AU: Captain Blacke and lady Karalie [Karalie]

[Lucas Blacke]

A few weeks had passed and Blacke, through the help of Karalie, was up and about, though not without the required shots of pain. She still tended to his wound from time to time, but the quartermaster was able to show his face to the crew again, show that he was okay and well. The strength in his voice had returned as well and he was once more able to bark orders at the crew, or should he say his crew? The captain still hadn't shown himself, and though he was very much alive and well he was holed up in his own quarters, leaving Blacke to take command of the remaining crew. So, in effect, he was now captain of the Pearl of the Seas.

His days were filled with trips to the deck, though less than before he got injured. Karalie was now trusted enough to go down to the hold to grab their provisions because, she no longer had the quarter master on her side, but the captain. No matter who saw her, Lucas now outranked everyone on the ship. Even the captain himself who hadn't shown himself for so long the crew had decided to make their quarter master captain. The days of old were gone, he commanded the ship and there was no longer anyone above him but the sea herself.

He was still bound to his role as quarter master in the sense of keeping track of goods and not drinking as much, but for now he needed all the rum he could get to dull the tingling in his chest, and it was also used as a makeshift bodywash to clean it out. All in all it was healing nicely. But what he looked forward to most was Karalie cleaning him up, they'd gone beyond stowaway and sentinel, or so Blacke wanted to think. He listened more and allowed her more, always on the lookout for ships that could hold objects she wanted.

He entered the cabin after his daily outing and found her on his bed. Obviously. When would she see that they needed to share it at night? It wasn't like he could loot her a second bed or anything.

''Th' crew is full o' sick bastards.'' He said as he nodded at her as if to greet her.

[Karalie Heise]

Life at sea wasn't difficult.  In fact, she sat around a lot, doing nothing but reading.  Lucas had brought some books aboard after they'd attacked another ship and she'd been busying herself with the novels.  What else was she to do to pass the time? It was a lonely life.  Relaxing, but lonely.  She found she craved the attention of her pirate more with each passing day, finding it hard to settle all alone on the ship.  She felt restless and shut in, but she was slowly growing accustomed to it all.  What she didn't expect was the way she looked forward to that door opening.

Karalie had warmed significantly to her pirate once he'd become bed bound.  It had only lasted a couple days, but in that time she grew accustomed to his presence, and though he could be unkind, he often changed his attitude quickly. He seemed to care about her wants and needs more, and though he couldn't realistically meet them, she could see how much he was trying.  He'd been respectful too, not forcing her to do anything she didn't want.  It was easy to care for him when he was so appreciative and she found she enjoyed his time there in the cabin with her.  More than she cared to admit.

Dark eyes met blue when Lucas entered his quarters.  Karalie closed the book and pushed it aside, relieved to see him, to have someone to talk to.  "What happened?" She inquired, genuinely interested.  What else was there to distract her mind?

[Lucas Blacke]

His trips to make himself be seen by the rest of the crew were mostly ones where he needed to ignore his pains if he had any, it had happened once or twice that his stitches had sprung open during his little visits to the crew, and while he felt it he never seemed to get any lip from the men up top. They either noticed and said nothing or they didn't notice at all, meaning that Lucas was able to hide his pain well or the wound didn't hurt all that much anymore. He assumed the latter, and he thanked Karalie for that on multiple occassions.

As thanks he'd brought her some stuff from one of the ships they attacked, though he hadn't yet given her all he had in store for her. His final present was one of great value, and he kept it with him the entire time due to how it looked. In his pocket was a pearl, dark as her eyes, which was possibly the reason he looked at it so much, which would also, if she ever sold it, make sure she would never have to do anything again, including marrying people she didn't like. He would hand her the pearl, and with it her share of the loot of every ship they would ever ravage. He was basically giving her her freedom.

He loosened his belt and placed his gun on the desk as he moved towards the bed, standing for extended periods of time still tested him, and he needed to recover from rudimentary tasks more often than normal. He sat down on it and looked at Karalie. ''I've 'anded 'dem fruit ta prevent scurvy, bu' they ain't eatin' 'dem. 'Dey be drillin' holes in 'em an' treatin' 'em like wenches.'' He shook his head.

''It seems th' time 'as come fer me ta give ya some more protection.'' He hesitated as he reached into his pocket and took the pearl in his hand. ''I got ya somethin' in our last raid.'' He took out his hand and reached out to her, waiting for her to open her hand under his and accept the present, not knowing what exactly it was.

