Post by ariagrey on May 27, 2021 23:32:21 GMT
The dark-haired woman sat on the edge of the bed; gray eyes fixed on nothing. Her hands rested limply in her lap as the rhythmic hum of the fan above filled the room. A man came to the doorway, hiking his duffle bag higher onto his shoulder.
“Shaye.” He cleared his throat. “I’m. . .leaving now.”
The woman did not look up. “Right.” She replied quietly and absentmindedly.
The man’s lips pressed into a thin line, his hand that was not holding the strap to the bag flexing. “Take care of yourself Shaye.” And with that, he left.
A single tear traveled down her cheek at the sound of the front door closing and she quickly wiped it away. Perhaps their relationship had been doomed from the start. Shaye had been so noncommittal about their relationship for so long. Nick had pestered her from the beginning and although she agreed to move in together, it was not enough for Nick. They had been together for five years and though she never showed to be fully invested, there were no wandering eyes on her part. No, she was happy to come home to him, happy to share meals and happy to share his bed, but he wanted more. Which she wasn’t sure she could give.
Now. . .Well, she hadn’t expected it to hurt so much as she watched Nick pack his things. Part of her was relieved, no longer having the expectation of marriage hovering over her head. But the world was a lonely place when there is no one to share it with.
. . .
Six months later and Shaye was in higher spirits. A rhythm began in her solitary life that came with its own enjoyments. She had started a mini vegetable garden on her balcony, taught herself the basics of sewing, and caught up on her ‘to be read’ list. They were small things, but things she had done just for her. Things that made the ache dull that much more.
“Shaye! Shipments in!” Called a young woman from the back rooms.
“Thanks! I’ll be right there!” Shaye called back.
It Is Told was a popular bookstore in Shaye’s small town in Virginia. A bookstore that she was now the manager of. Not only did it have the most variety and constantly stocked selection, but part of the store served as a mini museum which a lot of the locals -and what few tourists they received- enjoyed. It was honestly Shaye’s favorite part as well.
Shaye swept into the backrooms and made her way over to the loading bay where a large truck sat, ready to be emptied. The tall blonde that had called before looked up from her clipboard.
“Looks like everything is here. Nate is grabbing Bob and they’ll get started unloading.” The blonde finished signing the paper and handed the clipboard back to the driver with a nod.
“Perfect, thanks Mary. Make sure those two aren’t tossing things about.” Shaye placed her hands on her hips. “I don’t want a repeat of last time. Last thing I need is another broken artifact or what have you.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Just let me know when the boxes for the glass cases are ready for me.”
Mary was a long-time employee of It Is Told. In fact, she had only worked at the book store a few years longer than Shaye. The two worked well together and Mary always got the job done.
“Sure thing, boss.” Mary gave a cheesy grin, then without looking away, slapped Nate on the back of the head as he walked by.
“Ow! What was that for?” Nate rubbed his head of caramel curls, glaring at Mary. Shaye chuckled and walked off, leaving them to it.
Half an hour later Nate and bob brought the few boxes meant for the mini museum to the front, which Shaye eagerly waited to unpack. With a giddiness that threatened to bubble out of her she cracked open the first box with a crowbar. She marveled at each piece, holding them up and turning them this way and that.
Shaye had managed to acquire some more interesting pieces that related to the area’s history. Pirate history to be exact. It cost a pretty penny and took a lot of convincing from certain parties, but in the end, she made out big.
There was a delicate map in an intricate bronze frame which belonged to Blackbeard himself, the most famous Virginian pirate. It was said it had hung on the wall of his cabin aboard his ship. The rest was a mixture of weapons, clothing falling apart at the seams from age, silver and gold coins, some tools used on ships and -most interesting of all- jewelry.
Shaye handled each piece with care and used that ‘eye’ people claimed she had for making things look their best when on display. It had taken her the better part of an hour, placing the items, hating it, changing them around, hating that, and then changing them back to almost to the same way they had been before. Eventually she found that sweet spot that satisfied the perfectionist in her.
“Wow, looks great!” Bob, whistled. He was a man in his mid-thirties who did not appear to have much of a life outside of this job. He pushed his thick, black framed glasses up his nose. He was tall and kept his hair rather short, usually donning a t-shirt and jeans with boots. At a first glance one might assume he was your typical nerd, but if one took a moment to actually see, Bob was much more than that. Yes, he was smart and enjoyed things like comics and table top RPGs, but he also enjoyed the gym which his cut and muscular arms did well to display all his hard work. It was a big reason Shaye had hired him. As helpful as Nate was, he was not the strongest person around and some of the shipments they got in were beyond heavy. She had needed someone like Bob who could handle the heavier loads as well as display items for the mini museum.
