The Tale Continues on dry land. When the Black Velvet pulls in to the Port at Rhydins docks. Battered and looking as if it has been through one hell of a storm the ship is anchored.

Kathryn lets her men go off in tot he town and surveys the damage done with a long sigh. The journey has just begun.

Pipen was off then and she was rolling up her sleeve " to the cargo hold then... " she made her way slowly across the messy galley towards the trap door that led down in to the hold.

" Lead the way, captain." Said before realizing what he just said. He just shook his head before following her to the cargo hold.

She smirked to that and continued on ehr way pulling the trap door up and moving downt he steps in to the hold, there were at least fifteen broken kegs strun about the hold, and it still smelt of ale and rum. She had taken her first few days in Rhydin to haul out the ruined bags of rice,flour and spices.Nothing could be saved.He shook his head to the damage, before moving over to start the slow process of cleaning up. He didn't seem to mind getting his hands dirty either. She watched him get right to work and joine dhim, she didn't mind getting her hands dirty.Each broken keg had to be hauled out fromt he hold to the docks.It would take some time before the hold was clean again.

After clearing out a few more broken kegs.He glanced at her as she swept up the debry " Not to be rude.. but you haven't been a captain for long..have you?" Glancing to her for a moment. She paused only a moment in her sweeping to glance up at him, she knew it had to be palinly obvisous that she ahd not been a captian that long. "Nae, a month maybe, some of the men ive worked with before, but most I havent. I am new to the whole captain thing.. " He nodded lightly to that. " Do they respect ye??" Using an empty but still good keg to dump the broken wood in. After she swept it up. "The men who've known me longer respect me, they know I can hold my own, the others. They are well,not yet used to having a woman as captain. The Black Velvet didnt start out as my ship, if was a gift, in sorts.." She glanced around the hold looked good better than before, ready to be restocked. Another light nod to that." I see. For what it is worth.. I wouldn't have that problem." Meaning taking orders from a woman, as he moved to carry that keg up to the deck.

She shrugged, " well ye are better than half of them then." She followed him up and closed the trap door behind her. She walkeed up behind him carrying the last of the broken pieces of keg,up on deck Pip had been keeping a close eye on the men fixing the sails.They had kept the good work up and were at last done. She paid them after she made sure every sail was to her liking.And Vincent without being asked.. Helped her to check over their work. Odd.. He had just met her, and he was helping her out like he was a crew member. Once the sail men were gone she sighed and leaned against the main mast. " At least thats done.." She still had her galley to fix and she had to restock her hold as well as half a dozen other things, while her crew drank and ate up Rhydin. Only the loyal had checked in, which were two men. They had been by eailrer in the day. "On to the next task.. " Pipen flew to her shoulder then.

He nodded to that. " Getting the lumber." Without missing a beat, he started to scan the ship. Gauging how much would be needed. She nodded, the deck looked like hell, torn apart,she didnt want to know how much it would cost her to get that done, they may never leave port,if she couldnt pay for it to get done. " If you can get the lumber.. I'd help out with the repairing work.". Looking over to her again. "You can worry about paying me once the work is done. " She starred at him for a long moment, "I couldn't ask that of ye. Ye've helped me out enough. I really didn't fdo anything to deserve ye being so nice to me." "I know you didn't ask. I am offering a helping hand to you, and it is how I work." Meaning the fact that he didn't just hold out his hand right now and ask for her money. "That is unless you don't want my help." "Nae,I would like your help." She could liekey get the lumber for a good price if she wore the right outfit to see the lumber man. "How much will I need?"

He then looked back over the ship again. " Quite a lot if it's going to be done right..Do you have any on board? " "Some stashed away in the cannon room below deck, but it wouldnt be enough for all this. I think there are about thrity or so planks down there." He nodded lightly to that . " You said below deck needed work to? " Looking over to her again. "The galley walls just need fixing, those holes will do me no good.Least they can be fixed easily. No holes in my hull yet." She knocked twice on the mast with that. " Where are the spare boards?" And he started to removed the sword that hung on his belt. Then followed by removing that vest .She glanced to him. "Below deck, in the cannon room... tied to the ceiling.Thankfully they are in good condition.."