''Yer freedom.'' He said. ''I know we be still at sea, bu' as long as ye 'ave this thing th' crew will do whatever ya say. Ye can buy yer freedom with it, ask 'dem ta turn th' ship 'round in return for th' gift.'' He swallowed. He hoped that wasn't what she was going to do with it. ''Or ye can wait until we hit port an' sell it then an' live like a queen.''

[Karalie Heise]

She no longer minded him sitting with her on the bed, though sleep had been something else entirely.  She missed the bed, and refused to let him give it to her, but sleeping beside him would tempt unwanted touching so she didn't want to chance it.  Though with every passing day she warmed more to the idea.  Would it be so terrible to lay with a man you were unwed to? Perhaps if she asked him to respect her he would.  His would was healing well and it was only a matter of time before he could overtake her if he desired, but she was starting to trust that he wouldn't.  She knew she would be warmer and more comfortable with him, and she couldn't deny the desire for closeness in the wee hours of the morn were something she might like to have.

When he mentioned what the crew was doing with the fruit, her cheeks turned a violent pink.  That was more than she needed to know.  How could they do that? it was disgusting! Would Lucas do that? She felt her cheeks heat further thinking about what Lucas might have done if given some time alone with an apple.  "That's disgusting." She insisted, not to mention wasteful.  If she couldn't bathe frequently, then she shouldn't fornicate with their food.

When he insisted she'd need more protection it took her a moment to realize why.  If they were willing to degrade fruit in the name of lust, there was no telling what they'd actually do to her if given the opportunity.  She flinched to think of it.  "What is it?" She asked, reaching her hand out and cupping it slightly, the questioning look in her eye matching the tone in her voice.

She looked up at him quizzically when he offered her 'freedom'.  Freedom from what? She was still trapped on this wretched ship.  What sort of freedom was there?  She looked at the dark object in her hand.  Was it a pearl? Seemed the wrong color for a pearl.  Was it so valuable?  "What is it?" She asked gently, her voice soft as she looked up at him, still surprised he would offer her something like this, something of value that might give her a chance at a good life once she was free from the ship. But why would he do that for her?  Karalie felt her heart swell and she moved herself closer to him, hoping for an explanation.

[Lucas Blacke]

His wound hadn't completely healed but he felt less and less of it each day, and it was because of her. His companion- no, not his, she was still a stowaway and he needed to remember that. He also remembered saying he would do to her what men normally did, and right now she wasn't helping, not counting the days she spent hovering over him. There hadn't been much to see, but if you had gone without being with a woman for over three weeks you would get certain thoughts, and even the most gnarly of pirates could attest to that. But now she actually scooted nearer to him after receiving his gift. This was actually why he gave it to her in the first place. He could have kept it himself and gone down in the history of pirates as the one who held the black pearl.

''That coin ye 'ave is but a dud now. That pearl, best keep it close, lass, fer it might just be yer way outta trouble.'' If there was more room on the bed he would have moved to the side a bit to preserve distance, he didn't want to act upon his thoughts. Not now. ''That pearl is what we pira'es long fer, it is valuable 'nough ta buy multiple ships, an entire crew o' th' best pirates 'round, an' it'll still leave ya with 'nough ta buy plenty 'o stock ta last ye a lifetime.'' More and more his thoughts went to taking the pearl back for himself, but sadly he had already given it to her. But the fact remained that she needed it to survive, Lucas could no longer guarantee her safety now that he was threatened with the same urges as the crew, and having a woman in his own cabin did not help him keep his sanity.

''Show tha' pearl ta th' crew an' offer it up in exchange fer yer freedom and I can guarantee they be givin' it. They'll even turn the ship 'round if ya so desire.''

Luckily for him she had denied every offer to take the bed with him. Sure, she could poke his wound to make him stop, but there would be a time where he could overpower her with ease. He dared not think of it. ''An'.. practice usin' a gun, fer me, okay? I can't be promisin' I'll be this talkative in th' future. I am an' remain a man.'' He said.

He hoped she did what was asked of her. If asked he'd even show her, or write down instructions for her. Anything to keep her safe from the crew at this point.

