Old Memories

 Heavy wing beats brought the dragon above the clouds where they swirled like mist around the tips of his claws. Once the shadowy figure broke through the darkness, pale moonlight greeted the beast. Now above the foggy layer the world opened up to an arching horizon decorated with millions of twinkling stars and a gentle gust of warm air to soar easily upon. Peace was found in these heavens above with silence so strong a mind riddled with horrors and haunting thoughts could finally settle, even empty. So that is what the dragon did. Deeper breaths to relax a racing heartbeat and to taste the sharpness of the colder air through his lungs. 

A new experience for Maxin had been accomplished on this night. Flight and a new form to take on. A draconic form. Fierce and strong. It had burst upon him as he was shocked awake through nightmares like every previous night beforehand. Clawed toes scraping the planks inside a wooden cabin aboard a medium-sized sea vessel. Broken windows— clearly the monster needed to escape and the sky was the only thing that offered him freedom.

Now this golden nose of the dragon turned towards home where his heart had ached to be for so long. Distance had driven him mad. People had driven him madder. This was an opportune moment to escape. High up in the clouds no soul would be able to spot his wings along any stretch of the open seas. 

Time slowly etched on. Even with a strong wind current to ride along, the direction telling him where to go, his strong wings began to tire. They grew sore from supporting his body. Like a newly fledged bird he needed to build up the muscle to fly and learn to preserve his energy. Now he was in trouble. Caught in the sea with nowhere to land and too much distance to cross to reach his destination. Slowly he lost altitude and panic settled into his once calmed mind. Fear edged into his soul knowing he would not be returning to Faline anytime soon. 

Forced to turn back, Maxin fought his energy reserves to make it to the seven islands. The Daelynn Isles. On the horizon a glow of light gave him hope. Lower and lower he drifted until the waves reached up and slapped the backs of his paws. In his view he saw the harbor and the large ships docked together. His direction turned back to the vessel he had escaped from and the beast returned to its cage. 

Exhausted from the attempt of a journey the man was now sprawled out across his bed. An explosion of feathers torn out of the pillows settled around him in his linen clothing. Maxin slept so soundly that even the heavy soles of boots colliding with the planks of his cabin didn’t get a response out of him. Light erupted over the man’s rugged face. After a moment he expelled a deep rumbling groan followed by the parting of his eyelids. A blurry figure was standing by the broken windows, throwing back the curtains to reveal the damage of the shattered glass. All he could hear was the sound of a woman tsking the mess and pacing around to inspect his quarters. 

While rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with the backs of his hands, the Captain of the ship sat up in his bed and stretched upward. The woman turned by the sudden sign of life and released a heavy sigh to display her immediate annoyance.

“Well. I see you finally slept for once. Dare I ask what the hell happened in the process.”

Dark red eyes watched the leaner woman approach in her finer attire. A black and gold jacket that reached her thighs despite the islands tropical environment. A large black feathered hat that had been made to fit her horns, and her long black hair curled down her shoulders. She looked anything but impressed. 

“What’re ya doin here?” The man grumbled.

Tucking in her coattails beneath her while she sat down on the side of the bed next to the much taller man, she crossed her high boot legs and raised a brow at him.

“Are you aware of the time?” The tone of her voice was flat.

Not wanting to stay within arms reach, the Captain got up to his feet and shuffled tiredly over to a ceramic basin resting on the dresser. He poured water into it and used the water to wash his face. Something to fill the silence for a moment.

“Eh- mornin?” He replied while dabbing his eyes and face with a scarlet towel.

“Try Noon.” She reached back and grabbed a handful of the duck feathers, toying with them for a moment in her fingers. “You were supposed to meet me for breakfast, in case you forgot.”

“Don’t know why ya insist on gettin’ up so damned early, nobody else on this whole island is awake till late afternoon.” Maxin grumbled but turned around and headed over to the desk with strewn papers and long gouging claw marks. 

“Never mind that I suppose. I was wanting to meet with you to… request something of you.”

He looked puzzled for a moment.

“Uhm, alright.” A hand rubbed the back of his neck while he found himself imagining another day of backbreaking work. “What do ya want?”

“I’d like you to visit someone with me today, soon actually. On the other side of the city.” The woman stood, though she was nearly a full foot shorter than he was. “Dress for the occasion.” 

He outstretched his hand and caught her arm, stopping her in her tracks.

“Who.” Was demanded from his narrowed eyes.

“My mother.” 

City streets would normally hold a bustle of people during the prime hours of the day; mostly early noon. Not on this island. It was the animals that roamed free while the people that inhabited the buildings slept until later afternoon. This was a city for nightlife. Children played unsupervised and herded the animals around with switches that they tapped on the ground. Only a small handful of shops were open to the occasional wanderer during this time. The only two individuals in the entire city that seemed prepared for something meaningful walked the steadily inclining slope in silence. 

A Monarch and one of the Lords. The children would sneakily follow after them for a distance and watched the pair, it was a rare sighting for them. Usually their leaders were all out at sea. Maxin was adorned with his heavy gray and gold overcoat, dressed with a decorated golden belt and strapped with a sword to his hip. A black hat fitted for someone with horns nestled on top of his head. Wearing so many layers was dreadful on humid summer days but necessary. Thick layers of linen and cotton topped with Jacquard patterned jackets made it difficult for swords to pierce. Who knew what they could encounter out here. Even if most of the civilians respected their Lords, it wouldn’t be the first time a drunken fool tried something they’d regret. Live like you could drop dead at any moment. That was the people’s motto. 

By the time they reached the top of the hill through the city’s Main Street, even Maxin had to lift his hat to wipe away sweet dripping down his forehead. Thankfully a carriage was waiting for them to take them the rest of the way. Why it hadn’t been at the docks was beyond him. A quick toss back to scan over Daelynn’s chaotic streets and twisted buildings. The driver held a door open for the woman, and then Maxin was soon to follow. Once it clicked shut and they had gotten comfortable he waited for the ride to begin before casting a conversation.

“Chakiina. Been around plenty long enough now, eh? Ya never breathed a word about Anne still 

bein’ alive.” His long stare showed how difficult it was for him to hold back his glare.

“Funny.” She muttered while turning her gaze out the window. “You never asked.”

Red eyes burned into her skull before they tore away and joined in watching the buildings pass through the window. Large buildings thinned out into sparsely placed shacks soon followed by a short trip through the rice fields and into the jungle. When their bouncy path gnawed at his irritation, Chakiina folded her legs and placed her hands upon her knees. 

“We have things to discuss.” The statement was met with a cold glare.

“Clearly.” A growl echoed in his word.

“Calm down, Father. I only want to prepare you for what to expect. So let us start from the beginning shall we?” A more business-like approach was taken despite his aggressive tail flicking. 

“Sure.”

“Just so you and I are on the same page... Had it not been for my mother and the stories she spoke of some boy with golden horns, your name would have been lost many years ago. Do you understand? I would have been just as well off without you.” Likewise. A voice hissed in his mind.

“You only exist because of her. If I were you, I would worship the very ground that woman walked upon.”

Great. Not that he was really excited about having a child that gave a crap about him anyways. The idea of having to reunite with someone he had written off as dead many, many years ago… again… that bothered him.

“So… Rysnik imprisoning you, destroying your whaling ship- the treatment you were given… None of that happened. Do I make myself clear? We rescued you the moment you were freed of prison and it took us a long time to get back to the isles. Do I make myself clear?”

A sinking feeling struck his heart. He was telling her to forget about Faline.

“An’ what if ya don’t?” He leaned forward with a challenge.

“Then I guess we will see how you handle being blown out of a canon.” Chakiina narrowed her eyes to match her father’s.

“Eh, done worse.” He grumbled.

“In Pieces.”

“Whatever kid. Sure. Have your story. Kiss the ground this lady walks on— yaddah yaddah. Not like lyin’ to anyone’s a big deal ‘round here.” His eyes returned to the window where the trail smoothed out to a road again.

“You’re a Pirate, father. Lying is what you do. And you do miss her, don’t you?” That struck a nerve.

“With all my heart.” He snarled. 

With silence filling the air he could feel his daughter's curious eyes on him again. They made him itch, knowing she wanted to add to his discomfort. His tail wrapped around his feet so he wouldn’t give away his anger again.

“Do you even remember how you met her?”

Maxin was shocked momentarily. He shot her a glare that subsided as soon as he realized he…. Didn’t. No, he did… There were memories emerging when he fought for them. Memories he had buried like a casket in a funeral. These were old skeletons about to be dug up.

“Durin’ a storm. It was rainin’ so damn heavy out ya couldn’t hear the gunshots or screamin’ no more. Snuck through the thick of the fightin on the shore and I made it to the naval ships. First urge was to burn ‘em, but then I thought I better get somethin’ valuable out of them before I do that.” He glared out the window when she tilted her head as if she was genuinely curious.

“Eh. Broke into the Admiral’s cabin at the time- ‘course I didn’t know that. Hit the jackpot though that was for sure. Started looting like crazy till this mad woman showed up and held a sword to my throat.” She wasn’t much older than him at the time but she caught him off guard. “She uh,”

“Hid you under the clothing and luggage in her cabin?” Chakiina added. 

“Yeah. Yeah, she did.” Max scratched his beard knowing that Chakiina probably knew everything that happened after that. 

“Should’ve just stayed hidden.” She sighed. “Of course you had to go and get too comfortable with that ship.”

“You try stayin in a closet for two months.” He growled.

“Ah look- we’re here.” 

Both of them watched the carriage approach a tall building sitting on the top of a hill that faced toward the ocean. It had its own personal dock. Here the jungle had faded to large stone slabs with domestic foliage and flowers. His eyes traced the building. It was unlike any other on the entire island. Well-made. Seemed to be made out of some sort of white clay and it was absolutely amazing. When the carriage came to a stop they patiently waited for the door to open. Chakiina stepped down followed by the taller man who had to tuck his head to his chest for his horns to fit through the doors. A line of people began to form at the entrance and his stomach did a little flip of nervousness. Had he recently eaten, he would have thrown up. His daughter flashed him a final, ‘behave’ glance before she approached the well-dressed people as if they were her own crew. Even the woman wore linen shirts with ruffles and tighter pants. Maxin felt out of place. 

