As the title says, Juniper's boat.

Juniper paced over to a set of strangely ornate doors on the aft of the ship. She produced a key and opened them, revealing a beautiful room full of unique artwork and treasures. Swords of all shapes and sizes hung upon the wall, several bookshelves were filled with tomes of strange languages and designs. Towards the back of the room were two couches and a four post bed with dark purple sheets. "Make yourselves comfortable" She pulled up a chair at a wide wooden table and began to peruse through several maps and logs.

Sileas's eyes lit up when she saw the couches. At least they would have something comfortable to sleep on. As her gaze swept the decor, she knew she was going to have to keep a tight rein on Questa. "This is lovely, thank you." She chose one of the couches and sat down, her entire body relaxing in to the comfort. It suddenly felt like months since they had experienced any comfort.

Juniper turned and smiled"Of course" She was just happy to have guests. Her armor was restricting her movement at the table so she stood and crossed the room to a collection of blank mannquiens, each with a set of armor or clothing save for one. She pulled on a few leather ties and lifted her breastplate over her head, exposing her thin undershirt which clung to her skin with sweat.

"Please let us know if we can help out in any way during the voyage. None of us have ever been on a boat, but we're willing to help in any way we can," Sileas added. She studied the armor, it was of good quality.

"These sailors were hand picked by me. You wont need to lift a finger." She winked at Sileas and removed her gauntlets and codpiece. She was standing in nothing but a shirt and thin trousers."You like the ship?" Juniper stepped beind a draw shade, undressed, and began to clean herself off  with a bucket of soapy water and a cloth

"It is very nice, almost like a small home. I would say it is not at all what I expected, but I don't know what, exactly, I was expecting, having never been on a boat. These are some impressive pieces you have for decorations." Sileas had gotten up and was looking at some of the swords.

"Thank you. I like to think i have good taste. Those weapons took a while to collect." Juniper rinsed herself off and retrieved a towel that was draped across the shade. She threw it around her chest and quickly crossed to a dresser full of clothing of Junipers height.

Questa was eyeing the weapons and other valuables. Unfortunately she had nowhere to go if she did lift them, she had nowhere to run away to on a ship. Her shoulders slumped slightly.

Juniper quickly changed into a light outfit of a shirt and trousers, drying her long hair in a towel. She retakes her seat at the desk and leans back.

Yehudit slowly staggered inside. She did not have her sea legs yet, she looked like she had the legs of a drunken millipede. She wound up sitting on the floor next to a couch.

Sileas shook her head. She got up and strode across to where Yehudit had landed, picked her up and plopped her on the couch. Then she returned to her couch.

Yehudit squirmed as if the couch were uncomfortable.

"I was fine on the floor, this is too soft." She lied.

"Oh really?" Sileas said. She got to her feet to put Yehudit back on the floor, as she desire. The boat rocked a bit and Sileas froze, turning a very slight shade of green for a moment. She sat back down. "You'll be fine there."

Yehudit made herself as comfortable as she could on the floor. Even sitting it was hard to keep her balance.

"The sea will soon come to you. And you'll get used to the movement." Juniper acted as if she had lived on a ship all her life, without looking up from her pages written in a strange blocky language.

Sileas's hand was splayed across her stomach. "I certainly hope it comes to me quickly," she said. Sileas jumped to her feet and fled for the deck.

Yehudit scrambled to her feet and hobbled after Sileas.

"Sileas?"

By the time her cousin would catch up to her, Sileas was by the rail, her head hanging over the side. One hand had a death grip on the railing, the other trying to keep her hair from her face.

"Wow, are you throwing up?" Yehudit asked, surprised that her cousin could get seasick. She grabbed at Sileas's hair to get it out of the way, but lost balance and wound up hanging off Sileas's hair before she could regain balance.

When she finally to a dry heave, Sileas lifted her head. "Apparently the sea and I do not get along." She rubbed her head where her cousin had nearly pulled her hair out by its roots.

Yehudit grabbed the railing so she would not fall over again.

"I doubt the sea is going to appreciate your offering."

"I don't much appreciate the way it makes me feel," Sileas stated.

Questa looked out. "Do yer need fat pork and string?" She asked innocently.

Sileas clutched her stomach and groaned loudly. She leaned over the railing once again.

Yehudit scowled, was Questa trying to kill her?

"Try not to fall over." She fretted over Sileas.

"I'll try my very best," Sileas mumbled.

"You probably shouldn't hang over the side at all actually... what if one of the mermen jumps out of the water and grabs you?" Yehudit asked.

"He'll be sorry if he grabs me right now," Sileas tried to laugh before she started choking.

Yehudit thumped Sileas on the back. "Can you drown and throw up at the same time?"

"Probably but I don't want to find out."

"Then stay away from the water!" Yehudit pulled Sileas away from the rail.

Sileas lost her thin bit of control when she was jerked backwards. She vomited all over Yehudit.

Yehudit froze in shock. She held her arms away from herself, not knowing what to do.

"Sorry," Sileas said in a small voice." She searched her pockets for a rag.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Mon 01 Feb 2016.

Poor Questa's eyes were watering and her hands grasped her knees as she struggled to not laugh out loud.

"I'll see if Juniper can tell me where to find some rags." Sileas headed back to their quarters where they had left their host.

Yehudit was still frozen in horror, or was until a swell caused her to lose balance and fall over.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:19, Mon 01 Feb 2016.

Questa managed to recover, then saw Yehudit fall over.

"Oh damn millstone! Right!" Questa hesitated a moment, looking over the rail, then jumped after Yehudit.

Yehudit knew how to swim, though she was not at all graceful at it. Panicking was not making her any more graceful. She flailed like a wounded seal.

Questa tread water and stared at Yehudit, even more surprised to see that the millstone could float than by her falling out of the ship in the first place. Of course Yehudit was splashing all over the place.

"Put the mockers on that before yer drown us boff! Blimey!" Questa yelled.

Sileas had entered the cabin. "Excuse me?" she said to Juniper. "Are there any rags we can use? Yehudit and I had a small accident on deck."

"Oh dear." She looked up and pointed a slender hand towards a shelf full of sheets, blankets, and old flags with old ratty holes in them.

"Thank you." Sileas reached up and took two that were full of holes and thread bare spots. A blush colored her cheeks. Sileas was completely mortified and embarrassed. She had never done such a thing. Sileas hurried back to  the deck only to find it empty. "Yehudit? Questa?' she called out.

Yehudit looked at Questa and stopped splashing. "What are you doing here?" She heard Sileas's voice back on the ship. "SILEAS! HELP!"

"Tryin' ter save yer, yer stewpid millstone." Questa grumbled. She would not have bothered if she had know Yehudit wasn't going to sink straight to the bottom. "Oi! Oi! Sileas! Right! Frow us a rope before yor millstone drors a shark!"

"What...!" Sileas peered over the side, then grabbed some rope. While tying the end to a ring in the wall, using a secure, firm knot, she mumbled to herself, wondering what those two were doing in the water. "Heads up!" she called out, tossing the rope into the water.*

Yehudit grabbed at the rope but it slipped in her wet hands.

