My Girlfriends Are Pirate Elves! 3 Read online

  My Girlfriends are Pirate Elves!

  Book 3

  Eden Redd

  My Girlfriends are Pirate Elves! Book 3

  © copyright 2020 Eden Redd

  All Rights Reserved

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  “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.”

  ~Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean

  *The book in your hands is the third book in the My Girlfriends are Pirate Elves series.

  You may find the first book here.

  Book 2

  Thank you for reading!

  My Girlfriends are Pirate Elves!

  Book 3

  One

  Limp sails hung from the mast. The wind had died and a lone ship lingered in the same spot it had arrived hours before.

  Sunlight beamed down, painting the Dark Heart in golden light as bodies moved in a slow swirl around the ship. Heads and bodies rose up, undulating through the calm, pristine waters. Sea elves chatted with each other along the surface before they dove down under, basking in the warm waters. Large light-blue bodies moved seamlessly with the nearly non-existent current while above them on the main deck, five elves and an Urth man lingered, their conversation floating into the air.

  Jon sat cross-legged on the main deck. The young man looked to Zelda as she laid on her back and stared upwards into the clear, blue sky. Syndra was on her stomach, chin resting on her crossed forearms before her and her legs moving back and forth. The shadow elf had her eyes closed, but her ears were alert, listening to everything. Eryn stood with her blank eyes staring at Lilly’s soul as the Captain paced back and forth, her hands locked behind her and her brow a little firm.

  “If we go back to the portal, the Empire will be waiting for us,” Eryn said as she smoothed down her dark cleric robe.

  “As you mentioned before, you’re not sure the information is accurate,” Lilly said as she continued to pace.

  The cleric sighed. “Some of the Empire’s sailors have come to the monastery before your arrival, confessing their concerns that the Emperor grows weary of the few remaining nations unwilling to join the empire. They fear one last war will put their families and themselves in great danger.

  “While it is true much of the information is speculation, their fear is real. The Emperor has slowed down his need for conquest since the portal was created, but many believe he is hungry once again.”

  Eryn bowed her head. “Whispers speak to Princess Cora Lufina’s abduction as the cause for reigniting his thirst to conquer again.”

  Lilly stopped pacing and faced the blonde-haired cleric. “The truth will not ease the Emperor’s desires and will not stop us from what needs to be done. The Empire must fall.”

  Jon watched as Lilly was visibly agitated. The beautiful elf’s body was tense and her eyes nearly oval slits. He could see her mind working, coming up with solutions and strategies, but she couldn’t find her answer. Their previous mission to free Zelda’s people was a success, but it also made sure they were noticed by the Empire again.

  Zelda sat up and eyed Lilly, “Captain, we could return to hit and run raids, disturbing their supply routes like before?”

  Lilly looked to her First Mate, her eyes taking on a sad edge. “It’s much too dangerous to return to those designs. The Empire will set traps for us and if any of us are captured, they will stop at nothing to get the princess back. We can’t risk it.”

  Zelda nodded. “I could ask the clans if…” Lilly cut her off.

  “You just freed many of your family. I won’t ask them to throw their lives away unless we can ensure victory.”

  Lilly stepped over, her boots sounding off with each step until her shadow covered Zelda’s face. The captain knelt down and took Zelda’s webbed hand into hers, squeezing it.

  “I thank you for the suggestion, but your family is my family now and I won’t see them harmed, not after what they went through,” Lilly said with a soft edge.

  “How powerful is the Empire?” Jon asked.

  Everyone turned their gaze to the lone man and lowered their eyes. Syndra opened her eyes and stared at Jon across from her.

  “The Empire has always stood since the beginning of our civilization. The sun elves banded together quickly and formed alliances. They knew expansion meant power. My people stood up to them and were scattered to the seas,” Syndra said coolly.

  Zelda let go of Lilly’s hand and leaned back on her palms. “My people used to outnumber all the other races. The Empire knew this and spent a long time demonizing and hunting us. Many of the clans move and wander in secret. We have always known if we band together, the Empire will not stop until we are eradicated.”

