Pirates of Cevaria

Chapter Six: A Tragic Past, And An Old Love

It was bright.

The air was only mildly muggy as we made our way off the ship. Layalia came to stand beside me.

"Captain, would this be good enough a spot for the ol' girl?"

I looked up at Cevaria. Our largely built ship.

"Aye, it's perfect."

She smiled.

We needed to hide the ship in case the Pirate Queen was around. I rather not risk being out in the open with our ship by the docks.

Just a safety precaution, to say the least.

"All right hearties, let's be sure to stock up well. We have plenty more aboard this ship, which means more mouths to feed. Find what you can, buy what you need. We leave in three days." I declared.

Everyone made eye contact with me and agreeably hollered in return to acknowledge my words. They knew not to wander too far either. I want them to enjoy their freedom on land before we make haste to our final destination.

Rycan's hair was unusually tangled this morning, though he routinely combs it through.

"Up late having some fun there, Rycan?" I teased.

Beside him was Kivala. She was skipping beside him, from what it looked like. Layalia and I exchanged a look and refrained from laughing until we couldn't hold it any longer.

We both burst in chuckles as Rycan's face turned as red as his hair.

"Brother, you have had quite a night it seems," Layalia said.

Kivala opened her mouth to speak as though to respond to her but Rycan quickly used his left palm to cover her mouth.

"Shh. Not a peep out of you." He whispered, half kindly.

As she winked and found her way down the ship to the shore, she waited some distance away to give us time to speak.

"Blast you both are annoying." He said, not meeting our eyes.

"Aye, perhaps. But you're the one making it obvious," Layalia responded.

He then shot her a look and wrapped his arm around her neck. He started rubbing his fist against the top of her head as they dabbled in playful banter.

Then my eyes caught a familiar face.

Tairan.

He made his way down.

We exchanged smiles.

A pat suddenly tapped my head.

It was Rycan, who was looking ahead. He lightly bumped my head with his fist.

It warmed my soul.

I was the same age as Layalia and the three of us have grown up together. He too, was like my older brother. I've always enjoyed his rare affection.

"I'll be explorin' a bit Captain. I'll be sure to keep watch for anything important."

"Aye Rycan, thank you."

He smiled and walked with Kivala, making their way along with the others toward the hills, where the town of Greivaderchi lay beyond.

"Captain," Tairan started as he was close to me.

Behind him was Kivyein.

"Are you ready to see your father?" I asked.

Layalia and Kivyein shifted focus to him as well.