Questa snatched the rope. "Can she even climb a rope?"

"I doubt it. I don't remember it ever having come up before," Sileas said. She kept her grip on the rope.

"Hold still!" Questa grumbled to Yehudit and tied the rope around her waist.

Juniper followed the commotion out to the main deck where she spotted the woman-overboard. She leaned in the doorway, fairly confidant in the newcomers abilities. The other sailors tried to give a hand pulling the young woman up on deck.

"Ow!" Yehudit yelped when the rope dug into her stomach. She felt like throwing up now.

Sileas worked along with the sailors to pull Yehudit up.

"Mind 'urryin' wiv anuvver rope or sumfink?" Questa called. Some small fish were nibbling at her toes and were getting annoying.

Sileas let the sailors work on pulling Yehudit up while she secured another rope. Questa being Questa, she would be easier for Sileas to assist. She threw the second rope over to Questa.

Questa grabbed the rope and began climbing, bracing her feet against the hull. "Nice ter know I'm a priority."

"Just thought you were made of sturdier stuff," Sileas said as she held the rope steady.

Questa pulled herself over the rail and onto the deck. She shook herself off like a dog. "Soaked frough ter the bone."

"That generally happens when one lands in a large body of water. You can always go ask our hostess if she has anything you can borrow." Sileas wiped the water of her face and pushed her wet hair back before heading over to help Yehudit once more.

Juniper waved Questa over and smiled" Lets get you dry" She walked back into her cabin and rummaged through a cabinet and managed to find some smaller clothes and a towel.

In reply to Sileas (msg # 60):

Yehudit flopped on deck like a landed fish. She fumbled with the rope around her waist but couldn't undo the knots.

In reply to Juniper Alva Sparks (msg # 61):

Questa eyed the clothes. "Woss this?"

In reply to Yehudit Buckley (msg # 62):

Sileas knelt down next to her. She fumbled with the knots. "Questa has quite the talent with knots." She let out a sigh and thought for a moment before pulling out her dagger. It was one of the longer ones since her smaller dagger was still with Lek. She hoped he was headed for the keep to tell Wulfsen and her father what was going on.

Yehudit's eyes rounded at the sight of the long dagger.

"Don't cut me." She squeaked.

"I'm not," Sileas replied. She rolled Yehudit on to her stomach. "Suck in a breath," she said before pulling up on the rope so she could get the knife under it and cut it apart.

"What are you doing?!" Yehudit panicked, and instead of sucking in a breath she squirmed.

"Lay still and suck in a breath so I can cut this rope without cutting you too!" Sileas admonished sternly. She settled her knee on Yehudit's back to keep her still.

"Ouch! You're cutting a chunk out of my back!" Yehudit wailed.

"That's my knee!" Sileas frowned. Was Yehudit calling her boney? "Just lay still darn it."

Yehudit was taking quick breaths and her heart was thudding in her chest. Was Sileas going to murder her? Yehudit howled and began kicking.

"If you don't lay still, I'm going to knock you out. Or stab you. I'm not picky which right now," Sileas hissed.

"Why do you wanna kill me?" Yehudit asked. "Is it Galina again? I'm not trying to kill you!"

"I have no desire to kill you, Yehudit. I need you to stay still so I can get this rope off without hurting you."

"You're already hurting me!" Yehudit cried.

"Only because you won't stay still!" Sileas shouted back.

"Why?!" Yehudit thrashed.

In reply to Yehudit Buckley (msg # 77):

Sileas jumped to her feet and resheathed her dagger. "I can't deal with this. Go find Questa to work the knot loose." Sileas turned to walk away.

Yehudit sat up, but instead of getting Questa she continued trying to get the knots undone herself. She pulled out one of her twisted forked and tried to use the tines to loosen the knot.

Sileas sought a spot on the boat where the waves wouldn't bother her as much and she could simply sit and think.

Juniper pushed off the beam she was leaning on and approached the knot bound Yehudit" Having trouble?" She barely managed to get the sentence out before chuckling. She produced a knife from her boot and began to help her free.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:50, Wed 10 Feb 2016.

"Sileas! She pulled a knife on me!" Yehudit shrieked.

"I told you it's the only way to get the rope off. You didn't trust me enough to cut the rope," Sileas pointed out. She leaned against a wall.

Yehudit fearfully shrunk away.

"It's either her or me. This whole argument is ridiculous. The rope would be cut in the blink of an eye."

Juniper showed her palms as a sigh of trust" I'd Hate to see a pretty lady stuck like that" She spoke in a sweet and soothing voice.

"Then give me the knife." Yehudit said nervously.

Juniper carefully passed the blade to the bound girl, hoping not to startle her.

Yehudit took the knife, cut the rope, a piece of her tunic, and her finger. "A klog iz mir!"

Juniper took the small woman's hand in hers and cooed" Ouch. Told you to be careful. Lets get that wrapped" She stood and gestured towards her cabin.

Yehudit sucked on her cut finger. "It's fine!"

" How does an infection out on the open sea sound? No doctors out her hun> Only the chefs cleaver" Juniper held her hand up and made a cutting motion on the same finger that Yehudit hurt, pretending to lose it.

"Wot a borin' way ter lose a finger." Questa's hair was still flattened from seawater but the rest of her was mostly dry.

"I've had worse cuts." Yehudit argued.

"Fine by me dollface. Just dont look at me when you loose a hand" Juniper shrugged and walked back into her cabin and began to prep the couches and bed where her guests would sleep.

Yehudit scowled and stompled over to Sileas.

Sileas shot her cousin a quick glance and looked away before she could smirk.

"My hand is firmly attached to my wrist." Yehudit told Sileas.

"Good to know," Sileas said.

Yehudit sat down and massaged her bad ankle.

"The bed is yours," Sileas told her. "The couch is fine for me."

Yehudit shrugged. "Fine."

The Ship rocked gently as the he waves struck lightly against the hull of the vessel. Juniper returned shortly with an oddly large piece of cloth slung over her shoulder. She stepped lightly past crates of swords, shields, and numerous sections of armor. She tied the tarp into a hammock and secured tightly." Easier to sleep on a ship like this." She answered the question nobody asked.

Yehudit looked at the hammock. "I'd break every bone in my body."

" Only if we both got in together!" She grinned and winked at the young girl and climbed into the hammock, reaching out to a nearby shelf and grabbing a light gray book and skimmed through it.

Yehudit blinked, and moved closer to Sileas.

Sileas lay down on the couch, certain she wasn't going to get much sleep on the ship. The rocking was still wreaking havoc with her. "You don't know how accident prone Yehudit is," she said idly, closing her eyes for a bit. She was surprised to find that laying down was helping her to feel better.

Questa grabbed a blanket and curled up in a corner on the floor. She stuck her shiv into the floor near her hand.

After some light reading Juniper stretched her arms up and let them hang out of the side of the hammock. Her eyes slowly fluttered to sleep as she rocked gently with the waves.

