter farther. However still, he remained quiet for a long time, his eyes downcast into the dark void between his legs and her small body.

                                      After several moments had passed, and he was sure that this was merely another examination of his strength and ability to handle situations whether they be physical or mental-- Alaric spoke. If his men did not see fit that he could father a child, then perhaps they were meant for another vessel. "Then since there is no worry of you becoming so twice, maybe it is time you started to show some...interest." The captain smirked at her, his once indignant expression becoming quite the opposite. His hand reached for Estelle's arm, as he eased her to her feet before him.

                                      And when she was standing, he did so as well, his large body towering over own. Although, it wasn't meant to intimidate. "There is something you're not telling me." Alaric said, his voice so soft it threatened to get lost in the eerie silence of the quarters. "I did not get to be a captain of a ship like the Sea Dragon without knowing when I was being lied to." His smile had gone. And he was left contemplative if anything.

                                      "When I came to retrieve you in Moriel, I took a young girl hostage-- it was her mother that released you from your bonds." Alaric paused momentarily, "She is an oracle, one with great power who just now summoned me from my body to tell me something..." He had no idea how Estelle would take the news. "Somehow, your Prince found out about your...condition...and he believes it might be his own..." He patted her face roughly. "If it's not one thing with you, it's another. Luckily for you lass, I'm too tired to try and sort it all out."

                                      With that, he sat again and fell back on the bed without bothering to position himself comfortably. "Get some sleep. We leave for Moriel in morning." Part of him wanted to stay for the orc blood, but another part couldn't simply let Sophie be used by Corvis, or her own mother for that matter. He had been a child once-- he had known two mothers-- and one was terribly cruel. If he could prevent someone else from suffering as he did; then so be it. If his crew asked, he was obtaining Sophie to use her visions for his own gain.

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                                                                              ♦There was nothing that could describe the insurmountable abundance of relief she felt upon seeing Alaric smile. It was as if the weight of the heavens had been lifted off her shoulders merely through the small act of expressing his amusement. He had even gone through the trouble of making light of the situation by mentioning her interest in him to which Estelle could only roll her eyes with a smile and give the man’s shoulder a playful shove as he helped her to stand. His body towered over hers, reminding her of just how powerful this one man, this god, really was. And yet despite this and the occasional rough handling it was now that he expressed an indefinable softness about him. He’d never been a gentle man but in that moment it seemed as if that was anything but true. Which only made it all the more painful when the atmosphere took a turn for the worst. ”What?” He didn’t believe her. Worse yet he planned on returning her to Moriel where she would be put in the care of Corvis. How the prince had come to find out about her pregnancy when even she had been unaware of such was beyond her. It was possible that the young girl he spoke of had alerted him to the development as Estelle did not think it beyond the man to abuse his power to utilize her gift… But why seek her ought to begin with? Was he so bitter that he hoped to hear of her death at the hands of pirates only to learn of the child she bore? And Alaric…. What sense could possibly lead him to think it right to return her to such a place? Corvis had no need of her. The child was not his. If she were to return to Moriel she would be treated as if she were merely a carrier and as soon as it was born he would have her killed, if not her son as well in discovering its lack of resemblance to him. What of his mother? Had the captain forgotten his role in her life as well? The promise he’d made her? If Alaric handed her over to the officials of Moriel he would no longer possess one of the key elements in being granted passage to Rivdar……. Or was it her? Perhaps news of the child was too much for him and much like his crew he too found disgust in the thought. Perhaps he was to exchange her for a new fairy… One that would be of more use than a drained, wingless insect such as herself. ”Why? You….. You said you needed me! What of your mother?!?!” Estelle hadn’t meant for the hurt to leak into her tone but was burdened with an odd sense of heart wrenching pain over the thought of being replaced. She’d trusted this man. She’d believed they were on good terms and that he cared for her. Why should this change anything? ”I’m not going back to Moriel. Say it all you want… But I’m not going!!!” Estelle fled the room, slamming the door behind her and moving on swift feet down the hall until she was in front of her own chamber. She hastily locked herself inside and allowed herself a moment to weep as she sprawled out onto the bed and reflected upon the past seven days of her life and how much she’d changed. She was bolder now. Stubborn. All manner and sophistication had long since fled upon parting Moriel’s shoreline…. And now….. she was bitter.

