by Eden Redd
Rose turned her back to Lilly and her crew, waving her hands to her own crew. “Back onto the ship! The wine will not pour itself!”
The identical elves bowed slightly before they marched in single file back onto the Beauty’s Touch.
Rose turned to Lilly. “It was good to see you again, Bloody Silk. I hope when we see each other again, it will be under pleasant circumstances.”
The pink-haired elf gave an almost sarcastic wave to Zelda and Syndra before turning and making her way up the ramp. When she reached the top, she didn’t look back as she disappeared from view. The gangplank lifted off the dock and slid back onto the ship.
Jon blinked, rubbing the back of his head again. “What just happened?”
“Let’s not talk here,” Lilly touched the outside of her pocket, something firmly there.
Jon caught the small motion of Lilly’s hand, wondering if there was trouble on the horizon.
Two
The sounds of gulls filled the air as one man and four elves made their way up the hill. Cars raced by as Jon and Lilly walked side by side. Cora was behind them and behind the thin elf was Zelda and Syndra. The shadow elf leaned heavily on her staff and held onto the tall sea elf’s arm.
The mood was gray despite the beautiful early afternoon light. Lilly said nothing, her gaze firmly on the sidewalk before her. Jon glanced at her a few times, his lips parting and ready to speak. When a second thought whipped the back of his mind, he closed his lips and remained silent.
She’s troubled but I won’t force it out of her. She will talk when she’s ready.
The thought gave Jon no comfort. His instinct was to help her any way he could, but from what he knew of the crimson haired elf, she would tell him in her own time.
Cora had no such compulsion.
“I managed to hear everything while I stood by a cannon portal. Are we in greater danger?” the thin elf asked with a blank gaze.
Syndra and Zelda looked up to their captain. Jon glanced at Lilly. The sun elf kept her gaze lowered for a long moment as they walked before she turned her head slightly to address Cora.
“No, we are not in greater danger. Despite the bounties on our heads, the Empire will not take a risk of invading the Urth world. We are safe as long as we are here.”’
A tiny wrinkle touched Cora’s brow. “I’m not convinced.”
“Cora!” Zelda barked.
Lilly held up her hand to silence them. Zelda bowed her head. Cora stared at the hand for a long moment before she too bowed her head.
Lilly stopped and everyone else halted their climb up the sloping sidewalk.
The sun elf turned around with a small, confident smile. Green eyes observed Cora’s blank expression for a long moment before she spoke.
“You know my honor is as strong as the seas. You are safe here in the Urth realm and we have many allies for your protection. What transpired on the docks was a different matter entirely, one I’m not ready to discuss at this moment.”
Cora looked up to the beautiful captain. “I understand and apologize. The arrival of my father’s pet has troubled me. He has many more monsters under his control and armies of assassins at his command.”
Lilly nodded. “We will not speak of it any longer in the open. We can discuss later.”
Heads nodded in agreement. Lilly turned and began walking, the rest of the crew and Jon following.
Jon noticed they were approaching Mario’s Grocery store. “I should stop in here and buy a few things for dinner. Does everyone like pasta?”
Four sets of almond shaped eyes turned to Jon and blinked.
Jon smirked. “Oh yea, right. I’ll get the items and ingredients. We’re having pasta tonight. I hope you brought your appetites.”
“Does it have fish?” Zelda asked.
Jon sighed and tilted his head forward. “No. It will be a new dish to try. We’ll make it together. Everyone go on ahead. I’ll be home shortly.”
“Zelda, stay with him,” Lilly ordered.
Jon held up his hand. “Thanks, but I got this. I don’t need an escort. I’ll see you inside.”
When they reached the grocery store, the elves kept walking as Jon dashed inside.
The door chimed as Jon stepped in. Mario glanced up from the counter and his mouth formed a wide smile. He stepped from behind the counter and rushed to Jon.
“It’s so good to see you, my best customer!” Mario beamed.
Jon smiled. “Mario, you see me nearly every day.”
“And every day it is special. How can I help you?”