“Thanks.” Shaye sighed happily. “I might move a few small things around a bit, but I think it’s about there.”
Bob chuckled and gave her a couple pats on the back. “You know everyone loves whatever you do. Don’t over think it.” He gave her a gentle smile, his chocolaty eyes creasing at the corners.
Shaye, looked back to her work with a head shake. “I know, it just has to feel right.” She laughed at herself.
“By the way.” Bob turned to face Shaye, rubbing the back of his neck. “We’re all going to be heading out soon and having some drinks at The Amused Skunk up the street. You should come along.”
Shaye turned to Bob a little surprised, blinking at him. “Oh, that sounds nice. I. . .Well I have some things to finish up around her, so I might be late. . .” It was like she was trying to talk herself out of it and Bob seem to notice.
“It’s fine. We’ll be there for at least a few hours. Plenty of time for you to show up after you’re done.” Again, he smiled at her so kindly, like he knew something she didn’t. “I’ll see you there then. It’ll be fun!” Bob gave her a wink and headed towards the back once more.
Shaye was left smirking and feeling hopeful. A few drinks with coworkers could be nice. A break from her repetitive single life. She was twenty-five after all, no need to act like a spinster already.
She hadn’t been actively avoiding social gatherings, but lord knows if she wasn’t at work she wasn’t with people.
. . .
Another hour passed and the shop was closed, no one was left but Shaye and her trinkets. She was making her way through the box of jewelry, matching signing to each piece and laying them out on a plush, green velvet mat. It was amazing some of the intricacy that were able to be achieved in such times. Her eyes wandered over to the clock on the wall and noticed the time. Almost done. Then I’ll leave for The Amused Skunk. She came upon the last piece and it was a ring. Shaye picked it up, noticing it was a gold signet ring. On its face was etched a north star with a sword as the center access, the lines straight and precise. Shaye inspected the piece more, finding there was a hidden inscription on the inside, but couldn’t make out what it said.
It was an incredibly beautiful piece. So much so, that Shaye couldn’t help but put it on. Gently she slid the ring onto the middle finger of her right hand, and it fit perfectly. She held her hand out, admiring the ring, watching as the gold flashed in the lights. A corner of her lip curved upwards, until suddenly a clanging began in her ear. With a wince her hands came up to cup her ears, a sense of vertigo coming over her. All at once her surroundings seem to darken and a rushing sound incapsulated her. There was a warm sensation blanketing her body and her disorientation grew along with the clanging in her ear. Her screaming was silent against the noise until black encroached on her vision. Then there was nothing.
. . .
Salty water splashed her in the face waking her from sleep. Her gray eyes cracked open, finding an unfamiliar sight before her. She felt the sun on her back, the smell of the ocean in her nose, and a dry feeling in her mouth and throat. A small moan escaped her lips as she tried to lift her head. When did she go outside? Her eyes adjusted to the bright sun dancing off the ocean’s surface to find she was lying face down on a large slab of wood. Ocean?
Her head collapsed back onto the textured surface, more questions swirling in her foggy brain. Why was she on the ocean? Had she made it to the bar and drank too much? Where were Mary, Nate, and Bob? Nothing made sense, her body was exhausted, and it was hard to concentrate. Her eyes tried to stay open but continued to sag closed. Just as she thought she might drift off to sleep once more, the sound of rhythmic splashing approached. Shaye’s eyes slit open again to see the vague shape of a rowboat and two men coming towards her. I’m saved!
The boat came parallel with her driftwood. “It’s a lass!” One of the men spoke.
“Aye, how did she end up here. . .and what is she wearing?”
“Suppose she’s one of them- “ The first man paused. “Look there, Brom! Is that- “
“Aye, it is.” The man named Brom interrupted, his rumbling voice rattling her insides even from this distance.
“How’d a lass like her get ahold of it?” The first man questioned
“Tis no matter. The captain will be mighty pleased to know it’s back.”
Hands grabbed at her roughly and pulled Shaye onto the rowboat, tossing her to the bottom like a large fish. As the splashing began once more, she faded back into the black.
. . .
When Shaye awoke again, her eyes met with wood. Her brow furrowed, the dryness in her throat like nothing she had ever felt before. Slowly she sat up to find she was in what looked an awful lot like a cell. Water coated the floor, sloshing this way and that way.