                                                                              Morning arrived sooner than anticipated and after what felt like a struggled night’s sleep Estelle had come to the conclusion that she simply could not walk away from the situation. Abandoning the Sea Dragon for a life in Weknox was far less than ideal and if anything she was certain that it would kill her quicker than returning to Moriel. And although the thought of killing Alaric had resurfaced, she had immediately dashed it aside. As angry as she was with the captain for wanting to rid of her that did not change the fact that she did care for him. And should he happen to change his mind at any point during their travels back to Moriel, she would gladly accept. Sadly, she knew that such was unlikely. She’d seen the look of distaste when asking who had helped her create the child and never before had he seemed so sincere in stating his intentions. They would return to Moriel. But she would not be taken by Corvis. There were still places she could hide. And although distant the kingdom known as Nithrill, home to her father and the imps, would prove to be a safe haven for her until she was able to slip beyond Corvis’ reach. She did not take delight in the idea of returning to the place in which her son had been conceived and the dwelling of Caspian. But she was desperate. And if it meant saving their lives, she would do what she must…… So why was it that she ached so? Why had the heaviness that had crept up on her whilst she slept not alleviated itself completely? It was as if- ”Whor-….. Mis-….. Estelle?” She hadn’t even heard the knock on her door as the crewman approached, pressing his mouth against it as he stumbled over his words. It was likely that word of her pregnancy had reached the crew and this particular deckhand was now having trouble finding an appropriate way of addressing her. ”I’m coming.” She grumbled back and ripped herself off the bed before moving for the door. It didn’t take long for her to unlock it and practically rip the miserable thing from its frame as she stormed out, pushing past the deckhand and barreling down the stairwell into the main lobby where she was met by the rest of the crew. All was silent. And other than the occasional muttering as they shifted their holsters and checked their weapons, little conversation was made between the men. On a few occasions however she did catch one or another casting fleeting glimpses at her midsection and either meeting her gaze with disapproval or curiosity. It was unlikely that they had ever had to deal with such a peculiar situation before. Alaric had never mentioned having bore children and even if such did exist she could only assume he was unaware of it. Just as Caspian had been. And now, these men thought her son to be of his blood. It mattered not. Before long she would be gone whether it be by Corvis hand or because she had fled into Nithrill.

                                                                              ”What the hell are you looking at?” Her patience had grown short and unfortunately for the nearest crewman he was the first to receive the end of it. ”I uh..-“ He began but Estelle was in no mood to hear whatever it was he had to say. ”Oh forget it! He’s taking too long. Tell him I’ve gone to the ship.” And with that she plowed past the crew and through the doors of the inn. She doubted she intimidated them in the least. More likely than not they were simply too baffled or indifferent to care what she did. That was fine by her. She hadn’t the time nor energy to quarrel with the men anyhow. And so she continued her pace down the road as she made for the thicket of tents that signified the market district of Weknox. It was true, she was angry. But deep down she knew that there were more reasons than one for her decision to depart on her own. In truth the idea of facing Alaric again after the decision he’d made last night terrified her. Not only did she fear the thought of being reminded of his intentions a second time…. but she also hoped to avoid the possibility of simply crumpling at his feet and begging the man to reconsider. She was better than that, she knew. But there was something about him that made her feel lesser. Weaker. Particularly in the knees. And it only proceeded to make her all the more angry.


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                                      She was so dramatic! Consumed by only thoughts of her own well being. Alaric had made it clear that he saw favor in her. And a pregnancy wasn't enough to change his mind; even if the child was not his own blood. He'd known many a woman, and had yet to give life to another. The idea of being a father, was not one that he was particularly fond of, mostly because he knew nothing of what it was to be one. He had grown up with two women-- and the role of a man in the development of raising a baby was beyond his knowledge. It was one of the only concepts that alluded him.