[Karalie Heise]

Karalie looked down into her palm again at the pearl.  The black pearl..  She'd never seen anything quite like it.  She knew it must be a rarity indeed to possess such reverence from a pirate.  She watched him silently as he spoke, her heart racing slightly as he explained what the pearl could buy her.  She could go home, right now if she wanted, and trade it in.  She wouldn't need to marry William, wouldn't need to marry anyone if she liked.  Though she would.  She liked the idea of marriage and children, but perhaps with someone less cruel.  But did she want to go back?

There were many things she didn't enjoy about life at sea.  It was repetitive, and then there was a raid it was frightening.  Exciting, but frightening.  It was also lonesome.  She had only Lucas to converse with, which wasn't always a bad thing, but they didn't speak all the time.  That was it in the way of relationships, though.  No women to gossip with and no one who cared when she grew melancholy.  She suspected Lucas cared on some level but he didn't truly show it.  Still, she liked the solitude also.  She liked not having to answer to her mother, and though she missed the luxuries her old life had, there were things she was beginning to appreciate about the sea.  The constant sound of the ocean crashing against the ship and the salty fresh air, almost always carrying a delicate breeze.  The sky was so dark at night, it was like no place she'd ever been.  Besides, Lucas was growing on her and the attire was far more comfortable.  Part of her didn't want to leave just yet.

"I'll practice." She promised quietly as she studied the pearl again, rolling it around in her hand before clenching her fist tight around it and looking back up at him.  He was kind to take care of her this way.  She knew he didn't need to.  He'd gone above and beyond for her safety, and still was.  If she didn't know any better she'd suspect he actually cared.  No.  She knew he must.  No one treated a mere stowaway in this fashion unless they actually cared for them on some level.  

"Thank you." Karalie hesitated a moment before shifting her body and leaning up and into him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a hug.  She was careful with his bad side, not applying any real pressure for fear of hurting him. She sighed, her cheek brushing his as she pulled back, the sharpness of his scruff scratching her as she went.  "Truly.  I appreciate all you've done. One day I'd like to pay you back somehow.." She gulped, unsure in what way he might take those words.  "Perhaps a new ship when I sell the pearl." Her smile was kind and her eyes alight with sincerity.  If what he said was true she would buy him the finest ship that had ever sailed the seas.

[Lucas Blacke]

So after what he had just said about still being a man when it came down to it and basically admitting he was going to force himself on her, she still found what she needed to hug him? Granted, the gift he gave her wasn't something he would give just anyone, but he didn't think it would bring forth this kind of reaction.

With his state of mind, his loneliness when among the crew, no woman at his side.. things got difficult. It always did. His mind did the same as the crew did, though Lucas had the decency not to act upon it. But with an actual woman close to him.. he'd been holding himself back since the day they met. But now.. he wasn't sure anymore. He wanted to as much as he could feel her, could smell her, even the small things got him like how she left no space in between them or how she didn't put pressure on his bad side, the sound she made as she pulled back, her cheek on his..

It didn't help at all. She should've known, should've known she was capable of this and that Lucas was intending on invading her either way. But even with the pearl he gave her to protect her from those things, she still.. still hugged him. Willingly. That meant more to him than anyone would know.

He put his arm on hers and kept it in place as he leaned in. ''Ye 'ave no clue wat yer gettin' yerself inta..'' He told her softly after she offered him a ship. He knew he should stop right there, but she smelled of woman, something he hadn't smelled in a long time. Not when she was dressing his wound or freshly bathed.. never like that particular moment. His forehead touched hers and he swallowed, breathing was becoming difficult and he wasn't sure he could blame his wound.

''I shouldn't..''

[Karalie Heise]

Over the weeks Lucas had threatened his manly ways over and over, and time and again he failed to follow through.  Perhaps she was foolish to believe it would never actually come up, but he'd shown her that it wasn't as much a priority to him as he'd initially claimed.  That or his wound was holding him back.  Still, he was more than well enough to do something if he dared, even if she was more capable of fending him off.

Karalie wasn't sure what he meant with the words he spoke so softly.  What was she getting herself into? Why wouldn't she reward him for his generosity? If it were more than she could ever need, then surely she could afford to take care of him when he'd so graciously given the pearl up to her.  

Her brown eyes were soft as they studied him.  Why did he look so worried? Or was it maybe something else? Her heart fluttered when he leaned in, her breath coming more rapidly in shallow bursts when she felt his forehead against hers.  Karalie had imagined she would pull away if this were ever to happen.  Could she show affection to a man like him? Was she really so desperate for companionship? Even as she thought it, she knew it wasn't that way.  It wasn't desperation that left her so terribly close, but something more.  She didn't tolerate the pirate...she fancied him.

