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***** By Nuffelita for Deviant Art 6-2-2011 *****


"You bastard! You can't leave me here like this!"

Varia was dangling from the ship's mast. Her feet were more than twenty feet above the deck and her hands were tied behind her back. Two gleaming axes protruded from the thick wood but she'd not be able to reach them unless someone let her down.

Someone laughed at her from over by the steering wheel but the wind caught his voice. She could see his mouth move inaudibly.

Windsong was rather enjoying this method of punishing her for her latest adventure. Once again she'd refused to stay on the ship while his men went to fetch supplies. She'd snuck off to explore the dingy barracks surrounding the harbour leaving the ship unguarded. She had returned with a ruby-hilted sword made from titanium, but he knew she'd stolen it. He didn't approve of thieving. Not while he paid her wages.

She wouldn't be leaving her post this time.

"How's the weather up there, sweetheart?"

"Shut up, Doc, and get me down!"

She wriggled furiously but her bonds were so expertly tied that they didn't budge. With a sigh she lowered her head to relax and think of a new strategy. A voice from below told her Doc was still teasing her.

"Cheer up! If you're a good girl you won't have to spend the night up there."

Doc laughed as he saw her flailing helplessly. He'd always thought her a bit annoying, though cute for an elf. He whistled a cheerful tune as he headed for the gully. Dinner seemed like a decent prospect after a long day of haggling over livestock.

******

Varia watched as the sun slowly moved across the sky. She was thirsty and spat at Windsong as he ventured below her.

He retaliated by hoisting her another couple of feet up towards the top of the mast.

"Hey! No wait! Please! It was an accident! I'm hungry and I need water. The sun is scorching! I'm tired!"

The Captain merely walked on as if he hadn't heard her.

******

The moon was almost full. Varia had nearly fallen asleep when someone shouted at her to keep watching the horizon. Feebly she lifted her head but her neck was aching acutely and she was forced to succumb to tears for the first time. This was torture of the meanest degree. She sobbed quietly while trying to find a way to keep her eyes open. Hunger and fatigue had set in hours ago.

A scurrying next to her stirred her from her apathy. Windsong had climbed up to keep her company, it seemed.

"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?"

"Please let me come down to have a drink."

He was looking all around him, admiring the soft waves, smiling as if he was up to no good.

"Nice wind too, gives us speed. We'll be in Feralas in just a few days if we keep this up."

"Windsong... Please... I can't keep my head up... I'm so hungry."

For some reason known only to himself he took out a small candle and placed it on the yard he was sitting on.

"This is nice. Stunning view. Good company. It really is a great night for sailing."

She was starting to lose her temper.

"Cut me down!"

Finally he looked at her with a bemused look on his ruggedly handsome features. He made his face convey an almost surprised look at finding her there. None the less, he complied and reached out to grab the rope with one hand while the other brandished his silver knife.

"No! Are you crazy! I'll drop to my death!"

He smiled again. With a raised brow he leaned against the mast and produced an apple from the depths of the small bag he always carried. Without taking his eyes off hers he cut the apple into bits and chucked bit by bit down on the deck.

"You're not hungry are you?"

Varia looked close to exploding. He wondered how long it would take for him to get the reaction he was looking for. She'd been up here since mid day: he doubted she'd last much longer.

"Bugger off. I don't need you."

"Fine."

The apple made a soft splash as it hit the deck. The girl made an involuntary whimper.

"I could let you down, but I'm afraid I'll have to string you back up tomorrow. This does seem to be the only way to make you do any useful work around here."

She whipped around to face him but spun too far. He'd seen enough to know that she was terrified of another day up here. If he could just get her to beg him to release her he'd release her and whisk her off to his quarters. He decided to try one of his oranges. They were fresh and juicy and the smell alone was enough to make him want to retire to an island far south.

He cut into the skin, peeling off a narrow strip that he rubbed between his fingers. The fragrance drifted with the wind: it seemed to surround her and though she held her breath it would seep into her mind, battling her will, forcing her close to the breaking point.

"I'm sorry I left the ship. I just wanted to see the town... Thought I'd get you your birthday present... I even paid for it."

The wind made her spin around slowly but he was no longer sitting on the yard. Suddenly she felt herself dropping fast. She screamed in terror as the deck drew rapidly closer. Mere inches from it she came to an abrupt halt. Strong arms grabbed hold of her and slowly cut the ropes. She dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes but he didn't let her rest. He pulled her to her feet and marched her towards the stern of the ship.

When her legs couldn't support the speed he demanded of her he lifted her up and carried her into his quarter. He dropped her on the bed and immediately went to fetch wine and fruit.

"If you pull another stunt like that I'll tie you up and drop you over the topside."

Despite her arms shaking from the pain of the sudden movement she threw herself around his neck and kissed him passionately. He cradled her in his arms: he'd genuinely missed her company during the day.

She stared at him for a brief moment before leaning in to plant a soft kiss on his nose.

"Happy birthday, Captain."

***** By Nuffelita for Deviant Art 6-2-2011 *****