Tales of Castien & Avery Snippet

“Vee,” Castien called out. “Would you be a dear, and tighten that rope next to your hand?”

“Call me ‘Vee’ again, and you’ll lose your tongue before you can utter-”

Castien looked thoroughly entertained. “If I let go of the wheel, the steering will shift off course. Don’t you want to get to the mainland as soon as permitted?” Avery knew he was right, but refused to admit it.

“I could do it,” He continued with an infatuated tone. “If you’d like to steer, princess.”

“These pet names won’t gain you any leeway,” Avery retorted, turning and re-tying the rope beside her wrist. Castien tossed her an ‘I knew you’d do it if I asked nicely’ look. It set her teeth on edge. Why did he feel the need to make every situation a joke? It was insufferable. Irritating. Indescribably-

Comforting.

She’d grown used to long, cold nights with nothing more than the clothes on her back. Traumatic memories never let up, tormenting her mind. Her parents and past lovers shut her down to the point where she disliked almost everyone she came into contact with. It was the same with Castien, only a fling that was temporary. It could never last, even if it was something meaningful.

She was too dysfunctional and untrusting and he couldn’t be serious about commitment. Eventually, it would be fault waiting to happen. Castien couldn’t possibly be her comfort, but she knew her heart wouldn’t lie. It wouldn’t deceive or deny; the damned thing would only feel what she’d shoved down all those years ago.

“Are you alright?”

Her reverie shattered, her memories dropped as she stumbled to put together a response.

She focused her attention on the knot, securing it tightly.

“What do you like about the sea?” she inquired, hoping to switch the topic. Castien gave her a confused look, but his eyes brightened at the mention of the water.

“I’m not sure what that has to do with your mood, but I suppose I’ll enlighten you.” Castien positioned his arms comfortably on the ship's wheel, studying the horizon he wished to one day cross.

“The stillness and yet unpredictable nature of it. It can be a wonder, but also a danger. It brings terrifying waves but also calming sea breezes,” Castien described, never hesitating in his words.

“The constancy of the push and pull is in sync with my heartbeat.” Castien saw Avery slightly gaping at him. He blushed furiously and wanted to both stare into and avoid her piercing eyes.

He cleared his throat. “Enough about me. Is there anything you’d like to-”

“I couldn’t help but be aware of the fact that your ship is named “The Marigold''. Like there might be a story behind that specific name. A past lover perhaps?” Avery figured peppering him with questions may bring the deflection of anything he would ask her.

A convenient glow grew in Castien’s eyes as he was likely regaling past adventures in his mind.

“It happens to be a thrilling tale, that much I can say with assurance.” Avery positioned herself on the wooden side, indicating that he should continue speaking. Anything to avoid what she would have to reveal if he asked her.

“Long ago,” he began, and with a side glance he corrected himself, “well, more like eight years or so, I was a younger man. Devilishly charming with the ladies and even some of the men were entranced with my undeniable attractiveness.” Castien laughed to himself as he laid it on thick. Avery didn’t seem like she was going to interrupt him, though, as if she was interested.

“I hadn’t attained a ship as of then, so that was my mission. I’d attended several shindigs and revels to see if any sort of sales were occurring, but I’d had no such luck at that present time. But I hadn’t lost hope, my desire only growing stronger.

“A need to escape on the open waters so close to my reach but still so far away. There I was, in the market, when I came across a fair maiden crossing that dusty road. I approached her, as she looked somewhat shaky.”

“Is that Marigold?” Avery interrupted, beginning to look a tiny bit exasperated.

“Hush. You asked for a story, so I am telling you it.” Castien took a moment to recall where he was.

“I led her to a quieter spot between the shops and vendors. We had only a short conversation, but something about the woman drew me in. She had eyes made of crystals and blonde hair shone like sunlight.” Avery was now thoroughly paying attention to her hair, running her hands through it.

“I’d been with a variety of women, but Marigold was one that I shouldn’t soon forget. For she was the daughter of the man who sold me the ship.” Castien smirked, thinking of Marigold’s father.

