Fantasy Kiss of the Sea (Closed)

[Draco]

Blue glanced over from within the tank as Alec came into the room. He watched Alec take the steps up to the deck, where he glided up to surface to hear his words. Those words were a good sign, the spell was most likely working. Of course, Blue made quick work to hoist himself to the deck by Alec's feet with a flick of his tail. He lifted his arms towards the human like a child waiting to be carried, "Can't keep her waiting." He said, allowing Alec's arms to wrap about him, one across his back, the other under the curve of his tail. Alec was quite a strong man, Blue noted as his hand moved to rest on Alec's strong arm (of course, he copped a feel to Alec's muscles. mm.. yummy)

Once outside of the room and onto the upper decks, he was hit by a wave of fresh salty air. Oh gods, that air smelled so good, it felt so good in comparison to the stale air in the room he was trapped in. He took in a long deep breath, the first breath of fresh air in many weeks. A cool breeze sent a chill down his damp body, it felt wonderful! He did his best to contain his excitement, just being outside alone did wonders to to elevate his mood. The view of the beautiful blue ocean with the full moon glittering upon the waves further escalated his spirits. It was so close, he could practically touch it.

Settle down, Blue. Calm yourself.. don't get too eager, don't raise suspicions. He had to bite the inside of his cheeks to keep his grin at bay, those sharp canines causing a tiny tear to his inner cheek. He had high hopes that his siren song indeed worked, giving a little squirm in Alec's arms, his grip on his biceps tightening, trying hard not to push out of Alec's hold to get to the water.

Alerys stepped out to the deck. She saw Blue in Alec's arms. She was confused as to why she was called out here- she herself was prepping for bed. She moved towards Isolde to assist with whatever was required of her- was there going to be a lesson for Blue? Did something happen? Oh don't let it be any more punishments! She had no idea of Blue's siren song, Blue did not even whisper a hint of his plans to her, left in the dark just like Alec. "What's going on?"

The merman had to force his longing gaze from the ocean, his home, over to Isolde when she came into view. It was just the four of them on deck, it appears all other men were below or busy minding the ship. He said nothing, not wanting to risk breaking the spell of the song. Instead, he waited with anticipation to what she will do. Will she follow through his silent orders?

 

[mon]

The question went unanswered, not ignored, but almost seeming as though it never reached the blonde leader standing a few meters away. Her gaze was faraway, lacking the usual ambitious and confident glare. Under moonlit beams, her tranquil expression resembled that of fine jade.

With the four of them standing near the edge, Alec awaited further orders, confused and uncertain of what Isolde intended to do. Usually her commands were direct and to the point. This one had him at a loss.

"Alerys," she started with the mermaid first, "You can go."

"Y-your highness?" the mermaid stammered, confused.

"You're free to leave," she said, and there was clear hesitance in the mermaid's actions. Was this some sort of test? Is this a new form of punishment? Isolde didn't look like she was angry or contemptuous, and as tempting as it was for Alerys to leave, there were still too many responsibilities left behind for her. What would happen to Blue if she did? For better or worse, the naive but loyal mermaid chose to stay. Whether the mermaid left or not was no longer Isolde's concerns. She had carried out her first task under trance. Now she had to fulfill the second.

To Alec she said, "Drop him."

"On the deck?" Alec asked, surprised.

Isolde shook her head. A finger pointed out to sea.

"Release him," the words quivered from parted lips and for a brief second, something flickered but only momentarily: a quick streak of disturbance which gave way back to calm.

At this, Alec was suspicious and began to argue. Even Alerys was finding Isolde's behavior strange, but she did not have the courage to bring it up like Alec did.

"Captain! Are you sure about this?" Alec asked, voice in conflict. He had always secretly wanted to get rid of the merman, believing that his influence on Isolde was growing far too much, but he was also a man who placed his master's wishes above his own. Alec had been with the blonde before she had even took up the Calypso, and thus grew to know her desires before they are even spoken. This command seemed very unlike her, making him doubt.

Isolde didn't respond, staring instead into the seas in Blue's eyes. Seeing how she wasn't going to answer, Alec could only obey with a sigh. "Fine then, if you say so."

With a rough heave, Alec tossed the merman into the ocean, very much like how one would a sack of potatoes on a cart. The moment the mermaid was tossed into the air, like a mirror shattering, the trance was broken in a silent violence. Isolde flinched from the impact. Pain ripped through her head like a streak and she staggered as she watched Blue fall into the ocean.

"No!" she screamed, a sound so violent and strangled in her throat. She ran over to the edge, her hands curling on the railings. "No, no, no, no. No!"

In her face was a melting pot of stark betrayal, regret, anger and fear. Her face was red, eyes bloodshot as she violently grabbed Alec by the collar. Despite being a head shorter than him, she was still intimidating.

"What did you do?"

Alec looked fearful and shocked. His suspicions were confirmed but it was far too late to do anything. With Blue in the ocean, he could be miles away by now.

"I-i was only following your orders, Capt!" Alec spluttered. Isolde gritted her teeth in seething anger, knowing this to be true. Even in her trance, she was still conscious of her actions. The consequences of her actions were only hitting her now.