“Ah, you’re awake, lass.” Shaye looked up to find a massive man standing on the other side of the bars. His head was bald, and his face donned a long and thick brown beard. His huge arms were littered with tattoos and were crossed in front of his bare chest. “It’s about time. Captain’s been waitin.” Shaye recognized his voice. It was like rumbling thunder and he must have been one of the men that had rescued her. The man shifted, holding keys on a massive iron ring that he used to unlock the cell.
“What is this?” Shaye’s voice was raspy.
“I don’t know what ya mean. Now get movin. I need to tie your hands before we take you to his cabin.” The man stood in the door frame, rope dangling from his other hand.
Shaye would have laughed if she weren’t dehydrated and feeling it. “Very funny.” She replied dryly, gingerly placing her feet on the wet floor.
“If that helps ya feel better about it.” The man shrugged and approached her which made her eyes go wide. He grabbed her upper arm and easily turned her around, tying her hands around her back, tight enough that the rope was digging into her wrists. “Now move.” The man shoved her towards the now open cell door, holding on to her upper arm with a vice grip.
The pair ascended wooden stairs and Shaye was instantly blinded, the brightness a stark contrast to the darkness from below. As her eyes adjusted, she noticed that they were on a ship and surrounded by nothing but the two big blues: the sea and the sky. The crew glared at her as she passed, one even having the gall to spit at her feet. Shaye gasped and sneered back in respone. “Pay him no mind.” Said the man leading her. “They believe women are bad luck on ships and all that, ya kin?” The man sounded Scottish the more she listened to him.
Her head was spinning, and she wasn’t sure if it was because of the impossibility of being where she thought she was or if from exposure.
As they descended another set of stairs and turned down a long hall, a large wooden door came into view. A fear rose up inside her as the ornate carvings came into view. It was an ocean scene with sirens calling men to their deaths. Comforting. The man knocked against the door three times. Silence and then a deep voice from inside called for them to enter.
The man opened the door and shoved her inside, Shaye glared at him in response, catching herself before she fell. Her eyes traveled the room, not sure what she had been expecting, until they landed on the man she presumed to be the captain. “The lass is finally awake, Captain. Brought her as soon as I was privy.”
“Aye, thank you Brom.” The Captain stood, his boots thumping against the wooden floor as he circled around his desk to come face to face with Shaye. “So. Two questions.” He held up two fingers, eyes traveling down her body and then back up to meet her gaze. “Who are you and where’d you get that ring?”
“Shaye.” He cleared his throat. “I’m. . .leaving now.”
The woman did not look up. “Right.” She replied quietly and absentmindedly.
The man’s lips pressed into a thin line, his hand that was not holding the strap to the bag flexing. “Take care of yourself Shaye.” And with that, he left.
A single tear traveled down her cheek at the sound of the front door closing and she quickly wiped it away. Perhaps their relationship had been doomed from the start. Shaye had been so noncommittal about their relationship for so long. Nick had pestered her from the beginning and although she agreed to move in together, it was not enough for Nick. They had been together for five years and though she never showed to be fully invested, there were no wandering eyes on her part. No, she was happy to come home to him, happy to share meals and happy to share his bed, but he wanted more. Which she wasn’t sure she could give.
Now. . .Well, she hadn’t expected it to hurt so much as she watched Nick pack his things. Part of her was relieved, no longer having the expectation of marriage hovering over her head. But the world was a lonely place when there is no one to share it with.
. . .
Six months later and Shaye was in higher spirits. A rhythm began in her solitary life that came with its own enjoyments. She had started a mini vegetable garden on her balcony, taught herself the basics of sewing, and caught up on her ‘to be read’ list. They were small things, but things she had done just for her. Things that made the ache dull that much more.
“Shaye! Shipments in!” Called a young woman from the back rooms.
“Thanks! I’ll be right there!” Shaye called back.
It Is Told was a popular bookstore in Shaye’s small town in Virginia. A bookstore that she was now the manager of. Not only did it have the most variety and constantly stocked selection, but part of the store served as a mini museum which a lot of the locals -and what few tourists they received- enjoyed. It was honestly Shaye’s favorite part as well.
Shaye swept into the backrooms and made her way over to the loading bay where a large truck sat, ready to be emptied. The tall blonde that had called before looked up from her clipboard.
“Looks like everything is here. Nate is grabbing Bob and they’ll get started unloading.” The blonde finished signing the paper and handed the clipboard back to the driver with a nod.