"Alright.." And he set the sword and vest, on a crate. Leaving his chest bare, before headign below. Seemed he was going to start to work on the easy patch work. She blinked twice watching him go,she leaned on the mast and looked to Pip." Well looks like I have me some eye candy." Pip just tugged at her hair at that and she soon followed to help. And she'd find him hauling a few boards on one shoulder. With a carpenter like belt around his waist. He set the boards down. Then started to get to work. Not really knowing she was there.


She eyed him for a moment from the open arch way.Before she slipped off to lay her things in her cabin, she came back with her hair pulled back and her sleeves rerolled up,she had left her sword in her room but still had her pistol tucked along her side. " How can I help now?" She'd fixed a few galleys but nothing like this.He looked to her a moment " If you got a spare hammer.. You can help out by removing the broken planks of wood." She'd note he already had a few of the messurments written down .

She nodded and went off to find her tools, she ahd everything one coudl ever nee don this ship satche dhere and there. Soons he came back witha small bucket that held all her tools and went to work pulling the old planks off the wall.Pipen sat on the counter by window to the kitchen watching them work. And after the planks that needed to be removed were out of the way. He moved to get the new ones. Holding them in place. Leaving ehr to hammer the newer nails in .She did just that while he held them in place, moving along hammering the nails in. She was good at this part of ship life at the very least, she'd spent her early years doing these things,fixing things,cleaning up after all the fights. Long ago.And he would move out of her way as best as he could. There woulf be a few times that they would brush up aginst the other. With him offering a quirk "sorry" to her -

She just kept working,even as they bumped or brushed up agaisnt one another. She just offered a smile to his sorry's, he was polite such a rare thing. before long she nailed the last nail in place.


And he took that moment to look over their work. " Not a bad job."He probably looked like a mess at the moment. Snodded and glanced back to him, they were both a bit a mess, dust and little bits of wood here and there caught in her hair and such." Tis good work." She slid the back of her hand over her brow. " that deserves a well earned cold drink. " She moved around past him piviting on her heels,she was going to get them two waters... finely chilled. "Very true." Turnning on his heels to follow after her, trying to dust off the wood chips off his sweat covered chest.

He glanced to the washroom again, then over to the sleeping Pip. " Don't you say a word.. but she is a lovely lady.." Whispered to the sleeping one. Pip purred and rolled over on to his back and kicked his little legs while sleeping.She didnt take a long bath, just long enough to get clean. She stepped out and wrapped a towel around her self and put one up in her hair as well drying her hair with it so it wouldnt drip. before getting in those night clothes, which were a pair of simple bottoms they werent silk but they looked it and a top to match,or semi match what ever the case was at the moment. Then she left the wash room holding her dirty clothes.

He blinked at the window. As he had just watched her come out, then head back in. Once again looking her over both times. She glanced over to him while she shoved those clothes in to her bag ,she sat on the edge of the bed and brushed through her hair with her fingers, she didnt own any fnacy brushes or combs.Her feet were bare now her boots sititng at the beds end she kept the room clean and her space neat, she glanced to Pip then to him as he looked out the window. He brushed a strand of hair behind his ear. Making it look as if he was looking out the window. When he was looking at her reflection in it.


She let her damp hair rest against her neck and shoulders then,as she looked at him. She felt oddly flushed around him, feeling so was not a new feeling to her, but one she'd not had in a long time..The urge to be a touch to bold ran through her mind as she sat there.Before her feet met the floor boards, she crossed around the bed and peered softly around him and out the window. "Lovely night." "Yes it is..". Glancing to her as she inched in closer. Debating on putting an arm around her. Even though they just met, yet he felt at ease around her .She smiled to that and looked over a him.She was oddly relaxed, at ease.A Both rare things, and they had just met. She felt her cheeks flush suddenly." Well I am going to turn in..." Yet she didnt move away she moved closer..Her arm now pressed softly against his.

" I should as well.." Yet he didn't move either. And when she was right there, her arms against his.. He slowly moved his arm, around her shoulders.