Seeing the scene unfold, Alerys was able to piece one and one together. Could it be that Blue had a siren's ability? That was the only logical conclusion she could come up with. Knowing her fellow kinsmen, she had witnessed the vow the merman had made to Isolde so she doubted he had intentions of leaving but Isolde and Alec didn't know that. The weight of a merfolk's vow is nothing like a human's. Before she could begin to explain, Isolde had already done something unexpectedly shocking.

Stripping her dark, trench coat and shoes off, she took a few steps back from the railings.

"What are you..." Alec started. His words turning to exclamation when Isolde ran forward, jumping over the railings and neatly diving into the dark, salt waters down below.

"Captain!"

Like Alec, Isolde had no doubt that Blue would've taken this chance to run away. It was the most logical thing to do and she thought with punishing fear that he had been planning this all along. The ocean waves were cold and biting at night. They swallowed her whole upon her descent and tangible darkness was all around her until she broke surface. Her injured shoulder was shrieking with pain, but the adrenaline had her moving, swimming towards the merman's figure.

"Blue!" she cried out, like a hopeful lost child. "Bl--" And then suddenly, her voice was caught, gulped down by salt water and air. A pain shot up her lower right calf as her body descended beneath the waves. Leg cramps were lethal in large bodies of water and Isolde, a strong swimmer at birth, would've found drowning to death a laughable idea. As she struggled to stay afloat-- both her leg and her injured shoulder a hindrance to her survival---she couldn't help but entertain the morbid thought of her death.

This is it, she thought. This was retribution.

 

[Draco]

Blue watched Isolde's every move. He listened to her every word.. excellent, his song had a powerful effect on humans. He was pleased to know he could use it again in the future with humans if he needed to. Everything was going smoothly, until Alerys refused the ocean, choosing to stay loyal to the captain. He blinked, no. He didn't want her to stay, she did not deserve the abuse shes gotten from Isolde. He gave Alerys a pointed nod, gesturing towards the water with his head, but ultimately, it was her decision to stay or go, much to his chagrin.

Even the argument Alec gave Isolde did nothing to break the spell. Watching Isolde, studying her eyes, for a moment he thought the spell was wavering, about to snap. No, Isolde was conscience of what she was saying, of her actions. He was seeing the fire in her eyes, the knowledge that she was fully aware of this. He could see the agony in her eyes, the inner battle to try to win. For that second, Blue almost felt guilty. He could see he was ripping the one thing that she took pride in away from her, the one thing she was obsessed with. Maybe he should... nope, too late. He was thrown into the air, flopping gracelessly like a wet fish before splashing into the ocean.

He gasped at the sudden freezing cold kissing his body as he slipped through the waves. The coldness was quickly forgotten about when he realized he was free. Off the ship and back home. Oh beautiful sea, how you've been missed! He spun, looking in all directions as far as the moonlight would allow. Such a glorious sight to behold! His tail flicked, about to dive down deeper, to stretch out those fins, when he heard a muffled splash.

Glancing up, he saw a body dip into the water. Alerys? Did she decide to join him after all? Moving closer, he did not see a tail form. No, not Alerys. Isolde. What was she doing? Was she insane jumping into the water at this time of the night, when it was oh so cold? Surely humans can't take this temperature, could they? His questions were all answered when he saw her begin to struggle, pulled under the water's surface.

Swishing his fins, he swam upwards towards her. His strong arms snaked around her waist, holding her firmly up against his bare chest as he surfaced them both. Water trickled from his hair, cascading along his features as he peered to her, not letting her go. "You idiot.." he coined the not so endearing term as he's heard her call her men that many times. He wasn't sure if it was an insult or not, but it slipped anyway. "You stay on ship." One arm shed itself from her waist only to let his claws trail along her jaw, making sure she was alright, despite swallowing water and her leg cramp.

He turned his gaze upwards to the ship to see Alerys and Alec peering over the edge. Once Alec saw Isolde was safe, he then went to find something to throw over to bring Isolde up to the ship. A makeshift rope ladder or a live preserver, anything. Looking to Alerys, he spoke up to her in their language It's not too late to jump. Free yourself!

 

[mon]

Under normal circumstances, Isolde would've never given up, fighting for survival until her very last breath. She would rather eat shit than roll over and die like a dog, but in her betrayal and despair, she felt there was nothing to live for.

"If I close my eyes, will all this pain go away?" she wondered and a slow creeping slumber gathered at her arms, whispering temptation into her ears. A terrifying numbness spread and her strength left her exponentially the moment she ceased her struggle. Maybe, it's better this way. She thought about all she went through and all she's done. Of her family, her brothers, of Klaus; the events which took place leading her to the Calypso, her crew and eventually Blue. It was a lot easier to resurface painful memories when the physical body was growing insensate.

But then, something had grabbed her and she broke surface a second time. Her body gasped for air, taking oxygen in gulps as her chest burned and mind swam. Incredibly dizzy, she could only cling on weakly to the only solid thing beneath her. Her eyes were still closed but she could comprehend the words spoken.

"No," she fought in a mumble. The amount of water she swallowed made it hard for her to talk. Her body trembled, kept on the verge of a coughing fit and her brows furrowed, eyes still refusing to open. She didn't want to see what she didn't want to see: the empty ocean and Blue's retreating figure. The thought of it brought a fresh hot sting to the back of her eyes and her cheeks grew wet with something warmer than sea waves.