Sileas slept lightly, her dreams filled with Larrigan. A few tears streaked down her cheeks as she slept, and in her sleep she reached out for him a few times.

Questa pulled Yehudit aboard by her hair. "Should I frow dahn a rope?" Questa called down to Sileas.

"That would be helpful. Just in case Uncle Nelek is too weak to pull himself up."

Questa found a sturdy rope, made sure it was securely fastened, then tossed it down to Sileas.

Juniper let the guests of the ship bicker among themselves as she paced towards the bow of the ship and scanned the horizon. There was a tiny blip on the far end of the sea that she could barely make out. She stared at it for a moment.

Sileas tied the rope around her Uncle's waist. "It's your turn to go up."

He looked weak, but managed to pull himself up the rope ladder and lay on deck.

Sileas quickly climbed up behind him.

He panted and sat up. "Now, get me to her."

"Juniper is in charge of the ship. But let's get you cleaned up and see if we can find anything for you to wear."

He got to his feet and leaned on Sileas.

Sileas headed toward their quarters. "Questa? Can you poke around and see if any one has something he can wear?"

"I'll 'ave a look." Questa said and began asking around the sailors "'ey! Yer got any spare kit for an 'alf stark bloody naked, raggedy man?"

Yehudit staggered around on deck, having lost her sea legs during the brief time on the island.

Sileas seated Nelek on the couch she had slept on to wait for Questa to hopefully return with clothing.

Questa returned with some old pants and shirt that may or may not fit Nelek. "Here, got 'im some kit."

"Good, thanks. Now we need to find a place for him to bathe and see if one of the men will cut his hair."

"I think we may have another issue at hand ladies" She waved them over to where she was perched on the ships railing and pointed at what seemed to be a ship on the horizion.

"I just want to be with her." He whispered.

Yehudit looked. "Is that a boat?"

In reply to Nelek (msg # 128):

"I know you. But we have the time, we should make you presentable."

Juniper looked back from the ship and Yehudit"Im not sure."

"What else could it be?" Yehudit asked, grabbing the rail.

In reply to Sileas (msg # 130):

He heaved a great sigh.

"Sea monster possibly" She pondered as the ship got closer.

"Mama wouldn't like that." Yehudit said. "She wouldn't like more sailors either though... It looks like a ship."

"You stay here, I'm going to ask Juniper about a bathing area." Sileas got to her feet and headed for the deck. She noticed Juniper and Yehudit staring at something off in the distance. "What are we looking at?"

"A boat, or a sea monster that looks like a boat." Yehudit said.

Sileas doubted the mermen needed a boat, but just in case. "We should get out of here," she told Juniper.

"Let's pass them. If they reconize the ship they might let us pass. " Juniper turned to the quartermaster and commanded him to leave shallow waters and avoid getting too close to the ship.

"Are they pirates?" Yehudit asked, more excited than worried.

"I'm more worried about mermen or slavers than pirates," Sileas mumbled.

"Aren't pirates slavers too?" Yehudit asked. "I'd like to kill some of those scum!"

"Some are, but most are more interested in treasure and valuables."

"Like slaves." Yehudit said, digging into her pockets for something to stab pirates/slavers with.

"Pirates or not I don't like the look of them. Full sail!" She shouted to the crew men as the ship began to sail away from the island and towards open waters.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:34, Sat 12 Mar 2016.

"Wonderful. We didn't find a dead body but there's still time for us ter get done dirty or killed." Questa muttered.

Sileas turned on her heel and headed for their quarters to retrieve her bow and quiver. She had left it there believing they were safe.

Juniper was armed presently with her massive greatsword that she wielded with ease. As they began to circumvent the strange ship it started to give chase to the elven ship and its crew. Juniper stood at the wheel and awaited for a confrontation.

It looked that their ship would not be able to outrun this other one. Yehudit clung to her walking stick in one hand, a knife in the other.

By the time they had gotten as close to eachother as they were a Junipers crew had readied the cannons and armed themselves with swords, muskets, and spears. Juniper made eye contact with one of the people on the deck and slapped her left hand on her right bicep and waved her fist at the passing ship, a common insult among sailors. The crew members all laughed and did the same.

Yehudit joyfully joined in on the rude gestures- until she realized that one of those men looked an awful lot like Uncle Shawn. Her jaw dropped.

Sileas followed Yehudit's gaze. "It's Papa! And Wulfsen!"

Yehudit hid behind Sileas, blushing. "I thought they were pirates."

"That's why you wait until they are close enough to be seen."

"Uncle Shawn didn't see me, did he?" Yehudit asked worriedly.

"You know them?" Juniper turned to Sileas and sushed her crew.

Sileas nodded. "One is my Papa, the other is friend, Wulfsen and...Lek is clinging to the crow's nest."

Sileas heard Wulfsen's call and smiled. She cupped her hand around her mouth and hoped she could yell loud enough. "WULFSEN!!!!!

Juniper ordered her man to stand down and prepare for a boarding. Both ships were now close enough for the crew to set planks to cross. The two ships were now sitting still in the crystal blue waters.

Sileas' smile grew and she called out again "WULFSEN!!!" as the planks were set out.

"Oi! Yer luvbirds are gonna make me go deaf! Struth!" Questa complained, rubbing her ear.

Wulfsen got down from the bowsprit and ran across the plank to the other ship. He went straight up to Sileas. His inhibitions momentarily forgotten in his excitement, he picked Sileas up and kissed her right on the lips.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 162):

"We are not...." Sileas began to say to Questa when Wulfsen picked her up, nearly squeezing all the air from her lungs. Sileas's eyes widened with surprise when his lips claimed hers. A small sound escaped her and the relief at seeing him overcame her and Sileas wrapped her arms around him.

Shawn followed Wulfsen across, albeit at a much slower pace. He stopped beside them and cleared his throat.

Sileas felt so right, her lips were so soft, she even smelled good.

Suddenly Wulfsen realized what he was doing and pulled back. He gently set Sileas back down on the deck, blushing profusely.

"Oh, Sileas- I'm sorry." Wulfsen apologized, kicking himself.

"Oh yor not, right, eh? Well then where's me kiss from Wulfsen, then, eh, squire? Do I cop his tongue dahn me froat too?" Questa asked.

It took several moments for Sileas to come back to herself and drop her arms from around Wulfsen. "There's nothing to apologize for," she whispered. "I had time over the past week to begin my grieving process and figure things out."

"I never want to hurt you." Wulfsen blushed deeper at Questa's question. "If I deserve a slap for being too... forward, slap me. Maybe I should have your father beat me up for taking liberties." Wulfsen babbled.

"I might not beat you up, but I might just demand something else," Shawn said sternly. It probably was a good idea, even if she was grieving, for Sileas to be wed. At least she would be under the King's protection as part of the family.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 168):

"Don't you even think about it," Sileas hissed at Questa. Then she looked at Wulfsen. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Whatever Sileas needs." Wulfsen said. "Whatever she wants." He looked at Sileas. "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking but that's no excuse for my behavior."

