Aboard the DreamCatcher

Archive Three







Aarin's dreams had been strange. He had dreamed of his grandmother, hearing her voice in his head, telling him things; important things. But as he woke, he realized he couldn't remember them anymore. All he knew was that she had told him something crucial about her sword. Something about the slots on the blade. He sat up, his eyes instantly finding the sword leaning against the wall beside where Sein was asleep in the chair. Part of him wondered if the dreams had been simply that, or if maybe his grandmother had found a way to contact him to help him. He hoped for the latter. He pulled himself out of the cot and shuffled into his boots, leaving his weapons belt, cloak and vest at the food of his bed with his bags, but as he headed for the door, he paused. He looked back at his satchel and remembered the two books he'd brought along. He grabbed one out, just taking a moment to look at it, and he was caught off-guard with the title.

Enchanted Weapons in History

He hadn't recalled reading their titles when he'd grabbed them, but he knew for a fact that he hadn't read this book before. He wasn't entirely sure how this book came to be in his bag, but he had a feeling it would be worth the read. He tucked it under his arm, silently moved to grab his sword, then headed out of the room after draping a blanket over Sein's snoozing form. He instantly headed out onto the deck and into the open air, his sword properly sheathed at his side now. He moved to a spot on the ship where the deck hands wouldn't be able to see him too much, and leaned against the port side railing, opening the book to inspect it. But when he opened it, he found the pages inside to be completely and rather spotlessly a blaring white. He blinked, thumbing through them all quickly, but they really were all blank. He closed the book again with a defeated sigh, his blue eyes inspecting the deep green, leather binding. It was embellished with swirling shapes and animals. The top left corner looked like a horse on its hind legs, while the opposite corner looked like a lion made entirely of knots. The bottom corners were a hound and a crane. The title was centered and painted gold, standing off the page like fire, and beneath it were two initials: R.T. He inspected the initials closely, leaning in with a squint. He felt clueless. His fingers brushed something on the backside of the book's binding, and he turned it over, finding a small symbol engraved in the leather. It was a strange-looking mark... Sort of a cone shape on the bottom, with a semi-round top, and a few scritches and knicks on the inside of the shape, perhaps to identify a landscape of some sort. He wasn't sure what it meant, but he felt like it was important.

Aveda stood on the plank of the ship, her hands bound tightly behind her back as she stared out at the sky around the ship. "Walk and Jump!" She turned her head slightly at Hook's words then gave a small nervous nod. If this is what she had to do to become a pirate then she would do it. Taking small tentative steps forward, she paused at the edge of the plank and took a deep steadying breath. As she stepped forwards she glanced back at her brother and her eyes widened in shock when she spotted Odi behind him, a small smirk on her face as she cradled a baby in her arm. The sprite raised her free hand and gave a small farewell wave before resting it on Hook's arm and watching as Aveda tumbled downwards out of sight, her eyes clamped shut now in fear. The air rushed past Aveda until suddenly it stopped and after a dazed moment she opened her eyes to find herself lying in a strange forest, her hands now untied. Slowly she got to her feet, looking round in confusion until she caught sight of a faint blue glow in the distance. Cautiously she made her way through the trees then froze when she found what was glowing. Aarin was immobilised in blue crystal, his grandmothers sword raised over his head as if to strike an invisible foe. Running to the crystal, Aveda began pounding her fists against it, trying to free the prince before quickly stopping when a eerie cackle began to echo through the trees and a dark mist began to seep in round her feet. She gulped lightly then turned, suddenly coming face to face with Reise, an evil grin on his face. His hands shot out and grabbed her wrists tightly and no matter how much she struggled, he held on firmly. "Join me!" He hissed then cackled again as darkness began to spread from his fingers down into her skin, causing her to scream in fear.

Aveda sat up with a lurch, a high pitched scream still ringing from her mouth. She quickly stopped when she realised she was still safe in bed. It was just a bad dream. She told herself, though her heart was still racing in panic. Glancing over at her brother's sleeping form, she hoped she hadn't disturbed him. Wiping the sweat from her brow she collapsed back down into her pillows, groaning lightly as her head began to throb painfully. This is what I get for drinking too much..headaches and bad dreams. Finally she rolled from the bed and moved to the small pitcher of water and after draining a glass herself, poured one and carried it to Hook and carefully set it down next to him before making sure he was still covered with his blanket. "I need air.." She grumbled lightly then stumbled from the room still barefoot, not caring of her tousled messy hair and wrinkled untidy shirt. She moved slowly down the steps onto the deck, gulping back fresh air to try and clear her head and rid herself of the memories of her dream. Spotting Aarin she moved to where he stood then leaned her hands on the railings, looking out at the surrounding clouds. "Morning.." She said to him after yawning lightly. "Did you sleep well?"