"No, Alec. We need to find Blue. We need to..." Her words were a delirious mumble and in her pain and confusion, she truly believed that the one supporting her now was Alec. After all, why would Blue save her? She wouldn't have blamed him if he left her to die. She would sooner die than live with another heartbreak.

 

[Draco]

Alerys just shook her head at Blue's suggestion to escape. She had decided she liked it better on two legs, living among the humans. She gave Blue a sad smile in turn.

Blue decided not to argue, it was Alery's choice after all. His focus was on Isolde at the moment after all. He lowered his gaze to Isolde as she spoke, sputtering between her coughs. Alec? No, he was not Alec. Did Isolde not see who he was? No, her eyes were closed. But her words, he had to smile. She did care for him, he was not just a pet to her.. he can see that now, though she may never admit it.

"Isolde." He said quietly, his webbed fingers at her cheeks brushed the water away.. or was it tears? It was hard to tell when her face was already wet. His talons pushed her hair from her face. "I said I won't leave. Calm yourself." He pressed his forehead against hers lightly, a slight nuzzle. His touch did not last long when he looked up to the ship once more. Where was Alec? She needed to get out of the water, she's shivering. He could not warm her up in the water, there was no way he can help her other than keep her afloat.

Then there came a splash as Alec rolled down a rope ladder over the edge of the ship. "Capt! I'm coming down for you, hang on!" Alec hollered down to her, securing the ropes on his end before climbing over to work his way down to the water.

Blue shed his touch her from her cheek to use his hand to guide them towards the ladder, his other arm remaining firm about her waist until he was sure she was secured and safe from drowning. "Go. Get on ship."

 

[mon]

She didn't dare to open her eyes, didn't dare to break the possible delusion she was having. Could she have been so shocked that now she was only hearing what she wanted to hear? It couldn't be Blue who was speaking to her and yet it sounded like him. His voice was clear and melodious, his words accented by his native tongue. She didn't dare to believe it but she clung onto the person beneath her and allowed herself to shudder into soundless sobs in his embrace.

If it was Alec, he would understand.

But then she heard Alec's clear voice, calling from a distance. At this, she finally opened her eyes and to her incredulity, it really was Blue who had saved her! It didn't make sense and she was both confused, relieved and afraid of why he had chose to stay. Without a second thought, she wrapped her arms around his neck and clutched onto him like a lifeline. At his command, she adamantly shook her head in defiance. Her lips were turning blue from the cold but if there was one thing anyone should know, it was that Isolde was a stubborn woman.

No, she wanted to say, but another attempt at talking had her coughing violently into his shoulder. The injury in her own split at the twist of her body, releasing a fresh ooze of blood. It doesn't matter, she thought, as she began to fall slack against the merman. Blue was here. He hadn't left. It doesn't... it doesn't matter.

 

[Draco]

He grunted, more in surprise, when she snaked her arms around him in that tight hug. He shook his head, his hand moving up to pry her arm loose from his neck, "Isolde!" He scolded with a sharp tone in his voice. He pulled back from her embrace, though still holding her afloat. "Out of ocean. Now." If he had to break through her stubbornness with his song, he will do so, though he hoped he would not have to.

Looking to her, feeling the warmth of liquid, he realized her wound from the pike split, the blood trickling into the water. Now he was getting annoyed, evident by a quiet snarl. He was about to say something when she felt her go slack.. did she faint? He peered to her face, appearing peaceful, asleep. He sighed before looking up to Alex as he came down to the last rung of the ladder.

Alec reached down towards Isolde, "Blue, bring her here."

Blue helped hoist Isolde's limp body on Alec's back, allowing him to carry her up to the ship. Once there, Alec whisked her into her cabin. Between himself and Alerys, they got her into dry clothes and tended to the wound at her shoulder. Alec went as far to stitch the wound shut, securing with a bandage. He wanted to take care of that before she wakes and pitches a fit. Once she was taken care of, they tucked her into the bed under the covers and left her alone to sleep.

Alec had left the ladder down and Blue helped himself up to the ship. It was not easy climbing the ladder without legs, but thankfully, he had strong arms to do the work. The hardest part was actually getting over the railing onto the deck, where he ungracefully fell. With Alery's assistance, he dried himself off to where he was able to walk into her chambers with Alec's permission, but not without first putting on pants. These damned clothes.

He quietly moved towards her bed and settled down besides her, peering over her sleeping face. Why did he come back on the ship? He hardly had the chance to enjoy the ocean.. He supposed he cared more for her than he realized, wanting to make sure she was safe. "Isolde.." His voice was quiet, musical in quality, his hand moving to her hips.

 

[mon]

Isolde had only passed out once in all her lifetime. This being the second time. When she woke again, she was back in her cabin room: warm, dry and completely spent both mentally and physically. The trance and the shock factor of Blue's betrayal left a strain in her mind and the stitched wound in her shoulder ached, despite Alec numbing most of it with anaesthetic.

Had it not been the soft call of her name, she would've continued to slumber. Her head hurt and her body was both burning and running cold: a symptom of a coming fever. (When was the last time she had gotten a fever? Eleven? Twelve? Getting one now was incredibly embarrassing, but she had just nearly drown herself in sub-zero temperature waters with a gaping flesh wound. Her pride could cut her some slack.)