                                      Alaric never believed he was destine to care for another in such a nurturing manner. So what was he to do with this child once he got her to safety? He could use her powers, but then he would be no better than the others that surrounded her. Surely, the gods would see no favor in his attempting to see into the future-- in order to avoid situations that would show himself worthy of entrance into Rivdar. No. He did not need Sophie. His conscience merely wouldn't allow her to suffer. He wasn't sure what hold this girl had over him. But he had felt connected to her since the day they had met. She had seen him in a vision, and had known not fear him. Alaric would go so far as to believe that with him, she felt safe. He was no stranger to her. And perhaps it was his calling to rescue her from those that meant her harm. The gods would be pleased with such a feat-- the captain knew that much.

                                      In turn, he slept peacefully, even despite Estelle's warning that she would not return to her home. Alaric knew she feared Corvis, but this was not about her own selfish desires to keep from the man she once loved. This was about something much bigger-- it was another test. And he never backed away from a challenge. He would simply have to convince her that it was for the best. If she chose, she could stay on the ship, but she would be doing such at a great risk to herself and the baby. Word had likely spread that she was carrying the captain's seed. And his men would be divided as to whether the situation was good or bad for the crew. Alaric would have to take a stand-- make it known that Estelle's situation was not his own. She would care for the child, and he would continue on being their captain.

                                      In the morning, he woke to Jolly. The young man had wedged his hand underneath his back, and was attempting to ease him into a sitting position. "I would have liked you to sleep beneath the covers...relax for once." He whispered, once the man was upright. He then began riffling quickly through a burlap bag on the floor, knelt down before Alaric as if he were servant to a King.

                                      "I slept. Isn't that what matters?"

                                      Jolly glanced up, finding his captain's boots and proceeded to put them on him. "Did you sleep well?"

                                      "I'm not sure..."

                                      "Then that is not all that matters."

                                      As always, he made his leader smile. He saw great promise in someone as committed as the bosun was. "Estelle? Did she leave in the night?"

                                      Jolly shook his head. "She is still with us."

                                      Alaric was relieved to hear that she had not forsaken him. "Good."

                                      "But she has returned to the ship. I assume that...with news of your heir, she is not to participate in the hunt for orcs?" He thought before he answered, as the young man worked to put on his emerald cloak.

                                      "We are returning to Moriel."

                                      "Captain please!" Jolly almost jumped back into the end table by the bed. "You cannot take the woman carrying a child that could very well be yours, back to a man who means to kill her!"

                                      And so, it was all coming together. Alaric hadn't understood Estelle's reaction last night, but in seeing his bosun so upset, he knew that she too worried that he was returning her to Corvis-- perhaps for some kind of reward? He shook his head, getting to his feet, and placed a hand on Jolly's shoulder to put his mind at rest. "Do you think I'm a man who would do such a thing?"

                                      He trembled beneath the touch of his captain, his eyes downcast. "I have seen you do cruel things..."

                                      It was not at all the answer he was expecting. And suddenly, he felt sick-- ill. Alaric retracted his hand, and scoffed; knowing now that if Jolly thought him capable of such a thing, then it was no wonder Estelle had. He had been callous in the past. He was a brute. But it was how he established his authority. If no one could understand that, then he hoped that the gods would bring it to light. "You think poorly of me? You're afraid of me, and so this is the only reason you serve me."

                                      Jolly shook his head furiously, reaching out for his arm. "No! No. Never. I just...worry that your punishments-- although fair-- will be harsh and without mercy."

                                      Alaric knew this man's heart to be big-- such was a gift and a curse. "I am going back to Moriel to retrieve a girl. She is an oracle. And will be a means to my end."

                                      The bosun understood, his eyes finally lifting to meet his captain. "Does Estelle know this? That you would never part from her?"

                                      Had he had said that much? Were his words so transparent that Jolly could see now see that there was nothing Estelle could do to make him wish her dead? "I made it clear."

                                      "Then... then why is she so angry?"

