The Very Next Morning

Wyheree exited the Inn the next morning, and her steps took her once again down the way to the docks, where the Sea Wolf was anchored. As she approached the fine ship, she again raised her eyes to the decks, scanning for the Captain. Standing on the boardwalk, gazing along the decks for the familiar silhouette - and when she saw him, she waved her hand, sending a flurry of ice crystals in an arc towards the Sea Wolf. "Ahoy Captain!"

Captain James Black came up from below deck where the scent of breakfast cooking was making every stomach on board the Sea Wolf growl with hunger. Captain Black walked along the deck holding a piece of crisp bacon in his hand, chewing off a piece. His head turned at the familiar voice. "Wyheree! Come on aboard! You never have to ask, lass - since you've slept in the Captain's bed!" He grinned and went to meet her.

She made her way to the gangplank, her cheeks colored the palest of pinks as she looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with merriment. "I am feeling ever so much better for it, Captain."

James took Wyh's hand as she was about to step down on the deck. He helped her down and placed a kiss upon her cheek. "Well, g'morn t' ye, lass! You're just in time for Frypan's famous eggs and bacon and biscuit breakfast!"

"That sounds lovely - especially since the famous Frypan is cooking again!" She twined her fingers in his, not wanting to let go of his hand.

He held out the hot, crisp bacon to her lips. "Here. Taste this as a foretaste of th' feast to come!" She took a small bite of the bacon, savoring its sweet salty flavor, then another bite, her lips brushing his fingers.

He grinned and placed his lips on hers in a soft kiss. "Mmmm....bacon flavored lips. My favorite!" He pulled her along to the bow of the ship, stopping to grab two plates of the breakfast from Pip, Frypan's helper. "Let's have our own picnic, Wyh!" She laughed as she is pulled along. "After yesterday a picnic sounds absolutely perfect!"

They walked up to the very bow of the ship and out to where they could be all alone. From this position they were looking out toward the ocean, seeing only water and other ships coming and going. He motioned for Wyh to sit on the deck. "Okay...here's our first picnic area!" She curled up on the deck, her eyes closing for a moment - the sea air energized her, then she opened them with a smile as she waited for her plate - she found she was hungry.

He sat down, facing her with a leg going off to each of her sides. James handed Wyheree her plate and took his own. "It doesn't get better than this, darlin'! She tasted the eggs, with another smile. "No it does not - and I find the sea air invigorating - it is helping to restore my magic."

He took a bite of the buttered biscuit. "I love your magic, Wyh. I've got to admit that I've ne'er seen anyone quite like you." He inched even closer as they ate.

She took another bite of bacon, and a taste of the biscuit, smiling up at him. "And I have never met anyone else like you - the pirates from my realm are a touch - coarser - than you."

That made him grin, a brilliant pirate smile. "I prefer not to be quite that coarse. You see, my crew is so coarse, that my refinement clearly identifies me at the captain of this ship. They prefer it that way. They have pride in their captain." He looked into her eyes and winked. "Besides, I like to smell good all the time."

Wyheree playfully leaned in to nuzzle his neck, savoring his scent, then pulled back with a grin. "And how do you keep so clean aboard ship?"

He was a bit surprised by the question. "Well, we do have soap and water. It's just that most pirates see no use for it more than once every six months. I prefer a bit more frequent bathing." He would not yet tell her that he was the son of a British lord.

She moved around so she could lean her head on his shoulder, feeling she had somehow offended him. "Please forgive my ignorance - there is still so much I need to learn."

He laughed, "Oh that's not ignorance. In fact, it's fairly accurate in most cases." He moved so that his arm went around her, and he ate his final piece of bacon while leaning his head against hers. "I'm so glad you're here, Wyh."

She moved closer to him, her arm around him as well. "I am glad to be here - and glad you went looking for me last night."

He smiled, "Me too. You know, Wyh, I really don't like it when we are not together. I do find that I miss you severely." She lowered her head slightly, nuzzling against his shoulder. "I am finding I miss you as well - and I am loathe to leave you when we are together."

He finished his breakfast and poured a mug of coffee for them both. "I was wondering if there was a way that we could...see more of each other. Maybe even being together at night."

She set aside her plate, and took up the mug, her hands making the coffee within like a slushie. "I would like that as well.."

He couldn't believe what his ears were hearing. "Then you'd be willing to have me sleep at Brian's and Charlotte's?" She thought for a moment, then she shook her head. "There is too much conflict there - so much trouble always follows them." Her voice lowered to a whisper, "Perhaps - I could stay here?"