Aarin had been so lost in his thoughts, swallowed by concentration, that he hadn't noticed Aveda approach, and her voice startled him enough to jump. He breathed loudly with his jolt but relaxed when he saw it was only Aveda. "Me? Oh... I suppose I did." he said softly, glancing around to make sure no one on the ship was laughing about how easily he'd been taken by surprise. "I heard my grandmother's voice all night long... but I can no longer remember what she'd said." he frowned. He looked down at his sword, then at the book in his hand. "I also found this in my satchel. I don't remember our royal library ever having a book with this title or content."

At his words, Aveda finally turned to look at him, running a hand through her hair before looking down at the book in his hands. "Well, how did you come to possess it then?" She asked curiously as she reached out and touched a finger to the book's cover before looking back up at Aarin. "Maybe your grandmother had something to do with it? Could that be possible?"

Aarin honestly didn't know. He shook his head with a concentrated scowl. "No, she couldn't have. My grandmother was encased in the crystal when I'd packed my bag. I grabbed two books from my nightstand in my room. They had been my favorite novels, but when I looked this morning, one of them was replaced with this." he explained, perplexed. He pointed out the two cursive initials in gold at the center bottom of the book and held it up for her to see. "R.T. And look." He then flipped through the pages slowly so she could see that they were all completely blank. "Who would go to all of the trouble to make a book like this, with such a fine leather binding, just to leave the pages blank?" He closed the book again and brought it down in front of himself, studying it again. "I cannot shake the impression that it has something to do with my grandmother's sword, however. I think we're meant to find this author."

Aveda watched as he pointed out the various things then groaned when her head gave another dull throb. "Thats a lot of information to take in so early in the morning." She commented as she rubbed her temples. "How are we meant to find out who this RT is? It could be absolutely anyone Aarin." She leaned against the railing again, watching him with tired eyes.

Aarin looked at her, opening his mouth to retort, but his words fell flat when he truly saw her appearance. "Aveda, are you alright? You don't look very well." he whispered, reaching a hand to rub her back in slow circles. "Did you drink too much last night? Are you sick? You should sit."

"I was okay with the ale..but the whiskey doesn't seem to have agreed with me." Aveda replied with a weak smile before hiccuping suddenly. She clapped a hand over her mouth in embarrassment. "S-sorry.." She said quickly. "I'll be fine..it'll pass." She was suddenly very self conscious of Aarin seeing her in this disheveled state. She tried to shrug off his hand on her back as she tried to quickly straighten her wrinkled shirt.

Aarin wasn't sure he liked the idea that she had been drinking so much. He frowned at her disapprovingly, then grabbed her arm and pulled her to a set of crates, pushing her to sit on one. "Just rest," he ordered firmly, then added, "What was wrong with your brother last night, anyway? He seemed very upset."

"Don't look at me like that." Aveda grumbled when Aarin frowned at her disapprovingly then allowed him to steer her to the crates. When he asked what was wrong with Hook she shook her head. "Its not my place to say right now..but lets just say that's why I needed the whiskey." She sighed lightly then remembered the agreement she and Hook had come to and she looked up at Aarin nervously. "So... I... we... uh..." She stumbled over her words. "..I-I think we need to talk... about last night, I mean."

Aarin listened to her, frowning in confusion and shaking his head at first, but then he recalled the kiss they'd shared and he seemed to deflate visibly. "Oh... Right." he said softly, moving to sit on a crate beside her. He frowned down at the ground, waiting for her to reject him, to tell him she didn't like him that way. They had both been under the influence, he supposed. Perhaps it hadn't have been a good idea. He fiddled with the book in his lap, just waiting for all of these things to come out of her mouth. "You didn't like it." he assumed aloud.

"W-what? No! I-I mean yes! I mean..ugh..just let me speak would you." Aveda responded looking flustered. She bit her lip as she wrung her hands nervously then looked back at Aarin. "This is all new to me you know..I was raised by my brother and when he left I was on my own with no other company. So k-kissing and..and dancing aren't things i'm really accustomed to. But with that said.." She paused nervously, as if wondering if she should continue before taking a small steadying breath. "I liked it." Her voice had dropped considerably until it was barely a whisper and her cheeks were blazing red.

