A Gift

[Morgan LaLuna]

Morgan sat at his desk, fingertips barely touching the rim of a crystal glass containing rum if only to keep it in place in the sway and bob of the cabin around him. His cheek rested firmly on a fist, and his eyes were settled on a small, elegant box before him. The wood was a deep red color, and it was rather plainly decorated in shape, only featuring a few scallops along the edges. He lifted his face from his hand, and let his fingertips brush over a golden inlay atop the box. A crescent moon, eclipsing a sun in a chaotic halo of rays that formed a perfect circle set within three overlapping squares that made for a beautiful geometric pattern.


It was one of those pensive moments he was finding more and more on the ocean when all was calm and quiet, when the sun had gone to bed, and the stars guided the Heathen's path to her next destination. He lifted the glass by the rim, and tipped the amber liquid to his lips, taking a pleasantly spiced sip as his other hand settled on red wood and slid across, the tip of his thumb brushing against the golden latch at the front. A quick movement, and it opened easily. He lifted the lid slowly, setting his glass back on his desk, then licked the remnants of rum from his lips.


"Is it too much?" He asked aloud of nobody in particular. Mostly because he was alone. Lips pursed, and settled to the side as he chewed on the inside of his cheek, his head tilting as he reached into the box. There, settled on a bed of deep blue silk in a black lining, a thin silvery chain was carefully curled to surround the pendant upon it, a small Sunstone that, even in the dim lighting of his cabin, caught light in dazzling displays. "It's probably too much, right?" He sighed, and the fingertips that hovered over the delicate piece pulled away before he shut and latched the box. He stood slowly, and drained the last of the rum from his glass, setting it down and picking the box up in one smooth motion.


The captain paced next to his desk for some time, looking down at the golden design, thumbs running along the top edges as he held the small wooden thing in two hands. Finally, his feet came to a standstill, and he moved toward the middle of his cabin, lowering himself slowly to his knees and setting the item next to his thigh. Reaching out, he conjured a glimmer of reddish pink energy that washed over his doors. They were locked, but he had to be sure. Without a word, he picked up the edge of the large ornate rug that was settled on the floor. He folded it back over itself, and fingertips pried at a loose board, pulling the plank free and putting it aside as he pulled from the cavity there an elaborately ringed amethyst. Back went the plank, down went the rug, and the device and the box were lifted both as he stood, and turned.


He walked rather quickly to his bed, and sat on the somewhat stiff mattress, pushing rumpled blankets aside to smooth the sheets beneath for a safe place to settle the device itself. The box was settled into his lap, and he pulled his legs up into a cross to cradle it gently. His eyes closed, and his fingertips barely brushed one of the concentric rings, lips moving almost silently as he spoke a soft incantation. The whole of the device glowed, and then… the captain was simply gone, and the inert crystal and metal settled easily in the blankets of his empty bed.


It wasn't a trip he made often, but neither was it strange to him to open his eyes and take in the calm surroundings of this different, separate place. Nothing swayed beneath him, for he sat on solid ground, soft grass with not even a pebble to bring discomfort to the bare feet he planted on the earth to stand. Nearby, there was the soft thumping of hooves, and Fate peered around the corner of a cabin, giving a soft nicker before bobbing his head. The acrobat held up a hand calmly, and allowed the unicorn to approach at his own steady pace, moving in only when he felt that velvety nose press into his palm.


Tucking the box beneath his arm carefully, he reached up with the other to scratch at the unicorn's neck, pressing his forehead near that place where the horn emerged from his great head. "Hello… did you miss me?" He gave a soft laugh as he pulled away, patting the side of the horse's neck as he turned toward the front door of the cabin. "Probably not, huh? Got everything you need right here without me." He walked to the front door and pushed it open, entering the cozy interior with something like relief washing over him. Something like the feeling of home. Strange, really, considering he did not spend much time in the place at all. It just felt oddly right.


Closing the door behind him, he stepped toward the overstuffed couch covered in colorful pillows and throws, landing on it heavily and with a deep sigh. "Honeeeeyyyyy, I'm hooooome…" he intoned with a small breathy laugh at the end, setting the box next to him to nestle into all of the fluff. Really, it was so warm, and inviting… and he was rather tired. He could figure things out in a moment. A nice little hiding spot, for the future. For now, he just reveled in the comfort of the moment, the feeling of security. He gave a little shiver, and pulled a multicolored crocheted blanket over himself to ward off the perceived chill. He could sit here for a few moments. Let his mind wander, and listen to the song of crickets that did not exist on the ocean.


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When his eyes fluttered open, he gave a start, and fell from the couch to land on the floor in a tangle of blankets, yanking a few pillows down with him. "Shit! Shit!" He failed and worked himself out of the knot, clambering on all fours a moment before standing, rubbing at his eyes. He'd fallen asleep! He gave a panicked sort of noise, and ran out the front door, smoothing his shirt and running fingers through his hair. He'd certainly be able to explain his overstepping. It wasn't like it never happened… and the mess? Well. He could fix all those pillows and blankets when he came back for another visit. As for the box…



It sat, for the moment, woefully forgotten on the couch, just beneath a deep emerald green throw pillow. Well, at least it was somewhat hidden. Even if it was by accident.