The Lady and The Hunter

Chapter 10

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Night had finally fallen once again and the trio was resting at the boat. Jacob was reading through Maisie's book titled 'Tales of Captain Crow' with Blue at his side as a night light so that he could see the pages of the book. Laura had her back turned, starting at the ocean once again in her train of thought.

"It says here that during the dark times, the beast destroyed a town on the coast of Kra'Zoul. But we've been up and down that coast and I ain't never seen no town, destroyed or otherwise. A-And.. and we don't say 'yar' half this much. On every other page, we're shouting 'yar'. I mean, this is just nonsense." Jacob spoke as he flipped through the pages of the book. "Says you." Maisie rose from where she sat and turned to look at Jacob.

"But the book says otherwise, and it's going to outlast both of us. So people will believe the beasts destroy towns that don't exist, and hunters like to say 'yar'."

"If none of it is true, then how are you supposed to know what is?" Jacob asked as he flipped back through the book.

"And how are we supposed to know if sea beast ever plucked ladies out of their veggie patches? That those were the dark times?" Marie asked as well. "Maybe..the beasts never started the war, Jacob.." I mumbled, looking away and finally understanding who exactly did. "Maybe, but..why would we?" He asked.

Before I could speak up and say who, lightning flashed in the distance, catching our attention. Jacob closed the book and quickly got up and so did both Maisie and I, looking out at the storm. "Looks like a real shipwrecker." Maisie started.

Jacob looked back at the boat that rested there, knowing all his hard work fixing it was for nothing.

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We all quietly sat within Red's nostril, staring at the storm above as we were protected from the water rushing in by Red. She was truly incredible!

As we watched the lightning struck above the surface, it was fascinating and entrancing how the lightning struck, it changed the color of the surface from blue to a violet shade. "It's..beautiful.." I whispered as Maisie had fallen asleep a while ago. Thankfully she doesn't get to miss any of the beautiful things Red swam through and over.

The graveyard of ships and beasts did bring the mood down but that soon changed not long after. I glanced over at Jacob as he stared at the tattoo on his forearm. "You..never really told me your story of how you became a hunter." I started as I reached for his arm, pulling it into my lap to get a better look at the tattoo. "When I was younger. Maisie's age, my parent's ship was attacked by a beast. Destroyed the ship, splitting it right in half. It was dark out and almost felt like a storm. I only had a few pieces of wood to keep myself afloat. When morning came, I was rescued by Captain Crow. Became part of his crew where he raised me and taught me to be the hunter I was.." He frowned slightly, staring out at the surface.

"Are you no longer that man? That hunter?" I asked, turning to look him in the eyes. He turned his gaze to me, his frown changing to a small smile. "Ever since I met you and Maisie. I've seen things in a different light. I don't want to be a hunter, at least not in the way I did it. These creatures deserve to be left alone." He said, leaning forward slightly. My heart began to thump loudly within my chest, I could feel my body heating up at how close he was!

"What about you, freckles? Miss soft palms? What's your story?" He asked.

"All my life I was raised with everything a person could ever want. A nice roof over my head, 3 meals a day and nice clothes, but I never truly had a family that loved me. I was forced to act properly, to be clean to have manners. That life, but it wasn't the life I wanted. I always felt at home when it came to the ocean. Just simple visits to the beach were all I needed to make my day better. Growing up I also admired the hunters, like Captain Crow. Not because they hunted these creatures, but because of how free they were to set sail on the seas and do whatever they liked. They weren't kept behind closed doors their entire life. I wanted that kind of life. By the age of 20, I started training myself, developing some skills with a sword. I started to get dirty and it felt amazing. When the time was right and perfect, I waited for the Inevitable's return and took the chance to leave home, but now I'm eager to return. I have someone back home waiting for me. She was the one who raised me and I left her.. If I knew or understood everything I had from discovering so much about myself, I would've stayed. I would've helped her." I muttered, falling silent as I tried not to cry.

I could feel Jacob moving his hand from my lap, slowly but surely sliding his hand into mine, holding it gently. I looked at his hand holding mine and immediately held his hand too.

It was comforting and just by this feeling alone, I felt heard and cared for. As we stared into each other's eyes, I couldn't look away and I doubt he could either. He began to lean in more and I wasn't sure how to respond. I was afraid once again. "Jacob.." I whispered, closing my eyes as he closed his.

I felt his lips gently brush against mine before our lips came into contact with one another. It was the first time i've kissed someone, so was I doing it right? Does kissing come naturally? I'm not sure but it felt amazing and I wanted more. I was soon shocked when he slipped his tongue into my mouth. I immediately pulled away, unsure of how to react to the feeling.

"I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to startle you..like that." He said, nervously giving off a chuckle. "No no, it's okay I just. I've never kissed someone before and I like it.. the tongue did catch me by surprise though." I chuckled, looking away embarrassed.

When we both calmed down, a sigh escaped my lips and I finally found the courage to tell him what I wanted or at least half of it. "Jacob.." I started. "Hm?"

"My name..my real name is Laura.." I whispered, hoping that this wouldn't upset him.

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As she looked away from his gaze, Jacob smiled, snaking his arm around her waist, and pulling her closer. He then turned her head towards him so that he could stare into her eyes. He gently held her chin, tilting her head up slightly before going in for another kiss. He guided her through the kiss, holding her closer to the point they both almost fell over.

Laura soon pulled away to catch her breath, flustered at what had just taken place. Jacob also flustered, couldn't help but smile for the rest of the night.
"Your name is beautiful.. Thank you, for letting me know it." was all he said in a gentle tone.

Laura leaned her head onto his shoulder, closing her eyes and enjoying his company in silence.

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