It was Aarin's turn to look flustered. He blushed, his eyes finding hers and he whispered out, "R-really?" He gulped, then he gave her a soft smile and leaned in closer to her. "I liked it too." He watched her, then planted a soft and subtle kiss on her cheek.

Aveda touched a hand to the cheek he had kissed then turned to look at him with a small smile before suddenly shoving him lightly with a chuckle. "I don't even understand what's going on.." She said then gingerly reached a hand out and placed it over his. "My brother told me I should speak with you..he knows this isn't really my area of expertise. So I guess that means he doesn't totally dislike you." She smiled jokingly at him before suddenly thinking of something. "Speaking of my brother, I should probably go wake him..he has his own business to deal with." She pushed herself up to stand releasing her grip on his hand and moved to leave but paused and turned back to him, pecking a light kiss on his cheek. "I'll be right back." She told him then hurried off back to Hook's quarters. "Titus! Time to wake up!" She called as she pulled the curtain aside and stepped into his room.

Hook jumped, blinking and sitting up with a groan, "Could you be any louder?" he asked, holding his head. "I cant sit up, it hurts" he whimpered, laying down again and curling up with a shiver, pulling the blanket over his head. He didnt do well with hangovers.

"Could I be louder? Why yes I think I could." Aveda replied with a happy grin then began singing loudly as she moved through the room, pulling the curtains back from the windows, allowing sunlight to spill in. Finally she moved back to Hook and lifted the glass of water she had poured for him earlier, then carefully peeled back the blanket from his head and offered him the glass. "Drink."

"Uugh shut up!" Hook moaned as he sat up, "Now I remember how annoying you are in the morning" he said greenly, taking the glass. He gulped it dow, closing his eyes and setting it aside, "I feel like death. My mouth tastes like dog vomit" he gulped, shakily standing and pulling the clothes he slept in off, standing in his underwear in a slump, "I cant move! Moving hurts"

Aveda chuckled as Hook grumbled about how annoying she was in the morning then turned and moved to gather some fresh clothing for him. "Stop being such a baby Titus." She told him with a small smile as she turned back to him holding a fresh shirt and trousers to him. "Now get dressed, you have a big day ahead of you."

Hook stuck his tongue out at her childishly. He took the shirt and slipped it on before he pulled his trousers on afterwards. He stood up again, closing his eyes and tilting his head back, "Will you button it? Im too hungover to fumble with it with one hand" he pouted.

Aveda tilted her head slightly then shook it with a chuckle. "How have you survived this long without me?" She asked then began to carefully button up his shirt. "Have you thought about what you are going to say to Odi yet?" Her voice was quiet as she leaned up to fix his collar.

Hook cleared his throat a little and shook his head, "No, not yet." he frowned, shrugging. Now that he was sober, it was a lot harder to talk about t and stay strong. He didnt like showing weakness, especially in front of Aveda, "Im sure I will figure it out...if she even will see me"

"She has to. She can't tell you something like that then refuse to talk to you about it." Aveda frowned unhappily then looked up at her brother. "Do you want me to go speak with her first, find out exactly what she is thinking? I could do with seeing if she will give me some more fresh clothing anyway." She knew that the chances of her and Odi sitting down and having a heart to heart was slim but if it would put Hook's mind at ease even a little then she would try.

Hook let out a long sigh, a little colour coming to his face again, "You would do that?" he asked, moving to hug her, "Thank you. I just...I need an hour or so to have breakfast and think what im gunneh say." he sighed, kissing her cheek and rocking her, "you are perfect"

"You're my brother and i'll do whatever I can to help you.." Aveda replied as she hugged him tightly before leaning back to look up at him with a small smirk. "But if you haven't seen me after an hour you better come look for me. She might have pushed me overboard if I make her angry." She chuckled lightly. "Now since you're going to get some breakfast maybe you could ask Aarin to join you? Discuss whats going to happen when we get to Layfette?" She asked stepping back from him.

Hook groaned, slumping his shoulders and watching her. He smiled then, shrugging, "Fine, but if he starts telling me the details of what you hand him get up to, i might have to throw him over after you" he winked, shooing her with his hands, "I will get him fed"

Aveda rolled her eyes then moved to the door but paused and looked back at Hook. "Just be nice to him okay..and please don't scare him!" She warned him then smiled one last time. "I'll be back as soon as I can, try not to worry about Odi." With that said she hurried from the room, still looking slightly disheveled and barefoot. She ran down the steps then scurried to where she had left Aarin. "I have a few things I need to do..so I asked my brother to have breakfast with you." She told him not sure how he would take that news. "I'll join you as soon as I can." She kissed his cheek quickly then stepped back. "He'll be out soon. Have fun!" She grinned then turned and ran across the deck, causing the ships crew to jump out of her way so as to stop them colliding. She ran down the steps to the crew quarters then skid to a halt outside Odi's room. Taking a deep breath she knocked the door loudly then waited for her to answer. This might have not been the best idea..