Her eyelids fluttered at the sound, feeling like dead weights even as she tried to open them. Seeing her merman hovering over her in concern made her confused. It stirred the feelings she felt prior and she couldn't help but look at him with hurt betrayal.

"Why was he still here? Did he not trick her so he could leave?" she thought bitterly.

She shifted in an attempt to sit up but her stitches were fresh and her wound raw from salt. She all but flinched and hissed, slumping back down, feeling weak and at a loss. Her arm moved to cover her face, the nook of it resting on her eyes. She hated feeling like this, hated even more that Blue was witnessing her vulnerability. Was he going to mock her now that he has? Her teeth clenched as she fought back tears. Memories of the gala swam hauntingly: slanderous whispers, sneering leers, and faux pity. When would it stop affecting her? probably never bc im an asshole

"Why are you here, Blue?" she asked softly, sounding defeated. She felt a hand on her hip and her free hand moved, falling over it. She no longer held his hand in a grip, wanting to see instead what he would do. "What do you want?"

 

[Draco]

He's only known her for a month or two, since he's been captured. This was the first time he's seen her in such a weak, pathetic state. He had no idea she was even capable of showing pity on herself. He wasn't sure if he liked it at all. Despite her cruelty, he preferred to see her strong and confident. What happened to that girl?

Moving his hand away from hers at her hip, only to reach up to pull her arm from her face. He wanted to get a better look at her, peering down to her. "I said I won't leave." She felt warm, a little too warm, he noted as the padding of his fingers touched her temple. She was also pale and clammy. Merfolks did not get sick like this, he had no idea it meant she had fallen ill. "I.." He paused, unsure what the correct word to use. He searched his mind of the English vocabulary before pulling one that seemed right. "..I belong here."

He thought about what Alerys told him earlier, about how Isolde felt the instant the trance was broken. Alerys could see Isolde's world shattering at that point. Alerys explained the betrayal when he pulled her into a trance, to force her to free him. He did feel guilt for deceiving her with the illusion she was freeing him on her own will. He had just gotten desperate enough to get out of that tank, out of that dark room and into the vast sea. He had to get out before his mind drove him to insanity, he resorted to forsaking her. "I'm.. sorry." Did he use that word right? Alerys did teach him, but it did not feel like the right word of apology.

"I cannot be trapped. I can't no more." Blue peered back to her, his hand pulling away from her face only to flatten his palm on the soft pillow besides her head. This pillow felt nice. Actually, the entire bed felt nice. It was warm, cozy, even from where he was sitting at the edge. He's never been in a bed before, this human world was full of firsts for him. Shifting his position, he moved to settle down next to her on the bed, on top of the covers. Stretching out besides her, one arm tucked under his head. Yes, this bed was rather comfortable, he decided he liked it. Probably the only thing in this human world that he accepted thus far.

 

[mon]

His words made the back of her eyes prickle with heat and when her arm was taken from her, she was ashamed to have been caught, eyes watery from her head cold but not yet tearing. She wasn't going to cry, she won't allow herself to. But both hearing and seeing Blue back was just enough to wipe away all her fears and doubts in a way she dare not fully accept. Was he really going to stay? But then why had he tricked her?

For once in her life, she didn't want to confront it. Her face turned, half buried into her pillow, wanting to hide the sorry, weak state she was in, but she refused to turn her gaze away, afraid that once she did, Blue would disappear like sea foam and she'd be left to face reality. His apology was a hard pill to swallow and frankly, she wasn't sure if she could ever get over the fact that he could and has pulled her under trance. It was a scary thought that would warrant anyone's distrust and anger. For Isolde, who was proud and arrogant, the scar ran even deeper.

Her deepest fears were rooted and dug up today, and that itself left her emotionally exhausted. She was too tired to be angry at him and allowed herself to relish in her relief that he had decided to come back. When he shifted himself onto her bed, however, it took her by surprise. She rolled over to her side, allowing him space and stared blinking, wide-eyed.

"You..." she stared at him, studying his face. His nose, his eyes, his mouth, and then back at him. The sight of him warmed her heart in an inexplicable way. The content was evident in her very rare, gentle smile---one which she didn't even know she was still capable of.

"Fool," she whispered, but her voice was loud in the quiet. Her insult held no venom but by human standards, Blue truly was a fool. If the vow was what kept him, he could've easily let her die and freed himself through her death, and yet he saved her and came back. Claimed freedom and yet found belonging in his captor. Said he didn't trust her and yet he's here. She didn't understand and she knew she didn't deserve it. But Isolde was a selfish woman as she is greedy. What she was given, she kept with a tight-fisted hand and what she didn't have, she took.

And so, even though she knew she shouldn't, all reason and logic telling her no, she reached out and gently took his face in her hand, silently enjoying how his slightly chilled skin felt against her burning palm. She waited and watched for his reaction, as though careful not to break the spell. If this is a dream, let me have this just once.

And then slowly but surely, she brought her lips onto his.