She nodded, noting that he didnt move away, and felt his arm go over her shoulders,she glanced to him. It was odd she was wary around most men,love and romance had not been kind to her she'd loved and lost twice...but there was a part of her that wanted to be bold, wanted to just kiss him. So once his arm settled around her shoulders she turned a bit and leaned up those few small inches and kissed him just once,softly upon the lips.


He froze for a moment.. Totally being caught off guard by the kiss. Before turnning more towards her. Kissing her back as softly, with his eyes closing. His other arm moving around her. Seems her bold move was gettign the desired result.Her eyes fluttered, she had not expected him to kiss her back.Her hands inched and moved to his shoudlers as her eyes fell closed. And he continued that kiss with her, with his hands slowly starting to rub against her back. He hadn't expected her to kiss him either, nor to kiss her back. Yet, once it happened.. He didn't want to let her go. Vincent let that sudden kiss continue for what seemed like hours, but was only a few long..and very good minutes. Before he slowly pulled back just enough to break the kiss. His eyes stayed closed, as he was takign in deep breaths. She had surpised herself,she was bold yes, but she had just done something very very bold.

She licked her lips softly and took a breath.It was a nice kiss, a very nice kiss. After a few more moments, his eyes slowly openned to just gaze down at her. Not even bothering to move from her, as his hands continued to rub against her back.


At last she opened her eyes and gazed up at him.She didtnt bother to move,she could feel his hand on her back, her fingers were still softly curled along the line of his shoulder. "Tis getting late..and it...is a bit cold.." He then winced a touch to how he had just worded that. Trying not to sound like he wanted anything to happen. She nodded softly. " Aye tis late." She let her hands drop . "Early morning tomorrow.." And he moved his arms from around her. Very slowly in fact. " Aye..it is.."

She looked to him again. " We shoud get some rest busy day day tomorrow.Ship to fix,lumber to get..." She inched back from him.She was trying to push the fact that she had just kissed him out of her mind,but she felt sucha fool.

"Aye.." Watching her for a moment...before being the one to be bold " It's..a cold night... We..could share a bed.. You know..Share body warmth.." Yes..It appeared that behind that feirce demenor.He's rather shy.She blinked tot hat for a moment, then looked between the two beds.Pip was already upon her pillow."Aye tis rather chill in here."her hair was still sllightly damp and her arms were bare,she could feel the cold. He sighed softly to her not just slapping the heck out of him, then motioned towards the other bed. "Shall we? " She nodded, she was cold and wouldnt mind sharing a bed with him, she moved along the floor and to the other bed. She wanted to smack herself,what in blazes was she doing? He followed her to the bed, thinking the same thing about himself. What was going on with him? He was normally so shy around girls. He pulled the covers back, letting her get in then moved to slip into the bed. One arm drapping around her .


She slipped in to the bed and nuzzled in to the pillow under her head then gazed to him once his arm went around her.She had just met him, knew nothing about him, save for a few things, he worked well,he was kind and polite and a hell of a good kisser He looked back into her eyes, once she scooted closer against him. He barely knew her, other than she was a ship captain.. A good worker..and one hell of a kisser in her own right. She smiled softly, already warmer there under the covers with him. "Sleep well," she said and closed her eyes not sure she'd be able to sleep with him there. "You too." And he kissed her brow, before shifting to rest his brow against her's. Not sure he'd beable to sleep with her there...but was pulling her a little closer already She smiled tot he kiss to her brow and snuggled softly againt him.It weas odd how at ease she felt.It was even odder how fast she fell asleep.He sighed softly again, and ran a hand along her back, before slowly following her into sleep. Murmring something yet the words were a touch to soft to be heard.

The deck work was hard.And coin was running low.It had been a very long time sicne she sat down to ask for a favor. It had been at least two years since she'd sent word to Vaepin or Henry and now.She needed Henry's great guidence. At her desk in that dimly lit cabin she sat quill in hand. She had no idea how to start this letter. But she knew well where it was going. Harpston. Henry had refused to leave that little town,unelss he went to Lote to see Vapein. Kathryn recalled the day the two met, they were instant friends. Since that day Henry amde trips to Lote to see Vaepin. Eirien was the one person still alive beside Kathryn.And she lived in Lote beside Vapein.