The small hairs at the nape of her neck stood on end at his short declaration.  Shouldn't what? Kiss her?  She felt torn; did she want him to kiss her? She wanted something. She wanted more.. She wanted to not feel so terribly alone, so trapped, so unsure of herself.  For all his threats he'd never laid a finger on her, never forced her to do anything she didn't want to.  He asked.  He insisted.  Sometimes he made it seem there was no other choice, but in the end it was she who did what she pleased of her own free will.  He offered the consequences, and often they weren't at his own hand.  She didn't want him to deny himself.

She didn't want him to deny her.

"And what if you did?"

[Lucas Blacke]

What if he did? If he did.. he would surely find himself in a situation he wouldn't be able to return from. A woman this close, after weeks of being around one, trying to reject his thoughts just for her. After the days spent saying he would take her one day, force himself, later on saying he couldn't guarantee her purity even with him, after all that she simply asked what would happen if he went through with it.

His forehead against hers. The mere thought of doing that with anyone outside of a bloody scuffle was chuckle inducing to him on a mental level, but with her.. he did. He did it and he wasn't sure why. Was he trying to keep his distance from her and be close to her simultaniously? What was he doing, and what was she doing? She hadn't forced him away, or pulled back, hadn't said he shouldn't, didn't say she shouldn't either. She was tempting him. She knew what she was doing. She knew what he was doing.

He needed her for more than just his wound in the end. He enjoyed being able to vent to someone who listened, someone who kept him sane where most people would fail. He closed his eyes and licked his upper lip then, letting out a sigh. He knew this was it, there would be no return, or going back to the moment. For the first time in his life at sea, he had no idea what to do.

If he kissed her she wouldn't be a stowaway, wouldn't be a wench nor a woman. He knew she'd be Karalie. She would hold more power over him than any man could, she already did, though if he gave in she would have much more.

Those threats, he'd never acted upon them. He never wanted to no matter how much he wanted to. But never did it occur to him that, as his hand slid up to her shoulder, she was there with him. And while she had not complained, it didn't mean she needed someone as much as he needed her, that he had grown on her as much as she had grown on him. With the pearl in her hand, he opened his eyes and tried looking not at her eyes, but at her clenched hand. The pearl was in there, safe, and she had offered to buy him a ship when this all was over.

When it was over.. it had to end, he knew that. He'd have to adjust to the life of a pirate among men. Maybe she would still be there with him, there was that small bit of hope. But as much as there was that little ray of hope, he didn't want her to, she belonged back there; in a house where she had people to talk to, tasks to do and a town to explore. She didn't deserve to be holed up in a ship. This was why he had given her the pearl, as a reminder of him. The coin, to see him as someone who not only protected her, but someone who cared enough to give her means to defend herself.

''..'fraid I wouldn't stop if I did.''

[Karalie Heise]

Karalie wasn't sure how she felt.  Desperate, perhaps, was a good word.  Desperate for human contact.  He was there most of the time but she had no one assisting her when she needed it.  No mother to comb her hair and wrap her arms around her, no father to peck her forehead, no friends with whom to hold hands.  She had nothing.  She'd gone through the weeks without anything from anyone and now she was desperate.  Desperate to feel someone, something, anyone, anything..

Lucas was quiet a moment, his forehead warm against hers.  Her eyes slipped shut, not really sure what she wanted, what she expected from him or anyone.  She was being foolish, she knew that. Foolish and childish and certainly selfish.  How could she expect him to dote on her in the ways she craved without doing all the things she knew he desired? It wasn't entirely his fault she was there with him.  She'd put herself on his ship and he'd shown her a great deal of mercy. He'd given her everything she'd asked that was within reason, more even, and though he'd threatened to force himself upon her he had never so much as stolen an inappropriate glance her way. How could she possibly ask him for anything more?

His fear was a legitimate one.  She would want him to stop.. wouldn't she? She knew on some level she wouldn't want him to, but she knew how incredibly wrong it was to have thoughts like that.  She knew she needed to stay pure in the eyes of the Lord.  Virtue was the only thing she had to offer her future husband, her greatest gift.  She needed to be pure in the eyes of the Lord, and the eyes of her husband.  Tempting the pirate was a bad idea, but though she knew that she still felt herself hovering close.