 

[Draco]

A fool.. he supposed he was a fool. He didn't want to be here on the ship, he wanted nothing to do with these legs. He had no trust in humans, not even Isolde, after all, she was the one who captured him and abused him on several occasions. In his desperation to get out of that tank, he made that vow. And once he did, he knew he cannot leave. He had tethered himself to Isolde, whether he liked it or not. The vow was iron-clad among the merfolks, at least his kind, and yes, the way to break it is word from Isolde or death of one of them. The fact he's able to get himself into the ocean made being on this ship more tolerable, he did not feel powerless anymore.

He glanced over to her as she turned to face him. The look on her face, the calmness of her wide eyes.. what did that mean? He could feel himself tensing slightly when she touched his face, expecting her to strike him. No, that trust was not there, he was unused to her gentleness.

His fingers snaked around her wrist, about to pull her touch away when her lips claimed his own. His eyes widened in surprise, her mouth soft and hot with the fever. He wasn't sure what to do. He knew how to kiss, the merfolk kissed with affection the same way. In fact, Isolde's kiss reminded him of his girlfriend, long since killed by the humans.

Releasing his hand from her wrist only to mirror her touch to her cheek, he slowly pulled back from her kiss. His aqua blues peered up to her quizzically, searching those emerald eyes of hers. The padding of his fingers brushed along the warmth of her jaw, considering the moment- it was quite a touchy subject, especially that Isolde appeared to be bi-polar. One moment sweet, the next a raging bitch.

The risk was worth it, he decided. He knew how to escape if she decided to turn against him. His Siren powers worked well on her.

Leaning up those few inches, closing the gap between them, his lips brushed over hers in a kiss just a bit deeper than the one she offered him. The palm of his hand trailed around to the back of her neck, pulling her down closer to him.

 

[mon]

Isolde's kiss was soft and light, as though if she were to press for any more, the perfect dream will shatter and she'd be left with nothing but herself again. But when she felt his hand on her cheek and the firm weight of his lips against hers, the dream came to reality and she all but melted in his touch.

This is wrong, her mind told her as her lips parted, arms snaking over the merman's broad shoulders and hooking behind his neck. You shouldn't be doing this. And yet the faint taste of sea salt was on her tongue and in her mouth; an addicting taste mixed with velvety softness. She was gentle but fervent in her kisses, but took mind never to go beyond whatever Blue was giving her.

In the back of her mind, rationality and guilt nagged at her, silenced by the overwhelming pleasure of being held and received after years of stubborn aversion to romance.

---- after 15 pages of fading to black.

It was a bad idea. Everything was a bad idea. With her lust kindled, only her fever burned, having worsen after their activity. She was exhausted, both mentally and physically spent, and if not for the uncomfortable heat in her body, she would've gladly just rolled over and fell into deep slumber. At Aeneon's question, she merely answered with a chaste kiss, clearly not processing his words. It was almost reflex for her to kiss him when his face was near hers. She had nothing but her instincts and her fever to blame.

She mumbled something and then struggled to sit up. As though in a heat daze, Isolde did her best to make her way to her bathroom to wash up. After taking a few steps forward, her knees gave way and she fell on her bottom. There was a strange soreness which kept her from walking straight, coupled with her burning fever, Isolde could only frown angrily at herself for being too weak to even walk.

 

[Draco]

Aeneon, after revealing his true translated name to Isolde, felt strange himself. he wasn't sure what it was, but it was a discomfort. Discomfort being in this human form. Something burned within, the merman clawing its way within. His skin felt itchy and dry, it felt too warm and clammy. He knew he had to get back into the water before it drove him to insanity. He moved back to give her room to get up off the bed. He looked over her figure, watching her every move as she stepped towards the bathroom, only to watch her stumble to the floor.

Slipping off the bed, he made his way towards her, what is going on with her? "You are unwell. Get back in bed." His voice held a touch of concern as he reached down, grasping her hand to help her up to her feet. His hand slipped over her waist, noting she felt warmer than moments ago. He was unaware of human illnesses, he had no idea what was wrong with her. Guiding her back to the bed, he gestured to it, "Get in. I'll get Alerys to take care of you."

He nudged her into the bed, refusing to take no for an answer. Once she was in, he leaned down to place a kiss to her forehead before he turned to walk out of the room. But paused, remembering his nudity. Remembering what Alerys had taught him. He sighed, taking a moment to search for his pants, finding them thrown carelessly across the room. Slipping them on, swiftly buttoning up. He paused again, looking to her, "I will be back later, I need to get in the ocean."

He did not explain why he felt the need to get wet, he was just anxious to get back to his normal self. Without a further word, he slipped from her cabin and onto the deck to locate Alerys.

 

[mon]

For once, she was grateful for help, but instead of being assisted to the bathroom where she intended to go, Blue brought her back to bed, going so far as to usher her in it. When he turned to leave, she watched his retreating figure and only nodded when he explained his need for the ocean. She was too tired to push and thus just let him go.

Isolde's as stubborn as she was sick and being the rebellious sort, the moment Blue left, she struggled back to the bathroom to rinse herself of her sweat. Alerys had came in, just as she stepped out with a towel slung around her shoulder and her body slumped leaning against the door frame.