                                      It wasn't long before he and his men returned to the Sea Dragon, on the shore of Weknox, and were met with the other's of his crew. Stout greeted him with a hearty handshake, although he curiously eyed the captain's wounds. He did not, however, ask how he had attained them. Merely bid that he return to his chambers to rest. Alaric knew that his first mate meant well, but there was much to be said and much to done. The healer had done his job well, and he no longer suffered from the attack of the werewolves, nor from the revenge of the Vampeera. Now, he needed to establish his dominance. If Estelle wished to see nothing but greed in a man who had spared her life, then so be it. He would say nothing to change a mind that was already made up. Jolly had not heard his words to her-- only she knew how he felt in her regard, yet she disregarded them. As her captain, no matter what choices he made-- bad or good, she would need to learn to trust them. Jolly, despite thinking him barbaric, stood by his side. And should Alaric have ever requested his departure from the Sea Dragon, the young man would do so willingly-- knowing it was for the best. That was what made a servant loyal. Estelle would learn it soon enough.

                                      In the meantime, he moved to the quarterdeck, and up onto the balcony as the crew moved quickly to set sail away from Weknox, waiting patiently for their heading. "I take it that you did not get the orc blood." Stout said, finding his captain's side as the wind from the open sea combed through their hair.

                                      "I'm sorry, is this the only place with such creatures?"

                                      "But there isn't much time to make good on yer promise to yer mother."

                                      It seemed everyone felt the need to remind him of such. He rolled his eyes. "And who are you to worry about things that don't concern you?"

                                      His first mate sighed. "I know about Estelle."

                                      "As do I. Your point?"

                                      Stout snickered, not believing a whore was a good enough reason to forsake their quest, but only threw his hands into the air in frustration-- departing down the stairs to the Helm. "Do what you will, sir. I will follow you..."

                                      Alaric proceeded to give his commands. "Listen men! I wish to return to Moriel! My reasons are my own, and therefore you will not ask them of me, 'less you wish to find yourself without a tongue. I desire to make port in no less than three days."

                                      There was silence among those working, fearful that they may upset Alaric in some way. That is until Lank's cry cut through their fears like a knife. "Aye, captain!"

                                      A smirk passed over the man's lips as the other's followed in unison-- trusting that their leader was making the best decision.

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                                                                              ♦Estelle was beside herself with grief as she need not be present on deck to hear Alaric’s voice as he announced his decision to return to Moriel. Seven days ago she would have done everything in her power to escape this man. And now, she was sick with sorrow at the thought of being forced to leave him. She knew that staying in his presence would only worsen her condition and so although not ideal, Estelle returned to the bathing room, creating a bed for herself the way she had the first day she arrived. And not once did she allow herself time alone with Alaric. In fact it was rare that she even left the room in fear of running in to him be it on deck or in the hall. She simply could not stomach the idea. During that time however a development had come into mind. For as she was left alone with her thoughts not once had the assumption that her weakened state and inability to offer him something of worth, something that would make him want to keep her, faltered. She still believed it to be her lack of power and usefulness that sealed the man’s decision to rid of her and thus setting her fate in stone. And yet…..there was hope. Estelle knew that Alaric valued dedication, strength, courage, and blind loyalty. It was evident in how he treated both Stout and Jolly as either man had been spared the fate others had faced upon defying the captain or in the least, enraging him. To deny the favor she saw in his eyes as he looked upon such men would be to claim ignorance. She wanted it. She yearned for it. To see him look at her as he did them and to once again feel her to be of luck to him would be a gift, nigh, a blessing. She knew better than to go against the gods and their demands. Ares had given her the child she’d lost in exchange for looking after his son. To abandon him now as she’d originally planned would be to directly insult the gift the god had given her. She dare not face the wrath of a god. Including Alaric. And so after three days had passed and the Sea Dragon made port on the shore, Estelle made haste in leaving the confines of the bathing room. Ransacking the captain’s chambers for a canteen of water, some coin, and a change of attire after having taken a much needed bath. The day was fairly young and the sun had not but just begun to rise as she crept out the window of one of the empty bunk rooms belonging to one of the night crew and descending a rope down onto the sand banks below. There wasn’t much time. She knew that he would be looking to her in hopes of pawning her off to Corvis. But first she wished to prove herself worthy. Not of her place on the ship alone but of the crew, of their home…… of him. It was childish. A poor decision if any. But in her desperation to reflect upon all that she’d done wrong that could have led up to this moment Estelle also found moments she’d shared with the captain that spoke of…. feelings. She was not prepared to accept that these were entirely romantic but there was certainly something about him that had changed her mind during their time together. And now she wished to do the same to him. She no longer wished to be seen as the burden she was, the trouble maker, and the one who constantly put his life on the line. Whatever it was that she wanted him to see her as, she knew that part of it was the desire to be wanted. Something she could not earn if she were dead or living her days beneath Corvis’ thumb.

