Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤19. I know 🕷

John Bird's workshop was located along the bustling Strand, tucked away between a series of narrow alleyways. The building, modest from the outside but well-kept, with a small sign indicating his craft as an instrument maker. Inside, the air is heavy with the smell of varnished wood and metal, the tools of his trade meticulously arranged. Shelves are filled with finished and unfinished instruments. The dim lighting adding an air of focus and craftsmanship to the atmosphere, making it clear that this is where brilliance meets practicality.

Stephen leads Maria inside, his excitement barely contained. He's optimistic and determined to make a good impression. Maria, however, has a calculated calm about her. She's still processing the letter, using this meeting as a necessary distraction to keep her emotions under control.

John Bird, a middle-aged man with graying hair and sharp eyes, stands behind a wooden workbench as they enter. He looks up from an intricate piece he's been working on and greets them with a smile.

"Captain Bonnet, I presume?" Bird says, wiping his hands on a cloth. His tone is cordial but measured, a man used to dealing with clients of all sorts.

Stephen steps forward, shaking Bird's hand with enthusiasm. "Aye, John Bird, it's an honor to finally meet the man behind such fine craftsmanship. I've heard nothing but praise for your work."

Bird gives a modest nod. "Flattery won't make the instruments any finer, Captain, but I appreciate the kind words. And this must be the young woman with the revolutionary idea you mentioned?"

Maria steps forward, offering a polite but distant smile. She can feel Stephen's eyes on her, his pride evident as he introduces her as the brilliant mind behind the drawings and measurements. She pulls out her sketches, carefully laying them on Bird's workbench.

"This is my vision," she says, her voice steady as she pushes aside the turmoil she's feeling. "I've made the measurements as precise as possible, and I believe it could improve the accuracy of navigation at sea."

Bird leans over the sketches, studying them in silence. The room feels charged, as though this moment could tip in any direction. Stephen stands beside Maria, his hand resting on the small of her back, a gesture of confidence and partnership.

Bird traces a finger over the lines and notations, his brow furrowed in concentration. After a few minutes, he looks up, his expression thoughtful. "This is impressive work," he says slowly, glancing between them. "I've never seen a design quite like this. You're suggesting that this should replace the cross-staff, and that it could greatly reduce human error."

Stephen's smile widens, the light in his eyes practically glowing with satisfaction. "Aye, that's exactly what we're aiming for. It could change the way we sail."

Bird nods, still considering the plans. "I can build this for you. It'll take some time to perfect, but with your guidance, I believe we can make this a reality."

As the men continue to discuss the technicalities of the design, Maria listens, but her mind is elsewhere. She watches Stephen with a cold detachment, noting how he charms Bird, how he beams with pride over her work. There was a time when this would have warmed her heart, but now it feels hollow. She remembers the letter, the lies, the betrayal, and every smile Stephen gives only fuels her resentment.

She keeps her expression neutral, though, playing the part of the supportive partner, all while her mind races with her own plans. Bird's words wash over her, but she's already plotting her next move, calculating how she'll get the rubies and disappear before Stephen even realizes what's happening.

After an hour of discussion, Bird promises to begin work immediately. He's intrigued by the potential of the sextant and eager to collaborate on something that could revolutionize maritime navigation.