Yehudit was wide-eyed. "Should I... kick him or something?" She asked Sileas. It was Yehudit's job to interrupt.

Juniper stepped aside from the reunion of family and loved ones. She watched the strangers board her ship as well as the ship they had departed from.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 171):

"If anything, we've seen that the times are getting very dangerous. She needs protection, the type of protection that a well appointed marriage can bring."

"Papa!!!!!" Sileas flushed a bright red and ducked her head. "No, no kicks, Yehudit."

"I- er- I got my father's blessing to marry Sileas if she would have me. I love her and I still want to marry her." Wulfsen said, still blushing to match Sileas. "But I won't marry her if she doesn't want to. I know I'd just kissed her when I probably really shouldn't have... But I'm not going to force her into a marriage she doesn't want."

Lek slowly picked his way across the plank to the other boat. Did they find Papa? Was he here?

"Mama says it's never too late to kick a momzer in the beytsim." Yehudit said, feeling bad for not stopping Wulfsen from kissing Sileas.

Sileas felt very put on the spot. Papa had  always promised no arranged marriage,that she would be allowed to marry for love. And there were many many things she and Wulfsen needed to discuss, including her fears. She could easily see her as his wife, hadn't she fantasized about it a time or two, before Larriagan? It felt disloyal to Larrigan but he would not only want her safe but happy. Her gaze went to her father. Had the attack left him in such fear for her that if Wulfsen did not wed her, he would arrange a marriage elsewhere? He looked determined. He also appeared to be a little angry with her. "There is much we would need to discuss before making any decision."

She glanced at Yehudit and shook her head. "You mother lives by violence."

"Of course." Wulfsen said, bowing his head slightly. He was relieved that Sileas was not completely turning him down. "Even just being engaged can offer protection. But there's no need to rush anything, you had just lost Larrigan."

In reply to Sileas (msg # 179):

"Well, yeah." Yehudit thought that was obvious.

"Not luvbirds, yeah, that's why yor... favver geezer wants yer ter marry 'im and make an 'onest bint of yer." Questa said. "Wulfsen kisses evry friend like that."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:49, Sun 13 Mar 2016.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 180):

"I would be honored to accept and engagement after we speak and you decide you are still interested." She looked a little unsettled at the prospect.

She turned to Questa. "What Papa's doing has nothing to do with love. He's suddenly going back on his word that he would never arrange a marriage for me, that it would be my choice."

Wulfsen did not think there was anything Sileas could say that would make him uninterested.

"As soon as we can get a moment of privacy we can discuss it." Wulfsen said. "I won't marry you if you have any objections." Wulfsen looked at Shawn, the blush fading and his face going hard. "I won't be part of anything Sileas does not want, including an arranged marriage. And I won't sit back and allow you to force her to marry anyone else she does not want. I've seen how arranged marriages make people miserable."

In reply to Sileas (msg # 183):

"Should I kick Uncle Shawn?" Yehudit asked.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 184):

"I just want her safe. And she's not had the best of luck on her own, not that any of it was her fault. And maybe, just maybe, she'll calm down and stop rushing off into bad situations if she has a husband."

In reply to Yehudit Buckley (msg # 185):

Sileas glared at her father but knew it was better to wait until she had calmed down to talk to him. Obviously he agreed with Aunt Lia about her, and here she had thought he was proud of her watching over her cousins. She shook her head at Yehudit. "You'd best not, he'd probably arrest you or something the way he's acting right now."

Yehudit deliberately walked up to Uncle Shawn and kicked him in the shin, hard.

"Sileas doesn't need to be tied down married to anyone!" Yehudit said angrily, then kicked him in the other shin. "You don't even care that she found Uncle Nelek."

In reply to Shawn Spenser (msg # 186):

"I want Sileas to be free, whether she is married to me or not." Wulfsen frowned.

"Owww. Shawn hopped up and down, alternating feet. "You found Nelek?"

"We think we did. Though I have some reservations. I don't know if it's from being weak and alone on an island for too long or something more sinister, but he doesn't seem to know names. He knows general things."

"Where's Papa?" Lek finally got the nerve to speak up.

"I'm not completely certain it is your Papa, Lek. Something seems off. I'm trying to be hopeful. I'll take you to him if you vow not to give your name, say Papa or rush right to him."

"I know my Papa." Lek said. "I'll know if it's really him."

"No, you cannot assume anything! These people have done a whole lot of research plus at least one knows your Mama. We have to be absolutely certain. I want to know that he recognizes you. If he doesn't, then I guess we'll know it's not him."

Lek gulped. "Take me to him... Whoever he is."

Sileas put her hands on his shoulders. "All right. Say nothing, show no recognition. We need to see his honest reaction to seeing you." She led him down to the quarters they had all been sharing for the past week.

Lek nodded, fighting back emotions. He followed Sileas.

Sileas guided him to the doorway to where Nelek was. She stepped inside and waited for Lek.

Lek stepped inside and stared at the ragged man. It was Papa, it had to be. It looked like he had been without a bath or shave for a long time, his clothes were rags, but it was him. It took all of Lek's self control to not run to him shouting Papa. A tear escaped his eye.

He stared back. "He has Aislyn's eyes... So much taller." He whispered, reaching for the boy.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:57, Mon 14 Mar 2016.

At least he said a name this time, instead of her. She jumped slightly when her father's hand touched her back. "I still just can't....it was too easy," she whispered to her father.

Lek was too choked up to speak. He slammed into his Papa's chest sobbing.

"A young man now." He said, hugging the boy, a tear ran down his hairy cheek.

In reply to Juniper Alva Sparks (msg # 173):

Yehudit could hear Lek sobbing all the way up on deck. "Hopefully that's Uncle Nelek, because it sounds like Lek's given himself away already."

Sileas sighed. She turned to her father. "What if that's not really Uncle Nelek. Wasn't that odd that he said Lek had Aunt Aislyn's eyes? He would already have known that."

Shawn had been mentally rolling his eyes over the young man comment. "I agree, it's very odd."

Wulfsen stood behind Sileas.

"What do you want to do about him?" Wulfsen asked Sileas in a low voice.

"I'd like to have him secured somewhere safe, where he can't hurt anyone if he is a merman, until we can be certain. Problem is, I have no idea how to be certain now."

"No one would know Nelek better than Aislyn, right? But I wish that wouldn't require bringing him all the way to the keep for her to see him." Wulfsen shoved his hair back. "Maybe after he has bathed and gotten a meal in you can question him, Shawn. You've interrogated people before, and you know Nelek."

"I will give it a try, but I agree with Sileas. He's got the answers, it's the way he expressing himself, like it's all memorized information. I'm not sure there's going to  be away..." his voice trailed off as Sileas tugged at his sleeve.

"The potion. When he goes to take his bath, we shake out his borrowed clothing to make sure nothing is in it and his rags are destroyed. I don't know how long this potion holds, but surely  he would need a boost before a week is over."