                                                                              The land outside of Moriel was thick with forest and far more unfamiliar than she had last remembered. Then again it had been before the birth of her son that she last visited the thicket and even then it had been by horse drawn carriage. To say that Estelle was immune to the dangers of the forest due to previous travels would be a lie. Imps and goblins alike often had a tendency to tread the terrain as scavengers and it wasn’t uncommon to run across a group of bandits or worse, imps longing for mischief. So it was with great caution that Estelle entered the wood and remained wary of her surroundings, wincing with each snap of a twig or the flutter of a bird overhead. It wasn’t until a shadow had descended upon her that she froze and whipped around with Alaric’s pistol drawn. ”You’ll have to do better than that to scare me off….” Caspian. The voice alone was unmistakable but it was the confirmation of his face as he stood before her that left Estelle reeling. How he had managed to find her was no coincidence and it didn’t take long for her to put two and two together. ”….You were on the ship?”

                                                                              ”You’re smart…. I knew there was a reason I liked you.” His words hinted at sarcasm but the imp’s face remained expressionless regardless of his tone. He looked down at her torso with interest before shortly re-directing his gaze unto her own with a serious expression to his face. ”It’s not his…. Is it.”

                                                                              ”Of course it is…..”

                                                                              ”You’re a terrible liar. Which only makes me curious as to why you’d bother.” Her denial only intrigued him all the more. ”Your actions give you away quicker than your blubbering lips. Your child is not of divine seed. Such is not possible.”

                                                                              ”How did you-“

                                                                              ”The heavens bend to no man. What he did….. What I saw….. he is no mere mortal. That captain of yours is born of power beyond our world and the next. And yet he is as stubborn as any other human.”

                                                                              ”Caspian you mustn’t tell a soul. I am in no position to ask anything of you. Of that I am aware….. but should you speak of such things openly-“

                                                                              ”The man is dull, Estelle. He noticed not the power he bears even when unleashing his wrath upon me, what makes you think that my word would convince him otherwi-“

                                                                              ”Caspian.” Her tone was short as was her patience with him and it didn’t take much for such feelings of desperation to relay onto the imp. And so out of pity, he complied. ”Fine. Have it your way then. I will not speak of it.” Caspian’s eyes lowered once more towards her midsection and he let out a sigh as he brushed the back of his knuckles against the stomach of her corset, losing himself in thought. ”Oh Estelle, what have you gotten yourself into?” The fairy immediately swatted his hand away and turned away to continue up the overgrown road towards Nithrill. If she were lucky she would reach it before nightfall. And it was then that she would have to spend a restless night concocting a plan as to how she would entice an orc to join her in her bitter attempt to ‘kill’ her abusive husband and the father of her child. ”You’re going to your father? He knows not that you breathe. You honestly don’t think you can walk up to his doorstep and expect him to greet you without inducing a stroke, do you?” Estelle cast an uneasy glance over her shoulder at the imp as he followed behind but did respond despite her displeasure in feeling his presence. ”I need his help….. He’ll understand.”

                                                                              ”No. He won’t. You’ll break his heart all over again. The relief will only last so long before he realizes he will have to watch you leave him a second time to venture off with pirates. Give him time to calm. When you leave, I will tell him that you still breathe and have fled this land in hopes of escaping your sentence. At least then he will have some peace of mind.”

                                                                              ”It’s not so simple Caspian. I wish it were. I am not here because I chose to be. Alaric wishes to hand me over to Corvis. The prince thinks it is his child I bear and wants me back so that he might obtain what he believes is his firstborn. I think that Alaric thinks me of little use. I am without magic and flight, I’m pregnant, and I’ve nearly killed him on several occasions. I need to prove myself worthy of his favor once more.”