There was a small sigh from inside, along with the sound of the kettle whistle blowing loudly from the stovetop. It seemed Odi had been awake for a while. Well... Hook had said he would come see her at Sunrise, and she'd been awake since then, waiting. She moved to the door and pulled it open, seeming ready to say something, but stopped when she saw it was only Aveda, and she clamped her mouth shut into a thin line of disappointment. She clutched a fine, silk robe that was the color of blue sapphire and lined with silver thread around her shoulders. It was a short robe, the sleeves only going to her elbows and the bottoms only reaching to mid-thigh. "What can I do for you?" she asked boredly. She looked tired... Her eyes were sunken in and darkened, like she'd had trouble sleeping, or perhaps had been crying the night before. "I'm expecting someone." she said, a hint to make the visit fast.

"Yeah... but he wanted me to come and see you first." Aveda replied as she folded her arms over her chest. "I didn't come to argue, I just want to talk and hopefully borrow some more clothes. So are you going to invite me in? I doubt you want this discussed on your doorstep." She finished as she continued to watch Odi calmly.

Odi blinked. At first, she felt anger that Hook had told Aveda, but then she realized that her anger was unjustified. Not only had she neglected to voice that he shouldn't tell anyone, she had no right to ask him not too. Plus, Aveda was his sister... She would have been crazy to think he wouldn't have told her. She sighed heavily, rubbing her eyes, then stepping aside to let her in. "My clothes are in the chest there. Pick something out." she grumbled, pointing to the chest at the end of her bed. "Would you like some tea?" she asked, heading to her stove to retrieve the kettle from the burner. The back of her sapphire blue robe was a large, silver, embroidered dragon. This robe had definitely come from another region.

"Yes..thank you." Aveda replied to the offer of tea after she had followed Odi into the room and shut the door tightly. She glanced at the chest the sprite had pointed to and decided she would rummage through it afterwards, they needed to talk first. "He only told me because I asked. We know each other well enough to know when there's something wrong so I knew something was bothering him." She moved to sit down, clasping her hands in front of her as she watched Odi. "It came as a bit of a shock i'll admit. I wasn't even aware you two were even in a relationship. I guess I might have been a little nicer to you if I had so I apologise. I honestly thought you were really trying to hurt my brother." She said looking a little awkward. "He's a little overwhelmed by your news.."

Odi shook her head solemnly. "I have saved your brother's life countless times, I have told you this. And he has saved mine. But we are not in a relationship. What we have is pleasant chemistry... not a romance." she said, her tone seeming saddened by this. "We cannot afford to have emotions for someone else. If one of them dies, it causes the other to be unable to think or act clearly. Your brother is the captain and his thoughts cannot afford to be clouded by silly emotions." She sighed. "And neither can mine, since I give this ship its driving force." She brought the two freshly-mixed cups of tea to the table and sat down opposite Aveda, watching her closely. "Naturally, he would be upset. It turns his entire world upside down... as it does mine."

Aveda listened carefully then slowly lifted her cup and sipped at the sweet tea, allowing herself some time to think. "Titus is worried about the welfare of the child. He does not believe this is a safe environment for a baby and I guess he is right..but i'm sure that something could be worked out." She took another small sip of tea then looked at Odi. "If you had your way..what would you do?"

Odi looked at Aveda, then down into her cup, seeming to think about it seriously. "If I had my way, this wouldn't have happened. Things were going smoothly between Titus and me... We may not be in love, but dammit, we had something. Now it's ruined. Either I get rid of it and have to live with that regret for the rest of my life, or I keep it and leave the ship." she sighed heavily, running both of her hands over her smooth scalp, bowing her head. She felt so stressed... so hopeless. "The DreamCatcher is all I've known for almost a decade. I don't want anything else." Her voice started to sound tight, distraught, like she was about to cry. "And Titus... I couldn't live without him."