  Eryn stepped closer with a bowed head. “It wasn’t always like this. There were many times in history where the Emperor was kind and just. It was several generations ago when a madness took hold of the Lufina family line, pushing them to war and conquest.”

  Lilly stood up and touched her fingers to her chin. “That is their weakness. If we break the family line, we will topple the Empire and can start again.”

  Jon looked to Lilly, “That is why Cora is so important. You want her to take the throne.”

  Heads bobbed in agreement.

  Lilly eyed Jon with understanding and compassion. “Cora is one of us. She can be groomed to be a great leader. She has a kindness and strength that many will follow. Despite the cruelty of the Empire, Cora has shown she is not cut from the same cloth. She rejected her father’s proposal by leaving him and joining us. Once you become part of our family, you can never leave it.

  “The races and nations will follow her. The Lufina family line is worshipped by many and they are seen as divinity across Aquris. If she takes the throne, peace will be assured.”

  “The Emperor, his sons and daughters must be sacrificed for the people of Aquris,” Syndra said in a low tone as she closed her eyes again.

  Jon’s heart skipped a beat. “If I’m hearing this right, your rebellion hinges on killing Cora’s family? Does she know what you’re planning?”

  Lilly stepped over to Jon and knelt down. The Captain eyed him as she seemed to gather the right words to say.

  “She doesn’t know, not completely,” Jon said with a stern edge.

  “She has an idea,” Lilly corrected. “Many of her brothers and sisters have some of the Emperor’s madness. After we learned about the dragon spirits that inhabit their blood, it makes sense that their power is somehow affecting them. It may be the root cause to their hunger for power and conquest.”

  Lilly placed her hand over Jon’s hand, “Our ways are different from your ways, but we all want the same thing. We want peace and prosperity for all.”

  Jon looked down at Lilly’s hand. “Our people are not that much different. It seems every realm has its power struggles.”

  Jon turned his hand and clasped his fingers around Lilly’s hand. “I understand what you’re trying to do, but I grew up in a family where saving people was the most important thing someone can do. My parents always taught me to find another way when it came down to life or death. Death teaches fear. We should be enlightening others instead of ending their lives. Do you think Cora will forgive you if you kill members of her family? Do you think she will stay kind when you do exactly what the Empire has done?”

  Lilly’s eyes hardened. “Kindness took my parents away when they should have fought. The Empire only understands strength. It is something we must show so they will back down and free the people of Aquris.”

  Jon kept his gaze on Lilly’s green eyes. “I u
nderstand at the Worm Pit, everyone was fighting for their freedom against their jailors. Lives were lost on both sides, but I can’t agree to killing Cora’s family. I can’t agree to killing anyone. It’s part of my honor to not take a life.”

  Lilly pulled her hand away and stood up, a simmering anger in her eyes. “When the wind returns, we will plot a course and set sail. I want to make sure the clans are safe before we attempt a return to the portal.”

  Jon watched as Lilly turned on her heels, marched to the door to the lower deck, pulled it open hard and stepped down. The door slammed shut behind her.

  Sadness touched Zelda and Syndra’s eyes. The sea elf and witch crawled closer to Jon before sitting and facing him. Eryn turned away and walked to the railing. She lifted her face to the sun and closed her eyes, basking in its light.

  “She will cool down,” Zelda said with a reassuring tone.

  Jon sat with small, dark shadows under his eyes.

  I know we come from two different worlds, but I just can’t bring myself to slaughter others to restore some kind of balance. There must be another way where families don’t have to die?

  Syndra sighed. “Jon, we all want the same thing, but the Captain’s fight is very personal. She’s spoken of times where she tried to be diplomatic and the very people she tried to help, turned around and tried to kill her. She measures her kindness to those she can trust and it takes a lot for her to trust someone.”

  Jon nodded, not sure what else to say.

