It was a relatively calm day at the yards, given that it was Saturday, that was a minor miracle. The wives of the crew members usually liked to have some gathering once a month or so to boost morale and keep the families together. It was a nice idea, but it did create a fair amount of chaos. Not that Aja ever minded chaos, she’d learned years ago to just go along and even use it to a tactical advantage in certain situations.

However, this particular Saturday was set aside for Mara and Trevor to train. This week was with Jarim and his scimitar sword. A formidable weapon in the hands of those who knew how to use it. She wandered to the observation area of the new office building, from there she could see all areas of the yards.

Down below she watched the courtyard and the sword lesson in progress. She was pleased watching her kids battle like seasoned pros. They had learned their lessons well. Aja leaned there watching silently, reflecting on the children  over the years. She sometimes wondered if she had done enough to prepare them for a life on their own, should they wander from home.

Trevor had chosen to stay in Arcadia and run the tavern. He could’ve gone anywhere, done anything with Aja’s blessing, but he was the more mellow of the two kids. He was the one more likely to stay in one place. Mara was her wild card. She didn’t yet know what her daughter would end up choosing to do with her life.

Aja had hoped she gave them enough to be safe, confidant in their abilities to defend themselves if they had to, while being responsible enough to not go looking for trouble where none previously existed. While Aja understood those that would go and seek fights, she had learned that staying off to the side provided a clear view on a situation and often a hole could be found to acquire the very thing the fight seeker sought to possess. 

The lessons concluded with high praise from Jarim for the way they have learned. Aja smiled then headed downstairs and out to the courtyard as Trevor was packing up. Mara was off to the side cleaning her blade off carefully, as she was taught.

“Hey Ma.” Trevor gave her a smile.

“Hey.” Aja gave her son a one armed hug and a nod to Jarim who saluted her with his blade before he settled next to Mara to clean his own weapon.

“How’d it go"” Aja asked as if she hadn’t been watching.

“Same as usual.” Trevor answered and then looked over at Mara. “She’s pretty good with the sword.”

“And yer not"” She grinned at her son. “Seems I recall ya being quite skilled.”

“I do ok. But never intend to really  have to use these skills.” his voice dropped then. “Mara on the other hand, she might end up needing them if she wanders from home.”  Aja nodded at his words then. She had called that right at least. There was the barest of smiles at knowing her children well enough to have figured that out.

“Well. I’ve always allowed you each to decide what was right for you. Within reason.”  she smiled at Trevor and lightly brushed his cheek with her finger. “All I ever wanted fer ya both, was to be happy.”

“You’ve done that, Mom.”  Trevor smiled at her.

“I don’t want us to be like Mami and Rico.” Aja glanced over to Mara who was carrying on a lively conversation with Jarim. She thought about Rico and Mami for a moment.  “Where ya feel ya have to hide yer life from me.” Aja shook her head slightly. “I’d like ya ta feel like ya can come ta me with things if ya need ta.”

“I do feel that way, Mom. So does Mara.” Trevor slung his bag over his shoulder. “You’re more than our mother though. You’re also our friend.”  At those words from her son, she blushed slightly.

“Yer not kissin up ta me fer allowance.” Aja grinned at her son. “So, I’ll take that as true.” she fondly ruffled his hair.

“You mean that would’ve worked"” Trevor grinned at her and smoothed down his hair.

“Nah...but ya both got a pout that on occasion would work.” She gave her son a wink.

“Now you tell us.” Trevor smiled and Aja nudged him playfully.

“Anyway. If I haven’t said so lately...I am proud of you. Of the man you’ve become.”

“Mooooom..” Trevor was blushing now.

“What"” She laughed. “I am, Kid.”

“Stop it.” he swiped at her playfully.

“Nope. Can’t. It’s my job ta embarass ya.”  Aja giggled as Trevor rolled his eyes. “Alright. Ya look like yer heading out.” she straightened his jacket and kissed his cheek. “Go. Flee from da mama.”

“Love you.” he said as he kissed her cheek in return.

“I love you too, Trev.” she watched him go with a smile. Once he turned the corner, she wandered over to where Mara was sitting. Jarim stood up upon her approach.

“Captain.” he saluted her.

“Jarim. Another good session"”

“Your children are naturals, Captain.” he smiled and Aja nodded.

“Yes they are. Ya can go, Jarim. Enjoy da afternoon, with my thanks..” she gave the man a warm smile.

“Thank you, Captain.”  Jarim bowed his head a little and turned around leaving the court yard. Aja took a seat next to Mara.

“Have fun"” Aja asked as she settled and leaned back enjoying the feel of the sun on her face.

“Yeah. Jarim’s cool to train with.” Mara said with a broad smile. “What are you doing down here, mom' Don’t you have a dozen projects going on"”

“Always.” Aja gave her daughter a smile and sat up. “Doesn’t mean I don’t take time out ta come chat with mah favorite daughter.”