"Hmmm....?" He pretended to think. Actually, he was just teasing about staying with Brian and Charlotte, but he wasn't going to let on. "Well, perhaps we could." His finger went to his chin in mock thought. "Problem is, I don't have enough hammocks in the crew quarters. Hmmm.." He 'thought' some more. "You know, my bed is fairly large. Do you think you might be willing to stay with me in my stateroom?"

Wyheree thought for a moment, a soft smile for his teasing on her face, then, she nodded. "If you do not mind sharing such a comfortable bed - and as long as your crew will not mind my presence."

He put a kiss upon her sweet lips. "My crew has already been asking me when you'd become a crew member. I think they'll be delighted." His hand cupped her cheek. "Besides, you'd make me a very happy man."

She kissed him back, her lips warming, "You have already made me very happy." She leaned into his hand, closing her eyes as she nuzzled her cheek against him.

James leaned in and kissed her again. This time the kiss was not quick to end. His mouth opened upon hers and he kissed her slowly, deeply, sensuously - not the kiss of lust, but the kiss that lovers share in their most intimate times. She returned his kiss with all her sweetness, her fingers reaching up to tangle in his dark, soft hair. He leaned back against the gunn'le and pulled Wyh against him, nestling her in his strong arms, and quickly returned to the sweet kisses of no little passion and desire. His fingers combed through her hair and held the back of her head as he kissed her, making her feel as if she would melt into him.

For the first time in his life he cursed that it was still morning, for he had a great desire to take her to bed at once. Yet, a pirate's life was not an easy one and he had a ship and crew to captain. When the kiss finally broke he looked into those silver eyes and asked softly, "Do you have belongings that need to be brought here, darlin'?"

She smiled as she shook her head. "I travel very lightly - most of what I have I keep with me in my skirt's waist pocket - it is enchanted to hold many things. I require very little in the way of space, though I would ask your permission to peruse your maps."

"You can use my maps in whatever way you want. And, the good thing about a pirate ship is that one can always find the finest of silks and materials, leathers, and jewelry to adorn your beauty in whatever way you want." She smiled up at him, "I think I will like it on board very much. Thank you."

He placed another kiss upon her lips and whispered, "I can't wait for the sun to set on this day." She gave a little shiver at his words. "Neither can I, James."

He sighed and stood and offered her his hand. "The day is waiting for us, lass. Work to be done!" Taking his hand, she stood steady on the deck, brushing his cheek with a kiss. "I will return this evening - I feel I must leave word with Brian and Charlotte as to where I will be - otherwise they will worry."

"I'll walk with you as far as the boardwalk, love." He took her hand and they walked slowly toward the main deck and the gangplank. "Do you think they'll be upset?"

"Perhaps - but it matters little. I have imposed on their kindness far too long, and I feel happiest when I am with you." They walked down the pier and onto the Boardwalk. "That's when I'm happiest also, Wyh. It's when I'm with you." He kissed her once more and smiled. "You'll be back here before dinner?" She kissed him back, then nodded, smiling her brightest smile. "I will."

James smiled and waved, "Be careful...and hurry back!" Wyheree waved and blew him a kiss as she set off down the boardwalk, floating on air.

He closed the door and locked it, opened the windows, and lit a lamp near the bed. He looked at Wyh and smiled, "Our first night sharing this bed."

She gave him a little smile. "Would this not be our second night to share the bed?" Sliding her slippers off, she moved barefoot over to the large comfortable bed.

"Well, I suppose, technically, but then I moved to the hammock in the crew's quarters. No way I'm moving tonight." He smiled and pulled off his boots and socks.

"I would not wish you to." She curled up on the bed, her back resting against those soft fluffy pillows.

He unlaced his cuffs and the tie at the chest and took off his shirt and hung it up. He then poured two glasses of a peach brandy and handed one to Wyh. "This is quite good for not being rum." She swirled the liquid in her glass, then smiled as she tasted it. "You have the loveliest beverages here - and the softest pillows."

He looked at her as she cuddled up on the bed, taking a long drink of his brandy as he watched her over the rim of his glass. "Aye, we have a better selection than most inns." He reached down and loosened his belt, his pants opened slightly, accenting the "six-pack" that was already visible. Wyheree's eyes moved appreciatively over his body - color rising again in her cheeks " for he was so terribly handsome, taking another sip of brandy as she watched him make himself comfortable.

He removed his outer pants and hung them on a peg, then came up on the bed with Wyh. The cool sea air was so refreshing and clean, and it felt good on his bare chest. He laid on his side on one elbow and looked at Wyh and sipped more of his drink, as she shyly looked at him, sipping her own brandy, moving closer to use his shoulder as a pillow.