“Welcome to our home.” Chakiina smirked at him.

Inside the ceiling towered above them. A chandelier filled with candles hung above the center of the entry room which was decorated with tapestries and paintings. Everything here was unnaturally clean, and the floor unnaturally smooth. Marble. Maxin could almost see his reflection in it. Maybe he should’ve bathed before they left. Seeing Chakiina remove her hat and hand it over to one of the people that followed him inside, he did the same. There they greeted him like the people in the city did. A dip of their head, the muttering greetings under their breath. 

“These paintings are from all the fierce pirate Lords prior to you. And the Kings, prior to me.” 

She led him down the long hall where he stared at the portraits.

“Some of ‘em are women… wouldn’t that make ‘em queens?” He questioned.

“Everyone here is equal, Maxin. You should know that.” Irritation rang in her voice.

“Aye.” He trailed after his daughter and stared at a large door that they passed— food came from that door. He could smell it. 

Chakiina paused at the base of a sculpture. It was twice as tall as she was. Three parrots surrounded by colorfully tiled floors in a large circle and decorated with live plants. To the right of the sculpture and the end of the hall, a winding staircase. To the left, a yawning entrance. Massive in size, clearly leading to the rest of the house. She took him through the doorway and led him on a house tour. Lots of luxurious furniture, enormous expensive paintings, gold decorations. This much you’d expect from a pirate. It still maintained a rather classier look while boasting riches. She showed him the dining hall for many people. Guest suites, an actual room for bathing, and some sort of small library with important papers. 

After the tour was over they somehow ended at the base of the staircase again. Chakiina folded her arms and stared at him expectantly. 

“Well…”

“Well what?” Maxin squinted, then eyed the stairs. “What’s up there-“

“Go.” She demanded before physically shooing him along. “Don’t come back down here.” 

He could have sworn there was a hint of excitement in her voice when she spoke… but Maxin climbed the stairs, casting a nervous look back at his daughter, pinning his ears back. Hesitantly he paused, staring up at the last few steps and the railing of the second floor. Sucking in a breath with not knowing what to expect, the man proceeded.

It felt like he was walking into a different world. Two massive ferns sat at either side of the railing and the walls had been painted orange. Rugs of many colors covered the marble flooring. Woven baskets and colorful pottery hugged the walls and surrounded the furniture. The concept was open, the only walls were near the very far end of the building where the rooms separated. Maxin cautiously took a few steps toward the center of the room. Massive glass doors along the wall were open, leading out to the balcony with sweeping transparent curtains. 

When a woman turned away from the railing on the balcony, Maxin’s heart caught in his throat. Her hair was silvery and thickly braided, resting upon her shoulder. A colorfully patterned dress draped her body. He saw her face, and despite her age, was reminded of her beauty. Their eyes met and time itself hung in that moment. Some time passed of staring at one another before the woman finally walked toward him with a face filled with shock.

“No…” Her lips almost trembled out his name. Had it not been for her eyes, he almost didn’t recognize her. “Oh…but it is… Maxin?”

“Anne…”

Outstretched arms greeted him when she trotted over to close the distance. It took him a moment, but he pulled her close to him in a full embrace for an unnaturally long amount of time. They seemed to be clinging to one another through the silence with their eyes tightly shut. One crying, the other fighting back emotions. Just the sound of waves and birds in the distance.

When she finally drew back from him, the older woman wiped her tears away and beamed up at him in wonder. A hand reached up and glided across the side of his face. It pulled his head down but he didn’t fight the motion. Instead he happily leaned forward and let her inspect the softness of his skin. His only sign of age were the wrinkles in the corners of his eyes.

“Why do you look so young?” Her breath was nearly a whisper.

“Why do you look so old?” He combated with an awkward tease.

That certainly took her back and her eyes snapped open before they filled with a ring of happiness and she gave a delighted little laugh. Then he was attacked by another hug with a surprising amount of strength for someone her stature.

“Maxin! You haven’t changed much, have you? Well physically you sure have.” 

She let him go and traced him with her eyes. Naturally his ears rammed forward and a little wave of excitement got his tail practically wagging. The last time she saw him he was nothing but a little twig, barely clothed. Small paler hands cupped both sides of his face and before he knew it- she had pulled him into a kiss. Maxin cradled the back of her skull with his palm and let it naturally deepen, partially closing his eyes to watch the woman melt in every ounce of happiness. After parting their noses stayed touching.

Before, when he was younger, his passion had flamed for her. Even after being locked away in that cage and beaten… seeing her filled his heart with something he hadn’t had in that life, something he needed. Not quite love, but a strong affection. However during the kiss he noticed that feeling was no longer there for her. Nothing stirred inside him. Only sadness as if he was still mourning what had been lost long ago. 

Not a word was going to be spoken on that, however. There was no way he was going to crush her happiness. He would simply go with it, like Chakiina wanted him to. Maxin was her puppet being played so easily in her hands while she held the key to his heart in her hands. His truest desires; Back to Faline. Where he belonged. Her silvery eyes gazed into his for a moment longer before a smile split over her face.

“Oh- I’m… forgive me-“

”Eh, yer fine.” A bit of an embarrassed blush filled his face but he stood up and straightened out- only to his horror, a pair of eyes were peeping over the railing. 

“That was something I have missed.” Sheepishly she stepped aside and folded her arms across her chest. “I- uhm..” 

Maxin scratched the back of his head and flipped his tail. He wasn’t as flustered as the woman was so he was able to save the moment by turning, pretending he hadn’t just seen the giddiest face Chakiina had ever made, and looked out to the ocean.

“Guess we got a lot of catchin’ up to do?” He started.

“Yes- Yes, I would say we do. How about after dinner?” Anne’s hands fell to her sides, so Maxin stepped closer to her and took one in his. 

“Sounds good. How have ya been? Ya like… livin here?”

A gentle squeeze was his answer before he was greeted by a radiant smile. She tugged on him gently, leading him to a room with a partially opened door.

“I do- for being locked away now, this is the best place to be.”

“What do ya mean?” He furrowed his brow while he was led into a large closet filled to the brim with pottery. 

“There—- out of her mischievous little eyes.” Anne sighed with relief and partially shut the door behind her, clearly knowing her daughter well. “Now that we have some privacy… I can’t really leave but I will explain that to you after dinner. It’s a dreadfully long conversation. In the meantime, I have been spending my days here making these.”

Anne reached up and lifted a ceramic vase from her shelf and passed it over to the man. The vase was smooth. Even though the room was dark, Maxin could see the faded colors painted across a vase shaped like an animal he had never seen before. A long trunk arching back to its forehead and four stubby legs on a large body. Why were its ears so massive? He turned it over in his hands and inspected it.

“You… really made all of these?” He had to pause to get his accent a bit more easier to understand.

“All of them.” Her smile was soft while she led him through the shelves and nearer to the back 

wall. Maxin paused when the clay had been molded into familiar shapes.

“Aye—— I recognize these!” A low chuckle followed him picking up a pig with tusks curving back into its face and a long cat-like tail. “From the Island-“

“From Arula, yes. I have done a lot of studying about your home over the years.” 

Years… it brought a frown to his face. She had been thinking about him for a long time. That made him worried. What if she didn’t let him leave. Maybe Chakiina had no intention of ever letting him return to Faline.

“What’s wrong?” Maxin placed the animal back while she flashed him a concerned look. 

“Nothin, it just- feels like a lifetime ago.” Clearing his throat, he stood a little taller and nodded to the enormous basins. “So did ya make the ones around this castle?”

Anne nodded sweetly and began to tell him about how her life had been focused around making pottery. She took his arm and walked him through so many shelves, it looked like they numbered into the thousands.

“I need to use my hands to make the time pass quicker. I make up stories to put into my work, sometimes I become someone else.” They stopped at a row of pottery covered in carvings. 

“Each one tells a story. Like this one; a dragonfly that flew too close to the pond. She got caught in the water but learned how to swim.” Anne slowly turned the enormous amphora and Maxin watched the story unfold, understanding the pictures while she spoke. “The frog was angry that she swam better than him, so he tried to drown the dragonfly. She lived and got free, but it cost her two wings. The dragonfly never went near the water again and soon everyone began to call her Butterfly.”

It was beautifully crafted and the story was easy to read with a deeper meaning held behind her tone. Warm and soft hands returned the pottery how it was originally faced, and then began to lead him back towards the door. She poked her head out to check around the room and then pushed it open.

“All clear… Apologies for talking your ear off about… clay, there’s so many more important things to discuss. Come along, we can sit in my room and talk freely now.”

Through a set of ochre colored doors they had found a seat in the furniture positioned in front of a fireplace. Maxin sat back on the couch while Anne settled into a chair. For a moment he spent some time looking around while she got comfortable. Anne’s room was more like five rooms in one. Sure there was a bed way back against the wall, but also books everywhere, a few parrots flying around through the opened doors and an area staked out for pottery. His tail flicked while he looked at the paintings of different green landscapes hung upon the wall.

“So, how are you liking the seas?” The woman crossed her legs with grace and kept a smile across her soft features. “Pirating must be quite the life for you? You always were drawn to 

ships.”

“Eh, I do enjoy it a bit.” Max had to look away for a moment while thinking of a solid lie to tell her. It felt so wrong but… so easy to do to her. “Lots to learn, lots to do.”

“Only a bit?” She tilted her head to the side slightly. “I thought you joined because that was what you wanted to do?” 

“Yeah- somethin’ like that.” He began to unfasten his buttons to his outer jacket and tossed it onto the back of the couch. It felt so much cooler now without that extra layer. He could feel her eyes on him as if she was expecting him to take off the belts and his second inner coat.

“You’re wearing another coat, Maxin? In this humidity, are you people insane?”

