Lost Boys & Pirates [Completed]

12;

The bandage kit Lily gave me is perfect during this lesson. Nearly a dozen boys sit before me, all nervous. The younger uncoordinated ones sit close while the older ones who cannot fight anymore are kneeling in the back.

"I didn't expect so many of you to want to learn," I state honestly. "I'm glad you said yes."

"Of course, Miss Maera!" One of the younger ones chirped up.

"Not all of us can fight anymore," the older one comments.

I glance up at him to see a hidden pain in his eyes. "That is fine. Helping those who can fight is important."

They all give me small smiles before I start explaining the basics. I've managed to use a few boys who still have bad wounds as my examples to show the boys what I mean. It feels like my quick lessons back when I started nursing at the hospitals.

"Not everyone will be perfect at bandages the first time," I comment softly. "Even my superiors back at work struggled but practice makes perfect."

They nod, going back to practicing wrapping each other's legs. When I glance over the group, I notice Peter watching me across the camp. I wave to him, a small smile on my face. He grins and nods once to me.

"Maera," someone chimes up from beside me.

I glance to my right to see Rye kneeling beside my sitting form. In one of his hands sits a small note. His bow and quiver are strapped to his back and he has his hunting gear on.

"Who is this from?" I ask as I take the paper. The soft creme color and elegant cursive give me a faint clue.

"Tiger Lily," Rye comments. "But one of the boys got hurt during the hunt. Can you check him out?"

"Of course!" I fold the paper and tuck it into the ribbon around my waist.

Rye helps me stand before leading me towards the small gathering of boys. My own small medkit sits in my hands as the boys part for me. I see one of Rye's more trusted boys crying in pain.

When my eyes scan over him, I notice the nasty cut and dislocated shoulder. My body instantly knows what to do. I motion for a few boys to help.

"What happened?" I question.

"We were trying to tie a new snare up but the branch snapped. He landed on his shoulder and the cut is from his knife." He blurts.

"Push," I demand as I distract the boy.

My hands grip his chin, gaining his attention while two boys pop the shoulder back in place. He screams before I check his shoulder. The cut isn't as bad as I thought but it does take a few wraps of a bandage. I brush his hair back when I'm done. The tears in his eyes hurt my chest but he fakes his bravery.

"Next time, please check the branch," I comment softly.

He grins through his pain. "Thank you, Maera."

I smile softly before standing. Rye checks in with his friend as I move towards my group of boys. I feel a tug on my hand before I'm twisted to face Peter. My skirt wraps around his legs when I land against his chest. His green eyes and copper hair are bright in the sun.

"Miss Mae," his voice is soft. "I need to speak with you."

"Can we put my bag away first?"

One of his arms loop through mine as he leads me back towards the cabin. The med bag is grabbed by Peter and he refuses to give it back. He is acting like a proper gentleman.

"What did you want to talk about?" I ask once we enter the cabin.

I move towards my room, the small space I've managed to decorate. The bag goes on the chest at the foot of my bed, making sure it is closed properly. I turn towards Peter only to see him leaning against the door. His eyes flicker to the few dresses I have borrowed from Lily along the bed.