Aveda's eyes widened slightly at the obvious signs of distress that Odi was showing and she quickly set her cup down so she could talk. "Maybe there is something I could do?" She asked though wasn't sure what that could be. "I mean its obvious you don't want to get rid of the child but you don't want to leave the ship. And if I know my brother, even though he might not voice it, I know he would not want to see you go either. So if I could help..I would want to. I want nothing more than Titus to be happy."

Odi lifted her head and looked at Aveda, and it was suddenly clear that she was crying. Down either sides of her face, running smooth lines over her cheeks, were tears. Her big brown eyes watched Aveda innocently for a moment, then they seemed to harden and she sat up, frowning at Aveda. "This isn't your issue. I don't know why I'm even speaking to you about this. This is between Titus and me... whenever he gets here." she mumbled angrily, staring down into her tea. "He said he would be here at sunrise, but I suspect he drank too much and slept too late." She stood up and sighed, moving to pour herself more tea. "Typical Titus."

"He's having breakfast with Aarin, he'll be here afterwards." Aveda replied as she watched the other woman. "We sat up talking and drinking last night so I should apologise for playing my part in his lateness. But I assure you he will be here, i'll make sure of it." She finished off the last of her tea then set her cup down. "Everything will work out for the best..it always does. So you mustn't worry yourself." It felt strange being so nice to the woman who had only less than 24hours before threatened her but she knew the sprite was upset and Aveda couldn't bring herself to carry on being rude. She stood up and finally moved to the chest of clothes and slowly began rummaging through it. She paused, holding her usual style of shirt and trousers in one hand and one of Odi's dresses in the other, biting her lip nervously as she contemplated which she should wear.

Odi looked at Aveda as she seemed trapped in her decision, then Odi said softly, "You should take them both." She watched her. "That dress will fit you... and I'm sure the young prince would like to see you in something other than dirty leather and belts at some point." She took her new cup of tea back to the table and sat down, sipping at it and sort of just staring off.

"I think I would look ridiculous really because I've never worn a dress before. I've kinda always just been one of the boys." Aveda replied with a frown but decided to do as Odi had said and took both the dress and the shirt and trousers. She straightened up then turned to look at the sprite. "Do you want me to leave you alone?"

Odi didn't look at Aveda again. She just sort of slumped in her chair, tears flooding her eyes and down her cheeks again. "Yes, please." she sniffled, swallowing hard around the trapped sobs in her throat. Her hands were limp in her lap and her shoulders slumped in defeat. She felt rather numb.

Aveda gaped in shock at how upset Odi was then slowly she set the bundle of clothes down and moved to her side. Cautiously she knelt down and after watching the sprite a moment slowly reached forward and wrapped her arms round her, hoping to comfort her. "Its going to be okay.." She said in a soothing tone. "I can go fetch Titus now if you want to talk. He can eat later. You shouldn't be left like this."

Odi allowed Aveda to hug her, and though she got some comfort from the embrace, she didn't hug her back. She just sat, staring down into her tea as her tears rolled down her cheeks. "Please do," she whispered tightly, "I need to see him."

"O-okay..i'll go get him." Aveda replied then finally released her grip on Odi and stood up. "It'll be okay." She told the sprite again then turned and grabbed the clothes before running from the room and sprinting up towards the kitchen.

---

Hook sighed as he watched himself in the mirror, running his fingers through his hair and finished getting dressed before he walked out of his room and through his office. He locked the door, walking down the steps and then onto the deck, giving the prince a small nudge as he walked passed him, "Come on then, breakfast is waiting"

Aarin, after having been left to himself when Aveda apparently had errands to tend to, had merely sat waiting on the crates where she'd left him, the book still in his hands. Hook's nudge had caught him off-guard, and he blinked after him before stumbling to his feet, tucking the book back under his arm. "O-okay." he said. He wasn't sure how to feel about having breakfast with Aveda's older, hook-handed, pirate captain brother. He followed him anyway, though, keeping his head down and a hand on his grandmother's sword.

Hook walked along the deck and down the steps without checking if he was following. He opened the door to the kitchens and stepped inside, walking to the table and lifting a wooden plate where he served himself some scrambled eggs and a few warmed rolls, "Pick your poison" he said,assuming he was there behind him and then shifted to a table and chair, slumping down.

Aarin watched him, then decided on a plate of eggs, a roll and some fruit. He sat opposite Hook and glanced at him as he set the book down on the table and proceeded to pick at his eggs. He cleared his throat a little, looking at the book. "Captain, I found this book in my satchel this morning. Could you take a look at it?" he asked, passing his blank volume of Enchanted Weapons in History over to him. He wasn't sure what else to talk about right now, and this book was the most pressing thing on his mind.