Maxin chuckled and found this to be an easy topic distraction while he still continued to make up stories inside his head. Would she ever find out? Did he really care if she did? Once upon a time, he did… Fingers worked his metal chained belt off, his sword hitch, then he unfastened the other two- one he had stolen from Jura, and finally shed his last coat. All that he piled up onto the couch as well. Maxin sat there in a linen shirt with sweat stains that he fought to hide. Anne just shocked her head in bewilderment.

“Swords can’t get ye so easily with layers.” He chuckled.

“Why not just wear chainmail at that point?” 

“Too heavy.” He shrugged and grinned at her eye roll. “Anyway- I know it’s been a while Anne, but don’t go gettin yer hopes up.” His teasing smile deepened while he unfastened the threads 

on his shirt to remove his gold collar. 

“Oh please, Maxin.” She erupted into laughter and held a hand over her mouth to partially conceal a bit of redness that deepened into laughter. “A bit too late for that, but you shouldn’t be entertaining such old little ladies like me when you’re looking like that, somehow.”

The more he listened to her giggling and her laughter the lighter he felt his soul became. It was a pleasant thing to hear, like a light slicing through the darkness of events that had recently occurred. A pleasant sigh left his mouth and his shoulders finally relaxed. Inside he was aware of a small shred of guilt beginning to gnaw at him, one that had started in the carriage ride.

“Anne, yer one of those rare women that only grew more beautiful with age.”He closed his eyes for a moment, missing the embarrassed smile.

“I am so curious though… Maxin, you should be aged like me. Worn by the rough seas, rough from the mines but… I wouldn’t cross you for any older than mid-thirties?” Her eyes lit up while she leaned forward. “Are you blessed by the Gods? Did you not age in prison? Or did you charm a witch?”

Maxin let out a short laugh and shook his head.

“No idea.” He replied honestly. “I hit a certain age and… well. I promise ya I sure as shit don’t feel no mid thirties. Things be snappin’ and poppin’ when I roll outta bed in the mornin.”

They both laughed at that but when it faded and fell to them awkwardly staring at one another, he flicked his tail and turned his eyes to the building.

“So, like livin’ this fancy life?” He spoke his mind as usual, prompted by not knowing what else to say.

“Oh- It’s okay.” Anne echoed and relaxed in the large chair. “I never really knew much different. That ship was probably the most cramped my life had ever been.” 

“Really? Didn’t know that.” Maxin flicked his tail while she dove into a story.

“Well, yes- I snuck aboard my father’s ship before they took off, you know. We lived in a large house along the shoreline back in Faline. Not as large as this, by any means, but it was more than enough. Being an Admiral brought a lot of coins for your family.”

“Did your mother work?” Maxin curiously questioned.

“No- Well, see worked on her social life more than her family.”

“Ouch.” He rumbled and examined her silver hair. It was blonde long ago.

“I don’t know why I ever thought such a silly thing, Maxin, but I had hoped very much that I would be able to sneak you home and that my parents would accept you into the family. I am so ashamed and sorry for what has happened to you…” She paused and turned her head to the side to cough. “For so many years I have felt guilt for you. This was all my fault… I tried everything to get you free… I searched every prison record in Faline, and then Namarast- you were just gone.”

Briefly his heart ached at the idea that someone else blamed his poor fortune on themselves. It wasn’t her fault, it was his. He was there to steal, he should’ve known better than to be on any Navy vessel but he was blinded by the feelings she had given him at the time. The attention and affection, he had craved it like a drug. 

“Not your fault, Anne.”

“Oh but it is Maxin, I should’ve never gotten onto that damned ship.” She sighed and got up to reach a drink that had been left abandoned on the coffee table. Sipping it seemed to help clear her throat out to talk smoother. “If I hadn’t, maybe your life would have been okay.”

“Hah-” Maxin scoffed. “I woulda been dead by now, don’t act like I wouldn’t.”

“Max…”

But honestly, being dead was something he had wished for so many years. She was right, it would have been better to never be caught. He wouldn’t tell her that though. Anne was shaken with another cough, but this was one that racked her ribs. Despite looking healthy she sounded horrid.

“Are ya sick?”

”Ahem- excuse me, yes, I am.” Her voice was a little more cautious.

“Any doctors around to take care of ye? I mean, Matilda’s back now-“ He was interrupted by her sigh and the fading smile.

“Uhm, I’ve been sick for a while, Max. How about we talk about this later though- I really do not want to focus on a cough. Why don’t you tell me more about pirating-

The doors opened, and a man entered while pushing in a cart.

“Dinner is ready ma’am, we were told to bring the guest’s plate up here.”

There was a table in her room, enough to seat four, and that is where the plates and dishes were set up. For it just being the two of them, it was relatively fancy. Maxin looked out the windows and noticed how early it still was but he was never the one to complain about early meals. Anne was actually the one that said something about it.

“So sorry, Max- I have my dinner early so I don’t miss the sunset.”

“That’s fine, won’t catch me whinin.” It prompted a light laugh while everything was dished out to her. Max stopped the server from filling his plate.

“Aye lil’ lad, I’m gonna need a lot more than what ye gave her. Leave me to it.” 

“Of course, my Lord, enjoy your meal.”

Anne gave him a sly sideways smile, (Say that three times fast,) and cocked a brow as he stared at the food for a moment and tried to remember in his tiny little mind how Jura and Matilda had fought so hard to teach him in using eating utensils for a big event like this.

“Lord is quite the title, must take some getting used to?”

“Strangely… I adapt pretty damn fast, so I’ve been told anyway. Don’t care what they call me, long as it’s not somethin’ I’ll stab them for.”

A bit of a surprise look was cast in his direction when he forfeited the fork and contently tore into the lobster tail. Consuming shell and all. The woman was left completely speechless as such a display. Max licked his fingers after the entire thing was gone…. Not a crumb left in his wake. He was mid-chew and stared at Anne the same way the other men had stared at him with a sandwich. Matilda would’ve beaten him with something by now. Swallowing hard, he patted his mouth with a napkin.

“A-apologies I uhm. Ahem.” He blinked at her. “I haven’t eaten in a while.”

Silence followed his sentence, then finally she looked down at her plate and back at him.

“… You are a… What do you mean? Do they not feed you?”

“Some things came up…” He recalled locking himself in a cabin for the entire day because his hands kept turning scaled with claws and he was freaking out. Then the next day, he 

transformed. Now today. “Three days is a long time, Anne.”

“Oh my. Uhm.. well I would prefer if you used a fork—- maybe a knife but, I am getting strong memories of feeding you on the ship when you were young… So do whatever you need to do.”

Max took a sip of whatever was in the glass that they had poured. Despite being pleasantly surprised by the rum that touched his lips, it was very strong. An alarmed look cast to Anne as he saw she had the same thing in her glass.

“Ye seriously drinkin’ this?”

“Yes.” She grinned and took a sip herself before she began to politely cut into her dinner. “It’s practically water here… besides, I will need something a bit stronger with the way you’re eating.”

“Hmm, guess so.”

Then something a bit strange happened, something he never had thought about before. Anne began to tell him about Chakiina. A wince appeared when Anne mentioned her name. For a moment, just a brief little moment, he had forgotten she even existed. Not just… who she was now, but as a child. The funny things that any child did- shove things up their nose that didn’t belong there, get stuck in trees, not get along with other kids, being unruly if her grandpa wasn’t around… Max shrugged, sounded about right. 

“So, ye lived in Faline for a while? What made ye decide to move here?” He mumbled over a mouthful.

“Well, after I had Chickii, she was a few years old when I remarried. An asshole at that.”

A slight choking sound came out from Maxin when he heard the woman curse, it was strange, but a bit funny. Hearing a higher-class, educated person swearing made his day.

“Very nice gentleman, on the outside. But that was it. After my parents passed it was obvious he was only in it for the money. Chickii was twelve when that happened, we were left with nothing. Had to sell the house and I needed to earn a living to support my daughter but… I was sick, and too weak. So I found a lovely merchant who helped us out. We had to do some traveling. Chickii already knew almost everything she had to do, learned from my father, loved the seas. We traveled until we were offered to live with the merchant on Daelynn. The rest is history.”

Narrowing his gaze across from her, he cleared his throat and fixed his expression before sipping on his drink again. A feeling like there was more to the story he hoped to uncover another time, the man chose to focus on a subject that was briefly brushed over. Being sick, again. She seemed sensitive to that.

“How long ye been sick?” Finished with his meal, and satisfied, he sat back in his chair and placed his hands on the table. Anne was a much slower eater.

“Oh… Since my pregnancy. Are you finished?”

“Hmm? Oh, yea. I’m stuffed. Thank you for dinner.” Eyes curiously traveled over her expression as he patiently waited for the woman to finish.

Silvery blue eyes finally looked up from her dinner and locked gaze with Maxin. For a moment they sat in silence, staring at each other. Not caving, Anne put her napkin on top of her plate and stood up suddenly. 

“I uh, I don’t want to be missing tonight’s sunset.” She flashed him a smile that lasted not more than a second and saw herself out of the room. 

The captain sighed and stood from the chair. Temperatures might soar in the day but at night, he knew it could get a bit chilly. Even with the wind added to things. Not sure what else to do with himself for the rest of the night if she had just dismissed him he found a thick wool blanket and brought it with him. He reached up and let his dreads fall over his shoulders and stepped out onto the balcony where the woman was leaning against the rail with her eyes trained on the horizon. 

A woven couch was pushed against the outside wall of the building with thick cushioned seats. Max sat down and rested his chin on a hand while he stared off at the horizon in thought. 

A soft yet heavy sigh drew his attention. His presence was noticed.

While she turned to approach, the breeze caught her dress and lifted her wavy hair. Maxin felt a little flushed at how ethereal she appeared. It was easy to see how anyone could’ve been so easily engulfed by her beauty when they were younger. Awkwardly he leaned back and wrapped a hand around her waist to pull her over to him once she sat down. Anne smiled and easily tucked herself into the space of his body, resting her head upon his chest. He was happy like this. His tail even offered a little wag. This wasn’t really something he could explain, this feeling he had for her. Seeing how soft and gentle, how genuine Ann was made him horribly embarrassed at how polar opposite he was. 