It only took a glance to see how sick she was and it wasn't long until Alerys had Isolde tucked in bed, relaying the news of her high fever to Alec and the doctor on deck. Medicine was taken and Isolde's eyes closed for the longest time in years. She woke hours later to the sound of the sea, the sky was still dark, not because she had slept little, but because she had slept nearly the entire day.

Her fever had subsided greatly (she had her immune system to thank for) but there was still an ache in her muscles and a dull throbbing in her head. Hunger was gnawing at her and she wondered if there'd still be food at this time of night. Looking over at her bedside, she saw that the used condom was disposed of and any stains were wiped clean.

That night's activities hadn't fully sunken in yet and she wondered, if she had simply dreamt it.

 

[Draco]

Aeneon spent the time in the water, for the first time since he was captured, he enjoyed his freedom. He swam deep, he swam far and raced with the ship. It felt so good to actually stretch out to move freely, perhaps almost as good as the events from the night before. Alec had left the ladder over the side of the ship for Aeneon. Alec began to make plans to propose to Isolde to allow easier access for the merman to come and go on the ship. Perhaps a smaller door at the water's surface with a drawbridge sort of thing, he knew climbing that unstable, shaky ladder without legs is difficult.

He had since returned back to the ship, using the provided towel to dry himself off and the fresh pair of pants to make himself decent, he ignored the shirt and shoes provided, not liking the feel of them on his person. Alerys had informed him that Isolde was ill, and needed to rest- advising him to leave her alone until she recovered. Of course, Blue decided not to listen to her suggestion to let Isolde sleep. Alerys did not to protest, and let him quietly slip into her room while the captain slept.

He peered over to her sleeping form, watching her breathe for a few moments. Then he looked over the chamber, peering at the objects she had with curiosity. He looked over the globe, glancing over her maps at her desk. He even took a gander within her wardrobe, peeking into her trunks, seeing all what a human owned. He found Isolde's collection of daggers and swords. One dagger in particular stuck out to him. It had a curve in the blade, the handle cast in silver and ivory, carefully carved into a fish's tail with detailed etching. The tail reminded him of his lover, his mate who was long gone, murdered by humans.

He had plenty of reasons to loathe humans, plenty of reasons to stay away. Isolde should be one of those reasons for the way she's captured him, betrayed and hurt him. But somehow, some reason, he's decided to stay with the vow. Picking up the dagger, his fingers ran over the carved handle, tracing the scales, watching the lantern light glint off the silver.

Hearing Isolde stir, he looked over his shoulder towards her, watching her wake. Keeping the dagger in hand, he turned towards her, "I did not wake you, did I?"

 

[mon]

She was not used to having someone in her private chambers, so the sound of someone there alerted her. She sat up almost immediately, hand running to the sheathed knife she hidden underneath her pillow. Fortunately, the blonde hadn't pulled it out, instead just holding onto it in assurance. When she saw that it was Blue, her grip loosen and fell back in her lap.

The sight of him was comforting but the dagger in his hands made her stiffen in alarm. Was he going through her things? She was annoyed at that, naturally, but Blue was a merman with his own curiosities. Had it been anyone else, she would've repaid their rummaging by severing their hands from their wrists. The blonde made a mental reminder to have Alerys teach him basic human etiquette. While she could forgive him this once because of his ignorance, Isolde would not take kindly to second chances. She was a private person to begin with.

The anger on her face twisted to a sarcastic smile. Underneath the covers, her hand clenched into a fist. Her instincts and senses were on high alert, given how someone was holding a weapon only meters from her. Someone with as much agenda to harm as the next. But she refused to let her fear and alarm show, choosing instead of put on a facade of cocky indifference.

"It's quite rude to go through a lady's belongings," she said lightly, her eyes studying his every movement. Her gaze flickered visibly to the metal in his hands. "I see you've found my knife. Are you here to kill me?" She smiled and gestured to the center of her chest, just over her beating heart.

 

[Draco]

He saw the familiar displeased expression cross her face. It seemed she was feeling better, looking back to her old self. His fingers slowly edged along the sharpness of the blade, careful not to cut himself as he let his blue eyes lower back to it. Isolde had caught him with her knife, her words told him that it was wrong to rifle through her personal belongings. While he felt a tinge of guilt for doing so, not knowing it was rude to do so, but he felt more sad.

Giving a soft sigh, shaking his head no at her mention of killing her. Whether she spoke in jest or not, it had a grim feeling to him. Perhaps a few weeks ago he would've if he had the chance to, if he wasn't bound by ropes. He could've easily destroyed her while she slept. He had all the reason to kill her, to kill any humans, after all, they did destroy the ones he loved most, his lover and family. The padding of his fingers traced over the fins of the knife wistfully in thought, deciding not to lower his standards to a human's. He did not want to become them, by destroying a life out of greed or spite, despite being a warrior under the deep blue. There were limits and terms when it comes to taking a life.

He slowly placed the knife back among her collection in the trunk, putting it exactly how she had it last. Pushing the lid of the case closed, he looked back over towards her. The somber look washed away from his eyes, becoming unemotional stare. "Are you feeling better?" He stepped in closer towards her, settling down at the foot of the bed.

 

[mon]

She was relieved to see him put the knife back, but somewhere deep down was a very morbid thought, a twinge of disappointment which she chose not to dwell on. Death was not something she wished for herself. Not after seeing so much of it at sea. She watched as he stood in silent somber. The look in his eyes was a familiar sight---not on him, for she's never seen him look so conflicted---but in her father's eyes.