It had been a sad day when the sylvan elf leftt he crew of the stranger.But she had left to seek the love of the man she had missed so deeply. That man had been Vaepin. Kathryn hadnt seen them since that day. But she ahd seen Henry,just one last time before she ended up in Rhydin. Now she took breath and started to write to Henry, she could only hope he was still alive and kicking some where in Harpston.

"Dearest Henry,

I know I once promised never to write ye again,long ago. But I can no longer dot hat. I hope this letter finds you well in Harpston,some part of me hopes you are a married old rich man. I hope you are keeping in touch with Vaepin and Eirien in Lote. I miss you so much my dear friend. I know you must see why I am writing you. I am in need of your great help. I am in Rhydin the port beyond the mists to the west. The Velvet is in dire need of great repairs, I have had the sails rehung,the deck done over and the galley fixed but I am running short on coinage. I am not one to ask for money,you know me. I have taken up two jobs here just to make the coin. But it will not be enough. My crew will eventually get antsy here in Rhydin.


She slowly redipped the quill.

Callaway and Micky have been very good crew men and I have gained one more. But I know that sooner or later they will all wish to leave this city. But I know not where to go, back to Harpston or Lote. Its eems still far to dangerous to enter those waters.There is no naval present ehre, no one to chase me down. I miss ye,Vaepin and Eirien. Please send him my love,Eirien as well. There is nto a day that goes by that I do not think about you. Please write me back.

Love, Kathryn."




Then placing the letter in its needed place she rose from her deck and crossed out of her cabin.Pip chirped and floated to her shoulder. It would be a long day. She had need to drop off that lettera nd check in on her men, paying fees for bar fights and random acts of violence.But by night fall she found herself again at the Red Dragon Inn.

(adapted from live play)

Pip was scampering back and forth across the railing caseing moths that flichered to and from the inn porch light. Kathryn sat there watching him,hugging her coat close. Idly enjoying the hum of the inn behind her. Every time a moth was with in striking rage it fluttered from Pips claws. She just snickered watching the dragon. " is this why ye hate fish Pip ? " She eyed him. "Cant catcha moth so why bother with fish. " Golden hues then settled upon her and he fluttered over and tugged on her hair. She then yanked him down. "Behave now..".She gave hima long peta nd her settled in to her lap. "Thats more like it.Relax.We have no need to rush around now do we..." Pip chirped from her lap, and again eyed the moths. " Eve Mr. Zev ." Kathryn ofered a chant of her head.

Soft bow of his head " How does the evening find you, Miss Manchester?"

"Tis a fine eve for me. Thank ye. And Kathryn will do." a soft smile then. " And how does this chill eve find ye? " Pip moved around over her bent knees to swat at passing moths.. to comfy to nove too far.


Another soft bow of his head "Very well, Kathryn." Eyes watchful then of Pip ?The cold doesn't bother me so much, I grew up surrounded by such weather. The items you asked for, are loaded up within a pair of wagons at Haven Manor. Would you like them sent over toward the docks.. or wait to inspect of them?" Ahh the goods were ready, good service, the deal ahd only been made a few nights back.

She nodded softly to that, the chill touched her but seemed not to bother her that much. ?Ye work qucikly. I would like to look them over first. And would rather escort them to the docks myself...?

Nodding ? I don't wish to disturb your rest currently, or that of Pip's play. ? A light smile perked his lips with a nod after the small dragon. ? So you don't have to inspect of them tonight of course if you've a better time ??

? Nae,? She smirked. ?I wouldnt mind going now. I've been resting all day. Pip just needed to get out and about...?Nodding softly, ?A walk then? Or that of a quicker ride would you care for? It's not far of course... just a tad south of this very Inn.?. She eyed the road then looked back to him. ? I would think I'd be better at walking...than ridding...? She eyed his moto bike, that odd thing,it had more power than the ones she remembered seeing in Ariel and places across the sea.