“Perfect, thanks Mary. Make sure those two aren’t tossing things about.” Shaye placed her hands on her hips. “I don’t want a repeat of last time. Last thing I need is another broken artifact or what have you.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Just let me know when the boxes for the glass cases are ready for me.”
Mary was a long-time employee of It Is Told. In fact, she had only worked at the book store a few years longer than Shaye. The two worked well together and Mary always got the job done.
“Sure thing, boss.” Mary gave a cheesy grin, then without looking away, slapped Nate on the back of the head as he walked by.
“Ow! What was that for?” Nate rubbed his head of caramel curls, glaring at Mary. Shaye chuckled and walked off, leaving them to it.
Half an hour later Nate and bob brought the few boxes meant for the mini museum to the front, which Shaye eagerly waited to unpack. With a giddiness that threatened to bubble out of her she cracked open the first box with a crowbar. She marveled at each piece, holding them up and turning them this way and that.
Shaye had managed to acquire some more interesting pieces that related to the area’s history. Pirate history to be exact. It cost a pretty penny and took a lot of convincing from certain parties, but in the end, she made out big.
There was a delicate map in an intricate bronze frame which belonged to Blackbeard himself, the most famous Virginian pirate. It was said it had hung on the wall of his cabin aboard his ship. The rest was a mixture of weapons, clothing falling apart at the seams from age, silver and gold coins, some tools used on ships and -most interesting of all- jewelry.
Shaye handled each piece with care and used that ‘eye’ people claimed she had for making things look their best when on display. It had taken her the better part of an hour, placing the items, hating it, changing them around, hating that, and then changing them back to almost to the same way they had been before. Eventually she found that sweet spot that satisfied the perfectionist in her.
“Wow, looks great!” Bob, whistled. He was a man in his mid-thirties who did not appear to have much of a life outside of this job. He pushed his thick, black framed glasses up his nose. He was tall and kept his hair rather short, usually donning a t-shirt and jeans with boots. At a first glance one might assume he was your typical nerd, but if one took a moment to actually see, Bob was much more than that. Yes, he was smart and enjoyed things like comics and table top RPGs, but he also enjoyed the gym which his cut and muscular arms did well to display all his hard work. It was a big reason Shaye had hired him. As helpful as Nate was, he was not the strongest person around and some of the shipments they got in were beyond heavy. She had needed someone like Bob who could handle the heavier loads as well as display items for the mini museum.
“Thanks.” Shaye sighed happily. “I might move a few small things around a bit, but I think it’s about there.”
Bob chuckled and gave her a couple pats on the back. “You know everyone loves whatever you do. Don’t over think it.” He gave her a gentle smile, his chocolaty eyes creasing at the corners.
Shaye, looked back to her work with a head shake. “I know, it just has to feel right.” She laughed at herself.
“By the way.” Bob turned to face Shaye, rubbing the back of his neck. “We’re all going to be heading out soon and having some drinks at The Amused Skunk up the street. You should come along.”
Shaye turned to Bob a little surprised, blinking at him. “Oh, that sounds nice. I. . .Well I have some things to finish up around her, so I might be late. . .” It was like she was trying to talk herself out of it and Bob seem to notice.
“It’s fine. We’ll be there for at least a few hours. Plenty of time for you to show up after you’re done.” Again, he smiled at her so kindly, like he knew something she didn’t. “I’ll see you there then. It’ll be fun!” Bob gave her a wink and headed towards the back once more.
Shaye was left smirking and feeling hopeful. A few drinks with coworkers could be nice. A break from her repetitive single life. She was twenty-five after all, no need to act like a spinster already.
She hadn’t been actively avoiding social gatherings, but lord knows if she wasn’t at work she wasn’t with people.
. . .
Another hour passed and the shop was closed, no one was left but Shaye and her trinkets. She was making her way through the box of jewelry, matching signing to each piece and laying them out on a plush, green velvet mat. It was amazing some of the intricacy that were able to be achieved in such times. Her eyes wandered over to the clock on the wall and noticed the time. Almost done. Then I’ll leave for The Amused Skunk. She came upon the last piece and it was a ring. Shaye picked it up, noticing it was a gold signet ring. On its face was etched a north star with a sword as the center access, the lines straight and precise. Shaye inspected the piece more, finding there was a hidden inscription on the inside, but couldn’t make out what it said.
