Elis yawned as the boat’s slow, rocking motion began to put her to sleep once more. How would that look? The Tsan’s daughter, sleeping the entire journey! Not good, so she pulled herself up, and slipped her long, grey dress over her head, and settled it over her cotton shift. Then she fought the swaying steps to break out on deck, the sunlight nearly blinding her in its intensity. Immediately her attendant, a wry girl of no more than seven, popped up beside her.

“Fancy some air, milady?” Elis patted her head.

“Just a bit. You go ahead and stay here. I wish to speak with the captain.” Around her, the crew worked hard, pulling ropes, hauling fish, and generally keeping the boat in top shape. By now, Elis had come to know them by name, except a few that refused to speak to anyone. Not even the captain could get them to speak, although they did, when necessary. The crew was a rag-tag one, men put together from everywhere, and the captain had not worked with them before, but they were good men. Disturbed now, because a bout with a violent storm, and a brief wave of pirates, had lost them a crew member, a particulary unpleasant man that Elis secretly did not mind losing. The crew had been very downcast since then, and as Elis passed each man, she called out cheerfully to them.

“‘Ello Cobb! Gain, how is that rope holding? Good!” Most turned and smiled to her, waving or bowing slightly, but when she passed one man, he merely turned his dark gaze upon her and stared with a predators intensity.

“Er...hello Drei...” He nodded once, slowly, and continued to watch her until she slipped inside the Captain’s room. That one gave her shivers, just like the lost crewman. In fact, the two had been great friends, and when he was lost, Drei had taken his mate’s loss with a glower and a look Elis was almost afraid of. It meant death, that look had. But, as she knocked on the main door inside the room, and heard Captain Ferrell answer, she pushed all thoughts of that dark-haired man back behind her mind.

“Enter.” When she saw him, Elis was always struck by how gallant the captain was. Tall and rugged, with a handsome jaw, and stormy blue eyes, he was the epitome of what Elis had always thought a captain should be. He was leaning over a map of the seas, plotting their course with curved tongs, muttering and scribbling notes inside his black notebook before looking up with that smile that never failed to weaken Elis’ knees. It was folly to be so enamored of him, she knew. After all, he was nearly thirty, and she was a few months from being a woman of twenty. Yet still...

“Good morning, Tsanila Elissa.”

“For the last time, Captain, I wish to be called Elis!” He chuckled and pulled out a chair for her use.

“Forgive me. So Elis, what may I do for you today?”

“I am fine. I was just wondering if perhaps I could know the plans for the next few days, until I get to Leontine?” Sitting behind the map spread on the table, he nodded.

“Of course. Here is my thought. Since the episode with those rogues a few days ago, I considered skipping Port Melantha, and simply continuing past it, to Gredd.”

“Why, sir?”

“Melantha is too close to the pirates for my comfort, and they use the port as a trading ground. I wish to avoid embroiling you in any further attacks. Leontine has lost too much royalty as it is.” Elis bit her lip.

“Yes.” Immediately the captain was on his feet, and touching her hand softly.

“Forgive me, Elis. I spoke without thinking. Men do this nearly all the time.” Elis managed a small smile.

“It is alright.” But it was not. Her father and mother, and brother, had all been cruelly murdered by an invading army from the North. But what was frightening, was that the family had been visiting their allies, the Rouk, and Elis had been out upon the sea with the Duke’s sister. The two had escaped the pillage and destruction of Rouk, but had seen both their families hung outside the fallen gates. With the death of Leontine’s head rulers, Elis knew that any invaders would target her kingdom, small though it was, next. And so she and Kethanie had sold everything they owned, which had been a formidable amount of jewelry, and hired a captain and crew to take them to Leontine. Sadly, Kethanie had become sick, and delirious, and had thrown herself overboard and drowned a few weeks back. Perhaps the pain had been too much for the fourteen-year old to handle, but Elis had wept for days. The captain squeezed her hand.

“Strength Elis. You are but four days from reaching your home.”

“Thank you, Captain Ferrell. You and your crew have been excellent.” He smiled and looked into her eyes with his own.

“Your presence here has been excellent, my lady. It is such a joy to see you everyday.”Elis blushed hotly, and looked down, her lips forming a smile. Her brown hair had not been washed in days, she wore only what amounted to servants garb, and yet he flattered her. Looking up under her eyelashes, she was about to reply coyly, when a thundering knock upon the door jolted them both. Glancing away, Ferrell looked up at the door.

“Who is it?”

“Drei, captain.” Ferrell favored her with a smile, then held out a hand for her to take. Irritated, she did so, but fumed as she was led out, and Drei was allowed in. As she passed him, she felt his dark gaze upon her, and she grew even more irritable. Such impertinence from such a common man!

“Your eyes betray you, sir.” she snapped curtly. To her surprise, Drei grinned, his eyes narrowing.

“Perhaps I intend them to, Tsanila.” Shocked, she could only stare at the door as it was shut in her face. Rude! Her aid popped up again at her side.

“Milady, Gain wishes to know if you will join him for a game of chess after luncheon.” Elis stomped her foot.

“What? Oh...yes. Tell him I would be delighted.” Gain was a good man, unlike some...others! He mostly reminded her of her father, both in greyish looks, and his cheerful humor, even when he lost three copper pennies in the game.

Later chappies get a bit...raunchy. Pardons for it.