  Zelda yawned wide and stretched her arms into the air. “Well, I don’t believe the wind is going to come back today and I need a swim.”

  The sea elf lowered her arms and gave Jon a smirk. “Join me for a swim?”

  Jon looked to the smirking sea elf. “I’m not sure…”

  Zelda started laughing. “I wasn’t really asking. Strip!”

  Syndra sighed and made her way to her feet. The shadow elf shed her cloak, letting it fall to the deck as she stood in her one-piece outfit.

  “Better do as she says before she tosses you over the side,” Syndra smiled.

  Jon made it to his feet as Zelda began shedding her clothes. The seven-foot-tall sea elf pulled off what little clothes she had until she was stark nude. She eyed Jon before crossing her arms against her stomach and tapping a webbed foot.

  “Come on,” Zelda urged.

  Jon smiled as he shed his coat. Next came his shirt, boots, leggings and lastly pulled off his bandanna. The young man stood on the deck in only his boxers, feeling exposed.

  “Off with all of it,” Zelda commanded with a razor grin.

  “Is he naked yet?” Eryn called over from the side.

  “Not yet,” Syndra said with an amused tone.

  “I think I’m fine in my boxers,” Jon said as he tried to not stand awkwardly.

  “Take it off,” Eryn said as she stood with her hands clasped to each other before her chin and a wide grin on her face.

  “You can’t even see me,” Jon said to her, perplexed.

  “I just like to know if you’re naked or not. My imagination tells me the rest,” the cleric grinned.

  “Take it off,” Zelda growled and reached for Jon’s boxers.

  Jon was quicker, side stepping the sea elf’s advances and back peddling. Zelda rushed him, her hands trying to grab hold and missing him by inches. Syndra covered her smile as Jon raced around the deck with Zelda giving chase. Eryn blinked, only seeing two souls chase each other in a sea of darkness.

  “Take… them… OFF!” Zelda roared and laughed at the same time.

  Jon rushed to the edge of the deck and hopped up onto the square railing. Arms spun as he kept his balance. Turning around, he saw Zelda charging toward him with eager intent.

  Jon kept his cool as the sea elf launched toward him with outstretched arms. Knees bending, Jon jumped into the air and spread his legs. Zelda’s oval eyes widened as she grabbed at air. Gravity took hold and she went diving down into the calm waters with barely a splash.

  Jon landed on the railing, turned to see Zelda hadn’t surfaced yet. Peering down, he barely noticed Syndra’s shadow before her palm pushed at his rump and sent him flailing down to the waters below.

  Jon hit the water hard. The shock ebbed and a calm serenity enveloped his entire body as he sank down underwater. The sensations tickled his skin and whispered sweet nothings to his soul. It was natural, beautiful and inviting. He had never felt so relaxed under water as he did now.

  It feels like I’m home.

  Jon closed his eyes, basking in the soothing waters. On he floated, the familiar feeling washing over him. When he opened his eyes, he looked down to the abyss below. It yawned, the inky darkness beckoning him to swim into its embrace. A song touched his heart and a thought spoke to him, telling him to swim down into the depths.

  The moment was broken when Zelda swam up to him and kissed him. The instant her lips touched his, their bond flared. The pair savored each other, but Lilly’s image glowed in Jon’s mind. His heart beat a little faster, wanting to ease her pain, but not sure how he was exactly going to do it.

  Bodies appeared in the surrounding waters. Jon and Zelda parted from their kiss to many smiling sea elves. Webbed hands reached out and touched the pair, a knowing happiness filling all their hearts as they enjoyed a moment with those who freed them. Zelda’s younger brother and sister, Jyn and Ryta, swam closer, touching Jon.

  Jon wanted to stay here, enjoying the moment, when his lungs cried out for air. Kicking his legs, he surfaced and took in a deep breath.

  “Watch out below!” Syndra shouted as she fell.