"You found it as in it was not there before?" Hook asked as he took a bite of his buttered roll and then lifted it and studied the cover before he opened it, blinking when he realized that the pages were all blank, "Is this a joke?" he asked, looking up at him,"Is it wrote in invisible ink or UV ink or something?"

Aarin shook his head. "I don't know. It wasn't one of the books I grabbed from my nightstand before we left my castle. I've never read a book like this before." he said seriously. "But the initials say R.T., and look at this symbol on the back.." he said, turning the book over for him and pointing at the cone-and-dome-shaped symbol on the back. "Does it look familiar to you?"

"Hm. Perhaps." Hook mumbled as he studied it, "I study enchanted weapons and items and symbols like this. I mean, you have seen my office, havnt you?" he smirked, "If you will let me keep it for a day or so, I will look through my books and see what I can find out" he shrugged.

Aarin gulped. Let go of the book? He wasn't sure he liked that idea. He took it back a moment, studying it, then pushed it back across the table to Hook. "I would appreciate that. Thank you." he said, but his hands were itching. He wanted to study that book for himself, too. He wanted to know where it came from, and why he had it. Who was R.T.? There were so many questions. He went back to picking at his food a bit more before he took a bite.

Aveda ran quickly across the deck then skidded when she came to the stairs down to the kitchen. She bounded down then two at a time then hurried over to where Hook and Aarin sat. She panted heavily trying to catch her breath as she pointed at her brother then towards the stairs. "O-Odi...go..now." She said breathlessly, the clothes still clutched in her arms. "She's upset..be nice!"

Hooks mouth dropped open a little, looking slightly worried and confused. He stood then, taking the book from the table and looking to Aarin, "I will keep it safe, and I wont have it long, I promise" he nodded before he leaned to kiss his sisters cheek and walked out of the kitchens and up onto he deck.
He took his time getting to Odi's chambers, pacing outside the door alittle before he sighed and knocked gently, "Odi?

Odi looked up from her tea only when she heard Hook's voice. She stood, gliding to the door and opened it, her cheeks still darkened with tear streaks. She looked up at him, frowned, then stepped back and moved to sit back down at her table behind her teacup. She sniffed, wiping at her face. "I'm glad you finally decided to come."

Hook sighed as he watched her sit down. He stepped in, closing the door and then walked to her, kneeling in front of her. He frowned up at her before he moved to cup her face and kiss each of her cheeks, "I'm sorry, Odi. I didn't ever mean to upset you." he sighed, reaching to take her hands.

Odi gulped, then slowly pulled her hands from his. "Titus, do not pretend like you care for me," she choked, "I just need to know what you want me to do. You are my captain, and I will listen to your orders." She then reached up to wrap her hands around her teacup. "I have the herbs in this cup that will end all of this. Just tell me what to do."

Hook frowned at her, looking a little angry but he gulped it down, "Don't be stupid. Odi, you know I care for you. I wouldn't be here if I didn't, would I?" he asked, not moving from where he was kneeling, "I can't tell you what to do, Odi. I am not going to order you to do anything. This is your body and your decision, I won't force you to pick something you don't want. I want you to choose what it is your heart wants, and tell me so I know what to plan for, or not to plan at all."

Odi sniffed, her lower lip starting to tremble, then she turned to look at him, pulling her hands from around her teacup. "I want it." she said firmly, watching him with her hardened, brown eyes. "I want this, Titus. I've always wanted this. I've hidden it from you for so long, but I... I cannot live without you and this ship, Titus, I cannot. I am nothing without you. You and the DreamCatcher are all I have... all I've had. P-please, don't make me leave the ship... please don't leave me alone." She gripped his hands tightly and melted into sobs, watching him pleadingly.

"You think Id make you leave?" Hook asked, tilting his head and moving to pull her into his lap, sitting with her. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the crown of her head and rubbing her back, "I would never make you leave, Odi. Not for something like this." he said, sighing a little and closing his eyes, "Then your decision is made. Hm? Thats that" he nodded. He was scared now. It was a strange feeling, he never got scared. Nervous? Yes Apprehensive? Yes, but scared? Never. "I just hope I can keep it safe, thats all. This ship is constantly under some form of attack, there are people out there would would love nothing more than to hurt it, or you, or my sister to get at me. And it would...It would get to me" he sighed, still rocking her, "Maybe I can create a servitor. I'm sure I can find something in my collection to make something that could be its guardian or something" he gulped, his face going pale again.