He finished his drink and set the glass down on the table near the bed and turned his attention back to Wyh. His hand moved over her leg and his dark eyes watch as the fabric moves upon her beautiful flesh. He slowly moved his hand up over her thigh and hip, examining the beautiful curves of her body. He whispered, "You are a very fine woman, Wyh....very fine and very beautiful."

She shivered as her body warmed through the skirt where his hand moved, his touch near heavenly, and her breathing began to quicken. "As are you James....very beautiful,? as she sprinkled kisses on his shoulder.

His hand moves over her shoulder and back down, feeling the soft flowing landscape of her body, his hand again moving down to her leg, feeling her calf...moving slowly up, this time inside her skirt, making her shiver, her own fingers reaching around to trail up his bare spine, as she laid little kisses on his chest.

He took her glass from her and set it down, then leaned her back until she was on her back in the bed, nested in the crook of his one arm. He brought his mouth to hers and kissed her deeply with his long black hair falling around them, her need and desire for him pouring into her kisses as she caught his hair with her hands, running her fingers through it, as little whimpers caught in her throat.

The Next Glorious Morning

The work along the docks began early each morn as fishing ships headed off to sea and produce was loaded and unloaded. The sounds of people talking and the smells of breakfast cooking wafted through the open windows. Sea gulls complained and begged for food, and James opened an eye and stretched, feeling Wyh against his body.

Wyheree stirred, moving closer to James as she opened her eyes, smiling to see that he was not a dream - he was really here with her. She nuzzled into his chest. "Good morning, dearest."

He looked into her eyes and slowly caressed her face with his hand, combing his fingers back though her hair over and over. He smiled and placed a kiss upon her lips. "G'morn, my love. Did you sleep well?"

She brushed his lips with hers, a sleepy smile on her face as her eyes flickered open, shivering as he played his fingers through her hair. "I did indeed - very well."

He wanted to make love with her again, but thought that perhaps they had already overslept. "Would you like breakfast, darlin'?" She stretched up to kiss his shoulder. "That sounds lovely, dearest. What is on the menu this morning?"

He just held her close. "My guess is the usual - eggs, sausage, fruit, coffee and bread."

She thought, continuing to nuzzle his shoulder with her cheek, not really wanting to get up yet. "Some of each would be nice, I think."

He smiled and kissed her nose. "I'll get it for us. You already know that the head is right over there." He pointed to the bathroom door on the opposite side of the room - one of the advantages of being the captain.

She smiled up at him, her silver eyes sparkling. "Hurry back." She then slowly sat up, throwing the covers off of her, and made her way nude to the head, her eyes continuing to sparkle as she walked across the stateroom.

He watched her walking to the bathroom and bit his lip. If he didn't get dressed and out of here quick, he wouldn't be out of his room for a long time. He put on pants that had a drawstring for a belt and left the room, calling out, "I'll be right back!"

Wyheree nodded to show she heard him, then stepped into the head, considering what sort of dress to weave for herself. Thinking, her eyes glowed, and a swirling mist surrounded her, and when it cleared, she was wearing a striking dress seemingly made of lace, the effect like snowflakes scattered over her body, modestly clustered over her breasts, the full skirt seeming to be snowflakes layered over silver.

It was not long before James came back with a tray of food. He closed the door behind him and looked for the woman he loved. "Wyh' I've got breakfast."

She peeked out of the head at his voice, and then stepped out into the stateroom, the lace of the dress catching the sunlight and sparkling like her eyes. "And what did you bring, James?"

He looked at her and nearly dropped the tray - she was so gorgeous. "I was bringing....you...." he was breathless, "breakfast in bed. But you're dressed. Boy, are ye dressed!"

She spun about, showing the dress to its full effect, then moved to sit back on the bed. "I am very happy today, and wanted to show you how happy. It is a little magic I am fond of using."

He swallowed and made an expression to show how pleased he was with her looks. "Lass, you go out of this room like that an' I won't get a stitch of work out of my crew. You know that, right?" He laughed. "Here's breakfast in bed, but I would hate to see that dress get messed up with food."

"Do not worry - I can change it before I leave your stateroom." Laughing, she looked over to see what James has brought for her.

There were peaches and bananas, two plates of scrambled eggs, sausage and toast and two cups of coffee on the tray. "I hope this will be okay," he said as he set the tray down and picked up a peach. He took a bite of the ripe peach, a bit of juice ran down his chin. He sat on the bed and held the peach to her lips. She took a bite, giggling as she raised a hand to catch the juice at the corners of her mouth.

He took her hand and brought it to his mouth, his tongue moving over the finger that had touched the juice, then he took her finger and drew it deeper into his mouth, his tongue moving around it. She closed her eyes, shivering as his tongue finds every last drop of peach juice, then she leaned in to whisper in his ear, "If you continue that, we will never leave this room."