Karalie nipped her bottom lip, pulling her face away though her hand came to his cheek, pressing her palm against it gently.  Her eyes opened to gaze up into his, so incredibly close.  She let her digits slip up through his hair, watching her hand as it moved through the dark locks that were in need of a trim.  "I often feel I do not deserve your kindness." She admitted tenderly, looking upon his face once more. How handsome and roguish he was..

[Lucas Blacke]

This was slowly becoming impossible. The urge to just do something was increased tenfold just by looking at her, to the point he began to wonder why he even put his head against hers. To be close, for one, to feel what he was missing, to know she was there. And she didn't pull back though that only added to the confusion, what was he supposed to do? He knew what he was supposed to do; pull back and let her be, but that was not what he wanted, and yet he knew that what he wanted was not what she wanted. She was still a princess, required to be pure. Or some other stupid stuff. He never got that, why people on shore did that. It had been a long time since he had lived that lifestyle and yet he knew he couldn't do anything until- unless they were wed.

He wouldn't stop, couldn't stop. Even without doing anything he knew there was little he could do to stop himself from going beyond kissing. He knew she could stop him easily, but there would be no telling what Lucas would do if she did. With his forehead against hers he gulped as she closed her eyes, a woman closing her eyes was never good, not for him anyway. Maybe she was thinking things through and deciding she shouldn't, or maybe she was gathering courage to lean in and make the first move.

He then lost the feeling of her skin against his, but quickly her hand reaching up to his cheek, her hand grazing his stubble. He was tempted to take a hold of her hand and keep it there, but he knew that if he did that he would set something in motion he could not turn back, and this thought was purely for the sake of the one who would take offence.

''Ya don't deserve my kindness.'' He said as she moved her hand through his hair. Why was she making things so difficult? ''Ya deserve far more, 'tever I 'ave ta offer.. 'tis but a mere pirate's kindness.''

His hand moved up her shoulder, not quite sure on where to place it just yet. The back of her neck so he could pull her in, or her throat so he could push her away?

[Karalie Heise]

Quietly she looked upon him, searching those eyes the color of the sea.  Did she deserve more? There was a time she believed so.  She still did, but not in the same sense she once did.  Being a slave to the sea was humbling.  It was hard to believe you deserved so many things when they were simply unavailable.  She got what he gave her and she was appreciative, because she knew he tried.  The raids had proven to be keep the ship stocked, and though she knew it was theft, she herself was not involved in the thievery and she forgave Lucas for his part in it.  It was a way of life.  It wasn't as if the other ships were exactly innocent.  They often attacked first, the ship she was on just happened to fair better so far and for that she was grateful as well.

She felt the weight of his hand on her shoulder and Karalie wished to feel more of him. His hand was heavy and warm, fulfilling her need for human touch.  She knew if she didn't pull away soon, she might not be able to at all.  

"Regardless, I appreciate all you've done for me.  To keep me safe." The hand in his hair trailed down behind his ear and slid down his neck to his chest.  When did he need to go back out to the crew? He wouldn't be there long.  It would give them both a chance to cool down.  Hesitating a moment she leaned forward, pressing her lips to his cheek in a soft peck before pulling back again.  "I should but this someplace safe." She told him softly, running her hand down a little lower on his torso before pulling it back all together.

Who knew what would happen if she didn't end this moment for both of them.

[Lucas Blacke]

Just looking at her without doing anything was beginning to turn out a chore, a chore worse than keeping the crew in line, worse than lining out their form of attack and figuring out how to ration their goods, figuring out what to loot and what to do with the ships they attacked. Those chores never increased in difficulty, but with urges involved there was a sense of want and need for him personally instead of just for the crew. She was ruining him in the most civillized way one could imagine.

Her skin felt good under his hand and for a moment his hand slid up and filled the small of her neck. The temptation was very clear, and he knew it was there for her too with the knowledge what it would mean if he gave in. If she gave in he could hide behind that, but she didn't. Lucas hated the moment for that fact alone. If she made the first move he'd be just doing what she wanted, but if he made the first move he would have been defiling her.

Not that pulling back and waiting was an option right now. And as she put her lips upon his cheek he had to fight the urge not to jump in right then, grasp her lips with his as his hand followed the motion of her head. He smiled and sighed at the same time, letting his head hang and taking his hand off of her. ''I should..''

