"I'd rather love you, then serve you" (Katemau)

chapter 11 "unexpected events"

3rd pov

Katelyn watched Aphmau hug her boys by the boat. She was already inside the ship preparing to sail, but she had to wait for Aphmau. Laurence was also inside the ship, but was in the captain's room looking through some maps. Aphmau seemed decently emotional, while Levin and Malachi could be seen holding back tears, Laurence then came out and joined Katelyn in the ship's bay. 

“ It looks like they're all about to cry,” Laurence mentioned, half a smile appearing. 

“I can't blame them, they just met their mother after 15 years,” Katelyn added, leaning on the dock railing. Her silver and blue armor made a small ‘clack’ sound as it hit the wood.

“If we don't separate them, they might stay like that for hours to come.” Laurence joked, giggling at the thought. 

“You're right.” Katelyn giggled before she stood up fully and placed her hands near her mouth. 

“Hurry up Aphmau! We can't lose any sunlight!” Katelyn yelled out, hiding her smile with her hands. 

They watched Aphmau flinch before turning towards them smiling. She then turned back around to hug the boys one last time before walking up to the boat to prepare to sail. 

When she got onto the ship, she smiled at both Laurence and Katleyn, almost excited for whatever was to come. But as she walked towards the ship's helm, she stopped as she held onto the wheel, almost in deep thought. Laurence stared at her for a moment before asking his question. 

“Is there a problem, m’lady?” Laurence asked. 

“No.. I just got a random thought.” Aphmau responded, still in thought. 

“I.. I want to visit one person before we go on our journey.” Aphmau finally spoke up her thoughts and began to set sail towards a swampy area. 

Laurence and Katelyn both looked at her and then at each other before shrugging. Unsure what they will see but they didn't want to question her. They watched Aphmau steer the ship towards the swampy ocean as the water slowly turned greener and the trees died down into a more creepy color and formation. They both see a small cottage, it was decently covered in some vines but seemed to be well taken care of. This made Aphmau's lips slowly rise into a small smile, but they couldn't help but feel a small presence of uncertainty while they slowly got closer. 

“Hey uh.. Aphmau, who are you visiting again?” Laurence asked, slowly removing his gaze from the house. 

“It's an older lady.. Don't worry, we won't stay long.” Aphmau reassured, as she carefully moved through the thick water. 

Katelyn remained quiet as they sailed towards the building, her instincts were telling her to keep caution and to be alert, but she was not sure why she would need to be alert. Her face slowly curled into an expression of worry, as if she could tell that whoever or whatever was there, would be a person who only caused problems. She glanced at Laurence and was surprised to see he was having the same reaction. His face seemed nervous and his eyes were focused. Aphmau didn't notice her guard's reactions and carried on sailing. She eventually parked her boat by the shore and let the walkway fall onto the sand then Aphmau got off first. 

When she turned around she was surprised to find both Laurence and Katelyn still on the boat, both alert and wary of the small land they were on. This was when Aphmau finally saw their alertness and chuckled. 

“You guys, come on.. The person we are seeing will be fine. I'm just curious to know if she's still here. If you want, you guys can stay, and I'll go by myse-”