"That's what happened with the other one." Wulfsen mused. "Ila smashed the jug of potion so he was forced to change back. If this is a merman using potion hopefully it will wear off before we get back to the keep."

"Even finding a jar on him would be a good clue but he could say that was planted. This might be our only way of knowing," Shawn agreed.

Wulfsen nodded. "Has a bath been made ready for him yet?"

"No, I was just going to ask Juniper about where he could bathe when we spotted you."

"There is probably somewhere he can bathe, even if it's just a barrel of saltwater." Wulfsen said.

"Oh, I'm sure. I just don't know where the men's areas are on the ship. We pretty much stayed in Juniper's quarters the entire trip, unless we were in the scullery or on deck. Oh that reminds me, I never want to be on a ship again once I get home."

"Seasick?" Wulfsen asked gently.

"I suppose so. Who would have expected it?"

"You've never been out to sea before?" Wulfsen asked. "You should be used to the sea by now, the weather has been calm."

"I've not," Sileas said, shaking her head. "I've been feeling somewhat better, but still a bit nauseous from time to time."

"People usually get over seasickness in less than a week... We can't all be sailors I guess." Wulfsen said.

"I suppose not. At least I know it's a limitation now."

"Bigger boats don't rock as much." Wulfsen pointed out. "You might be more comfortable on a larger boat... At least you won't have to be sailing much longer."

"It's been manageable when sitting on Juniper's couch in her quarters. Oh and I need to speak you about one of your knights. He went wild on the docks and started beating some sailor senseless. He claimed the man looked at me oddly, but he'd made no move, heck, I didn't even notice him. The guard was probably called in...others were attacking him to get him to back off."

"Sir Excessive Force?" Wulfsen asked. "He has always been justified before..."

"Like I said, I didn't see what the man did. But if all he did was look at me wrong, it should have been ignored. At most, a warning issued. Certainly not the beat down he gave him. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he's in the guard jail."

Wulfsen sighed. "I thought they were men I could trust... I should have gone with you."

"Though I did understand your reasons, I wish you had. You would have been able to keep Lek on plan and we could have taken the information back and your men could have gone on this journey."

"At least you're all right... I was so afraid that you were taken by slavers." Wulfsen said. "Now that I've found you..."

Her gaze met his. "Yes, Wulfsen?"

"I..." Wulfsen turned a little red, he had just told her that he would not force Sileas into a marriage she did not want, he could not force her to be with him if she ever wanted to leave either. "Maybe we should discuss what we were talking about earlier... in private."

"We can ask Juniper if there's somewhere private we can use and Papa can take...Uncle Nelek...for his bath."

Wulfsen nodded and turned to go back up on deck.

Sileas followed him.

"So, which one is Juniper?" Wulfsen only had eyes for Sileas when he boarded the ship, and rather rudely had ignored everyone else around him.

Juniper had been standing away from the display of emotions that the family reunion and was chatting with some of the crewmen from Wulfsen's ship. She stood towering above the strangers and friends that had congregated around her.

Sileas took his hand and led him over to Juniper. "Juniper, this is Wulfsen." She blushed slightly. "Which I may have bored you terribly talking about over the past week, at least when it wasn't about Larrigan. My Papa, Shawn, is down in the quarters with Nelek. I was wondering if there was somewhere the two of us could talk and if someone could show Papa where Nelek can take a bath?"

Wulfsen gave a slight bow, even though he was already more than a foot shorter than this woman. "Pleased to meet you."

He did not release Sileas's hand, and lightly rubbed his thumb over her delicate fingers.

"Aye" She replied curtly. Juniper gestured towards her quarters "The old man can bath there and you two can 'chat'" She grinned to both of them and winked at the shorter male.

Wulfsen blushed. "We are only going to speak in private, not do anything... dishonorable."

She laughed at his response'You give me a night with your lovely bride and ill show you dishonorable!" This got the reaction of a few sailors and she blew a jesting kiss at Sileas.

Sileas blinked and blushed lightly. "Thank you, Juniper."

Startled, Wulfsen blushed deeper. He lightly squeezed Sileas's hand. "Come on."

Yehudit followed Sileas, because obviously this is a conversation she should be a part of.

Sileas heard the walking stick. "Yehudit, please, we want to be alone for this. There are things we need to discuss. Alone."

"What do you mean alone without me?" Yehudit was shocked.

"I'm sorry, but yes, alone. Without you."

"Then who will keep you respectable?" Yehudit asked.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:09, Wed 16 Mar 2016.

"Wulfsen and I are both adults. We are capable of keeping ourselves respectable."

Yehudit scowled. "If I hear any canoodling I'm barging in."

"Fine." She glanced at Wulfsen. "Remember to keep any canoodling at silent."

Wulfsen only turned redder. "I wasn't planning on canoodling."

Yehudit was irritated about being left out. "You've been so seasick can you even snog him without throwing up?"

"I know you weren't, I just wanted to frustrate her." She led him into the room, passing her father, Lek, and Nelek who were going  to the area for bathing.

Wulfsen walked with Sileas, starting to feel more than a little nervous. When they got in the room he softly shut the door behind them.

"This past week was really hard just thinking I could have lost you forever. I don't want to be separated like that again. I really do love you Sileas, and I care about you... I'd never do anything to hurt you..."

"I know you would never do anything to hurt me." She sat down on the couch and patted the spot next to her. "I've not had a lot of luck in relationships, although I did really think Larrigan and I would make it." She sighed. "I've put Mama and Papa through a lot, I can understand why he's ready to throw in the towel and arrange something.

The first guy, Alexander, the one who made me realize I wanted more than just being an out of control kid who loved to explore, my first kiss, when there was a second danger in the village, he told me I wasn't worth fighting for. Mama, Aunt Lia and Haroth all heard him and took him on, but it didn't do anything to minimize the pain his words caused.

Then there was Max, who we never even really began when Andy murdered him in front of me when he kidnapped me. Papa had been injured then and I didn't want to be a burden on anyone so I hid myself in my flat over the schoolhouse. My kids did the marketing and what not. The only person who knew was Difyr and I asked her to keep her silence. Hiding, another thing that did nothing to ease my pain or bring me much needed support. Instead I left myself open to nights filled with nightmares, flashbacks and moments of intense fear when encountering a man I don't know, to the point that  I simply freeze and black out.

A year later, Larrigan arrived with a gift from Haroth and he found a way in."

Wulfsen sat beside Sileas, quietly listening.

"You've been put through more than anyone should ever have to be put through." He said, holding her hand. "That Alexander didn't deserve you. I'm sorry about Max and Larrigan, they were good men. I think you're overdue to be happy. I'd do anything to make you happy... I'd never do anything to, er, trigger any flashbacks. After what Andy did I'd understand if you never want to..." Wulfsen had been going back to a normal color but was reddening again. "I just want you to be safe and happy."

"That was what worried me. I will admit that about a month ago, Larrigan and I were intimate but I was worried that I might not be able with anyone else. Not that I wouldn't want to. All I want is a happy normal marriage and children. Andy took that from me too.

