The Captain and His Lady (A Fantasy Short Story) √

It's what keeps us alive.

Emma grinned as she made her way through the park to the pirate ship slide. The very one where she and Michael had first met. Where they played for hours during the summer months. Where the Red Fox had been born and brought to life.

After spending a gap year, traveling together, they were ready to take on the challenge of university. Both Michael and Emma wanted to pursue a career in archaeology and anthropology. They had the fascination for the things of the past and together they wanted to uncover ancient mysteries.

"Michael," said Emma as she approached the slide. "I'm sorry for making you wait."

He smiled, "I'd wait forever for you," he replied, sliding his arms around her shoulders and kissing her cheek. "I'm sure you had good reason for making me wait anyways."

"And if I was just being tardy?"

Michael tipped her head back and narrowed his eyes at Emma.

"Were you now?" he challenged, arching an eyebrow. "You know my ship does not tolerate tardiness, my lady."

"Aren't we a little old for this game?" Emma asked, grinning.

"Never, and do you know why?"

Michael waited for Emma's answer before his lips spread into a wide grin.

"It's quite simple, love," he said, cupping her cheeks in his warm hands. "We are only as old as we allow ourselves to be. In our hearts, we are still the children we were when we met. Our adventures in our imaginations are what keep us alive. What keeps our love alive. No one else would be able to handle our personalities better than each other. That's probably why Fate has kept us close for so long."

Emma blushed, closing her eyes as Michael kissed her forehead.

"C'mon," said Michael as he pulled her towards the ladder. "The sea waits for no man."

***

Captain Michael hesitated at the dock. His pack slung over his shoulder, his fox medallion dangling from his neck. He glanced away from his ship, away from his crew that stood waiting for orders. His lady stood at the beginning of the dock, their young son on her hip as they bid him farewell. His heart clenched in his chest. Captain Michael's son was too young to sail the seas. Also, he would get in the way of the crew and distract them from their work. When Lady Emma had told him she would remain at home, he knew she was right. Nevertheless, it would be the first time Captain Michael sailed without his first mate.

Captain Michael sighed and tossed his pack to one of the crew, commanding them to prepare to cast off. He ran towards his lady and his son, pulling them to his chest in a tight embrace.

"I'll return home soon," he whispered, kissing Emma's cheek and then his son's thick red hair. "I promise."

"We'll miss you," Emma whispered back, touching his cheek with a smile. "Return to me in one piece."

"Always, my love. You mind your mother, young man."

Young Michael giggled and clapped his hands. The captain smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. Hair all too much like his own. He lingered a moment longer, meeting the eyes of his lady.

"Go," she said with a bittersweet smile. "We'll be here, waiting for you."

Captain Michael nodded and turned to leave. As he did so, the smallest voice caught his attention, making him pause in his steps.

"Dada."

Captain Michael faced his family once more, his jaw hanging open. Lady Emma smiled, nodding. Young Michael reached for his father, his eyes blue pools. It was as if he knew his father was leaving and he didn't like it.

"I must go, my boy," Captain Michael whispered, taking his son into his arms. "I do this so you and your mum can live comfortably."

The boy gurgled, touching his father's face as he looked right into his eyes. A single tear ran down his cheek. It was in that moment the captain knew his son understood more than he knew. He glanced at his lady, who still wore her smile, though it appeared saddened.

"I have one too many ships," the captain stated, turning to look at his fleet. "But I've plenty crew members . . . John could lead the crew in my absence."

"Captain," said Lady Emma, shock evident in her tone. "You can't not go."

"I can," he said with affirmation. "I know not when I shall return. For all I know, the next time I see my son, he will be walking and speaking clearly. I am not prepared to miss the first years of my son's life."

The captain's gaze turned to that of his lady's, and with a grin he offered her his hand. Lady Emma gave a grateful, relieved, smile and wove her fingers with Captain Michael's. The orders were given. A man was placed in charge. And the Red Fox set sail, leaving the captain and his family on the docks.