                                                                              ”Well doesn’t he sound like a decent husband. And here I thought I was a catch! You certainly have improved yourself, Estelle. Running off with the child of an imp, selling him to impress a prince, and then nearly dying at the hand of your lover before being rescued by your now pirate god husband who finds you just as disposable and hopes to pawn you off-“

                                                                              ”You don’t know me Caspian. I may have made mistakes but I’m doing what I can to fix them. And if that means proving myself capable to a man as selfish and pigheaded as he then so be it. I’ll take that chance. Some people are worth-“

                                                                              ”What do you need.” Estelle paused mid step and watched as several leaves blew past her feet before turning to face Caspian who still remained several feet behind her. Silence consumed them for what felt like a decade before she was able to register what he had asked her and cast him a look mixed with both disbelief and suspicion. ”What are you…….. You want to help me?” Caspian shifted uncomfortably beneath her stare and crossed his arms indignantly as if prepared to deny her. But instead, he nodded. ”I am not without mercy. And I am not without boredom. Fortunately for you the prior tend to follow upon experiencing the latter. So yes. I am offering you a helping hand as you fairies tend to call it. But do not think that this will not come without a price. One day I may ask something of you in return. And I expect you to comply.” it wasn’t an easy bargain as there was no knowing what it would take to repay the imp. He was a man of many interests and should one come at too high a cost then she might not be able to do as he asked. But such was something she was willing to put behind her if it meant proving herself to her captain. And so Estelle gave one final reconsideration before at last putting out her hand. ”Agreed.”


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                                      Alaric was no fool. Three days of being evaded by this woman, sent his mind reeling with possibilities of what she could be plotting. But none of his predictions were as detrimental as her actual betrayal...

                                      The captain stood pint up against the chestnut colored body of a tree in the woods just outside Moriel, with his chest heaving in and out-- fighting to find a less dishonest reason for what he had seen. Although his body felt weak, he was brimming with an anger that not even the best scribes in any corner of the land could accurately depict. Alaric thought far too highly of himself to sincerely believe that any woman would run from his arms into that of a man who obviously had no respect for her-- certainly less then he did.

                                      He had saved her life, given her his own quarters, and ignored that fact that she was proclaimed his and pregnant by another. But at least it was no longer a mystery as to whom this child belonged to. Had she left the Inn to sneak this man onto his ship? Did she lie to his face? Pretend she didn't want to go back to Moriel with that actually being the intention?

                                      He couldn't hear what they were talking about, no. However, he didn't think he had to. It was clear as day that these two had something. It was no wonder she had rejected his advances, and held strong to them. She was in love with someone. And although he didn't know much about such, he knew that bond was unbreakable. Surely, he could react with hostility and slaughter them both, but it would only make him a monster. He may not have been a fair man, but Estelle's presence in his life had been on that proved fruitful. If she wished to depart after the news of her child-- who was he to stand in her way?

                                      With the addition Sophie, another fairy's blood wouldn't be needed anyway. And therefore, he started back through the thick of verdant vines and bushes toward the shore. Alaric wanted to focus on the dream he'd had. He needed to remember something about the village he had seen, if he was going to hope to find the little girl. However, his mind continued to fight him. And it wasn't until Jolly spoke, that the captain remembered that he wasn't alone. "You should have told her." He whispered, as they broke through the trees and started across the sand in the direction of the Sea Dragon. "If you had told her, I don't think she would have left..."

                                      Alaric was still in the middle of trying to convince himself that what he felt was childish. The fact that he had allowed himself to get attached to this woman was preposterous. And what was even more unacceptable, was the fact that he did nothing to restrict himself from getting to this point. He had counted on her loyalty and friendship to be there, at least until he made it to Rivdar. But why he ever put his faith in anyone else, when his own father hadn't even bothered sticking around was beyond him. It just went to show that he couldn't be soft on anyone, for any reason. "If that is where her allegiance lies, then so be it. I do not want a crew member who is detached."

                                      "You can't believe that she is carrying that man's child. He thought she was married remember...to you?"

                                      "A ruse."

                                      "Captain, you can't possibly believe that. She would have had no reason to rescue you."

                                      "My ship is all the reason anyone needs to seek my favor, lad."