 ”Sunsets are so beautiful out here.” Her voice was quiet, but he nodded in agreement.

“Even better out at sea. Just you, the crew, and the clouds.” Ann smiled at his remark.

“When I die, I’d like to come back as a parrot- or sea bird, and chase the sunsets. Just once to fly into those clouds… Chickii used to watch the sunset with me.” Delicate hands folded into her lap after playing with her hair for a moment. “Now she’s a bit too busy.” 

She wanted to fly… He thought on that for a moment before he said something 

completely out of left field.

“Ye had siblings growing up?” 

“I had an older brother, yes actually. He went and fought in a war, never came home.” That sore spot wasn’t what he was hoping to accomplish. “What about you?”

“Eh, we weren’t related, it was… well, we were a gang. Street rats. Called ‘em my brothers though.” His tail flipped in thought. 

“So you don’t have any family now? Besides your daughter, obviously.”

That wasn’t entirely true… He considered Jura his family. He felt more like blood. In a not weird way. Then there was Percy… and Matilda was like a sister to him. He loved her- That was it! He felt the same way about this woman like she did with Matilda. Like a sister.

“You are more than welcome to join ours, you know that, right?”

Max froze. Wasn’t exactly what he was looking to hear at the moment. He already had a sour taste in his mouth sometimes just having to look at the little she-beast version of himself. What was Anne offering? 

“You could spend your days here, with me, and Chickii. Work with the rest of the Lords and the crews until you feel like retiring.” Her eyes were pinning him when he wanted to get up and run.

“That’s…. That’s a kind offer.” He swallowed and stared out at the horizon again. 

“Hmm. Unless you don’t want that?” She sat up and he felt his heartbeat increase. 

Worship the Ground that Woman Walks on. Repeated into his brain.

“Fuck her she’s not even here.” He mumbled under his breath.

“What-?” Anne glared at him.

“Nothin- uhm, I want to go back where I came from, Anne. Faline. I can’t be stayin’ here for long, 

I’m sorry.” That beast was off his shoulders and he sucked in his breath, watching, waiting for her reaction.

“I can understand that, you have your own life now.” Despite the sadness in her tone, she smiled up at him. “But you do not have to be on this soil, or married to me, to be my family.” 

He pinned back his ears and returned her smile. 

“Alright then.” Maxin murmured. That went easier than he was expecting. 

“I sort of had a feeling you might not be interested in the first place, the latest gossip comes here first, you know.” 

“The—- what? What does that mean?” Maxin looked over at her suddenly with a bit of alarm in his throat.

“Oh my darling, I heard about you and Rysnik. I often wondered if your tastes had changed or not.”

”Shit-“ He groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers. 

Anne gasped and covered her mouth before frantically reaching out to his arm.

“Max—- Maxin I am so, so sorry- I had completely forgotten… that must be too soon how incredibly insensitive of me-“

“Calm down, woman.” He laughed and she looked confused. “It ain’t that. Guy was a dick. But uhm, yeah I’m, well. Gay I guess.” He shrugged and figured he could probably swing both ways if need be, but he needn’t be.

They both sighed and watched the remaining sun dip beyond their line of sigh. She fell back against his arm and held his hand which he now easily wrapped his fingers within hers. He felt better about this- he didn’t want to lie to her anymore. He cared about her too much.

Now that that was out of the way their discussion turned to lighter topics and an interchange of stories, both silly and serious. The night sky that crept upon them was filled with laughter and their present day fears were thrown out the window. At least until they moved back into the room when it became too cold. Glass doors were shut, plates were removed, and the fireplace was lit and stocked heavily to keep the woman warm.

“Thank you so much for today, Max, I had a genuinely good time.” She held his hands and grinned with a twinkle in her eyes. “I believe they have a room downstairs you could stay in if you would like.” 

“Oh- aye… I was wondering’ if I could stay with ye tonight.” He purred.

“I thought you said you were gay-“ Maxin raised an eyebrow to that response.

“I wasn’t…. Not like that- I’ll kiss ye still Annemarie but-“

“OH- GODS! Okay, I’m so sorry! Yes, yes of course that’s fine!” Max laughed awkwardly at the explosion of red in her face. “I would really like that.” Her giggle made him smile. “Would you like to read or… I guess I don’t know how you wind down for the night?”

“Uh we can talk.” Maxin released her hands and swished his tail around, pulling his linen shirt over his head as he completely forgot about the scars. 

“Ye-Yes…. Yes, talk. Of course.” Her eyes were round as full moons while she stared at him. 

“Absolutely fine just uhm, let me change- and, yes."

Under the sheets, Maxin felt like he was drowning in the size of this bed. It was enormous. Easily the largest one he had ever been in. It didn’t groan like the wood was going to give out as soon as he sat down in it like Jura’s had, either. Incredibly comfortable, he wormed his way over to Anne and rested on his side. The wounds on his back were fresh enough to cause excruciating pain if he laid on them for too long. He was met with a wide and wild pair of eyes that almost seemed frightened of him being there. She had been fairly quiet now.

“What?” He murmured. “Don’t be tellin me ya don’t have yer fair share of men and servants in here.” Maxin held a deadly grin on his lips and she snapped back at him.

“ONE.” Anne began laughing. “I do have a bedmate that I love very dearly, actually. We have been each others for a number of years. He is a kind gentleman.”

“Hmm, Just bedmates?” He was a tinge jealous if he was being honest. 

“Just, bedmates. Though he… does bring me flowers, spends time with me- what! Oh don’t look at me like that, I don’t want anything more with him.” She laid on her back and stared up at the ceiling. “Not anymore.”

“How’d ye meet?” He questioned, hoisting his head up onto the palm of his hand.

“Well when he first started working here he would wake the entire house. His night terrors were so bad, the poor guy was made fun of for it. After a year I couldn’t take it anymore, so I finally invited him up and sang to him. That is… why I am a bit sicker now.”

Max stared at her like a giant dumb idiot with the most blank expression on his face. She looked over at him and lowered her brows with a frown. Then she rolled onto her side and mimicked how he was laying.

“What- You really, honestly have not been told anything about me?” 

“Not a thing.” Max mumbled. “Truthfully didn’t even know ye were here.”

That statement made Anne sit up suddenly, so he sat up after her. 

“Really…? I thought, well. Perhaps you were trying to pry for more information… Well. That explains a lot…”

Max tilted his head and learned that during her pregnancy with Chakiina, Anne became deathly ill. More than once. After birth she nearly died, no amount of potions would fix her. They determined she was a mage and had magic sickness.

“Magic Sickness?” Max frowned. “Sounds made up.”

“It’s a generalized term for when a user’s magic slowly kills them each time they expend 

energy.”

“Sounds exhaustin.” 

“It is. My magic, I can cure nightmares. Not just for one night but,.. for years, Max. I heal dreams, sometimes I can heal the mind too if it suffers. I didn’t know that was what made me so sick in the beginning, I used it on Chickii so much as a baby and child, I just couldn’t stand her crying so much… so I became weak. Sick. I was doing okay until I helped that man, and again… a few years later. Now I cannot leave. I get exhausted just going down those stairs.”

“What happens if ye keep usin it?” Ears pinned back while nervously guessing what the answer could become.

“Uh, well. I guess it kills the caster.” She shrugged and smiled. How was she smiling?

“Don’t ye dare ever use that shit on me, got it?” The growling demand was met with a quick nod. 

They talked for a while longer. This time Maxin told her about Jura and Faline, how he had to basically be taught to be civilized all over again. It was intriguing to Anne but eventually her little humms of attention grew silent. Looking over, Maxin noticed the lump in the covers was still and breathing softly. Smiling to himself he pulled blankets up over her shoulders and easily found himself curling around her. It woke her a bit, being pulled into a cuddle, but he felt a little kiss against his chest.

“Goodnight Maxi.” She whispered.

“Night, Anne.”

After a long night riddled with flowing dreams of death, destruction, and immense chaos- He awoke while darkness was still settled in the room. Next to him, there was a lump beneath the blankets with a tuft of silver hair poking out of the top. Her feet were shoved between his thighs all night and the steady rise and fall of her breathing was somehow relaxing. In silence he remained there to enjoy the quiet of the morning until a sliver of grey filled the horizon through the windows. That’s when he scooted up onto the pillows carefully not to disturb the woman and shut his eyes again, lulled to sleep by the lack of shouting and clanking boots on planks. 

“Max-” 

He woke up suddenly and found himself staring at the greyed woman with a deepening innocent expression over her face. “Good morning.” She smiled.

“Mornin’.”

Breakfast was rather quiet together and he was left sipping his coffee while she drank her tea, finally his stomach was full again. They spend the hours chit chatting, she showed him her book collection. While they waited for the noon sun to heat the island, Maxin kept the fire going despite himself being a tad too warm. They sat on the couch together and he listened as she told him all the funny stories of the pirates, leaving out the unspoken horrors that went along with piracy. Max was telling her about the monster they had recently hunted and how he thought he could get that to open trade with Faline- an excuse to get him back home. Anne got closer to him while he told her the weapons needed to bring down such a beast, that they were having specialized canons built for it. 

His mind was elsewhere when she pulled his face to him and kissed him. Max wasn’t prepared for that- but gave in easily. He didn’t think talking about how they peeled scales off and cleaned the bones would be attractive to anyone. Apparently there was a special audience. Next thing he knew she was on his lap, but as long as that was as far as this would go he didn’t 

mind it much. When his hands were in her hair- the door swung open.

“OH MY GODS-“ His daughter’s voice cried out in disgust.

Both of them shot apart from each other and Max was staring at the black haired woman gagging and hiding behind her hands.

“I waited almost until NOON to avoid any of this! Come on! 

Anne got up and fixed her robe but he was getting one hell of a kick out of Chakiina’s reaction. Satisfied by that alone, he leaned back into the couch and expressed a shit eating grin. 