“Marigold soon learned of my hope to purchase a ship, so she brought me to her father. He wasn’t a man that would be easily persuaded. It took many dinners and cups of brandy to solidify even an offer of a potential ship. Marigold supported me through the entire process, all within stolen kisses under sunny treetops. She was the key to obtaining that freedom I so desperately longed for.

“Despite our budding romance, there was still her family to think of. I was a poor sailor; how would I be able to support her? The problem was solved by her father’s idea, if you can believe it. I’d lived on the water with my parents as a child, but now that I was on my own, I had no real expertise captaining my very own vessel.

“He promised me Marigold if I did the hard work to become a seafaring captain. I graciously agreed, grateful for work and the title I would soon eventually earn. Marigold’s father--Henry, was the man that I soon hope to one day be. Not afraid of anything and bold enough to achieve what I need to.

“Marigold didn’t stop loving me, and I didn’t deny the feelings I had for her. We spent many hours underneath the moonlight, telling each other our deepest longings and potential futures. I thought she understood me, and I could speak to her about anything.

“But as the days and nights dragged on, we saw each other less and less as I became more experienced running a ship. Constantly working drove something between us that I’m not sure I would have been able to rectify.

“Henry took me aside one night, and offered me this very ship, saying that I’d paid it off by the work I’d done. I questioned Henry’s promise of Marigold, but he said it wasn’t his place. I decided to find her and ask her if she’d want to travel the world with me.

“She was standing atop the ship I now sail. In that very spot you are, oddly enough. Her eyes were sad, as she explained to me, with a soft kiss, that she couldn’t go with me. She had responsibilities to maintain in her life that remained on the land, not at sea. Marigold didn’t have that same adventuring spirit that I have. She said that she’d need to marry someone who could give her a family and security. She needed commitment and I--” His voice cracked.

“Couldn’t give it to her. As I embraced her, I promised that I’d sail for her. I’d live for the love that we shared. Even now, I still think fondly of her, but I do not love her like that anymore. I may have in the past, but not now, especially because--”

Avery hung onto his last words. “Because…”

Castien stopped himself, cursing silently. “It’s been so many years, and I cannot possibly keep loving someone if I would never see them. I wouldn’t see her again, and I would eventually need to move on. But that’s why I named this vessel “Marigold”. She was the very meaning of security, and that’s what a ship should be. Safe and sturdy.”

Avery knew she should have been relieved that he did not love Marigold anymore, but a deep part inside her still felt resentment. Castien noticed her crossed arms and downturned expression.

“Listen, Avery,” Approaching her, he grabbed her wrists earnestly.

“I do not love Marigold. Not for a long time. I still thought about her when I was alone sailing, but honestly, until you brought her up, she hadn’t crossed my mind in quite a while.” Castien squeezed her arms as if his words didn’t gain enough traction. Avery looked down at her boots, avoiding his eyes.

“Avery. Look at me.” Hesitantly, she raised her head, biting her lip. Castien’s grip slackened gently, as he shifted his hands underneath her arms, pulling her closer.

“I do not see anyone but you.” Avery felt electricity in her heart and body. Castien swept her up in a passionate kiss, tightening his embrace.

No wonder love was described as fire, being warm and comforting but also wild and untamed. Castien was gentle, yet there was fervent urgency. There was no denying him what he wished.

Avery kissed him until she could breathe the same air he was. They came apart, only for oxygen, Castien still holding her intensely.

“I do not want anyone but you.” He kissed her neck swiftly and assuredly, as if to confirm what he’d declared. “You, Vee. And only, ever, you.”

She sighed, the words fiercely imprinting on her soul.

“Cas,” she moaned, her hands gripping his messy auburn hair lustfully. He answered her request, kissing her collarbone and shoulders.

“Avery, my love, Avery.” He repeated her name as if he would forget it. Avery was acutely aware of his reddened face brushing against her, once again finding her lips.

She gripped his jacket, ripping it from his arms. A loose shirt shaped his frame, now barely covering his shoulders. Castien intently focused on her body, and she knew he wanted all of her. Even so, he would never do anything more without her permission.

Despite every fiber in her body screaming at her not to, she pulled away. He set her feet on the deck, breathless. Both of them were at a loss for words. Castien took another breath about to say something, when she pressed a finger to his lips.

You don’t need to say anything, Cas. I know.