The World of Rhune

“How would you like to see the below decks, Demetrey?” Will intervened. He felt bad leaving Hannah, but he got the feeling she would talk more freely in privacy. Hannah looked up at him gratefully and he led Demetrey to the hatch that would take them below decks.

Once they were out of sight Jasiri said, “I am sorry if I did something to aggravate you.” Hannah was a little resigned at this point, she didn’t really feel like arguing with him. She walked over to the broad railing of the boat and pulled herself onto it, her boots dangling over the water. She sat there for a moment, silent. Jasiri came up to stand beside her. “What exactly is it that I did?” He asked her quietly. Hannah took a moment, looking up at the stars, “You lied to me.” “Wait, when?” Jasiri said, confused. “Please, you know. You intentionally didn’t tell me the only reason you talked to me was because Amir told you to protect me,” Hannah sneered on the word protect. She really just hated feeling different from everyone else in that aspect, she hated people thinking she couldn’t take care of herself. “Oh, that,” Jasiri said, quiet again. “Yeah, that,” Hannah said, taking no time to reply this time. “I’m sorry, Hannah. I didn’t mean to hurt you feelings. Your brother asked me to,” Jasiri offered. “You didn’t have to pretend like you’re my friend, I rather have people you act how they actually feel around me,” Hannah replied. “I do want to be your friend,” Jasiri implored. “That’s a load of crap. If he hadn’t asked you to “protect” me, would you even have talked to me?” Hannah turned to look Jasiri straight in the eyes now. He felt the effect that her gaze, the same as her mothers, had often been spoken of. He felt like she knew everything he was thinking and he felt the need to tell her, but at the same time he had the feeling everything he did was being analyzed and calculated. It was unnerving to him. “No, maybe not. Though I am sure I would have wished to,” Jasiri said. Hannah sighed, “This is dumb. Whatever you’re forgiven. I’ll see you later I guess.” She hopped down from the railing and lowered herself down into the hatch Demetrey and Will had gone into. Jasiri watched her leave, he had a feeling he wasn’t entirely forgiven.

Will had been giving Demetrey the best tour he could of the lower decks. But as large as the boat was, it was still a boat and there isn’t much to see. Will gestured to a room, “And these are the bunks we sometimes sleep on.” He gestured to another door across from it, “And this here is the head.” He added with joking brightness, “But don’t be confused, it is more like the butt than the head.” Will chuckled at himself, his blonde hair shaking, obviously amused by his own joke. Just then Hannah walked up, she seemed more reserved now. “Well hello, love. I was just giving Demetrey the ole tour of the boat,” Will said, making an attempt to cheer her up. Hannah gave a weak smile and nodded. “So tell me, is the food any good up at the castle,” Will said. “Yes, it is,” Hannah said, though she looked at Will unsurely. “Great. Because I’m starving. You should see what they feed us here. No seconds on stew!” Will made an outraged face and Hannah gave a real smile this time. “What happened to Robin Hood?” Hannah asked, raising an eyebrow. Will smiled at the old joke, “The mean old cook cheated,” Will gave a sheepish look and a shrug, trying to look as modest as possible. “Oh, I’m sure he did,” Hannah said. “I don’t know how you want to be snuck into the castle,” Hannah added. “Oh, it’s alright. I’m sure I can get by,” Will gave an affectionate pat of his stomach. Hannah rolled her eyes, “I guess we should be getting back soon, though.” She looked at Demetrey, waiting for him to say something on the subject.