It was an incredibly beautiful piece. So much so, that Shaye couldn’t help but put it on. Gently she slid the ring onto the middle finger of her right hand, and it fit perfectly. She held her hand out, admiring the ring, watching as the gold flashed in the lights. A corner of her lip curved upwards, until suddenly a clanging began in her ear. With a wince her hands came up to cup her ears, a sense of vertigo coming over her. All at once her surroundings seem to darken and a rushing sound incapsulated her. There was a warm sensation blanketing her body and her disorientation grew along with the clanging in her ear. Her screaming was silent against the noise until black encroached on her vision. Then there was nothing.
. . .
Salty water splashed her in the face waking her from sleep. Her gray eyes cracked open, finding an unfamiliar sight before her. She felt the sun on her back, the smell of the ocean in her nose, and a dry feeling in her mouth and throat. A small moan escaped her lips as she tried to lift her head. When did she go outside? Her eyes adjusted to the bright sun dancing off the ocean’s surface to find she was lying face down on a large slab of wood. Ocean?
Her head collapsed back onto the textured surface, more questions swirling in her foggy brain. Why was she on the ocean? Had she made it to the bar and drank too much? Where were Mary, Nate, and Bob? Nothing made sense, her body was exhausted, and it was hard to concentrate. Her eyes tried to stay open but continued to sag closed. Just as she thought she might drift off to sleep once more, the sound of rhythmic splashing approached. Shaye’s eyes slit open again to see the vague shape of a rowboat and two men coming towards her. I’m saved!
The boat came parallel with her driftwood. “It’s a lass!” One of the men spoke.
“Aye, how did she end up here. . .and what is she wearing?”
“Suppose she’s one of them- “ The first man paused. “Look there, Brom! Is that- “
“Aye, it is.” The man named Brom interrupted, his rumbling voice rattling her insides even from this distance.
“How’d a lass like her get ahold of it?” The first man questioned
“Tis no matter. The captain will be mighty pleased to know it’s back.”
Hands grabbed at her roughly and pulled Shaye onto the rowboat, tossing her to the bottom like a large fish. As the splashing began once more, she faded back into the black.
. . .
When Shaye awoke again, her eyes met with wood. Her brow furrowed, the dryness in her throat like nothing she had ever felt before. Slowly she sat up to find she was in what looked an awful lot like a cell. Water coated the floor, sloshing this way and that way.
“Ah, you’re awake, lass.” Shaye looked up to find a massive man standing on the other side of the bars. His head was bald, and his face donned a long and thick brown beard. His huge arms were littered with tattoos and were crossed in front of his bare chest. “It’s about time. Captain’s been waitin.” Shaye recognized his voice. It was like rumbling thunder and he must have been one of the men that had rescued her. The man shifted, holding keys on a massive iron ring that he used to unlock the cell.
“What is this?” Shaye’s voice was raspy.
“I don’t know what ya mean. Now get movin. I need to tie your hands before we take you to his cabin.” The man stood in the door frame, rope dangling from his other hand.
Shaye would have laughed if she weren’t dehydrated and feeling it. “Very funny.” She replied dryly, gingerly placing her feet on the wet floor.
“If that helps ya feel better about it.” The man shrugged and approached her which made her eyes go wide. He grabbed her upper arm and easily turned her around, tying her hands around her back, tight enough that the rope was digging into her wrists. “Now move.” The man shoved her towards the now open cell door, holding on to her upper arm with a vice grip.
The pair ascended wooden stairs and Shaye was instantly blinded, the brightness a stark contrast to the darkness from below. As her eyes adjusted, she noticed that they were on a ship and surrounded by nothing but the two big blues: the sea and the sky. The crew glared at her as she passed, one even having the gall to spit at her feet. Shaye gasped and sneered back in respone. “Pay him no mind.” Said the man leading her. “They believe women are bad luck on ships and all that, ya kin?” The man sounded Scottish the more she listened to him.
Her head was spinning, and she wasn’t sure if it was because of the impossibility of being where she thought she was or if from exposure.
As they descended another set of stairs and turned down a long hall, a large wooden door came into view. A fear rose up inside her as the ornate carvings came into view. It was an ocean scene with sirens calling men to their deaths. Comforting. The man knocked against the door three times. Silence and then a deep voice from inside called for them to enter.
The man opened the door and shoved her inside, Shaye glared at him in response, catching herself before she fell. Her eyes traveled the room, not sure what she had been expecting, until they landed on the man she presumed to be the captain. “The lass is finally awake, Captain. Brought her as soon as I was privy.”
“Aye, thank you Brom.” The Captain stood, his boots thumping against the wooden floor as he circled around his desk to come face to face with Shaye. “So. Two questions.” He held up two fingers, eyes traveling down her body and then back up to meet her gaze. “Who are you and where’d you get that ring?”