It was already well past noon, and I was still waiting for that woman in the inn. As usual, it was very calm during the day, so I couldn’t have missed her if she was here. I guess she stood me up. If I hadn’t order lunch, I would have gone back to my room already. Because of my worrying I didn’t get a lot of sleep, causing me to be in a terrible mood. The longer I stayed here for nothing, the worse my mood got.
Luckily someone brought my food right on time. The food here was great, which made up for the long wait for nothing. When I was done eating, I decided that I had waited long enough and stood up. Right at that moment the woman walked in, struggling with a big box. She saw me, so I went over to her and helped her with the box. I brought her back to my table and set the box down.
“Hey, sorry I’m late.” she said, as we sat down.
“That’s okay. I’m glad you showed up at all.” I said mainly to be polite.
“It took me longer to collect all the maps than expected.” she said happily.
“I can imagine.” I said eyeing all the maps she had brought.
“I am Emily by the way. Sorry, I just realized that I haven’t introduced myself to you yet.” she said kind off awkwardly.
“I’m Soran.” I said while holding out my hand to her. She shook it with a really big smile, which I found a little weird. There was just something about her that was a little odd, however I could not quite determine what it was. Once again, I subconsciously began studying her. She was still dressed like a captain, but she didn’t seem that much older than me. If I had to guess, I would say that she couldn’t be older than 25, which is very young for a captain. Besides she did give me weird looks the entire time that I couldn’t place.
“Shall we begin going through all these maps?” I suggested.
“Sure, what are we looking for exactly?”
“We’re looking for a map with a lot off small islands on it.” I said and took the piece of map out of my bag to show her.
Sometime later we had gone through almost the entire box off maps, when I finally found the right one. Of course, it had to be the one at the bottom.
“I think I found it.” I said.
Emily looked over at the map and started grinning.
“That’s great. I thought we’d never find it. So, what shall we do now?” she said happily.
“Wait! What do you mean we?” I asked.
“Well I want in. I have to confess that I asked around about you, and I’m very interested in what you are going to do. Besides I have the feeling that there is more behind this expedition than you let on.” she said smirking.
“What gave you that idea.” I said, trying to stay calm so she wouldn’t get suspicious.
“Like I said it’s just a feeling” she replied still smirking. Looking very confident. Well if she wants to play it like that…
“Even if there was something else behind it, and I’m not saying there is, why does it matter to you?” I asked trying to provoke her.
“I think that there is something very valuable to be found at the end of this journey of yours, Soran. And seeing as this is my map, I want to come.”
So, this is what she has been planning from the start. Can’t say I’m surprised. Most people wouldn’t help someone without expecting to get something in return. But since I won’t get the map without letting her tag along, I might as well give in. Besides, she looked way to determined for me to persuade her to do otherwise.
“Fine, you can come. But just to warn you, I can’t guarantee that there will be something valuable at the end of this journey. If you think you will get rich, then I have to disappoint you. I’m not even certain what we’ll find at the end.” Even though I was completely honest this time, she didn’t look discouraged at all. She probably thinks I’m still bluffing. Or she just isn’t listening to me.
“So, what you’re saying is that there might be something valuable on that island.”
I knew it she wasn’t listening.
“Sure, why not.” I said knowing there wasn’t anything I could say to change her mind.
She leaned over to me. “There is something else I have to offer for this expedition.” she whispered as if she was telling me a secret. This made me subconsciously lean back, as it made me feel very uncomfortable.
“And that is?” I asked reluctantly, not sure that I even wanted to know what she was talking about.
“I also have a ship.” When she said this, I felt extremely relieved. I’m not sure what I expected her to say, but the whole situation was weird.
“I kind of guessed that already.” I told her. At which she gave me a very surprised look. “You’re wearing a typical captains’ uniform.” I clarified.
She looked down, noticed I was right and her face turned red from embarrassment.
“I’m okay with using your ship, but don’t blame me if we don’t find anything.”
“Fine, I won’t”
We discussed the details of the expedition for quite some time, including the division of the treasure if there was any. Eventually we settled on that she would get any part of the treasure that didn’t count as a historical artifact. Which was fine by me since I was after a very specific artifact in the first place. We agreed to meet at the harbor in a week, so we both have time to make the necessary arrangements. I had to go all the way home to get my things. I didn’t bring much, since I wasn’t planning on leaving so soon.
“You know despite being so secretive you’re actually a really nice guy.” Emily said, when I was helping her putting the maps back.
Wait… She thinks I’m a guy. Now that I think about it, that would explain some of the weird looks I got from her. Not that I could blame her, it’s not like I look very feminine with the way I’m dressed. As opposed to most women I despised wearing dresses, they made me feel very uncomfortable like I’m walking around half naked. Instead I’m wearing trousers, a slightly oversized t-shirt and a leather jacket which is also too big. Both doing a great job to hide my curves.
“Yeah, about that… I’m actually a girl.” I said shyly. She seemed shocked and started looking me over, her eyes stopping at my chest.
“Hey!” I yelled, while crossing my arms over my chest.
“I’m sorry. It’s just… I really didn’t expect that.” she explained, while turning completely red from embarrassment.
“That’s okay. You’re not the only one.” Though that doesn’t make having this conversation again any less uncomfortable.
“I have lots of questions, but I don’t want to be impolite.” she said looking extremely uncomfortable. Doing her best to avoid looking at me.
“You can ask me questions. I can’t promise that I’ll answer all of them though.”
“Okay, then I’ll only ask one. Why?”
“That’s easy. It makes me feel more comfortable, more like myself. Do you have more questions, or was that it?”
She shook her head. “No, I know enough. I have to go, see you in a week.” she said and walked away.
“Bye!” I yelled after her.
When I got back to my room, I was in for a nasty surprise.
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