Jon rubbed the back of his head, “Just picking up some pasta and supplies.”
Mario nodded. “Making a special dinner for all of your beautiful elves I see?”
“Yes. I was thinking maybe stuffed shells.”
Mario waved his hands. “Say no more! I’ll have one of the deli employees bring you fresh ricotta cheese while you gather your pasta. Make sure you pick up some herbs and fresh vegetables to have on the side.”
Jon’s smile was so wide, his eyes were nothing more than slits. “Thank you.”
“No thanks needed. You and your lovely elves are family!” Mario said with joy in his tone.
***
The front door opened. Lilly was first, stepping into the home with sharp senses. Pointed ears flexed before her shoulders relaxed. Before she could say anything, Cora rushed past her and sat on the couch in the living room. Her hand was a blur, grabbing the TV remote and hitting the power button almost at the same time. The flatscreen flashed to life and news filled the room as Cora settled in.
Zelda and Syndra stepped in, the sea elf closing the door behind her. Syndra let go of her friend and slowly made her way to Jon’s bedroom door. Without a word, she opened the door, slipped in and closed it behind her.
Lilly turned to Zelda, her eyes a mixture of strength and concern. “Stay here and watch over everyone. I’ll be upstairs. I don’t wish to be disturbed.”
Zelda bowed slightly at the hips. “Yes, Captain.”
Lilly turned and made her way to the stairs when she heard Zelda call out.
“Captain, I’m here if you need an ear,” the sea elf said in a small voice.
Lilly stopped before the stairs. “Thank you, Zelda,” Lilly said without turning her head.
The sea elf watched as her captain climbed the stairs and disappeared from sight.
Time slinked on until the front door opened and Jon stepped in with a few paper bags. He noticed Zelda and Cora on the couch, neither one getting up to help him.
“It’s okay. I got it,” Jon smiled to himself before he moved to the kitchen table and set the bags down.
“Before you ask, Syndra is in your room and the Captain is in her room upstairs. She doesn’t wish to be disturbed,” Zelda said out loud while never taking her gaze off the news.
“I guess it’s the three of us making dinner,” Jon smiled.
Zelda and Cora nodded.
Jon noticed the uneasiness in the air. It caused a gloom to fill the home. Despite fighting off pirates, an Empire Enforcer and a giant sea serpent, there was no joy from their victories.
Concern bled into Jon’s thoughts. He stepped away from the table and walked to his room. Stepping in, he closed the door behind him.
Syndra lay on the bed, fully clothed. Her hood was up and covering her head as she snuggled into his pillow. Jon stepped closer and sat on the opposite side of the bed. Syndra’s face was peaceful, her eyes closed. The pillow was clutched to her chest and chin. A few long seconds ticked on before dark eyelids pulled back to reveal red eyes.
Jon smiled. “Are you okay?”
The witch nodded slightly. “I will be, after some rest.”
“I didn’t realize using your magic took so much out of you. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?”
Syndra snuggled into the pillow, “My lifeforce will regenerate, if I sleep next to a strong soul.”
Jon nodded. “I see.”<
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Syndra smiled into the pillow before a thought touched her mind. “I’ve seen that look in Lilly’s eyes before. Something has rattled her.”
“I’m going to see her next.”
Syndra shook her head. “Give her time. She does this on occasion, disappearing into her cabin for lengths of time before telling us the problem and strategies to beat it. She will come to us when she’s ready.”
Jon nodded. “I’ll bring you dinner when we’re finished cooking.”
Syndra nodded and hugged the pillow tighter, her eyes closing shut.
Jon was up and stepping toward the door. He gave the shadow elf one long glance before quietly stepping out and closing the door behind him.
Standing by the wall-mounted flatscreen, Jon eyed the two elves on the couch, the pair ignoring him. Lifting his hands, he made one strong clap. Cora and Zelda turned their attention to him with a sliver of annoyance.
“Let’s start on dinner,” Jon smiled.
Zelda and Cora turned their attention back to the TV.
“We trust you to cook,” Zelda said plainly.
