Distant Shores 2: Waves Of Time

St. Sylvian

A week later, the Damnation is being safely brought into the St. Sylvian port by Maggie. The city looks just as you remember. You take a deep breath and inhale; the salt from the sea is mixing with the scents from the market, and it smells incredible. Ax and Ada climb happily down the rigging, tumbling across the ropes until they land gracefully in front of you.

"You two must be excited to see home again."

Ax gives you a big smile.

"Indeed we are; if only for a couple days, but no worries, we have no regrets joining the pirate life."

"Besides, now with a new crew member joining us soon, we have to stick around to show him the ropes, literally. Think we can teach him how to do a flip on the yardarm?"

You let out a chuckle as you gently rub your stomach.

"Ada, I'm only ten weeks into my pregnancy. Let's wait until he's actually born before the two of you start trying to turn him into a mini circus performer."

Ada laughs.

"Whatever you say, Coral."

The crew starts disembarking, when Edward and Charlie approach you. Edward leans over to kiss your cheek, then gently places his hand on your stomach.

"How are you feeling today?"

You put your hand over his, and smile up at him.

"We're good."

You stay like that for a moment; lovingly looking into each other's eyes. Charlie puts a hand on your shoulder.

"In case I haven't said it enough, I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks, Charlie. Now I guess we should go help the crew gather supplies."

"Actually Coral, could you and Charlie see to that? I have a personal errand to take care of."

Edward looks at Charlie and she gives him a subtle wink. You look at him confused.

"Oh, um sure, Edward."

You watch him walk away, feeling a little weird. What did he need to do and why couldn't he tell you about it? You turn to Charlie.

"So what's his personal errand?"

"Sorry, love. I can't tell you that."

Noticing the worry on your face, she quickly adds,

"It's nothing bad. I promise."

She gives you a sly smile and you wonder if this has anything to do with what you overheard; about him wanting Tripp to make you something.

Later, you and Charlie are walking through the market with the crew, gathering supplies for the long journey up towards the northern islands. Henry is checking with you about different foods you would like. Jonas and Maggie have taken it upon themselves to find beverages for you that don't include rum. Anytime you purchase something, Kendrick offers to carry it for you. And of course, sweet Ginny keeps asking every five minutes if you're doing okay. The crew has been nothing but supportive since you and Edward told them you were going to have a child. It makes you love them all that much more.

Once everything is settled for the journey, you and Charlie let the crew off to do whatever they want until it's time to meet for dinner. The two of you start walking back in the direction of the docks when you hear squawking. You look towards the trees by the beach and see Sunset and Robert's parrot gathering twigs. That's odd; why are your parrots collecting twigs? You shake it off when you hear the familiar voice of Bronte calling out to you.

"Charlotte! Coral! How wonderful to see you both again."

Bronte emerges from her stall to greet you. Charlie smiles at her.

"Bronte how have you been? Anything interesting been happening around the island lately?"

"Funny you should ask that. As a matter of fact Charlotte, a very handsome navy officer was here a couple of days ago. He was speaking to John, and asking about you and your crew. Never thought you lot would have friends in the navy, but I stand corrected."

You give Charlie a curious look, before turning back to Bronte.

"A navy officer? What did he look like?"

She thinks for a moment before she replies,

"Blond hair, blue eyes, carried himself with confidence, but I could tell he was very down to earth, very caring. Had nothing but nice things to say about your crew."

Just as you suspected. You turn towards Charlie and notice her bright green eyes are filled with excitement.

"Ah yes, thank you Bronte. I was actually here to see John about some news from London. I'm sure that's what the navy officer wanted to tell us. But we didn't see John when we pulled into the harbor."

You don't want to pry, but you notice Charlie's cheeks turning a shade of pink. Something is going on that she hasn't told you yet.

"I believe he was sorting through some cargo a couple of merchant ships brought in. But he's down there now if you want to see him."

You thank her as you and Charlie continue to head towards the docks. After a few minutes of walking you ask,

"So Charlie, anything you want to talk about?"

"Not that I can think of, love. But it's rather warm out today, is the heat affecting you? Are you still good?"

You can't help, but let out a small laugh.

"Charlie, I'm fine, and so is baby Mortemer. I just can't believe you're actually talking about the weather to avoid telling me what the hell is going on with you and Oliver? I mean I saw the way you two were talking at Tiburon, and how close you guys got while on the Intrepid."

"Oh, we're just friends, love. We've been through similar things, and it's nice having someone to talk to who fully understands me."

You can tell she's still not ready to tell you everything. You decide to let Charlie keep her secrets for now. Besides, you have more important things to worry about.

You reach the harbor and are instantly greeted by John.

"Charlotte! Coral!"

Charlie shakes his hand.

"Hi, John. How have you been?"

"I'm well. The trade is busy, so it's never a boring day at the docks. Especially getting to see all the deliveries coming in. Oh, speaking of deliveries."

He produces an envelope from his pocket. You notice it's sealed with wax, and has the navy emblem on it.

"I was told to give this to you, Charlotte."

Charlie takes the envelope and rips it open. She pulls out a letter. It's written in elegant script. From the journals and letters on board the Intrepid, you know it's Oliver's handwriting. You let Charlie read her letter privately, but you bend down to pick up the discarded envelope. You look at the stationary and see something that makes your eyes bulge out of your head. It very clearly says:

Oliver Cochrane

Commodore of His Majesty's Royal Navy

You and Charlie both blurt out at the same time,

"Oliver's a commodore now!"