"Before Alexander, I never thought about it, I had convinced myself I didn't want it. But looking back, it was mostly because at the age when courting began, except for Andy, no one ever asked me to a festival or dance. I heard the whispers, she's a tough girl, she doesn't need anyone. Except I do. I need someone who is going to love me and take care of me and want me."

"Larrigan really must have been a good man for you to trust him that much." Wulfsen stroked Sileas's cheek so gently he was barely touching her. "There are a lot of orphaned children in the world that need parents."

"He was. The very first time I froze with fear, the first time I had a flashback, he just knew exactly what to do." Sileas wiped at her eyes and nodded, "That was what we had planned as well. I always wanted to anyway, I wanted to give a few street children a good life. But there's just...something that makes me innately sad that I won't get to experience carrying our babe. At least one." She didn't even realize she had said their babe and not her.

"I'd do what I could to make it up to you, if you'll have me." Wulfsen slipped an arm around Sileas, not missing the slip. "Any babe of yours would have been beautiful... But there are so many hungry little street kids in Portside. I'd love them like my own."

Sileas wrapped her arms around Wulfsen tightly, "Yes, oh yes. I know Larrigan would want me happy." It was a long hidden fantasy coming true, one she had never thought would. She had so much to learn, marrying the king's son.

Wulfsen's heart just about jumped out of his chest.

"Yes? You'll marry me?" He asked, not wanting to be mistaken about something so important.

"Yes! Yes!" And I'll be praying every day that I really am not cursed with the kiss of death.

Wulfsen hugged Sileas against his chest.

"How soo- uh, when would you like to get married?" He asked. He would happily ask the ship's captain, but he knew Sileas's family should be there.

"Mama would never forgive me if she and Aunt Aislyn didn't plan something. Papa will probably want announcements all over the place. I have so many things to learn....how to dance, how to run a house. How to cook," Sileas blushed. "Two months? I don't know if everything can be done in less time."

"It doesn't matter to me if you can do all that or not, I can afford servants if we need someone to cook or run a house... Though I'd rather dance with you than a housekeeper." Wulfsen said, sitting back on the couch and looking at Sileas.

"Well, that's a relief," Sileas laughed. "Though I would at least like to learn to bake so I can make you special treats. Still, it will take Millie that long to make a dress. It will allow time for the rebuilding too," she said, squeezing his hand.

"Of course... I'd be happy to marry you today but your family would hate me if we eloped, that's no way to start this. I can wait." Wulfsen bent close to kiss Sileas.

Sileas lifted her head so her lips could meet his.

Bang! Yehudit slammed the door open. "You're done speaking in private because I couldn't hear your voices anymore."

Sileas shook her head. "I forgot to warn you about Yehudit always interrupting private moments. We'll need a heavy bar on our chamber door."

Wulfsen sighed and sat back. He had enjoyed kissing Sileas earlier, however briefly, and would have liked kissing her again now that he knew she loved him too. He squeezed Sileas's hand.

Yehudit wielded her walking stick. "Want me to hit him?"

"NO! I don't want you hitting, kicking, slapping or performing any other violence on Wulfsen. And we weren't done talking."

A tub of water was provided, he sunk into the water clothes and all. He picked up the soap and began scrubbing layers of dirt from his face.

In reply to Sileas (msg # 277):

Yehudit stubbornly crossed her arms. "If you weren't done talking why did you stop talking?"

"Out!" Sileas pointed to the door.

Yehudit planted her feet on the floor. "Are you canoodling in here?"

Wulfsen's face glowed. "No."

Sileas got to her feetand shouted "OUT!"

Yehudit bristled. "I have as much right to be in here as you do."

"And you knew we wanted privacy.  Of course that's akin to the times I've wanted by myself that I didn't get." Sileas glared and took Wulfsen's hand. "Let's go take a walk on deck. ALONE," she said pointedly to Yehudit.

Yehudit scowled. "Just trying to keep you respectable."

Wulfsen was still blushing as he walked out of the cabin with Sileas. "Will she give us privacy when she knows we're engaged?"

"The only reason Larrigan and I received any was because he usually spent the night in my main room and she would go home. Yehudit needs to learn boundaries. Questa and I found a nice little area at the keep that has three rooms. I'm hoping to keep Yehudit from there. Perhaps upon our return, you can find a job for her."

"What can she do?" Wulfsen asked, walking towards the bow of the ship.

"Truthfully, I don't know. Maybe fetching tools etc. for those doing the rebuilding. I wouldn't ask her to actually do any rebuilding...not if you want it to stay standing.'

"Some of those tools are sharp..." Wulfsen pointed out.

"Holdin' 'ands orful tight for not bein' luvbirds." Questa observed. "Color is a bit 'igh for just talkin' too."

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 291):

 "She could...she could....help in the kitchen. Folding tablecloths and napkins, setting tables. Churning butter maybe."

"That should be safe enough." Wulfsen heard Questa's observation. "When do you want to go public with this?" He asked Sileas.

Sileas pondered. "Maybe the night after we return? Aunt Aislyn can put together a  special meal." She glanced at him expectantly.

"It sounds good, but do you think we can keep this private from everyone else on the ship in the meantime?" Wulfsen asked.

"Good question. I guess we'll have to keep our hands to ourselves for the duration." Sileas sighed. "If we can."

Wulfsen was still holding Sileas's hand. "Will your father still be pressuring you about marriage?"

"He can try but there will be a nice long fight about broken promises and perhaps some waterworks. He'll leave me alone about it soon enough."

"I'll try... but I don't know if I can keep it secret for long." Wulfsen said. "I kind of want to hold you and kiss you right now..."

"And I want to be held and kissed by you right now," Sileas admitted. "Well it's not like Papa, my cousin and my friend are exactly the public."

Wulfsen smiled. He wrapped his arms around Sileas and kissed her.

Sileas' arms went around his waist as their lips met. She smiled as they kissed.

Wulfsen lifted Sileas off the deck.

"I love you so much." Wulfsen murmured.

Sileas laughed lightly. "Would you be troubled if I admitted that I used to fantasize about...you and me?"

"Relieved." Wulfsen smiled sheepishly as he set Sileas down. "I may have fantasized myself."

Sileas couldn't stop the blush as she sat down. "I know why I always remained silent," she finally managed to say. "But why didn't you ever tell me? I mean, those first visits to Grandmama and Grandpapa, Andy hadn't done what he did and I didn't even know Larrigan."

"I let my family get in the way." Wulfsen admitted. "Even illegitimate royals aren't free to marry who they want. I didn't want to start something with you that couldn't go anywhere- you deserved better than to be a royal bastard's mistress. I never thought my father would allow it... Though now that I have his blessing I wish I had done something sooner. It may have saved you suffering."

Sileas sighed and nodded. "That was one of my reasons too, that despite being Papa's godfather that your father might not have believed I was good enough for you. It's not like I know anything about my paternal lineage and the maternal was nothing to speak of. Oh my gosh! We'll need to send word to your father too! We'll definitely need two months if he wishes to attend."

