The Other Tide

Chapter XXIII

The Hornwood and Crimson crew boarded their boats, fleeing away. Sariah stopped at the edge of the dock, watching them. Cassian climbed aboard, turning to see Sariah. Alya watched from her ship as it started to depart. The wind blew through the two as their eyes met. "Sir, we must leave before the soldiers find us." Mohan said, stepping beside Cassian. Sariah's words echoed through his thoughts.
"Sir-.." Cassian turned. "I bestow upon you the title of Captain." He spoke to Mohan, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You all have been great friends to me, and I am grateful. But..." He turned his head looking at Sariah. "I belong somewhere else.." A smile crept onto his lips. "I trust you'll take care of this ship and the crew." Cassian turned back to Mohan. Mohan nodded. "Yes, sir." Cassian turned around, stepping closer to the edge. The ship had started to slowly drift out, creating distance. Sariah slowly took a step onto the actual dock, watching the two ships sail away. He climbed up onto the ledge, looking down at the water. He gave one last look to his crew, a small smile plastered on his face. They watched their beloved Captain jump into the water.

Cassian climbed onto the dock, water dripping off him. Sariah ran towards him, her shoes clicking on the wood. Cassian looked up, Sariah immediately wrapping her arms around him. He hugged her back, tightly at that. Sariah's arms slowly let go of him, stepping back. "What made you decide to come back?" She asked, looking up at him. "I was sure you would choose any old treasure over me. Isn't that what pirates do?" She tilted her head slightly. Cassian softly chuckled. "Must you assume the worst of pirates?" He smirked, leaning in closer. She softly laughed. "I think I'm past with assuming the worst of you." She smiled, her voice softening. Cassian leaned closer, their faces inches apart. "I realized that not all treasure is gold and silver, rubies and diamonds. Treasure is the people we hold dear to our hearts, even the ones standing in front of them." He whispered, capturing her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Ahem." A voice interrupted them. They quickly broke from each other, looking forward and behind. The General stood with his men, not looking too happy. Sariah turned around, standing in front of Cassian. "Father." Sariah cleared her throat. The General huffed, looking at the two. "Care to explain why my beloved daughter is swapping spit with a wanted criminal?" He raised an eyebrow. Sariah swallowed hard, taking a deep breath. "He's not just a criminal. He's more than that." She said, holding onto Cassian's hand. "Save him the pity. He's a pirate!" His voice was firm.

"Sir, I love your daughter. I'd do anything to protect her as much as you would." Cassian spoke, seeming serious. "Do you love this man Sariah?" Her father asked. Sariah looked up at Cassian, smiling. She turned back to her father. "I do." She firmly said, squeezing his hand. Sariah's father softened up a bit, seeing how truthful his daughter was. He tried so hard to raise her right as a single dad, it was hard to live with the loss of his wife. He didn't want to lose his daughter to that same fate. But he couldn't deny how he saw himself and his wife in them. The General sighed. "Drop all charges." He ordered. "But sir..-" One of his sargents to his right tried to object. "No buts. I've made my decision." He said, turning to leave. His men followed behind, seeming so confused. Sariah smiled, turning back to Cassian. "Now what do we do?" She asked, gazing deeply into his eyes. "Well, we'll have to get married, find a house, try to live a normal life...and..." Cassian was being playful. Sariah put a finger to his lips. "You're thinking too much." She said with a slight smirk. "I thought you liked my thoughts." He fired back. She rolled her eyes. "I liked your words, not thoughts." She shook her head, turning to walk off the dock. "Same thing." He teased, following behind her. "Where do you think you're going anyways?" He raised an eyebrow. "No where." She smirked, picking up her walking speed. "Sariah?" He quickened his pace as well. "Hm?" She turned around, walking backwards. "You little cheeky-.." Cassian started as Sariah ran off. He chased after her, their laughs echoing through the town.