“What are you doing up here, Chickii-“ 

“Ugh, mom- mom let me go- please no-“ The pain in their daughter’s voice was so dreadful as Anne gave her a big hug.

“Good thing ye weren’t hear an hour ago- surprised ye didn’t hear the screamin from downstairs-“

“Maxin!” Anne gasped with a large smile, she watched him get Chakiina wound up and shook her head at him.

“GROSS- Here I was, wanting to go for a nice stroll with my PARENTS, and now I have changed my mind. Have fun.”

The doors closed and Anne gave the man a steady glare.

“What?” He was still grinning. “I take my revenge like I take m’rum, strong.” He chuckled and Anne held up her hand.

“Trust me Max, I don’t want to know the details.”

He got up from the couch and gave a big old stretch before shoving himself into his boots and his shirt again.

“Ah well, I can chase her down. Got some things I needed to be doin’ for a bit anyways if that’s alright with ye.”

“Of course, I might need some peace and quiet for a bit. Go have fun, I’ll see you later.

“You got to ride him Yesterday, so that means it’s Irin’s turn today.”

“You have got to be kidding me, he’s lying through his teeth so he doesn’t have to ride that crusted Mule again.”

“... Is that true Irin?” 

A blonde haired man with streaks of silver and a very worn face turned to a younger bloke who had dirt strewn all over his face. Hay was sticking out in every direction through his hair. The other young gentleman with dark curled hair and sunkissed skin like the rest of the locals. He sported a black eye. 

“Uhm- Hello?”

A shadow had formed across the door frame and the three men almost jumped out of their skin when Maxin entered the large stables. His eyes adjusted to the dimmer lighting and he saw rows of stalls and well-cared for horses, mules, donkeys, ponies- even feline mounts. It was quite the sight, but he gathered by the carriage wheels that they were mostly used to cart guests and others around the estate.

“Hello… Ah- you must be Chakiina’s father.” 

The older blonde haired man approached, tucking his hat beneath his arm cheekily and flashing a brimming smile while holding out a hand to Maxin. He took it with a bit of a pause and found himself in a firm handshake. It was odd. 

“Remind my companions and I, what was your name again?”

He looked a bit taken-aback by that comment. Everyone on the island knew who he was. Everyone knew the name of the seven lords. Even if he was the seventh and least important…. It was a big deal to the people. Maxin tilted his brow and dropped his head to the side a tad.

“Maxin.”

“Yes yes! That’s right, it is a pleasure to meet you- Sire.” He gave a little bow of his locked hair and stepped back, outstretching his arms in a gesture to introduce the two bickering boys.

Maxin was immediately disliking this guy.

“These two Bats are Irin,” he looked over to the darker haired boy now. “And Luno. My name is Marcutio. What could we do for you today?”

Now that the boring introductions were over, he flipped his tail and threw his hands onto his hips.

“I’m wondering if you boys could fit a saddle for me.” He grinned a toothy smile.

“Of course- where you going out for a ride-”

“Sort of. Tell me, have you ever fitted a Dragon before?”

The three looked at him in stunned silence before they exchanged glances with one another.

“NO- not- yes okay, that loop- Yes, good support… How does the strap feel, Irin?”

The young man looked down at Marcutio with nothing short of fear in his eyes as he was tightly secured in an upright saddle that had many loops and belts to keep it in place. Irin was the victim for the test run. His body fell from side to side as Maxin’s reptilian frame swayed with each step. His golden head swung around to face the men, waiting for a given cue to go.

“Alright- remember to just start screaming your head off if you feel like you’re going to fall out of the saddle.” Luno was grinning ear to ear to see his competition about to be launched off the side of a cliff. 

“Ready?” Marcutio called out.

“N-NO-”

The older man slapped Maxin’s thigh and the great beast gathered his energy in his back legs before plunging forward with a surge. Screaming immediately erupted from his saddle, but it felt firmly pressed to his spine. His enormous wings opened, not feeling restricted by the leather harness, and he launched into the air. They were suspended into nothingness for a moment, and then they plummeted down the cliff face. 

Max wasn’t about to give this guy an easy ride. He needed to make sure it was safe and possible, if anything came about. 

His wings tucked to his body and he death-rolled through the air, spinning violently until he was dangerously close to the treetops. Wings unleashed and his membranes stretched, battling the air current while they drifted even lower briefly. The screaming never stopped, even he was grinning. Maxin didn’t tell any of them this was only his second time in flight. 

His nose turned upward and he began to beat his wings furiously to gain altitude until the ground below was lost to the clouds. When the serpent evened out its body and flew nicely- he thought he could hear sobbing from his back. 

“Pleaaase-” Irin begged him in a whimpering voice. “Take me back!”

Max glanced over his shoulder and let out a loud snort. Fine, he’d take the crybaby back.

A little rumble emitted from a broad chest as the wings stirred up leaf debris and dust into the air upon landing upon the cliff’s edge. The two men waited for max to come to a stop before they approached and began to undo the straps to the saddle, releasing a terrorized and trembling Irin who nearly fell face-first into the ground.

“You lived!” Marcutio explained with excitement. “Well?! How was it?”

“Different saddle-” Irin was limping fiercely while he walked away and collapsed into a ball a distance away. 

Luno was snickering while Maxin watched Marcutio fall into a problem-solving stance.

“Hmm… maybe a feline saddle would work better, what do you think, Luno?”

“You think laying down would be easier?” The boy threw the saddle stirrups over the horn and looked back at the older man.

“I do- I watched that wind slam into Irin like a wall. There is no way on this damned land Anne would survive a blow like that… Maybe being lower to Maxin’s neck would cut through the wind easier.”

“Like how we sprint on the Lions?” Luno questioned.

“Exactly!”

“Okay- take Two!” Marcutio shouted with excitement while he lowered himself to the saddle. 

This man was much heavier than the boy he had just carted about, but Maxin felt confident in his abilities now. Claws dug into the hardened stone along the cliff.

 “Alright--- I’m ready-!’

His voice fell to laughter as Maxin launched like he had done with Irin. The laughter never turned to screaming however, Marcutio was having the time of his life.

Max shot across the sky with his immensely powerful wings and shifted right up into the clouds.

“Can you maneuver ?” Marcutio shouted over the golden clouds and wind battering against his face and the goggles he had acquired.

Maxin dipped his nose down without a warning and his body shot down. His wings were almost pressed to his sides and he began to spin in controlled movements. It was when they came out of the clouds and nearly crashed into the side of the mountain did he spiral out of control. The beast roared and Marcutio clung on for dear life. Maxin battled the air fiercely as the world spun around them in every direction. His wings grasped at nothing and the tree tops came up to them rapidly. That stupid move may have just cost them both their lives.

Maxin tucked his wings against his body a little more instead of trying to flap them uselessly and found their spiraling returning to a spin. Like a falcon, he opened them a little more and they started straightening out. His wings flew open and his feet scraped the leaves and light branches from the trees just inches away from collision. 

“I can’t watch-” Marcutio called. 

A few wingbeats allowed him to begin gaining altitude, just barely missing a much taller tree, and the test was over. His heart was racing in his chest as if he had just seen his life flash before his eyes. With a shake of his head, Max took it easy back to the cliff. Once they landed and Mercutio dismounted, the man had a wide smile on his face.

“No pain- mild wind, might need a change of pants, but it was perfect!” He turned to the boys with a grin. “Worked like a charm.”

After getting the equipment off and making a plan to meet back at sunset, Maxin left the stables and snuck around the back of the building in secret, avoiding the people walking about and tending to vegetable gardens and roaming farm animals. Once inside he rushed up the stairs and let out a sigh of relief back to the second floor.

“Oh you’re back!” He was greeted with a smile. “Perfect timing, dinner is almost ready… Are you okay?”

Anne stood up from the couch, she looked to have been sewing patterns into fabrics.

“Ye just… gonna lay down for a bit, eh? That looks pretty.” He pointed to the skirt and felt the need to close his eyes. 

“Ah, I will join you then.” 

Surprisingly she followed him into the bedroom where Maxin flopped down onto the bed with his legs hanging over the side. He folded his hands behind his head and watched as Anne flopped down at his side. After a little while though, she rolled over and stuck her hand up his linen shirt before falling asleep. Her cold little hand felt nice, he was too warm.

 A hand shook his shoulder and he bounced back to the world of the living, even with a bit of drool clinging to the side of his mouth which was quickly wiped off on his sleeve. Had he just slept the day away--- He sat up with a groggy head and peered out the windows from the blankets. No, it was still light out. He had been asleep for maybe half an hour. Chakiina was standing at the edge of the bed and she had just woken them both up. Anne yawned but the sleep left Max as soon as the smell of meat roused him to his feet.

“Morning love bugs, dinner is ready. I had them set the table in the living space up here. I thought it would be nice to eat as a family for once.”

“That is very sweet of you, dear.” Anne got up and tugged the giant to his feet.
A family. Subtract Chakiina from that equation and he might’ve just smiled at that thought. He cast his eyes over to Anne. Jura would love her.

When dinner was cleared away, Maxin helped Anne to the railing where the sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon. Soon with a burst of colors to follow. He couldn’t help but watch her hair in the breeze and notice the longing in her eyes while she watched the clouds move across the sky. Finally he decided to break her trance.

“I have a uhm…. A surprise? I think… for ya.”

“Do you?” She gave him a suspicious look and leaned against him. “And what might that be?”

Wings dripped from his back, and began to unfold. Anne stepped back and stared wide-eyed at the display. His tail became much heavier and his hind legs thickened. His pants faded out of existence, replaced by scales. 

“Said ya wanted to fly, so I did some arrangin’.” He held out his hand, now tipped with claws. Hesitantly she took them- and then he scooped her light body into his arms.

“You never told me you could shape shift-“

“This is still new… Hold on tight.” He murmured. 

Maxin glided down to the stables and landed outside of the door. He returned to his human form and placed his friend upon the ground. Her eyes were round with excitement and fear, still clinging to his chest even if her feet touched solid rock once more.