Jon shook his head before he reached down and unplugged the TV. The flatscreen went dark and the two elves were to their feet, mouths open and ready to protest.
Jon lifted a hand and they stopped before they could get a word out.
“Let’s make dinner and you can watch afterwards,” Jon said simply.
Cora’s shoulders deflated as Zelda growled.
“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Jon beamed.
Jon turned and walked toward the kitchen. Cora and Zelda moaned with heads tilted forward as they followed.
Once in the kitchen, they fell into their new routine. Jon took charge, directing Cora and Zelda and dividing up tasks. The oven was turned on as hands moved to lay out ingredients. Cora cut up vegetables while Jon helped Zelda to create the stuffing for the shells.
Jon enjoyed the act of making dinner and he smiled when he saw Zelda and Cora shift from dour frowns to enchanted gazes. Their initial resistance faded away and the pair were eager to learn and cook.
Tradition and ritual brings a family closer.
Jon directed with the flair of a chef in a kitchen. Cooking for himself felt cold, but working with his new family breathed life into the experience. All three began stuffing shells with ricotta cheese, hints of spinach and added herbs. When every shell was packed, they were placed in a large pan. Cheese and sauce were added to the pan, covering the shells. Not long after, the pan was placed in the oven to cook.
Zelda smiled proudly. The tall elf stood and reached for the small liquor cabinet. She pulled out a full bottle of rum, but Jon shook his head and moved to the small wine rack. Zelda nodded before putting the rum bottle back.
Jon uncorked a bottle and poured into several glasses. The three sat at the kitchen table, taking a deep sip before they set about cleaning up. Plates were laid out, utensils on each side.
Forty minutes later and an empty wine bottle, Jon pulled the pan from the oven. The smell caused mouths to water. Jon began to divide it up onto plates while Cora pulled out another bottle of wine.
The two elves began to eat while Jon made a plate for Syndra. Stepping back into his room, the sun was much lower in the sky. Orange light filtered into the dark room, Syndra nothing more than a few lumps on the bed. Jon stepped closer, placing the plate on the bed next to her. He touched her shoulder and she stirred, her hand touching his hand in acknowledgement. Jon smiled before retreating out of the room and closing the door behind him.
Returning to the kitchen table, Zelda and Cora had nearly devoured their meal. Jon sat down and joined them. Little was said as they feasted. When it was over, Cora leapt up from her seat, marched into the living room and plugged in the TV. Falling onto the couch, she aimed the remote like a magic wand and pressed the power button.
“I hope it was good?” Jon called out to the thin elf.
“It was amazing,” Cora smiled, but continued to watch TV.
Zelda was up and placing dripping, hot shells onto a plate. Jon stood up and moved to her side.
“I’m preparing a plate for the Captain,” the sea elf said in a low tone.
“I’ll take it to her. Go relax.”
“She doesn’t want…” Jon cut her off.
“I’ll just hand her the plate and leave. It will be fine.”
Zelda eyed Jon before she looked down and nodded. The tall elf left the kitchen and sat beside Cora in the living room.
Jon took the full plate, napkin, and utensils and made his way to the stairs. A few short moments later, he was at Lilly’s door. A light shined from under the door and Jon knocked.
“Come in,” came Lilly’s voice.
Jon opened the door, stepped in and closed it behind him. Lilly was sitting on her bed, elbows on knees and shadows under her eyes. She barely looked up as Jon stepped closer and knelt down onto his knees.
“I brought you dinner,” Jon smiled.
Lilly took the plate, napkin, and utensils and placed them on the bed next to her.
“Thank you.”
Jon nodded as he glanced around. The room was still bare, with only a bed, nightstand, and lamp. A leather bag was at the end of the bed, but the pirate captain hadn’t decorated the room.
“We can go shopping and buy a few things for the rooms,” Jon said, trying to be positive.
Lilly was silent as a tomb.
Jon nodded and stood up.
Lilly looked up to him just as he was about to turn, a new urge clawing through her heart.
“Don’t go,” she whispered.