It reminded her of the last time she's seen him. He had been standing with his head over his shoulder too. That faraway gaze which she inherited was worn as he uttered the words, "Sorry." She doesn't remember much after. It was a memory she's long buried in her heart. That man was the king of Edelia. He held the world in his hands and yet he was powerless to save his own daughter. Even now, Isolde wasn't sure if she still resented him. She hoped she did not.

Blue's question snapped her from her thoughts. She nodded at him slowly, patting the empty spot besides her so that he could sit closer. With a shrug, she leaned back against the headrest. Her hand felt at her forehead.

"Did Alerys tell you I was sick? I hope she didn't tell the rest of the crew," Isolde said, now knowing that Blue 1) truly planned to stay and 2) did not plan to kill her (yet? she wondered, ever the skeptic). She could relax more with this in mind, but didn't like the thought of others knowing she too was human, falling sick and capable of injury. If it was just Alec and the doctor it wouldn't be an issue...

"I must've been really ill. I had the strangest dream about you," Isolde rambled on, closing her eyes as her free hand fished out Blue's. She held it gently, enjoying the touch of his skin. "I dreamt we did unspeakable things. It was very bizarre."

 

[Draco]

He took up the offer and edged his way closer to her, settling in the spot next to her on the bed. His fingers weaved through her fingers as she took his hand, giving her small digits a gentle squeeze. "She did tell me you were ill. She explained it all." Shifting his position, turning to get a better look at her. She did look better. The color had returned to her face. Her touch was much cooler and not clammy. He now understood why she felt the way she did when he held her close that night.

"Unspeakable things?" he asked quizzically. A new word he was unsure of the meaning. It took him a few seconds to guess what it meant judging by the context of her words.

She must've really been ill if she thought it was all a dream. He wondered if he should let her think it was nothing but a mirage, a fantasy.. but, where was the fun in relinquishing his power if he kept it from her? His lips curled into a grin, a playful grin as his fingers broke free from hers. Placing his hand on her hip, letting his fingers stroke lightly along her curves. "It was not a dream. You've taught me quite a bit."

He leaned in, placing a kiss to her temple before peering back to her, "If I had understood you were ill, I would've let you rest instead. That's what you should be doing now."

 

[mon]

His affections towards her were a sudden change, but ultimately stemmed from the fact that he was now free to come and go as he pleased. The ocean seemed to have elevated his mood greatly and Isolde found she could not be entirely bitter at his new found freedom. Still, things needed to be discussed. She really didn't fancy the shock factor of his escape and the betrayal ran deeper than she could let on. She was only sick in the first place because she had been a big enough fool to chase after him, so much so that she had risked her life.

Thankfully, only Alec and Alerys were present to witness her rash decision. She had known of her soft spot towards Blue but didn't realize just how heavy of an imprint he's left on her. How could she even begin to explain it?

His answers gave an explanation to her sore hips and the impressive purple bruise on her neck. She didn't have the time to be flustered now. Her main concern was his abilities. Just how much could she trust him with it? (If her crew had known of his siren's ability, they would've pleaded Isolde to have his tongue cut off. In a more merciful light, gagged. She couldn't let them know but she also couldn't endanger her crew.)

"Blue-- Ae," she caught herself as if recalling a memory, "Aeneon. Have you always been abl--"

It seemed the world has quite a way of cutting the blonde off. Something deep and loud boomed in the distance, followed by a loud splash of water which had the ship rocking just enough for Isolde to feel the tilt. She's heard this sound before and almost immediately, she jumped out of bed and pulled on her black Captain's trench coat.

"What was that? Report status!" she barked, throwing the doors opened as her crew scattered to their stations.

"There's a ship at 2'o clock. Their monkeys are loaded!" shouted someone from the crow's nest. Isolde's frown deepened.

"Prepare for battle but lower the sails and raise the anchor. This is not our night to fight but we will if we must!" Isolde shouted, the voice of her crew echoing hers in one shout. Inside, she desperately hoped they could out run it. The last thing she wanted was for Blue to witness a pirate fight.

 

[Draco]

Blue peered over to her as she began to ask him a question, but only to be rudely interrupted by a sudden jolt of the ship. He blinked in surprise, and quick as she was, he was out of her cabin and out onto the deck to figure out what was happening. Looking over the railings, he could see the enemy ship in the near distance, their black flag of war raised high on their mast. He could see the cannons arched, armed and ready. He could see the men on the ship with swords poised, ropes in hand.

He did not like the sight of those ropes, the gruff men, they were nastier looking than Isolde's men. They were of the dirty bunch.

The commotion among her men was confusing, the way they all darted past each other to man their stations, to prepare to flee to their captain's orders. They knew what they had to do, they were well trained.

If it wasn't for his vow to Isolde, he'd jump overboard and swim to safey, to take care of himself above all others- this was not his battle. But unfortunately, to his vow, it became his fight.

Turning away from the men to look towards Isolde, watching her bark the orders to the sailors. His expression became stern with all seriousness, mentally preparing himself for what may come. "What can I do?"