He coughed as he got up from the bed, taking her hand and holding it in his. ''I oughtta check up on th' crew.'' He wouldn't though, he would take it as an excuse to rid himself of any impure thoughts that were directed her way. He slowly gave her her hand back as he turned around and made for the door.

A slight glance over his shoulder as he opened it and finally shook his head. ''This ain't fun.''

[Karalie Heise]

She had mixed feelings as he pulled back, watching him go towards the door slowly with the excuse of getting back to the crew.  She knew he had to, and she was relieved that she would have the chance to take a breath and get her head back where it belonged.  This wouldn't be so difficult had there been another woman on board for her to form a friendship with.  

She smiled a little at him as he turned back to her.  "It isn't meant to be." She replied somewhat playfully watching him go with a slightly heavy heart.  Alone again.. for who knew how long.  She breathed deeply and then sighed, laying back on the bed and looking at the ceiling.  Strange emotions bubbled in her gut as her eyes slipped shut.  She hated to admit it, but she was starting to feel for that pirate.. she couldn't deny it for much longer. She yearned for him.  She, Karalie Heise, falling in love with a pirate!  Oh, how ashamed her family would be if they only knew.

Karalie had quit napping so much during the day.  The melancholy had warn off on some level and she liked being tired enough to sleep on the uncomfortable floor at night.  Instead she enjoyed what time she had on the bed and poured through the pages of the novels Lucas had left for her, simply waiting for him.  She would sing songs to herself and groom herself best she could with what she had; keeping her nails clean and hair pinned back.  She would daydream and look out the window, and sometimes she would draw, though admittedly she wasn't good at it.

Her stomach grumbled as she waited for Lucas to come back to her.  The sky was turning a lovely shade of magenta and lavender and she knew to expect him soon.   Her stomach jolted when she heard the door, her body sitting higher as she looked over.  Lucas was back!

[Lucas Blacke]

The time on the deck hadn't done him any good. The crew asking him questions on what to do never stopped getting him by surprise, his answers never coming out quite as he liked. The crew knew better as to ask about what was ailing him, as he wouldn't tell anyway. He'd simply say nothing was ailing him and he was just wondering about the next raid, them being the target that they were meant there was at least one raid per fortnight. Sadly Lucas was focused on getting stuff for Karalie, things she could use instead of things the crew could use. He wasn't taking water to keep his crew alive, he was taking it because Karalie needed it.

He did wonder what the point of the change was, his eyes scouring the sea in the hopes they'd find another ship to take his mind off of things like he had wanted to, but aside from the crew making a ruckus, drinking and playing their games under the scorching sun the day was perfectly still. It didn't do anything for him. Multiple times had he been asked to partake in whatever the crew was doing to kill time, but every time he had said no and just continued staring out at sea.

His hand slowly went over his wound and slid down to his sword, taking it out and studying the hilt, the shine of the blade reflecting the sun, the memory of him taking all those lives with it.. all in the name of survival. Something he knew upset Karalie, and at the same time something he couldn't stop. She was simply to adjust or be holed up in his cabin, as harsh as that sounded. He would do his best to make her adjust though, give her something to train on or other, give her tasks to do and eventually he would - Lucas gulped, just take her out in front of the rest of the crew.

But not any time soon. She'd promised to practice handling the gun, and he knew she would need it even if she didn't want to use it, things would not go as smooth in the future. Lucas did what he could and it had turned out fine so far, but to be responsible for what happened next was not easy when it was all so random. He couldn't be around her all the time, if she were on a normal ship she could have gotten away with doing nothing, but this was a pirate ship and doing nothing meant certain death.

The sky changed over time and the crew returned to their holds, bidding their new captain a good night. He returned the sentiment for every one of them as the only thought on his mind right then was returning to Karalie. And so he did as the last of the crew had vanished and the light dimmed on deck. Maybe they'd be attacked that night, but it had been a slow couple of weeks so the chance was not that high, they'd entered still waters anyway.

He made way to his cabin and took the handle, breathing in deeply as he turned the knob and opened the door to see her sitting there looking at him as he came through the door. He closed it behind him and looked at her as he took the sword and the gun out of there holsters and put them on the desk to make room for undoing his belt. Time for him to retire.

''Quiet today. Nothin' fun 'appened.''