                                      Jolly sighed, obviously done trying to reason with the man. Alaric had made up his mind. He saw what he wanted to see. And instead of trying to make sense of the situation, it was easier to take it as it was presented, even if all the pieces didn't fit together. Therefore he returned to the ramp, waiting for Stout to gather the other men for the mission. No one other Jolly was aware that Estelle had run off, and if he was going to make it through this task without having to kill someone, it was best that his 'whores' disloyalty remained a secret-- at least until this was over. It was likely the entire crew would be in an uproar. But after the retrieval of Sophie-- it wouldn't matter if Estelle had fled or not.

                                      "Sir, are you going to tell us what we're doing 'ere? Or are you going to blindfold us too?" Flint worked under Trigger, doing most of the small time work like polishing cannons and organizing the ammo for fast access, should they be flanked by other ships. He was an older gentlemen, descended from Rivdar, although he refused to talk about his time there. Alaric saw no need to push it out of him. But when the time came, he knew the knowledge could be valuable. In turn, Flint had promised to assist them in navigating the ancient terrain.

                                      "I've kept you in the dark for good reason." He replied, his voice having lost it's vigor. His face was pale. And he looked sick.

                                      Jolly could see that the crew was growing more and more suspicious of their captain as time went on-- so he spoke up. "We're looking for a young girl-- an oracle that will be useful in our endeavors."

                                      Stout raised a graying eyebrow, unhappy about the fact that Alaric had shared as much with the bosun, but not his own first mate. "You have a fairy."

                                      "But I don't have an oracle."

                                      "A child on this ship would turn it upside down, captain! You can't--" The man's eyes flicked in Stout's direction angrily, halting him mid-sentence. "I mean...you shouldn't put the crew in the position of caring for an gifted child. Most of them don't even know how to brush their own teeth."

                                      Alaric knew this to be true. And he did worry that some might try and use her against him. But what other choice did he have? Could he leave her here without guilt?

                                      "Not to mention the fact that your whore is pregnant." Flint muttered under his breath.

                                      "Can we handle one thing at a time!?" Alaric growled, pulling up the hood of his cloak as he turned and lead Stout, Flint, and Jolly away from the ramp of the ship into Moriel. He knew that they couldn't stay docked for long. Corvis would not be expecting his return. Still, it would only be a matter of time before his patrol found the ship perched upon the sandy beach.

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                                                                              ♦"An orc? You want me to help you bring an orc back to the ship? I’ve heard of giving extravagant gifts to one’s lover but an orc. Your captain has…. Interesting taste.” Caspian wasn’t at all pleased with the idea of having to lure such a creature within their grasp, nor did he think himself personally capable of overpowering a member of a race known to be both brute like in strength and resilient against some forms of magic. Still, Estelle was pregnant. And he had given her his word. Nonetheless, she seemed unbothered by the imps concerns and continued down the path with a great amount of confidence and determination in her step. Such was only matched by her undeniable tone. ”Yes, an orc. Alaric needs its blood. Without it we will not be able to cure his mother. He may have put us off course for the sake of returning me to Corvis but I refuse to allow him to make waste of this trip. Even if he does not reconsider allowing me to continue as part of his crew… I would like to spend my final days knowing that I tried and that perhaps I may have been of some use to him after all. I….-“ But Estelle had already admitted something that Caspian was unhappy with and before she could further explain her desire to make good of herself in Alaric’s eyes, the imp cut her short. ”So you are not married…. You are part of his crew?” Estelle’s brow knit together in an abrupt expression of bitterness towards the revelation, unaware as to why it was she felt the need to clarify some sort of relationship with the captain on a more personal level all of the sudden, but unable to deny it nevertheless. ”No…. We are not married. But that does not mean he is not of importance to me. W-We are friends. We could be more…. We are….. close.” But such wasn’t at all true. No, never in all the seven days she’d spent with Alaric did she feel as distant from him as she did now. Here he had brought her back to Moriel to discard her and she was running from him in an attempt to find some desperate means to appeal to him. It didn’t make sense why she would want someone to care for her when clearly he felt otherwise, but the feeling could not be helped. ”Close enough to bear his child?” She didn’t answer. And in truth she didn’t need to. Estelle may not have explained in full detail the situation between her and the captain but Caspian was no fool. Like she previously, he too held magical properties that allowed him to surpass the bindings of mortality. He wasn’t a god by any means but that did not make him…. insignificant. Imps were born of both dark and light, left to thrive within a grey area in which they succumbed to neither good nor bad. Still, it didn’t take magic to recognize his child’s presence.