“M-Max- What a rush!” 

“Ah, there is the Jewel to this kingdom.” From the shadows, Marcutio approached with a gentle smile and eyes softened to Anne. She gasped excitedly and rushed to give him a hug.

“What is going on here?” She exclaimed when he released her from their embrace. Maxin didn’t like the way this guy was looking at her. Those eyes held some sort of charming evil behind them… maybe he was just being what, jealous? 

“I had this idea of getting you out for once, safely.” The blonde responded as if Maxin wasn’t standing an inch away from him. A deadly care burned into the back of Marcutio’s skull, only holding his tongue because if he opened his mouth- there would be blood soaking into the ground.

This was supposed to be a gift for Anne, something to make her happy. He wouldn’t be ruining that despite the swirling glow becoming brighter in his eyes. With magic still being unstable, he fought hard to cool his nerves.

“Maxin! This is Marcutio, I told you a bit about him-“

“The bedmate.”

Marcutio laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his head.

“I thought we’ve been dating all these years-“

“Well, what’s the difference?” Anne sighed.”

The two boys came out with leather straps in hand. “He has been my bedmate for many years now.” She smiled, but Max had to remain still as stone and keep his expression neutral. Whether it was on purpose or not… Marcutio was the reason for her health. Outwardly she looked fine, but even being carried to the stables left her catching her breath. He hoped that the flight wouldn’t be too much for her.

They went inside and took their time saddling up Max after he shifted into a beast. Anne leaned against his giant golden head, stroking his scales while Marcutio told them about the latest gossip- cinching the straps around Max’s abdomen too tight. He glared at the man, but it went unnoticed while he was too busy drowning Anne in attention. Maxin was already plotting but this time there was no river nearby. His excitement was clouded by anger. 

Once he walked outside and the boys helped Anne onto his back, they strapped her into the saddle so securely that she wouldn’t have to do too much work, even if she fought them saying she had ridden enough times in her life to be okay. They clearly didn’t believe her.

Unlike what he had done to the men, Max very slowly gained altitude until they were in the clouds. Anne shouted with joy, then grew silent when they broke the surface. It was a thing of wonder. The colors- it looked like some sort of spirit realm up here. Even Maxin was lost in the trance. Brief. Be brief.

“This is… beautiful, Max…” Anne called. “I feel like I am dreaming! Thank you… thank you.”

The drake turned his head around and headed back, her arms extended at the wind rushing through while he lazily glided through the sky until they were nearly hovering above the jungle close to the estate. Holding on tight again, he circled around her home a few times before he landed easily in a pasture. As soon as all fours were on the ground, all three of the stable hands rushed out across the grass and began rapidly unstrapping them. Anne’s laughter was unmeasurable. 

“See you had fun-!” Marcutio called.

Max didn’t care anymore, she had thanked him personally in the sky, that was enough. With the Lady out of the saddle and back onto the ground she had a bad case of wobbles, still giddily laughing while leaning on Marcutio, dreamily telling him about her experience. Once Max was free and about to return to his human form, she fell upon him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Maxin shifted back and hugged her, looking down at her contagious smile. 

“I loved it- I loved it, I love you- I love everything you did, oh it was so grand… I felt like one of the Gods…” 

“Ye looked like one.” Maxin teased.

“I want to do that every day of my life.” Anne breathed. 

“Maybe wait to see how you are feeling tomorrow, my love.” Marcutio stepped in, there was something off about the way he swept her away from Max. He didn’t like it. 

The stableboys brought the equipment back to where it all belonged and save for a few of the servants, no one even noticed that they were gone. It was perfect.

“What about tonight?” Anne flashed a startled question toward Marcutio. “O-oh…. I- we can… 

Uhm, Maxin?”

“Hmm?” His ears perked forward, then pinned when Marcutio picked her off her feet and lifted her into his arms. She squeaked, coughed, and laughed.

“Are—-are you alright sleeping downstairs tonight?”

A knife slashed through his heart while he gathered his clothes and silently walked past the pair. Anne tried stopping him, but he shrugged her hand free and kept going until he was trotting down marbled steps and onto the main floor. His belly was filled with rage. His eyes burned with it. When Chakiina saw him, she waited for him to storm past her before following after him. A servant held a door open for him to an empty room, but quickly stepped out of Max’s path when he went in and through his belongings down aggressively. He wasn’t even aware that his daughter was leaning against the doorway until he saw her shadow.

“What happened?” Her voice was level.

“Nothin.” Max snarled and sat onto the bed.

“Well that isn’t Nothing. Did she get angry with you? Kick you out-?” 

“No.”

“Uhm, okay- Do I need to keep guessing or are you going to tell me?”

“Still two dinners going up to her room.” He hissed under his breath.

Chakiina stood up straight from the doorframe and stared wide-eyed at him.

“What-?!” Her fists clenched. “You’re Back, why is she having Him up there? I’m in full agreement for multiple partners but I will gut that man-“

“Don’t.” Maxin sighed and held his head in his hand. “Just, don’t. She’ll get upset.” While sounding utterly defeated, Maxin played with the tassels on his decorated white scarf. “I’ll… I’ll deal with it.”

Chakiina walked over and sat on the bed next to him. Their shoulders touched. Probably the kindest that they had really ever been to one another. 

“I trust you will. Honestly, I have always hated that slithering Rat. He has an attitude that the Islanders spit on. Only reason he is alive is because she keeps him protected.”

“Guess that makes two of us.” Maxin offered her a smile, she returned it.

“Yeah…” She scratched the back of her head. “So, other than…. That…. How are things going between you two?”

“It was nice to catch up.”

Maxin and Chakiina talked. They spoke to one another, she expressed how genuinely happy she was to have them both here, they talked about things other than work, and then they got up and ate dinner with the rest of the people there. Max was angry, back to his usual, but able to keep himself under control. It helped being well-fed. Then after some chatter and talk about ransacking trade ships, a few, including Maxin, retired for the night while other drank and exchanged more serious matters. Loudly.

This bed wasn’t as comfortable as the one he slept on the night before but it didn’t matter to him. In reality he would again get no sleep. It was his usual. Not without Matilda’s potions anyway.

Darkness filled the mansion when he rolled out of bed and dressed. One sniff got him heading immediately to bathe, and then redressed in somewhat smelly clothes. Lemon wedges took care of that. Now he was standing in the main room staring out the bay windows when he heard feet shuffle down the stairs. Curious to see who it was, Max snuck through the black room to find Marcutio sneaking out. The blonde man never noticed the figure in the shadows and slipped out of the house. A perfect opportunity… that would have to wait. Maybe it would be okay.

When the house started waking up, he found work to do until Breakfast was ready. He had done a bit of mapping out areas on a large table in Chakiina’s office. A servant opened the door and Max silently followed. He would be joining them in bringing the cart up today. 

His heart was beating in his chest as nervously as the first time he ascended the marble stairs. Up they went and they were greeted with silence. Across the large second floor they three of them traveled, pushing a small cart with inviting smells. He opened the doors for them after a small knock and let them set up. His eyes immediately went to the balcony- but Anne wasn’t there. 

A lump in the bed made him blink. Maybe it had been too much yesterday. He approached her and sat down next to her, huddled to the end of the bed as if she was freezing. It was rather warm in there. Something odd though- was the lightness of her hair. It was white as snow. She was still undressed, so he turned around and faced the servants.

“Leave us.” He called.

They immediately turned and left, shutting the doors behind them.

“Anne.” He called to her firmly. “Anne, wake up.” 

She stirred, but barely. Now that they were alone in the room, he could hear her labored breathing. Her skin was cold to touch, and her eyes looked sunken. 

“Anne.” He repeated, gently shaking her shoulder. 

“Max.” The frailness of her voice sent fear rippling up her spine. Especially when she didn’t move.

“Anne please get up- what’s wrong-“ Maxin got on the floor, kneeling besides the bed and cupping her head in his hand. “Hey—- hey, honey wake up. C’mon.”

When her eyes struggled to part, he was shocked at their paleness. 

“I’m sorry.” She breathed quietly.

“Shut up, Anne.” He snarled. “Get up.” Maxin threw back the covers and put her arms around his neck. “C’mon, we’re gettin ye help.”

“Clothes.” Her hollow voice built panic inside of him. 

“Clothes, got it. Here, I’ll get your dress just… Can ye sit up?” He placed her gently against the pillows, but she was so weak she started falling to the side like a corpse.

“For Fucks Sake Anne, what the Fuck did he do to you.” He struggled in getting her into the dress, but then lifted her up and easily cradled her against his chest. “Matilda, we need to get you to Matilda. Come on.”

A loud bang upstairs had everyone’s head snapping around, even a couple of people rushing to the halls. Maxin had kicked the doors down, not pausing to lower the woman to bother opening them like a normal person. As soon as he started calling for help, and calling for Matilda- there was an immediate rush and panic through people. The servants scrambled and Chakiina bolted over to the base of the stairs with horror filling her eyes.

“Mom? Mom?!” Maxin didn’t stop moving, so his daughter trotted along with him. “What happened-?” 

“I have an idea,” Maxin snarled. “But I don’t know for sure. We need to get her to Matilda.”

“I can get a carriage ready.”

“One is currently being pulled to the front of the building, your highness.” A servant seemed out of breath, but sure enough, there it was as they rushed through the doors.

Servants opened the doors and watched with worried looks as Maxin and their daughter climbed inside. He never pulled Anne away from him while Chakiina struggled to get her to tell them what was going on. The two horses jolted forward and soon they were bouncing away down the road as fast as they dared. Maxin could hear the drivers screaming at people to get out of their way, but that was all he was focused on.

“I watched Marcutio sneak out this morning.” He hissed. “Before anyone else was up.”

“You should have fucking shot him.” Chakiina snarled. 

“I plan on doing far worse.” His angry gaze locked with their daughter’s. “But right now, we need to get her better.”

“No-“ Anne wheezed, a frail hand reached up to Maxin’s collar. 