"I'll send word to him when we reach land." Wulfsen said. He frowned when he thought of something.

"Wulfsen? What's wrong?" Was he unhappy with her already? Should she have not mentioned sending word to his father? Her brow furrowed.

"Oh, I was just thinking how my father is probably expecting us to produce heirs." Wulfsen said with a shrug. "It will probably be best to not tell him that all of our children will be adopted."

"It's going to be a little difficult to explain why none of our children are the right age or look like us. You don't think it would be better to tell the truth?" Sileas was worried about trying to deceive her future father-in-law.

"We probably should tell him eventually." Wulfsen said. "But he doesn't need to know now..."

"If you think that's best. I suppose we can say I was diagnosed later." She was still troubled. "Hopefully it doesn't come out before we want it to. There are other people who know."

"Do you think any of them would say anything about it?" Wulfsen asked. "If you hadn't told me yourself I never would have known."

"I would hope not. I don't see why they would." She frowned. "I wonder though if Papa or Mama would say anything if asked indirectly about health or something."

"Maybe we should ask them not to tell." Wulfsen said worriedly.

"All right. The only other one might let something slip is Yehudit."

"She would spill something like that?" Wulfsen asked, rubbing his chin.

"Not intentionally. Probably not even directly. But she could be overheard."

"I guess ask her not to discuss it too." Wulfsen sighed.

Sileas rubbed her head. Like that would work any better than anything else she ever asked of her cousin. "I'll try."

Wulfsen thought about how Yehudit refused to leave Sileas and himself alone together and groaned. "She's not... spiteful, is she?"

"No, no, she's not spiteful. Just. Stubborn. Oh so very stubborn."

"She doesn't have any reason to sabotage us, does she?" Wulfsen asked.

"No, no reason I can think of. Unless she starts feeling left out of things when I'm trying to meet her mother's demands that I stay away from her."

"I think it's too late for you to meet her mother's demands." Wulfsen pointed out.

"Of course, she only just issued them but Yehudit...oh God. Aunt Lia might sabotage us just because Yehudit followed me here."

"She would never stoop so low." Wulfsen said, but he paled.

"Aunt Lia? There's no low she wouldn't stoop to in her overprotectiveness over Yehudit."

"Then what can we do?" Wulfsen asked.

Sileas's shoulders slumped. "I don't know." She frowned. "Kill her?"

Wulfsen's eyes widened. "What?!"

"Nothing. It was just the only thing I could think of. "She's so unreasonable and consumed with hatred for me right now."

"Maybe she will calm down." Wulfsen said hopefully. "Your uncle Aron has no control over her, does he?"

"Sometimes he has a little bit, but I think he agrees with her that I should stay away from Yehudit."

"The fact that Yehudit has been completely unharmed during this trip won't mean anything?" Wulfsen asked.

"She wasn't injured when Aunt Lia started her tirade. But I don't know how she expects me to stay away from Yehudit or not take her somewhere when she follows me everywhere. You saw how she was when I said we wanted some privacy. At the keep when Questa and I were fighting that merman, instead of going for help she decided to try hitting someone with her walking stick and got it broken. Never mind that Questa and I could have been killed, it was my fault Yehudit was there. Never mind all the times I told her to go for help and she ignored me."

"I guess I could throw her in a cell." Wulfsen said reluctantly.

"She hate you forever. She already hates anyone who wears a uniform. And poor Papa, from what I understand, she hated him before he was even part of the guard."

"You were telling me about that." Wulfsen rubbed his forehead. "We can try your mother or your Aunt Aislyn- they've know Mrs Buckley for a long time, haven't they?"

"They've all known one another for years," Sileas agreed.

"If anyone can reason with her it would be them." Wulfsen said. "I wonder how things are going with 'Nelek'."

Back at the bathing area, Shawn picked up the pile of discarded rags and hung the borrowed items over a railing. Since Nelek couldn't see him where he was, he gently poked around in the borrowed clothing for any sign of a vial.

His ragged clothing seemingly deteriorated. He got out of the filthy water and wrapped a towel around his waist. He shambled over to a shaving mirror and started working on shaving off about five pounds of beard.

 Juniper had been seen pacing the ship for the past hour.  While the two neighboring crews had enjoy partying and getting to know each other, her thoughts only been consumed by the prospect of being discovered by a third less friendly ship.  She paced over towards her cabin and poked her head in observing the two gentlemen. One of them shaved as she approached him and placed a hand on his short shoulder.

"Looks good"

She continued over towards Shawn and spoke.

"How long do we expect to be sitting here?  I don't like the thought of both our ships meeting their watery end before their time."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:17, Fri 18 Mar 2016.

"If you don't mind the three of us joining for the return voyage, I can go up and send our ship on their way. We kind of forced a detour."

"Although my ship is fast it is rather small. I doubt we'd all fit in my quarters. Even if the lovebirds doubled up and shared a bed."

She gestured to the ship from end to end and sat on a barrel near the stranger. Although she trusted Sileas and her judgement, Juniper was still wary of her kin. If this man was anything like the knight in the docks then she may have to forcibly remove him from the vessel.

Shawn nodded. "I'll gather Lek, Nelek and Wulfsen and we'll return to the other ship. Nelek should be done his bath about now."

He headed down to the quarters. "Lek, if your father's about done cleaning up,  we need to head back to the other ship and get underway. I'll find Wulfsen and meet you on deck."

He had shaved, trimmed his hair and got dressed. He looked more human now.

"Papa, it's time to go." Lek said, tugging on his arm.

"Go ahead and take him over to the other boat while I find Wulfsen." Shawn turned and headed back for the deck.

He smiled. "Good, I can't wait to get there." He said and went up on deck.

Wulfsen slipped an arm around Sileas and lightly kissed her lips.

Shawn cleared his throat as he approached.

Wulfsen drew back and blushed when he saw Shawn approaching.

"Sorry to interrupt, but you and I need to return to our ship, my man. Both ships want to get out of here before there's any sort of trouble. Lek and Nelek are already going over."

"Okay." Wulfsen said and looked to Sileas. "Do you need help carrying any of your things?"

"Things? I didn't bring any things along. But..." She placed her hand on his chest. "I'll have to meet you in Portside. It would be impolite for Questa, Yehudit and I to  just leave after she went out of her way to help us."

Wulfsen looked pained. "But I had just found you again."

"It's only a  week," Sileas assured him, patting him lightly. "It will give us time to...think on certain things."

"But what if something happens when we're apart?" Wulfsen asked, not wanting to go through what he had gone through the past week while searching for Sileas.

"Well surely your Captain can keep our ship in sight."

"But can he keep you in sight?" Wulfsen asked.

"The only person I want having their sights on me is you." Sileas wrapped her arms around him. This would be a long week.

Wulfsen wrapped his arms around her, he did not want to let go.

"Need space for a hand between you two. Come on Wulfsen, we need to get going."