  Jon turned to the falling shadow elf just as she hit the water and splashed into his face. The young man grinned as Syndra broke the surface and swam closer. A swarm of sea elves circled below, looking up as Zelda and Syndra swam closer to Jon.

  “Jon, stay true to your honor. I’m sure the Captain will understand, with time,” the witch said as her wet white hair framed her dark face.

  “I hope you’re right,” Jon smiled.

  Syndra swam closer and pressed her lips to his. Jon gave a small smile before webbed hands grabbed his boxers and pulled them down in nearly one smooth motion.

  “I got them!” Zelda shouted with glee as she lifted Jon’s wet boxers into the air.

  “Hey!” Jon shouted, feeling his manhood was now fully exposed to many sea elves below him.

  “Swim Zelda! Swim!” Syndra laughed.

  The First Mate dove underwater and kicked her webbed feet, her body moving like a torpedo through the water. Jon swam after her, smiling and laughing until he saw the sea elf swim away so fast, he would never catch up.

  “My boxers… I need those,” Jon whimpered with a smile.

  Jon slowly turned around to Syndra and a dozen sea elves swimming toward him.

  “We are coming to get you,” the witch laughed with mischief in her crimson colored eyes.

  “Crap!” Jon laughed as he turned and swam for his life, sunlight filling the world with brilliant warmth and light.

  ***

  Three moons slowly rose up from the horizon edge. Their shades were a muted red, a sublime blue, and a pale yellow. Their light cast streams of subdued sparkles along the calm waters.

  The Dark Heart stayed where it was on the water’s surface. Around it, sea elf heads poked up as oval eyes looked to the moons in the vast distance. The luminous moons glowed with pleasant vibrations, a hidden song touching their hearts.

  Jon walked along the deck as Syndra leaned on a railing, her crimson eyes looking to the dark heavens. The young man lifted a leg mid walk, shaking it as he felt drops of water roll down his legs. He hadn’t completely dried off since their swim. Jon lamented as he put his boot down again, knowing he was never going to get his boxers back. Zelda had passed them along to another sea elf and soon they were gone forever. The freedom he now felt made him a little uncomfortable, but he told himself he simply had to get used to it.

  Jon stepped closer
to the shadow elf before glancing to the side. To the bow of the ship, Zelda sat, half naked and a bottle of rum in her webbed hand. She was happy and drunk, blowing a kiss to Jon before she took a chug of rum.

  Zelda’s so happy that she has most of her clan back. Maybe I will join her.

  Jon turned his attention to Syndra as he stepped closer and leaned onto the railing next to her. The shadow elf leaned her head on his shoulder, letting out a small sigh as the couple looked out to the rising three moons.

  “It’s so hard to believe your world has thirteen moons. I would think the gravitational pull would make this world a constant storm,” Jon said simply.

  “Some are farther than others. Their orbits are different, some slow and some fast. Each one does have an effect on each of the thirteen seas, as far as our scholars have told us. It has been a long time since all thirteen occupied the same sky. Many believe if that happens again, it will be the end of Aquris,” Syndra said gently.

  Jon looked to her, his arm around her waist and holding the shadow elf to his side. “What do you believe?”

  Syndra looked up to Jon and smiled. “I believe death and rebirth are part of the same coin. We simply have to navigate its waters as the coin flips to a side.”

  Jon nodded.

  “You’re worried about Lilly,” the witch whispered.

  Jon nodded again.

  “Like Zelda said, she will cool down. All of this is new for her and for us. We have known love, but not like this. It has affected all of us. The Captain needs time to adjust. She adores you and knows she may have to bend when she’s never bent before.”

  Jon’s grip tightened a little at the shadow elf’s waist. “You seem more relaxed than when we first met.”

  Syndra nodded. “I dreamed of death for a long time. It haunts my people since we were cast out of society. I never thought I would live this long. Then I met you and now death has taken a step back, allowing me a chance to enjoy the warmth. I’m feeling grateful.”

  “I feel pretty grateful too. I never knew my heart was big enough to love this much.”