Jon sat on the other side of the beautiful elf, his hand touching her hand. Lilly looked to his hand and slid her fingers in between his. The couple held hands for a long moment, the heat and closeness comforting as the sun slowly set outside.
Lilly sighed and let go of Jon’s hand. “I’m sure you noticed Rose’s ruse to slip me something.”
Jon nodded.
Lilly reached into her pocket and pulled out a small wooden tube, holding it in her lap. “The message was important, but I didn’t expect to receive it so soon.”
“I’m here to listen,” Jon’s voice was warm and kind.
Lilly nodded. “I wish I could tell you what it says, but I can’t risk it, not now. It’s not that I don’t trust you, I trust you with my life, but this information can hurt us if we are not careful. I need us to be strong, all of us.”
“You know we are here for each other. I’m here for you,” Jon reassured.
Lilly looked to Jon’s handsome features and her heart ached. “I know. In a short amount of time, we have faced much, but there is much more we must do. Can I trust you with some smaller secrets?”
“On my honor,” Jon said and squeezed Lilly’s thigh.
Lilly’s lips formed a small smile. “My crew is small. Too small to make a difference in our fight against the Illuminous Empire. We lack members and that must change.”
Jon’s mind began to work. “I doubt we can gather new crew members here on Urth.”
Lilly shook her head. “I must entrust you with this secret and I must ask you to trust me with all of our lives. Can you do that, Jon? Can you trust me even when it might be the most painful trust you ever endured?”
Shadows lengthened under Jon’s eyes. Thoughts sparked and warred, logic and his heart clashing. He could see the pain as she held something back. He wanted nothing more than to tell her that she could tell him anything, but deep down, he already knew she knew she could. It shook his honor like a tree in a rainstorm, but the deeper layer of his soul whispered soothing words to quell the inner storm.
This is new for her, opening up to another person. It was difficult for her to truly open her heart to me but she did. If I can’t trust her, I can’t trust anyone. I want to ask the questions. I want to be fully involved but if the more people know, the more difficult it will become, I have to be there for her. I have to be there for all of them.
; “Lilly, there is a part of me that doesn’t want to agree, but there is a bigger part that wants to lay my life in your hands. I only have one question, is the goal a noble one?”
The pirate captain nodded. “It is a noble goal.”
Jon slipped down onto his knees and took her hands into his. “Then I place my trust in your hands.”
Lilly stared, her green eyes shining in the dimming light. “Thank you, my love.”
The sun elf let go of Jon’s hands, picked up the wooden tube on her lap and placed it back in her pocket. Looking back to Jon, she took a small inhale.
“Jon, we must keep our lives normal over the next few days. I don’t wish to alert or alarm the crew until the time is right. I’m trusting you to help me with this until we are ready.”
“Ready to go to Aquris?” Jon said, his heart beating a little faster.
Lilly nodded. “I cannot tell you everything, but since the night you were shot and Syndra healed you, it spoke to me, telling me we need a healer or cleric. I may have someone in mind, but we cannot rush to Aquris just yet. Do not speak of this with the crew, no matter how tender the moment. This must be between us until I’m ready to inform them.
“As a captain, I must maintain a certain distance with the crew but you are our Shullkar and that makes things…difficult. Love can hurt, just as much as it can heal. What we are doing is not a betrayal, but I must keep it in order, for all of our sakes. Keep life as simple and as beautiful as we can. I’m trusting you, my love.”
Jon nodded. “I’ll follow your lead, my Captain.”
Lilly’s hands touched Jon’s cheeks. Holding him before her, she bent her head down and pressed her lips to his. Heat bloomed as their spirits connected. Tongues slipped into mouths, the pull of their hearts crying out for more. The couple savored the tender moment, enjoying the deep kiss until they both broke away. Their foreheads touched, with Lilly not wanting to let go.
“I should go back downstairs before everyone gets suspicious,” Jon smiled.
Lilly slowly let go, “That may be for the best.”
Jon stood up, his gaze lingering on the beautiful elf.