“No, what?” He rumbled, clutching her hand in his.

“Don’t…. No…. Don’t hurt him.” She took a few heavy breaths. “Please.”

“I promise, I Won’t.” Maxin exchanged a look with Chakiina and they both thought the same exact thing.

The room was lit only by a few candles in Matilda’s small room in the ship. She had been rolled out of bed and dragged to the ship by horse for an emergency and by the sweat dripping down her forehead and the steady, wild movements of throwing things around in the dressers, she was in survival mode. Matilda had snapped at both Chakiina and Maxin to sit down and shut up, as they were both getting in her way. So, they did as they were told. 

Concoction after Concoction, Matilda was getting more and more serious about her potions. It felt like hours had passed with Anne laying like a ghost upon her flat table. All Max and her daughter could do was watch. Chakiina for the first time in her life probably, prayed. 

They were all getting tired, Matilda was nearing her wits end. Max could see it in her. Finally, one last potion, and Annemarie began sputtering and coughing. The two shot up like a dart and rushed over to help her sit up. Light filled her eyes. She reached out and cupped Chakiina’s face with a smile. Chakiina, eyes filling with tears- was about to give her mother a giant hug before that light faded.

Her body was limp, and the three of them began working together. Matilda yelled at Max to grind up certain things, Chakiina combined blood potions and bone marrows, and Matilda enchanted them- putting as much power as she possibly could into her spells.

Outside, the entire crew had gathered and sat in silence, listening. The shuffling and slamming of drawers and low muttering grew quiet and everyone held their breaths. Matilda, Maxin, and Chakiina watched as the strongest potion was poured into the still woman’s pale lips. They waited. And waited. And waited. 

Her chest began to rise and fall again. The three of them breathed a sigh of relief. Chakiina and Matilda hugged one another, Maxin clung to the edge of the table feeling like he was about to have a damn heart attack. 

“Is there anything else-“ Chakiina practically begged as she pulled herself away from Matilda.

Heavy breathing from the three of them filled the room before the stout healer finally shook her head with exhaustion and sadness filling her lined face. Both pairs of eyes were locked onto her.

“No… No sacrifices, no dark magic… Nothing-?” His daughter whined desperately.

“Chakiina, there is nothing I can do to help her… I don’t think anyone can. I know of no one that can heal magic itself.” Matilda leaned back and turned back to the mess strewn about.

“What do we do?” Maxin barely whispered, his tail was laying limp upon the ground.

“Get her home, let her rest for a few days… whatever strength she can gain back let her gain back.” Matilda paused and rested a hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry… Don’t expect her to get better though. At this stage, it only gets worse.” 

Back in the Estate, servants were silent. Everyone dared not speak a word. The Mother’s room was filled with people at different hours, sometimes only Maxin and Chakiina could be found there, Matilda joined, so did others on and off. The next few days were stressful, and miserable. Anne gained just enough strength to stare outside the window across the room from her bed. And that was it. Maxin carried her to watch the sunset at night, but other than that, she was completely bed-ridden. Three days passed and Maxin had enough. 

He stood up and patted Chakiina’s shoulder before he left the room. Her eyes momentarily followed after him before she returned to talking to her mute mother. Heavy boots lumbered down the winding stairs and through the hallway with people he had never seen there to visit. Anne seemed to have had made many friends, or perhaps it was out of respect or an opportunity to visit or even see Chakiina. Whatever it was, they were wise to stay well out of their way. 

Normally he would head to his ship and lock himself away to deal with this. But Irin nodded to Maxin while in passing in the large stalls. Maxin stopped the boy, who’s eyes lifted off the ground and became filled with fear.

“Where is Mr. Marcutio. He hasn’t paid Anne any visits, yet.”

“He’s out on the beach, Sir Lord Sir, he usually rides at the beach this time of day.”

“Thank you.”

Marcutio was galloping across the sands, weaving between rocks on a beautiful steed with a pale mane. The animal was worked hard, foam covering its neck and mouth while it’s rider pushed it to its limit for endurance training. They made good ground and splashed through the waves when the slabs of stone pushed them to the sea. The cliff face blocked off the rest of the beach but an archway tunnel allowed passage to the other side. Snorting echoed off the walls in the dark until they burst out of the other side.

The horse screamed and haulted so fast that its feet slid out beneath it and it fell onto its rump, throwing the rider, and toppling to its side. A massive dragon with spread wings and loud roar terrorized the pair. The man had been fallen onto a rock that he hit his head on.

Maxin returned to his human form while the horse struggled to get to its four feet. After tying back his dreads, the Captain in his oily black coat approached the animal and grabbed its reigns to guide it toward where the man had fallen. It was still snorting heavily and pacing in place, quivering with fear.

He bent down and rolled Marcutio over, seeing his bloody face was doing wonders for him. Even better was when his eyes flew open and he fully regained consciousness. He tried to sit up, obviously dazed and confused.

“So glad ye could join us, Marcutio.” Maxin stood back up and stroked the horse’s nose, unlatching a rope from the saddle. “Ye know I was beginnin’ to wonder if ye left or somethin, with ye bein so in love with Miss Anne, I figured we’d be sein’ ye visitin her or somethin.”

“What-“ The man coughed out a mouth full of blood and rolled over with a groan. 

“What indeed. Maybe ye didn’ be visitin’ the Lady cause… Oh, I dunno… yer guilty of doin’ somethin’ terrible. Scared of gettin’ caught ‘nd the likes.” Maxin’s accent was heavy, true to his angry nature. He spit into the sand next to the man.

“I didn’t… I didn’t do—- anything…” Marcutio began to scramble backwards, away from Max who approached. “N-No! No, no no no please…-“ 

“Oh don’t worry, stablebitch. Ye didn’t do nothin’ wrong, remember.” Maxin tired the rope around his feet. “Now I only ridden a horse once in m’life, so forgive me for the uh… rough ride.” A deadly grin shot upon his face and he mounted the animal, the saddle was small, but he didn’t seem to care much for that. The horse nervously turned around while Max found a solid placed to tie the rope. 

“W-wait—- Listen to me, I- I didn’t do anything I just, please- It was just a bad dream-“ 

“Ye?” Max began to walk the horse a little, eager to hear what he had to say. “That so? Ye been visitin her cause poor grown ass man had a bad dream… Ye should know better.” He turned over his shoulder to see his victim grabbing at the sand. “Don’t ever Fuck with pirates, mate.”

Maxin nailed the animal in the ribs and laughed as it ran off at a full gallop. Eyes wide with panic and the sound of yelling muffled with loud thumps behind him rang through Maxin’s ears.

Not many people filled through the streets, but everyone got out of the way when a galloping stallion shot through the main path towards the docks with a man being towed behind it. Maxin, finally slowed down. The small number of people there cheered to him when he passed at a trot. He thought he still heard some gurgled groaning while the panting beast clopped along the planks. It was worn out, but Maxin was just getting started. When they reached his ship he was given lots of stares, no one questioned it. He untied Marcutio and examined his pulp-like features.

“Don’t worry, Matilda’ll get ye cleaned up.”

He hoisted the man over his shoulder.

Matilda was less than pleased with what was dropped onto her table, but she did what Maxin asked. She healed him just enough to wake up for more questions. Then he was once again thrown over Maxin’s shoulder and carried to the hull, to the belly of his ship. Marcutio was groaning and wailing like a woman all the way down. 

“Children got more balls than ye do, Marcutio.” Maxin grunted when he tossed the blonde man onto the floor. He was maybe half a foot shorter than Maxin and he could still see those dreadful golden eyes staring up at him through a swollen face. Max got down to his level, squatting in the dimness of the ship. The quiet creaking of planks, the sound of animals pacing around, and the smell was rather strong and rank.

“So, I hate t’be the one tellin’ ye this but, seems to me like yer time with Miss Anne might’ve drawn to a close.” And on that note, he removed a knife from his pocket. “Guess ye won’t be needin these fingers no more, eh?”

“PLEASE- please, just stop I’ll- I’ll go away, I’ll never return you’ll never hear of me again.”

Maxin paused, flipping the knife around in his hand. 

“Hmm… Nah…. I got a better idea, ye ever been monster huntin, Marcutio? Lemme tell ye what we’re gonna do with ye, because yer gonna be might helpful, how does that sound?”

Marcutio was trembling, bloody, sweat and shit filled, scooting back against the wall with a terrified nod.

“So, the best lure for sea monsters is blood. People's blood, I’d say works best, least it did last time. Don’t need to be from someone livin’ and we need a lot of it. So that’s where ye come in. I’m gonna collect yer blood, cut ye up into pieces and half of ye will go to that cat over there,” he pointed to a cage with a shadow pacing around. “And the other half, if it don’t get eaten by sharks, first- goes into the gut of a beast. How’s that?”

Matilda sighed when the screams could be heard from her room, so she chose to leave and head above deck. A few of the crew were asking what all that was about, especially Percy. She filled them in and they shrugged, deciding to pitch in by taking down buckets to Maxin and helping their Captain out.

Three days had passed since the butchering of Anne’s former lover. Maxin returned to his duties of guarding her bedside day in and day out, waiting and watching her for any sign of movement. Any sign of real life. Chakiina had to return to taking care of her people, her crew, and her money, but she visited often. As much as she could. The servants no longer allowed guests to visit and they only came up to care for the bedridden Mother, bring food, and leave. It was a rough time for everyone. Even though he was dead, Max felt hollow inside. He had just gained someone back into his life, he wasn’t ready to lose her just yet. 

To pass the time, he read every book he was able to. Max walked through her clay room, he fiddled with trying to figure it out himself. His proudest piece was when he gave up completely and made a very ugly little dog, placing it on her sheet in front of her. He was telling her how he would name is Dog, because he wasn’t good at naming things, and it could be her new pet. 

He stood up and removed his hat from his head, placing it down on the nightstand next to her. It was almost time to take her out for the sunset again.

“Max.” A scratchy tone almost sounded like a voice. He spun around and stared at her pale eyes that were staring off in his general direction. “Max-“ 

“Anne.” He fell at her side and lightly took her hand, holding it in his.