He just ignored her and sucked a second finger into his mouth, his tongue moving down to the sensitive area between the fingers as he sucked them in and out of his mouth, looking into her silver eyes, her breath catching in her throat - his tongue magical - and she twined the fingers of her free hand into his hair, running their coolness along the side of his head just behind his ear.

He let her delicious fingers slip from his lips and smiled. "There's more breakfast for us, but you can't eat it with that dress on. It's just not allowed," waggling his eyebrows at her.

Wyheree shook her head, smiling. "I will wear it some special evening for you, but if you wish me to change.." She stood and moved slightly away from the bed, her eyes glowed, and mist swirled around her again, and when it cleared, she is wearing a simpler dress of white shot through with silver, full skirt, wide bell sleeves, and silver laces at the bodice. "Is this better then?"

He laughed:: "Ye are an' amazing lass, Wyh. Actually was hoping for nothing at all, but perhaps this is better. Come onto the bed and I'll serve ye in every form and fashion!"

Laughing as she curled back up on the bed, her eyes glowed a moment " and the simple dress now had a shimmering sheerness to it. "I think I could grow accustomed to such treatment."

He put the tray on her lap and sat next to her with just his plate in his hand and he started to eat his eggs. "I'm starvin', Wyh. I must have worked up an appetite last night!" She also ate with unusual hunger. "As am I - last night was truly magical, dearest."

He looked at her and smiled:: "It was for me, my love. I wish this morning light could have been postponed for days."

She took a bite of her eggs, then leaned her head against his shoulder. "I do not think I have been happier."

"Then that makes me happy, Wyh. I've got to tell you something. Perhaps you already realize it."

She thought about that for a bit, her head still on his shoulder. "What is it?"

"The men need action. We're going to leaving port in a few days."

She nodded her head, her hair brushing his arm and shoulder. "I did think you would be leaving soon."

"The men are restless, Wyh. They're also broke. I need to bring them adventure and wealth. I can't ask you to come along and endanger yourself, but...if you should want to, I would not say no."

She lifted her head, her silver eyes gazing into his dark ones. "I would be honored to go with you, and see you in your element."

"It could be dangerous, Wyh...and not exactly legal."

She smiled with just a hint of wickedness. "I went adventuring long ago, and to sail with you - would be the greatest adventure of all."

He smiled, "I was prayin' that ye would say you'd go. I can't bear the thought of leaving you."

Her look grew serious. "What may I do to assist you on this grand adventure?" He smiled at that. "Oh, I'm sure I can keep ye busy, day an' night."

Wyheree snaked one of her icy tendrils behind her Captain and gently thwapped his backside. "I am serious."

His eyebrows raise at the tendril swatting him. "What did you do on your other adventures?" She smiled, curling the single tendril around his hips. "I was an accomplished map-maker." . "Map maker" Wyh, that is perfect!"

She pulled the icy tendril back to herself slowly, so it teased against his hips. "I am pleased you find it so - I have missed the map-making."

"We visit many places that have no decent maps."

"They will once I have seen them, Dearest.". she said as she finished her breakfast (a first!).

He then wolfed down his breakfast. "I'll need to get you some pirate clothes, Wyh." She smiled at that. "Pirate ladies dress differently' I have never known any lady pirates."

"Aye, they do. And rather sexy too."

"I would love proper pirate clothes I think - unless your crew would cease working if I wore such on board?"

"No...no...sexy, but not reveling...sexy as in, 'don't mess with me.?"

"Ah - I understand. Then I definitely want pirate clothes!"

He laughed, and put the tray aside, then attacked her right in their bed, as she laughed with him " her arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders, reveling in his touch.

He cradled her head between his forearms. "You make me so happy. How do you do that so easily?"

She reached up to brush her lips against his. "It is easy, because you also make me so very happy."

"I love you, Wyh...very much." His mouth came down upon hers, giving her no time to respond with words - he felt the love she had for him in the heat of her kiss, her lips flushing warm, her hands tangled in his dark hair.

He moved his body upon hers, kissing her deeply, whispering, "Wyh, if we don't stop this very instant, I'm going to want to make love with you again."

Her breath came quickly - she did not want to stop, but she knew he had a ship to run. "Tonight?" He nodded. "Aye....tonight."

She brushed her lips against his forehead, then slipped out from beneath him, her eyes sparking a little as she made her dress nice and modest once again. "I will return this evening Dearest, as I have some errands to run."

He smiled. "Be careful, darlin"...stay out of fights."

"I will, Dearest." She smiled as she took her leave, her glittering ice crystals lingering in the room as she slipped out the door.