"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."