“I’m your only daughter.” Mara laughed.

“Details.” Aja grinned and leaned against her daughter with a thoughtful expression as she looked across the courtyard to the ocean beyond.

“Something wrong, Mom"” Mara asked, making Aja look at her, then she reached up and rested her hand on Mara’s shoulder.

“Listen, Mara. Ya know I never give ya big lectures about much of anything.” she started carefully. “I don’t want my view of the world to necessarily be yers. But da world is not a fair place and ya need ta be ready fer that. Not everyone ya meet, is gonna be a nice person. Not every town is Arcadia.”

“I know, Ma.” Mara said looking at her mother oddly.

“I’ve always protected ya as much as I could without limiting yer access ta da world around ya. I didn’t want ya to think everything was safe. But I did want ya ta be safe. It was a fine line ta walk, and I think I may have failed in a couple spots. But I did what I could.”

“I know, Mom.” Mara replied then a thought occurred to her. “Mom' Are you dying"”

“Dying"” Aja blinked at Mara. “Sweet cheeks, do we have ta have da mommy’s different conversation again?”

“No. I have that memo.” Mara teased her mother. “I meant, are you sick like or something"”

“No.” Aja leaned over and kissed Mara on the head. “I’m not dying. Goose.” Aja laughed. “I”m jist trying to prepare ya fer things. Ya know...fer when yer out there..” Aja waved her hand out towards the lagoon idly. “in da world and ya don’t  have yer mama’s sword ta get yer back.”

“And her guns, bombs and other explosives"”

“Yeah. And those things.” Aja grinned.  “I know ya can handle yerself. I trained ya how ta fight. But that’s all....physical stuff. I’m talkin more in yer head stuff now.”  Aja sighed. “I’m no good at diplomacy. But yer Uncle Ajay is.” Aja moved a wayward strand of hair from Mara’s face. “I’d like ya ta spend some time with him. Learn how he does things.”

“What’s wrong with you and Aunt Anya"”

“No one knows.”  Aja grinned at Mara broadly. She could tease her friend, which got her daughter to laugh at the same time. 

“Come on, Ma." Mara hugged her mom's arm. "I meant why can’t I learn from you and her"”

“Not saying ya can’t, Kid." Aja grinned then patted her daughters back. "I just want you to not pick up all my bad habits.”

“Mami and Maria won’t allow that.” Mara laughed.

“Which might be a good idea to listen to them about that.” Aja said with a smile. “And it’s one of the few times I will suggest it. Cause ya know how much da two of them make me crazy.”

"I know, Mom." Mara's bright smile made Aja smile.

"I can't send ya out in the world unprepared, Kiddo." Aja said as she hugged Mara closer to her. "It's mah job ta keep ya safe."

"And you've done that, Ma."

“I know that I tried..” Aja sighed a little. "Da Gods know I am far from perfect. But I did mah best ta provide ya a good life, to surround you with good people." She looked at Mara with a soft smile. "With people that were strong, but kind. Who could show ya da things that I could not."  Mara nodded then, Aja kissed her forehead. “Anyway. Jist want ya ta think about going ta spend some time in Ballentine with yer Uncle Ajay and Aunt Sher. They are wise people. I think ya’d enjoy it honestly. Ballentine really is quite da place.”

“Ok. Ma.” Mara replied still looking at her mother suspiciously.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t object if ya brought a friend if ya wanted.” Aja noted the look from Mara, but choose to let it go. “Maybe that Chrissy girl ya been hanging out with lately"”

“Maybe. Her dad will probably say no.”  Mara’s expression had darkened some.

“He got a problem with something"”

“With me I think.” Mara said. “He never wants her to hang out with me.”

“Huh.”  Aja thought about this fer a moment then asked. “Chrissy’s dad is Charlie Cohn, yeah"”

“Yes. That’s him.”  Mara answered and Aja nodded thoughtfully. “Do you know him"”

“Yeah.” Aja sighed a little. “One of the original occupants of Arcadia and not really all that thrilled that it took a bunch of pirates ta take a run down town and turn it inta what it is now.”

“Why would he complain, since the town looks good and there is more work for the residents.”

“I think some people don’t like change sometimes. And pirates"” Aja laughed. “A bunch of ruffians, heathens and thieves being the ones that changed his world?” she shook her head. “Would no doubt make him angry.”

“I don’t understand.” Mara said with a sigh.

“I know ya don’t.” Aja smoothed her daughters hair. “This is what I’m talking about. There are things in the world that will make zero sense ta ya. This is where yer Uncle Ajay comes in. He would have a better insight than I do.”

“I get it, Ma.”  Mara grinned.

“Jist sayin.”  Aja smiled at her daughter. “I do know things, jist lookin ta give ya every advantage I can.”