Odi curled into him on his lap, hiding her face against his chest and trembling all over. She had never felt so safe as when she was in his arms. She gripped to him and sniffed thickly, turning her head to look up at him. "Titus... Are you sure...?" she whispered, gripping his hand and watching his face. "This changes everything. Nothing will be the same, Titus."

"I know" Hook sighed, rubbing her hand and looking down at her, "But we dont have much of a choice. I am not saying I am going to be any good at this, or that I can always keep you both safe, but I will try. With my life I will try" he nodded, biting his lip a little, "I dunno how to..to be..A-a Father, Odi. I never really had one to learn from. I..I raised Aveda, but I guess its not quite the same. I dont know what to do.."

"And you think I do?" Odi asked, tilting her head. "This is something we'll have to learn and go along as best we can... together." She reached up and stroked his cheeks, but she didn't kiss him yet. She wanted to, but she didn't. "I'm not asking for a wedding or anything... I just want you to promise that you'll try."

"Of course I will try. You know I will." Hook nodded, looking around her room, "How the hell are we gunneh baby proof a pirate ship?" he blinked, giving her a small tired smile, "Come on, I need to finish breakfast before we leave and you need to eat something. I will wait on you till you are ready" he nodded.

Odi watched his face, studying him, then nodded and pulled away. She stood up from his lap and moved to her chest to change her clothes, pulling some stuff on, then pulling out her paints to do her face. She'd have to do something that would help hide how puffy her eyes were. "You can go. I will find you." she said softly.

"Nope" Hook said, standing and sitting on the other chair, putting his feet up on the one Odi had been sitting on, "I am going nowhere.I told you, I need to keep it safe, and it right now is you so im staying here" he nodded, looking to the cup she had sitting on the table, "Is that really full of stuff to kill it with?"

Odi glanced over her shoulder slightly, her face once again its normal passiveness, her makeup brush poised in front of her face. "Yes." she said seriously. "Please pour it out..? I won't have any need for it now." She went back to painting her face with the golden yellow and peacock blue paints.

Hook watched it before he nodded, reaching to grab it and pour it into the little sink behind him, setting it in the bucket to be washed, "Odi? I know you know that I told my sister..and Its fine if you wish to tell yours, but as for the crew, or anyone else. Id like to keep this quiet for a little longer, if that is okay? Just until we know everything is alright and we have things planned"

Odi finished up painting her face and skull, then turned back to him after she'd put her paints away. She moved to him in her clean, form-fitting dress, and nodded at him. "Yes, captain." she whispered. She slid her hand into his, squeezing it, and wrapping her other one around his hook. "Thank you, Titus." she said seriously.

"What for?" Hook asked, slowly standing and rubbing her hand with his thumb, "From where I am standing, I've done nothing but hurt you for the passed twelve hours. I never meant to. I just needed time" he nodded. He leaned in to gently kiss her, being careful of her paint before he stood up again, giving her a small smile, "Just promise me you will be careful now. All this fighting and stuff that we do.. I'm not saying don't do it, but I want you to do a little less.."

Odi let her lips tingle, admiring the feel of where his lips had just been, and she opened her eyes slowly to look up at him. "Yes, captain." she said again softly, then stepped back from him and let him go, heading for her door and opening it, allowing him out first.

---

Aveda collapsed into the chair next to Aarin and quickly poured herself a glass of water. "What a mess.." She muttered with a sigh then glanced over at Aarin and smiled weakly. After a moments thought she finally leaned over and whispered carefully in his ear. "Odi is pregnant. My brother is the father.." She figured there was no harm in telling him, not now that he knew Odi was upset for some reason. "You mustn't tell anyone though." She sat back and took a gulp of water, her eyes remaining on the prince.

Aarin was agape. He blushed deeply, then blinked and breathed out a sigh of, "Wow." He suddenly felt bad for them. They both lived the risky live of pirates, on a flying ship hundreds of miles above the ground. They robbed, and killed, and went on adventures and escapades that were dangerous for even a healthy, full-grown man. There was no way a child would be happy on this ship. He frowned down at his food, taking another modest bite, then looked at Aveda. "What do you think they'll do?"

"I'm not sure." Aveda replied with a sad shrug. "I mean..I think Odi would like to keep the child and deep down i'm sure so does my brother but they both agree that the ship isn't a suitable environment to bring up a child. I don't think Odi can bear to leave the ship herself to raise the child on land. Its very complicated." She kept her voice low so as to stop anyone overhearing them. "I asked if there was anything I could do but Odi said there wasn't." She sighed lightly then picked up one of the rolls Hook had left on his plate. "Maybe I could use my wish to help them."