“Hi, Anne.” There wasn’t anything he knew how to say. 

“Hi.” She murmured back.

He smiled so wide that his face hurt. This was good progress. His thumb rubbed the back of her hand, happy that his friend was well enough to move her finger to trace his. She looked like a ghoul. Something risen from the grave, but the flesh was slowly returning to her cheeks. 

“I’m going to go get Chakiina, okay… I’ll be right back.”

“Max-“ She whispered.

“Right, back.” He kissed the back of her hand and ran through the entire house shouting for his daughter. She sprinted out of her office, pen in hand and dreaded fear on her face.

“She’s speaking-“ Both of them exchanged excitement and rushed upstairs together- leaving the other two pirate Lords there to write up exchanges sitting in silence in her office. They looked at one another with confusion. 

During the morning of the next day, Max was barely staying awake. His head was on her stomach, staring up at her while she stroked his hair through moments of rest. Very slowly she started to speak again. 

“You look… tired.” She whispered to him, her fingers stroking his forehead and the crown of his head.

“I am tired.” Maxin admitted, deep circles around his eyes. 

“Sleep.” Her hand slowly covered his view so he closed his eyelids and slept like she told him to. It was the first time he was able to fully sleep in days. 

Next thing he knew, it was noon. On a different day. He had moved to curl up like a cat at the end of the bed and apparently snored here and there. Anne was awake and reading a book when he woke up. Max sat up and yawned out her name.

“Anne—- you’re reading, and awake?” 

“Hello, Max. See you’re finally… awake too.”

They both appeared happy to see one another. Maxin very carefully snuck up to the headboard and sat back against it. He didn’t want to touch her in case she broke, but he held her hand. 

“How are you feeling?” His voice was soft and quiet, almost as quiet and soft as hers.

“Not well.” Anne smiled weakly and closed the book. It looked like it took a lot of effort to read up and stroke the side of his face, ending with his beard. “I am happy you stayed with me.”

“Me too.” A low purr rumbled out, which was also still a tad new for him. After partially curling around her, he breathed deeply and watched her turn the pages in her book while she read. 

They ate dinner together, the three of them did, and Chakiina seemed to be stressed but extremely happy to see her mother finally recovering. They talked, and then the three of them fell asleep in the bed together. Chakiina cuddled up with her Mom, Max at the foot of the bed again. They woke up and had breakfast together before their daughter returned to work. 

Maxin was fetching things for Anne to sew together. After settling in his seat and spending another day doing jackshit but providing company, he thought about reading something when Anne broke his silent thoughts.

“I haven’t seen Marcutio…. Has he been here when I was asleep?”

“Mmm, haven’t seen him. Sorry Anne, haven’t left your side long enough to look for ‘em.”

That was all she said, then she fell back to quietly sewing away, pausing once in a while to hold Maxin’s hand while she napped. When the servants came in to change her bedpan, Anne woke and sat up a bit to ask one of the women where Marcutio was.

“I’m sorry Miss, I do not know.” Her eyes looked down and she did a slight bow.

“Has… has he shown up to work at all?” Anne’s voice was a bit concerned.

“No- nobody’s seen him on the estate for days now.” The servant bowed again, and left.

Anne grew silent, her eyes slowly turning to Maxin with a deepening worry.

“Max- you don’t think anything happened to him?” She whispered.

He shrugged.

“You were the only one that knew he came up?” Her eyes locked with his. 

“Not exactly true, Chakiina was not happy about it. Servants saw him as well. Don’t worry too much about it Anne, I’m sure he ain’t welcomed after what he did.”

“I did this, Max.” She leaned forward towards him. “Me, I did this-“

“He was using you.” He glared back. “If that man loved you, woulda never been sick like any of this in the first place. And ye know that. We all know that.” 

Anne fell back against her pillow, closing her eyes and breathing heavily as if she was deeply hurt. He didn’t understand why she had feelings with that guy, but he wouldn’t question it. Instead, he stood up and picked his hat up, positioning it between his horns and tucking it onto his head.

“I’m goin to the ship for a bit, I’ll be back-“

“Send a servant up before you go, please, if you would.”

“Of course.” He muttered, giving her forehead a kiss before he left.

Night was rowdy, as was afternoon, so this was really just normal while Max walked back from the ship. He had bathed and smelled pretty good, lavender. He liked the smell, others began calling him Lord of the Flowers, but he let it slide. Too worried about getting back to care. Something was off tonight… he had a bad feeling in his gut. The bath washed some nerves away but it wasn’t enough. His eyes turned up to the sky at the top of the hillside, gazing up at faint stars through the light pollution while he waited for the carriage to be ready. 

The door opened quietly to find the candles still lit in Anne’s room, she was sitting with her arms folded in her bed, staring at the wall. Finding it odd, Maxin stripped off his coat and hat. Across the room without a greeting from his friend while he sat down on the bed, flopping back to look over to her a bit goofily. 

“Hello-“ He started.

“Sit up please, Maxin.” 

Swallowing hard, he did as she said. Wrapping his tail around his feet nervously. Had she found out? Was she mad about that…? He did her a favor…

“Alright- what’s goin on.” He muttered.

“I talked to the stable boy, Irin. He said you asked him where Marcutio was. Told me that he and the horse disappeared, except the horse came back a day ago. Our stallions are branded. But Marcutio didn’t.”

Maxin held her gaze, completely unphased. 

“You had the balls to sit there and lie to me, lie to my face.” She sat up with rising anger threatening to crack her tone of voice. “You killed him, Maxin, didn’t you. Don’t you lie to me.”

“I did.” His monotone shocked her.

“Why…” She whispered, but Maxin leaned forward with the glint of his teeth visible through the light.

“Don’t ye sit there ‘nd ask why, Anne. He was killing- You. It came down to yer life or his at this point. Ye obviously didn’t give a shit about us enough to not fuckin die for scum like that- so he had to go.” 

“Max-“ Her voice trembled.

“Don’t Max, me.” He snapped. “I just fuckin’ get to ye, after all these years- and yer tryin to throw your damn life away like ye can come back from the dead or some shit. What do ye think Chakiina would do without ye? Have you for once, fuckin’ thought about any of us?” Maxin stood up from the bed and lashed his tail.

“He was all I had for Years-“ She fought back.

“Well. Yer alive, he’s not. No amount of fightin’ or arguin is gonna make me feel any differently about this.” 

“I, loved, him.” Tears formed and welled in her eyes.

“And guess what— You’ll get over it. People live. People die. It’s shit and it’s life. Ye got over me fast enough.” His nose wrinkled but softened when a sob left her. “Look, either I did it, or yer daughter was going to take that place-“

“Leave-“

“What?” Maxin stared at her.

“You fucking heard me. Leave, and don’t fucking step foot here again. You’re a goddamn Monster, Max. A fucking. Monsters…. You LIED to me, I trusted you… and you Lied to my face. So leave. Take your shit. I guess I was mourning someone else all those years.”

Solemnly, he nodded his head, grabbed his jacket- his hat.

“I love you Anne… I think I always did. I think I always will. Please get better.” And he left.

And he never returned. Chakiina wasn’t able to speak to her mother about it, she didn’t want to discuss it. Neither did Max. So he chose to never speak of it again, or Anne, or anything that happened in that Cursed estate. Anyway, it was just a dream.

As the seasons passed and the cold winds whipped into the harbor of Faline few people gathered around the docks. Boats still needed to go in and out to collect their catch of the day, goods needed to be exported. The world didn’t slow down because of unfavorable weather. Neither did Maxin, nor did his crew. They had plenty of time off now and again but they still had work that needed to be done. Soon they’d be taking off for a couple of days to escort a cargo ship through dangerous waters. That was their job now, Hired muscle for areas where the Navy struggled. Never thought in all of his life he’d be on good terms with them. 

He was standing on the planks of a large dock that led to his ship while checking over a list of iron rods they needed for their ballistas. The fur cape strapped around his shoulders and his thick blue winter coat kept him plenty warm. Gloves, and his favored scarf tucked around his neck. In the back of his mind, a dinner date was keeping him half-distracted until a man walked up the clanking boards. Max looked up, half expecting his crewmate to be returning to him saying they had what they needed— but it was not.

“Maxin?” A younger man with a chipper smile pulled down his scarf to speak. “Special mail delivery, Sir.”

Maxin stared at the envelope before he took it. He nodded a thanks, stood there, and traced his finger over the golden lettering on the blue paper. It was from Daelynn, from Chakiina. Usually her orders didn’t come in such fancy looking envelopes, but he ripped open the red wax seal. Inside was a letter. When he unfolded it, an old piece of paper fell out. Before the wind could take it he stomped his boot down on the loose scrap. Carefully picking it up between his fingers he flipped it over. Four letters were printed neatly on the small ripped sheet.

“I love you too.”

 He stared for a very, very long time. The ink had been smudged, but it was legible enough that he had hopes for who it was almost immediately. He tucked it safely into his pocket and opened up the letter to read.

Dear Father,

Annebelle Lo has passed away in her sleep. Prior to her passing, Mother kept apologizing in a daze for three full days. Night included. 

She didn’t have the strength to write anything else, but told me to include her apology to you. 

 By the time you have received this message, the funeral has already taken place.

Take care in Faline. 

Sincerely,

Chakiina. 

Thousands of daggers pricked every corner of his heart and a fire he was unable to dam back fell from his eyes. Maxin pinched the bridge of his nose. He turned away form the ship and walked to the end of the dock which overlooked the harbor. It was no use, the tears began streaming down his cheeks. Deep breaths didn’t calm them. Weakness struck his leg, so Maxin fell to his knees and sobbed. At least he had gone far enough to keep him from bawling like a fucking baby infront of his crew.

His shoulders heaved from heavy gasps of air before he sat back and stared off across the rolling waves with glazed eyes. A white speck on the horizon drew closer to the docks. He sat there and watched.

In the distance, he watched a seagull soar through the sky.