                                                                              During the first four months of his child’s life, Caspian had visited. Although such time spent with his son had been well into the hours of the night when his mother had been fast asleep, he could safely say that he had accumulated what he believed to be a bond with the boy. He’d watched from the shadows. Observed as Estelle cared for the him in what he thought to be the manner in which any loving mother would treat their offspring. She’d been good to him…… And then Corvis came. And that is when the visits grew fewer and fewer. Caspian felt strained by the idea of having to watch as another man crept around his child and instructed his previous lover on how to care for their son. It was aggravating. And he no longer saw favor in her. He did not think the boy would miss him as he was likely too young to understand that the friendly shadows of the night that caressed his small frame in loving arms were of any importance nor did he believe the boy would remember him. There was a new father in his place. One with enough wealth to offer his son the world and more should he ask it of him. Sadly it was during the following seven months that Corvis demanded Estelle give their child to another family in hopes of pursuing a more profitable and promising future. He’d looked everywhere for him. Searched every village stretching between Nithrill to Moriel and back only to come up empty handed. However, several days before Estelle’s execution, something resurfaced. Caspian had come into contact with a retired servant of Moriel’s royals and found that the boy had been sent well outside of the kingdom’s territory where Estelle would be unable to reclaim him. And upon tracking down the elderly man who had been summoned to take care of the boy, the imp discovered that his only son had fallen ill and died four days prior to his visit due to an ailment that riddled him with night terrors and a fever that had ended him in his sleep. Had he lived up until his mother’s execution day, he would have been a year old. His son’s aura was unmistakable. And like any father, he was able to recognize it with ease. This child she bore…. It most certainly did not belong to her captain. Never in his life had he been so sure of something. But this was undeniable. ”Are you listening to me?” Caspian looked over at Estelle with a dull expression as he tried to refocus on what it was the fairy was saying but it was growing painfully difficult to do so whenever his eyes happened to graze over her midsection, his gaze softening as he recalled his son’s peaceful smile. He didn’t know how it had happened, nor did he dare ask her. Neither had so much as stayed the night in the same room since that night and he doubted such would ever be a possibility in the future. She detested him. And had it not been for her lack of an ally during this time it would have been likely that she wouldn’t have approached him at all. ”You’re whining is difficult to block out.”

                                                                              ”Before nightfall. I want to get what I came here for and leave as quickly as possible before Alaric decides to leave without me. We can’t keep him waiting….. It’s likely that he’s already discovered my absence.”

                                                                              ”You have poor timing.”

                                                                              ”What do you mean?”

                                                                              ”I mean exactly what I said. You don’t honestly think that orc take a liking to strolling about mid day? No, not with a face like that. They’re nocturnal. To even so much as think that I might be able to-“

                                                                              ”Caspian….”

                                                                              ”Estelle.”

                                                                              ”Please…..”

                                                                              Had she not been harboring what he assumed was some strange re-incarnation of the son he’d lost, Caspian would have likely cast her aside and thought her naught but a mad woman hoping for the impossible. Orc were volatile creatures that thrived for the night and to awaken one abruptly with the hope of subduing it immediately after was foolish. But again, his ties to Estelle and the prospect of requesting something just as important to him afterword was too much an opportunity to pass up. And so again, he complied. ”We’re here.” The thicket in front of him came to a sudden clearing that overlooked a distinct and perilous drop, deep down into the earth. The gaping canyons below were dark, seedy, and unwelcoming. But it was what they held that was of interest. There at the base of one of the stalagmite like structures rest a myriad of shimmering lights illuminating a city shadowed by the wall it was built up against. The sound of the river splitting into a waterfall beside it echoing through out the cavern and sending flocks of white birds soaring over its surface in search of fish. Moriel was a beautiful city. But this was the place that she’d called home as a young child. This was Nithrill. ”Welcome home.”


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