Thread: The Warrior's Claim (fang198236 & darkangel76)

Morgan Grady sat on the beach staring out upon the rough ocean waters bordering her small village of Comare. The wind was stronger this time of year and blew her long, dark hair all about as she stood upon the sand dunes. She pulled her knit shawl tightly around her slim body as some sea spray splashed against her body, making her shiver a little. Cold, but not yet ready to say goodbye to the day, she sat down upon the sand. Compared to the air and the spray from the waters, the sand was quite warm against Morgans skin. She relished the warmth of it as she let her fingers play with the sand, running it through her fingers over and over again before hugging her knees to her chest. She glanced back toward her small village and smiled. Behind Morgan, further inland and off the beach, stood several small stone and thatch huts. Billows of smoke rose up from the hearths of each one, a sign of life and contentment. Yes, her people were simple, peaceful. But they were also kind and so very hardworking, always trying to contribute to the greater good of all, not just one. It was this attitude and way of life that she admired most about her people that made her proud to be one of them. Just then, Morgan caught a glimpse of Gavan and Cael. Cael was her older brother, a man who was well respected among her people and someone she loved deeply. Its getting late, Morgan, Cael shouted out as he approached his little sister. And I think a storm is coming. He peered out over the rough waters as the winds became stronger, ominous clouds slowly rolling in from beyond the horizon. Morgan just nodded. Just a bit longer. I promise to be in before the rains come. Gavan stepped forward and placed a hand on Morgans shoulder. She wanted to flinch at his touch, but managed to refrain. He was her brothers best friend and for some reason had his sights set on her. Yes, she liked him well enough and found him reasonably desirable. But she just couldnt see herself sharing her life with him for all of her days. No one in the village of Comare appealed to her in such a way and she often found herself arguing with her parents and brother about it as a result. Ill stay with her, Cael, Gavan spoke up. Morgan just shook her head. Id rather be alone, if you dont mind. She gave Gavan a small smile, though she could see the disappointment in his dark eyes. Cael just scowled and kicked at the sand. Suit yourself, he muttered as he headed back to their home. Morgan knew that Caels little outburst wasnt just because she wouldnt come home with him. It was also because she was rejecting Gavans advances again. But honestly, she couldnt help it. She didnt want to insult Gavan. He deserved someone who truly wanted him. He was a good man and she knew she could never love him the way he ought to be one day. Gavan gave Morgan a nod and followed after Cael leaving her by herself once again. She looked back out over the waters, the winds blowing, the thunder softly booming in the distance. A flash of lightning lit up the sky causing her to squint as she caught sight of something on the water. It looked like a ship of sorts. She tilted her head wondering who would dare brave such rough waters. Their little village of Comare didnt have that much to offer outsiders, so she found the sight of such a ship curious. Gazing out at the ship, Morgan pulled her shawl tighter around her slim body. As the sky darkened, both with night and the storm clouds, she couldnt take her eyes away from the approaching ship in the distance, the flashes of lightning making its silhouette clearer and cleared as it neared the shores of Comare.