It's been five weeks since we escaped Parmenia and things are going so well, it feels like a dream. It took us about a week to make it to the island, which Captain Bradley has aptly named Port of Storms. Captain Bradley wanted a name that signifies how we found it, which wouldn't have been possible without our biggest storms- literally and figuratively. Plus, the name sounds ominous enough that he hopes any one who may hear of it in the future won't come and try to fuck things up.
Captain Bradley, who insists on just being called just Bradley now, helped Yoli deliver their baby girl three weeks ago. They named her Hope, which I thought was a little on the nose. He thought it was perfect.
Things with my crew have been going well. We're all staying in a hut together. Bradley told us that we should make a vacation home on the island, so that we can come back and stay whenever we'd like. It's been comforting going to bed and having the six most important people in my life sleeping only feet away from me. I know they're safe. I know I can protect them. It brings me peace.
Fenix is opening up here on land. He's missed the grass and steady ground, I can tell. He's smiling more often, he's going out of his way to engage in labor and lend a helping hand. He is filled with light and it's beautiful watching him flourish.
Daegan has quickly become like a shadow to me, and me to him. He's the first person to wish me good morning and the last person to kiss me good night. I'm addicted to his morning smiles and sleepy voices. Things between us are so light and easy, it makes me wonder how we went so many years assuming things are simply platonic between us.
Dean is really fucking fun. He's always pulling me aside and trying to sneak away for some action. He's still quiet in large groups, but he often is eyeing me from across the way, giving teasing looks. He still doesn't smile much, but happiness floats in his eyes now.
Dean and Lorcan haven't been able to repair their friendship to the level it was before everything happened, but they're making an effort, which is something that the two stubborn men typically struggle to do. They spend a lot of time sitting together, offering cordial nods and smiles. Occasionally I hear them talk and laugh together, but those moments don't come as often as they used to.
Lorcan is doing well. The people here have all made amends with him and his sins. He has worked hard to apologize to as many of them as possible and lend a helping hand in building their homes. He knows everyone by name and people are quick to smile and greet him as he passes by. I can tell it's unusual for him. He's been a moody recluse for months on end, now to be popular and respected. It's strange for him.
Lorcan is friendlier with me. We don't talk a lot, but he's willing to sit by me and makes jokes. The jokes are sometimes at my expense, but I'll happily take the jabs. We're smiling and laughing together, and that's all that matters. I think talking about our mistakes is helping us both move on from what we have done. There's even been a couple occasions that he asks me to braid his hair before bed.
His burned hand is healing slowly, but it stays wrapped and hurts less every day, which is good. I'm hopeful that he will regain some control over it, despite Morgan and Hadrien's doubts. Lorcan defies odds, it's in his bones. He will prevail.
We haven't shared more kisses or intense conversations. We've been through a lot together, and with each intimate passing moment or conversation that ends in tears, it gives us a small piece of closure. I feel like our lives and goals are more aligned than ever. I don't think it will lead to a relationship -romantic or otherwise- but it feels good knowing I have a friend in him.
Speaking of friends, Arlo has been the life of the party, as always. He has started making his own alcohol and teaching the people of the Port of Storms since they won't be able to go out and buy their own. The citizens are practically throwing themselves at Arlo to learn how to do it. Anybody can ferment some honey and turn fruit into wine, but only a few people can do it well. Arlo is one of those people.
YOU ARE READING
Evocation
Adventure"I promised myself the next time I saw you, I was claiming you. Your mouth-" he gazes at my lips while biting his own. "-your body.." he squeezes at my hips. His hands trail up and he wraps his thick fingers in my hair, pulling softly. "Watching you...
