"You left me. left me to die. So I teamed up with the devil to take my revenge." She screamed, tears running down her flushed face.
"I saw your dead body! Your lifeless body! Do you have any idea what that does to a man?" He screamed back.
***
Set...
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As night draped it's dark velvet over the skies, the air alive with the flickering glow of newly constructed huts, and the echoes of joyous laughter intertwined with the crackling fires, the quartet of explorers who were sent by Mama Amara, returned. The four men, sent as emissaries to unveil the secrets woven into the island's fabric, shared their findings in hushed tones around the communal fire. The small island, seemingly untouched by the hand of civilization, stood solitary, save for the ghostly remnants of abandoned structures that whispered tales of a forgotten past on the opposite shore. Among these echoes, a decaying ship lay dormant, its skeletal frame capturing the intrigue of both Jack and Mariana. A knowing glance exchanged between them hinted at the shared curiosity that had taken root in their hearts, with Jack already formulating a plan to investigate the forsaken vessel.
Gathering around the fire, the ethereal dance of flames casting shadows on their faces, Jack, Maria, Mama Amara, and a select few others delved into a discussion about their next move.
Nurnu, one of the four and a pillar of strength with mahogany-hued skin that bore the indelible marks of lineage and stories etched across generations, was a living testament of strength and wisdom.
Tribal markings and tattoos adorned his face and body, each symbol a living connection to his heritage and the sacred bonds with his people. Speaking with an accent that carried the weight of ancestral wisdom, Nurnu offered to sketch a map in the sand, his skilled hand tracing the planned path that would guide them to the abandoned ship come the dawn.
The rhythmic dance of firelight accentuated the gravity of their agreement to embark on this expedition as the shadows flickered. With a stick in hand, Nurnu painted their journey's course, and with a collective nod, the agreement was sealed to depart at the first light of day. As the night unfolded its myriad mysteries, the three men and Nurnu retired to their makeshift lodgings, leaving Mariana, Jack, and Mama Amara immersed in a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the soft crackling of the fire and the crashing waves that touched the sandy shores.
With the night settling into a quiet lullaby, David, the man from the previous evening, emerged from the shadows, approaching the gathering with three carefully wrapped leaves cradled in his hands. "I have some food for you," he announced, the glow of the firelight flickering in his earnest eyes. Jack, with a nod of gratitude, accepted the offerings, passing two of the wrapped parcels to the ladies by his side.
Maria, with anticipation etched across her features, eagerly unraveled the leaf to reveal a culinary delight—a freshly grilled fish accompanied by meticulously cut pieces of fruit. The fragrant aroma, a symphony of flavors, wafted through the night air, awakening Maria's senses to a hunger she hadn't taken notice of. The man lingered for a heartbeat before expressing his sincere gratitude, "I... I wished to return your knife. Thank you for entrusting it to me. It proved to be very helpful today." With a warm smile, Maria accepted the returned knife, her words of gratitude dancing with the soft breeze of the early night.
One by one individuals in the group of settlers retired for the night. Jack extended his hand to Maria after he helped Mama Amara to her feet, with a soft smile Maria accepted his hand. "Come come, I have a surprise for ye!" Jack said eagerly as he picked up a piece of lit wood to start their own fire. With quick steps he led her to the same tree they spent the last night by, and to Maria's surprise there stood a small hut built just for them. Maria stopped in her tracks, eyes wide in surprise. "Jack! You built this?" she questioned with an appreciative smile. She felt him stand beside her so she glanced at the boy who smiled proudly, his hands resting at his hips. "Ye like it?" he asked, his brown eye shining with excitement. Maria nodded eagerly and walked towards the hut.
She stepped inside the small shelter, the round room felt much larger than it actually was, at the center there was a small fire pit where a fire was already lit, despite the small fire, Jack stepped around her and dropped the wood in the fire, making it roar and glow lighter. With the extra light Maria could see the seashells that adorned the walls and the inside of the roof. With childish excitement she reached out a hand to lightly brush her fingers upon the pink seashells, her smile growing and eyes shining. "Wow!" she whispered under her breath. "The children found them by the shoreline and wanted to decorate it for you." Jack said with a smile. Maria turned and walked quickly to him, and in a swift moment her arms wrapped around him in a loving embrace. "I love it. Thank you!" she whispered in his hair, tears of joy and gratitude running down her face. Jack's eyes widened in a moment of unexpected surprise but he quickly overcame it and pulled her closer to him. "I'm glad." he whispered back.
That night Maria slept soundly in the arms of the man she loved. Jack held the girl he loved with all his being close to him all through the night and soon came the first light of the morning.