Wulfsen scooped Sileas up for one last kiss.

Sileas's arms went around his neck. "I'll miss you for this week," she whispered after their kiss.

"I'm tempted to carry you off." Wulfsen said. "Ill miss you."

Sileas smiled and wriggled out of his arms, taking a step back. "I guess that means I have to be the strong, mature one."

Juniper had finished peparing for the journey and saying farewell to the strange ship. The sailors of the Duck had traded some food for a case of ale that Juniper had brought to her quarters. She pushed the doors apart and continued into the back of the room.

"Are you staying or leaving bud?" She was referring to Wulfsen and Sileas as they embraced.

"I'm staying, just saying goodbye to Wulfsen and promising to meet up with him in Portside," Sileas replied.

Wulfsen sighed. "I'm going." He said sadly, gazing into Sileas's eyes for a moment before dragging himself away.

Sileas sighed sadly and turned to her cousin and friends. Still, she wouldn't return to their quarters until she knew Wulfsen and her Papa were both safely aboard the other ship.

"For not bein' luvbirds yer sure do kiss an orful lot." Questa said.

"We weren't lovebirds when you and I were discussing it."

"Well that changed fast. Yor lips look bruised." Questa said. "Were yer still wearin' all yor kit wen Yehudit walked in on yer?"

Sileas blushed deeply again. "Yes, we were still fully clothed. Which brings the question, since we're rooming together, you do know how to knock, right?"

"Why?" Questa asked, "I fought Wulfsen were gahn hammer and tack to 'is boat."

"He is. I'm talking about the keep. When we get home, and he and I want to be alone."

"Yer better 'ope Yehudit forgets 'ow ter open a door." Questa laughed and laughed. "That soft millstone is gonna go blind!"

"I still don't think she'll be able to do those stairs, and I hope her sense of self preservation keeps her from trying."

"Stairs 'ave never 'ad the mockers put on 'er before." Questa shook her head.

"Yeah but there's no railing or wall for her to brace herself against."

"She 'as never 'ad a problem wiv gahn dahn the stairs- she's actually right fast about gahn dahn." Questa said. "Just after she spot yer and Wulfsen in all yor glory she won't be able ter leave. Yer'd be better off doin' it on the roof."

"Or have a bar put on my door. Probably the best bet."

Juniper rolled her eyes and sighed from the back of the room, picking out bottles from the crate and examining them. "I'd suggest not wasting your time with the boy toy. It won't last. " she didn't look up as she spoke, holding a bottle in each hand.

"You have Wulfsen mixed up with his brother. Wulfsen and I have been friends for several years," Sileas said softly. "Short of my kiss of death curse striking again, we should be able to make it last."

"Wiv the speed Yehudit falls dahn stairs she'll break the door and any bar over it." Questa said wisely, eyeing the bottles Juniper had. "Copping drunk are yer?"

"It took Yehudit years of practice to build up that speed."

Once the boarding plank was retrieved the ship began to head underway on its journey home. Juniper had already settled in her oversized hammock with a bottle of ale in one hand and a thick book in the other. She barely looked up from her book to ask Sileas a question.

"So Red... what's to come of you after this? Will you give up adventuring and settle down with Mr Charming?"

Sileas was situated on her couch, already feeling her stomach roil as the boat set out. "I will probably continue to train so that I can protect myself and others from attacks. But seeking out adventures?" Sileas shook her head. "I think I have long outgrown that and found other dreams. It is my time."

Juniper furrowed her brows at her book and took a long swig of ale. She shook her head slowly and spoke softly."Thats a shame."

"Every one in my family is angry with me and at the very least, implying that I cause or seek out trouble. But truthfully, my heart hasn't been in the adventuring for a few years. And when you're heart's not in it, it can have dangerous consequences."

"Should just ditch the family and make a new gang like fings used ter be." Questa grumbled, taking out her shiv and sharpening it.

"Well it sure was a nice time knowing you. It'll be sad to say goodbye."
Juniper took another sip of ale and waved it at Questa and Sileas, offering them a drink.

"I love my family, I can't ditch them now." Sileas shook her head, "And I no longer think like a street child. I...grew up."

"It's been fun getting to know you too, Juniper. Sadly, even if I wanted to continue seeking adventure, I think it's safe to say that boats and I don't mix. Thank you for the offer of the drink anyway."

"How far is your home from Portside? Will you be safe traveling?" Juniper had completely finished her bottle and had placed the book on her face, covering her eyes.

"Portside is about a half a day's travel from...well the keep that we're calling home for now. Our village is decimated, it's going to have to be rebuilt. Papa and Wulfsen will be waiting for us in Portside, so our travel should be safe. As long as we don't have to run into any raiders or mermen en route. Or at the keep. The mermen have been coming there trying to grab women. The head one I guess is after my aunt, claiming she's his wife."

"Mermen eh? How long have the been bugging you?" Juniper peaked out from under her book to lock eyes with Sileas. She had heard of mermen becoming trouble with other smuggling ships but never out of water.

"Well, we had thought they had started being a problem just after the raid, a few days before we came to Portside," Sileas admittedd, her eyes meeting Juniper's. "But then we learned that one had been masquerading as Uncle Nelek at least two years ago. And of course, they had been in the village years before, when their leader had been with Aunt Aislyn. Long before she met Uncle Nelek. Her father had a heart attack when he learned they had eloped, and..." she paused to think for a moment, "Tabor, I believe, told her to spend the night tending her father. She said he left town the next morning with another woman, a mermaid I believe, and was never seen again. She had the marriage set aside on the grounds of abandonment and never thought of him again. But now they keep talking about getting everyone pregnant and he wants his wife back."

"Sounds interesting. I think I'll tag along with you for just a little longer. " She flashed Sileas a toothy grin as winked at her before letting the book rest on her head again. "Besides, I said I'd help you get your uncle home didn't I? We're not done yet."

"We'd appreciate the help. Right now we all feel very much out of our element, considering they have that shapeshifting formula. We don't even know that there aren't more among the villagers." Sileas sighed, "Truthfully, we've faced many dangers over the years, although, hopefully having a lord and knights now will help."

"I would be truly honored if you would have me with you on your adventure my fair lady" She tried to lighten the subject. "Now I think it is time for sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us and the waters won't be this calm forever" Juniper rolled to her side and shut her eyes, allowing the gentle rocking of the waves take her to sleep.

Sileas smiled as she curled into a comfortable position on the couch. Juniper's skills and the extra men would definitely be of assistance. And anything she could do to contribute to the safety of the keep and village during and after the rebuilding would be for the good of all. She rubbed her stomach absently, trying to get it to calm so she could drift off to sleep.

Yehudit stumbled into the room and promptly fell flat on her face.

Questa grabbed her blanket and slipped under the bed, her usual place for sleeping. She was always more comfortable sleeping on the ground or the floor than on any cushion or bed. She pulled the blanket over herself, stuck her shiv in the floor by her hand for easy grabbing, and dozed off.