 

[mon]

Isolde, like the rest of her men, knew what to do regarding the fight. It wasn't their first battle and she knew it wouldn't be their last; albeit, it has been a while since anyone had the gall to fight the Calypso head on. She knew how to station her men, how to calculate the best course of action, how to fight, but her greatest fear and hindrance was the man standing beside her, looking resolute despite not needing to.

"No," she frowned at him, "You're not going to get involved in this. Take Alerys and hide somewhere on deck. If those men land board, hide in the ocean with her. Wait for my signal to come back. You must come back, but only at my signal, okay?" Isolde said, both hands cupping Aeneon's face as she looked at him in a way which bore holes into one's soul.

She couldn't afford to lose him, but she couldn't put him in mortal danger either. Not him, nor any of the commoners (meaning Alerys) she's brought on deck.

Patting his cheek, she sent him off, strutting over to the captain's wheel for a better view of the scene. Their ship was slowly sailing away, but it was still in range of the other ship's cannons.

The Calypso rocked when another cannon sounded off. The ammo flinging over ship and landing in a hard thunk on deck crashed a hole in the floorboards. Isolde gritted her teeth as she barked orders for her crew to retaliate.

"Fire up the cannons! Show those scum how to properly aim." If there was one thing she's learned in pirate fights it was that most pirates had horrible aim.

 

[Draco]

He was not happy with her telling him to go hide. His eyes narrowed slightly as she patted his cheek as if he was some helpless child. He said nothing, watching her walk off towards the wheel.

Muttering something to himself in the language of the merfolk, he glanced about briefly before making his way into Isolde's quarters. There he made a beeline towards the collection of daggers. He grabbed the one he was admiring earlier.

"Aeneon.." Alerys voice spoke when she saw him take the knife.

He glanced up to her, gave a slight shake of his head and spoke to her in their language. Alerys frowned but only nodded, stepping back to let Aeneon brush past her back to the deck. Alerys decided to hide herself as ordered.

He came back to the deck just in time to see a black ball smash into the flooring. It took him a split second to realize the gravity of the situation, these men meant war. He glanced over to Isolde, then over to the water. Debating whether he should take to the ocean, or wait here.

 

[mon]

Having gave her order, Isolde had expected Aeneon to follow course with what she said. Being both the eldest daughter of the King and later, a Captain, her orders have always been carried out without fail. She didn't even stop to think that there was a chance the merman would not choose to listen to her. After all, she was taking his safety to mind. As long as he was safe, Isolde would be able to focus on ending the fight as soon as possible.

Out running the ship seemed impossible as the oncoming pirate ship began closing in, sailing nearly side by side with the Calypso. Canons sounded in the air, blowing splinters of wood up until their range were too close for firing. Pirates never attacked for the aim of sinking before the battle was decided. They still had to loot their target and sinking only came after the victor has received their prize. Because of this, once the opposing pirate ship was close enough, hooked ropes were thrown, anchoring the Calypso to their ship.

Even if Isolde were to cut the ropes off, they would still need to build momentum back up to sail away in time.

"On guard men!" she shouted, as pirates began boarding the Calypso. She drew the sword at her side and prepped for battle. The steady pump of adrenaline kept her sharp and on her toes, but she was immediately distracted when she saw Aeneon still on deck, in plain sight.

What was he doing?!

Metal clashed against metal as Isolde's crew began to engage with the invading pirates. Before she could run over to the merman, two mangy looking pirates got in her way and she was practically livid with both worry and frustration.

"Out of my way," she yelled, hacking down one and kicking the other aside. "Blue! Get out of here!" Isolde couldn't talk to him for long as the pirate she had kicked aside came back to attack.

 

[Draco]

He took one small step back from the edge of the ship when a grapnel snagged the railing, giving it a slight jolt. His fingers tightened about the engraved handle of the dagger. Two gruff pirates from the opposite ship did not waste any time climbing on board of the ship, immediately making their way to Isolde, engaging in a battle.

For a few seconds, which seemed like an eternity, he watched the battle on the ship among the men. He listened to them cry out, listened to the weapons clank, the thud of bodies. He's never seen a fight on land, he had no idea how humans fought, though he knew how knives worked. He wished he had his own weapon from home with him. Stupidly, he left it behind to hunt for food. For now, he had the dagger.

He could feel the energy of the battle rise within him, his emotions being set aside. He could feel the burn, fueling the anger within. Why was he angry? it wasn't his battle, but he found himself feeding off the rage with the men. He had made a vow to Isolde that he would not leave.

Hearing his name, he glanced over to Isolde just in time to see one pirate come after her. She was distracted by the merman to notice. Damnit. A deep snarl came forth from his lips, moving forward quickly. He grabbed the pirate's arm that held the sword and pulled him back from Isolde, while at the same time, the dagger made a sickening sound as it went into the man's back, disabling him.

With a disgusting slurp, he pulled the dagger from the corpse and seized the sword for himself. He looked to Isolde, "Do not pay attention to me. Focus." He hissed. Now wasn't the time for her to worry about him.

He tucked the bloodied dagger into the belt of his pants, swirling the sword to get a proper grip. Using a sword on dry land shouldn't be that much different than under water. All it needs to do is go inside the enemy. He needed to learn as he went, and he needed to learn fast.