Aarin frowned a little. "You shouldn't have to use your wish to help them. For crying out loud, Hook is the captain of this ship. Shouldn't he be able to just magically make everything alright?" he asked with a frown. "He can grant everyone's wishes who works on this ship, why couldn't he grant his own?"

"Aarin! He's my brother, if I wished to use my wish to help him then I would. I'm not sure if you've noticed this..but I tend to put peoples needs before my own." Aveda replied with a small smile. "Some people might think its a curse but I just like to help, thats all. I mean..if there was something I could offer your uncle in exchange for your and your family's safety, I would give it to him immediately." She finished then took a small bite of the roll.

Aarin gave a small frown of guilt, then sighed and nodded. "I know you would." he said with a weak smile and moved to hold her hand lightly. "You're a good person, Aveda." He blushed a little and pulled his hand back slowly, going back to eating his food.

Aveda smiled at Aarin and without a word reached out her hand and wrapped it round the one he had placed over hers moments before. "I guess I better start thinking of what I actually want as my wish, before my brother decides i've taken to long and won't let me have it." She joked with a chuckle. "What would you wish for?"

Aarin looked at her, giving a crooked smile of his own as he gave her hand a squeeze. "I've already used my wish, remember? To set my parents free." he said softly. He shrugged and thought about it a moment. "I honestly wouldn't know what else to wish for if I were you. Your brother made a wish to keep you both alive for as long as he works on the ship, right? So you've already got that going for you."

"So if my brother stays on this ship forever i'll always be sixteen..thats of course if I don't ask him to remove it. He says he could do that if I wanted." Aveda replied then glanced at Aarin with a small smile. "What age do you really think I am Aarin?"

Aarin seemed to study her, considering it, then said rather quickly, "Around twenty-four or twenty-five." he shrugged. "You said you've been sixteen for eight years? The same eight years that your brother had been missing? You were sixteen when he went missing." he said, checking the math again in his head then giving a nod. "Yeah. I'd say twenty-four. But it also depends on what month you were born in."

"Very good..I have to say you're quite smart for a prince." Aveda joked with a grin before taking another drink of water. "I should go and get dressed. I'm sure it won't be long before we're in Layfette and I don't want to hold everyone back. Are you going to wait here or will I meet you up on deck?"

Aarin smiled at her, glancing at the clothes she'd brought in with her and then seeming to notice that one of them was a dress. He grabbed it and held it up to look at it a little more closely. It was a lovely green shade. He smiled and looked at her. "I would love to see you wear this."

Aveda blushed and quickly grabbed the dress back. "I-i'm not sure." She said looking embarrassed before taking a step back. "Finish your breakfast..i'll return when i'm ready." She then turned and hurried from the kitchen and back to Hook's quarters. She laid the dress out on the bed along with the shirt and trousers she had selected and stood staring at them nervously trying to make up her mind which one she should wear. Finally with a deep breath she peeled off her old clothes and grabbed the dress and quickly slipped it on. Grimacing slightly at her reflection in the mirror she readjusted the thin straps uncomfortably then moved to pull on her heavy brown leather boots, having no other footwear to wear. Everyone is going to laugh at me.. She thought with a frown as she buckled her brown leather belt round her waist then moved back to the mirror to inspect herself one last time. After running her fingers through her hair she turned and moved back out from the room, heading back to the kitchen where she had left Aarin. Creeping down the stairs she moved to their table and after taking a small breath slid back into her seat. "I hope we don't run into any trouble when we get to Layfette." She said conversationally so as not to draw attention to herself.

Aarin, however, had very easily noticed her change of clothes. He smiled brightly at her, taking her in. Even with the boots and weapons belt, she still looked very pretty. He reached out and took both of her hands, watching her face. "You look amazing." he whispered, his blue eyes seeking her miscolored ones out. "Absolutely stunning."

"You're just saying that so I don't hit you." Aveda joked as she looked at him with a light smile. "I feel stupid and i'm pretty sure my brother will find this very amusing." She chuckled lightly then looked back down at the table top in embarrassment. "Lets stop talking about me now. We should finish eating and then get ready to go. Who knows whats going to greet us when we land."



Back to:
Neverbeen
Neverbeen: Archives
Neverbeen: Roleplays