Isabel sighed softly as she watched the stars melt into rose gold skies. The warm wind kissed her face and salt danced across her nose. The Santa Maria was at peace as the crew still sleep soundly. Isabel closed her eyes, wishing the moment could last forever.
Not too long ago she would have been in an airy brick house, deep in the the heart of Spain. She would have been safe in the serene county side, tending to her tomatoes and family. Now she leads a life of excitement, never knowing what tomorrow might hold. And although she can no longer have her tomatoes, as the fresh food is impossible for long sea journeys, she can still look after her precious family.
Soft creeks in the wood flooded the silence. She meet olive eyes which still held drowsiness.
"You are up rather early hermana." Mumbled her twin.
Antonio flashed a sleepily smile.
"For someone who likes sleeping into the late morning, I must say it's wonderful right now."
He wrapped Isabel into a snug hug.
"It's is. I wish I could have mornings like this all the time."
She turns to him cheerfully.
"So what do we have planned today? Judging by the atmosphere last night, it seems like we have preparations for something fun today."
Antonio jumped up.
"We're gonna be stopping in the port city of Roma today to re-stock."
His grin widened.
"And of course we'll be getting some special treats too."
Now Isabel was buzzing with excitement as well. Not only would there be a plethora of supplies but the possibly of a rare luxury. Maybe they'll get a create of tomatoes, maybe new clothing, and if she was lucky, fresh flowers.
"When we'll arrive?" she question impatiently.
"About noon, I'm gonna wake the crew up now so we can be ready."
Isabel slipped away into her cabin to ready herself too.
She stood leaning over the railing as Roma's port docks came into view.
"Ooohhh! Isn't it beautiful Lovi?"
Isabel breathed.
The teen next to her scowled.
"Eh, not really, I've seen better. It's not like it's even tha- hey! Don't lean over like that! As clumsy as you are, you'll fall over broad!"
He yelled though she payed him no mind as he safely restrained her from falling. As the ship slowed to the dock Isabel rushed over, ready to be the first one off.
"Wait up Isabel! Just were do you think you're going with out us?"
Her half-brother Alfonso wrapped Isabel in a light shawl and simple sun hat before covering his own face in a hat.
"Remember that we can't be recognized, never know who we might run into."
Isabel was about to protest when Antonio walked over with a serious expression.
"The city looks safe so far but be careful as always. I'll be with the men getting our necessities. How about meeting up for lunch?"
Isabel paused, thinking about what her brother said.
"Sí hermano, that would be muy bein."
Then with a slam of the plank-bridge, Isabel went onwards with her two escorts Alfonso and Lovino.
Flashback from that morning:
Loviano rummaged in old barrels for breakfast, cursing under his breath.
"All that's here is shit, damn it. What I would do for a good tomato right about now."
Memories of his childhood resurfaced. Back before joining the same business which tore apart his original family. Back when his only concern was avoiding work and eating tomatoes. Now he was always working to be stronger, faster, and smarter all the time. Now he has to worry about protecting one of the only things that mattered in his heart. Or rather someone...
Lovino's search is interrupted by the presence of the ship's captain who loomed over him.
"Lovino, we need to talk."
Lovino stopped his search for a moment, glaring up.
"I don't feel like wasting time listening to you chatter Captain bastard"
Antonio went on, unphased.
"Lovino, you've been in this family awhile, especially with Isabel."
Pause
"As you know, we are to be stopping soon in Roma. Cities are dangerous, especially when being associated as a pirate."
Another pause
"I want you to look after Isabel. I'm not going to be with her the whole time and same goes for Alfonso. So I'm depending on you to be there when can't. You're becoming older and more able to look after others."
This time there's a long pause.
"I am trusting you to do this, so please do not fail me."
Then Antonio looks at me hard in the eye as if taking one more chance to decide if he made the right choice. Then he a quick nod of approval before leaving.
Loviano sits still, letting this new duty sink in.
YOU ARE READING
Heart of the Sun
FanfictionIsabel Fernandez once lived a carefree and simple life. Now she's running with the pirates as they explore and plunder. But what happens they're faced with a powerful enemy who gains a dangerous advantage? And what of Isabel's heart, which is threat...
