In the little less than a month, Ive learned how much I enjoy spending time with the strange duo. The fairy, with his refined and snooty demeanor, only added to the charm of his personality. He was intelligent and we’d often have complex conversations. In return for my knowledge of the outside world, he’d tell me stories from centuries ago.
Equally captivating was the child, displaying an unexpectedly sharp intellect and a heart overflowing with kindness. Spending time with them felt like a breath of fresh air in my cluttered existence. In my time here, I also managed to teach Someone some the language of common. It was a exchange, the child would heal me and we would talk whilst they did it.
It struck me odd how I could feel such a profound connection to these two individuals, even though our acquaintance had barely surpassed a month, while the bond I had with my old crew who I knew for years, felt shallow and distant in comparison.
As I stood there, busily preparing the fish, I couldn't help but notice the child's slow progress in picking up on the language. Though it took time for them to understand, it was definitely better than having no communication at all. Lost in my own thoughts, I suddenly heard their voice, a timid yet determined sound that drew my attention. "Help?" they said, pointing towards the fish. At first, confusion washed over me, confused on what kimd of help they would need with a fish, but then I caught on. They weren't asking for help for themselves, but rather offering their assistance to me. A warm smile crept onto my face, touched by their consideration.
With a gentle shake of my head, I assured them, "No, I don't need help at the moment. But do me a favor and call Erik down for dinner, will you?" In that moment, their innocence and earnestness reminded me of the simple joys in life, even amidst the most mundane tasks. It filled me with a sense of gratitude, knowing that their presence brought a touch of pure kindness to my daily routine. And as they scuttled off to find Erik, their stride filled with purpose, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment, grateful for the small but profound moments that made up our shared journey.
During my time here, I came to a striking realization about Someone - their culinary expertise was limited to one dish: porridge. It was as if they were a porridge connoisseur, always tinkering with the recipe, adding different flavors and toppings to give it a unique twist. But outside the realm of this humble breakfast staple, Someone seemed utterly lost in the kitchen. Erik, on the other hand, didn't even bother with proper meals and preferred indulging in sweet treats like honey or sugar. This peculiar dietary preference meant that cooking never really crossed his mind. It left us with a fairy who was completely clueless when it came to culinary matters, and a child who could only cook one thing. When I asked Someone about their routine of catching fish every morning, they told me they simply ate it raw, so when I cooked the fish properly for the first time, Someone was so enthralled by the new taste, I became the designated chef.
When I finally finished preparing the meal, a delicious aroma filled the air as we gathered around the table. It felt like a warm, inviting atmosphere as we sat together, laughing and talking as if we had been friends for years. The conversation flowed effortlessly, carrying with it a sense of ease and comfort that I hadn't expected. Every bite we took seemed to deepen the bond that had formed between us, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness deep within. As I sat there, surrounded by the warmth of their laughter and the joy in their voices, it dawned on me that once my healing process was complete, I would likely be sent away, never to see them again. The mere thought of this impending separation caused a lump to form in my throat, and my appetite waned. The shift in my demeanor was immediately noticed by Someone, their perceptive eyes scanning my face, sensing the weight that now hung upon my heart.
Once we had finished savoring every last bite of our delicious meal and meticulously put away the dishes, the three of us reached a unanimous decision to venture outside and indulge in a serene star-gazing session. As we settled ourselves on the velvety sand, the gentle symphony of the nearby shore and the captivating scent of the salty waves mingled in the air, creating a tranquil ambiance. However, despite the idyllic surroundings, I couldn't help but be plagued by a lingering worry that weighed heavily on my mind. Was this our last opportunity to share such intimate moments together? The uncertainty of the future cast a shadow on my heart, until a touch as gentle as a breeze captured my attention. Turning towards the source, I met the concerned eyes of Someone, whose tightly pursed lips revealed their genuine care and worry for my well-being.
"Okay?" They asked, tilting their head, their eyes filled with concern. Unable to resist their adorable gesture, I couldn't help but smile, gently petting their head.
"Don't worry," I reassured them, my voice only filled with warmth. "I'm okay." A grumble escaped their lips as they climbed onto my lap, rolling over with an air of skepticism.
It was undeniable – they possessed an uncanny resemblance to a lovable puppy. And truth be told, I was starting to realize that over the course of these past few weeks, my feelings towards Someone had grown deeper. I cared for them as if they were my own child. They were like a daughter to me, and I, their father figure. Surprisingly, they didn't seem to mind my use of endearments like "daughter" or "girl," even after Erik had explained their meanings in their native tongue. Though I stuck to using "them" when referring to them, I found it wrong to categorize them as either "she" or "he." It was as if a universal connection had formed between us, transcending gender labels.
As I sat there, my eyes fixed on the vast expanse of the night sky, time seemed to lose all meaning. What felt like hours passed by as I lay on the sandy shore, mesmerized by the glimmering stars above. Each twinkling light held a mystery and a story that I longed to unravel. The gentle waves rhythmically caressed the shoreline, their soothing sound providing a tranquil backdrop to the natural symphony unfolding around me. The moon, with its ethereal glow, cast a soft radiance that enveloped us, illuminating the shores and painting a breathtaking view of our surroundings. With each passing minute, my connection to nature deepened, as if becoming one with the beauty that surrounded me. Breaking the silence that had enveloped us, the occasional chirping of a bird and the enchanting buzz of fireflies danced through the air, creating a lively yet serene atmosphere. And in that moment, as the magic of the night wrapped around us, I couldn't keep my thoughts to myself any longer. I had removed my hand from Someones head, before taking a teep inhale. With a gentle, hesitating voice, I finally shared what had been weighing on my mind.
“When I get better…” I started, getting Eriks attention as well. “Will I have to leave?” I asked, fists balled tight.
In a peculiar realm where an infinite shoreline stretches as far as the eye can see, a mysterious island stands in solitude. Populated by a diminutive fairy named Erik and an enigmatic individual lacking both name and gender, the island hits a turning point when a peculiar pirate, Mane, fatefully washes ashore. After countless centuries of insular existence, this unexpected meeting prompts the trio to embark on an extraordinary journey beyond the boundaries of their secluded sanctuary, delving into the vast expanse of the sea.
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