A smile as he bowed his head softly and backed slowly then in turn down the steps of the porch. ? Very well...?


She rose and Pip moved to her shoulder. ? Off we go...? The dragon then chirped.Humming gently as he escorted them down the streets lit by lamps. down and curving around as moved for the manor south of the famous Inn.She walked in good steide watching the shadowed alleyways pass them by under that lamp light. Every time a moth flew by Pip flew for it then came back witha puff of smoke from his nostils, every time he seemed to miss his mark.

? If we continue business into the future.. and I'll have to introduce your little friend to one of mine. The pair might enjoy chasing eachother... or moths together. ? A smile aside to her as they rounded a street for the final stretch to the manor and it's barn. ?Been getting enough rest yourself ??Pip chirped at that. ? Its been a long time since Pip had anyone to spend his time with. ? She looked to the barn then. ? Myself aye, as best as I can these days.Pip sleeps like a rock... a snorin one.?

? Hm... can't say my little friend does the same... ?A soft bow of his head to her with a smile perking his lips. ? I am sorry.. have you tried cotton? ? Passing Haven Manor and moving along the street for the next large building.. a soft motion of his hand and the man standing out front of the barn pushed one of the doors partly open for them to slip within. ? You spoke of losing fifteen kegs combined of ale and rum.. ?Gestures to a wagon, ? I've gotten you twenty kegs.. twelve are rum.. the rest are ale. Flour... I've got six sacks packed up... and spices there's a two
crates full.?

Pip tugged at her hair for that.Then nestled underneath it. She just smirked and looked sideways at the little dragon.Then she eyed the
wagon with a desering green gaze. ? very nicely done.. ? Then her brows rose, ?cotton? cotton what? . ? Her eyes were fixed on the wagon,checking everything out. ?For your ears. Some say you stuff a bit into your ears and it helps around those that snore. Oh and you didn't specifiy how much powder you required..? Moving for a second wagon and pulling a tarp back. ?So I had just ten barrels put together for you.?

Those supplies would do the ship good for a long while.She was glad for it. Work didnt come cheep these days,to egt everything
from one trader was a wonder. ? thats plenty of powder.. ? She snickered to the idea of cotton in her ears. ? its not too bad, he snores when hes dreamin I think.? A grin to that before looking back between the wagons. ?So whats the price for all these
fine goods...??

A nodding to the snoring part... then a glance between the two wagons. ? Well... let's see... a discount for the season.. plus another discount for this being your first purchase from me... ?A light tilt of his head from left to right slightly. ?Five hundred silver... or one hundred fifty gold... or twenty blood red rubies. ? Nodding to her, ? Are you able to pay in any of the mentioned manners??

She moved inspecting everything, very closely. She was pleased, baring another rash of storms and fist fights the goods should last a
while..and this time she intended on stashing a few sacks of this and a few kegs of that away some where in her cabin.. so not to lose it all to weather or rash fights. ? Aye that I be able, gold will be my way of paying ye.. ? That was a good
price, ? Thats one hell of a bargain ye give me...?

?Well.. I give a discount to all first time buyers I do business with. Course your lovely hair does give you an advantage. ? A wink in his jest' as he smiled then with a nod between the wagons again. ? I can have a pair of my men cover up the goods and take both wagons down to the docks tomorrow morning if you'd like? You didn't mention anything about cannon balls... so I didin't include them in this purchase.?

She was already digging in to that bag that hung at her side. Reaching for the payment. In DeClair it would have cost three times that for
some one to buy that many goods from the old store. She pulled out that small bag filled with coinage.. ?Shall I pay ye now? All looks well to me .? A sage nod then. ? that be fine I'll be there, I am sure they will see me standing on the docks before my good ship.. ? She smirked softly at his jest. ? I need no cannon balls, got enough of those.. the one thing I think that I do have still.. Thankfully..?

A soft smile and a bow of his head, nodding then softly in turn. ?You can pay me now, yes of course, Kathryn. Was there anything else you require for your vessel that you can think of at this time?? A glance after Pip and then his gaze moved over her once more gently. ? Does your crew require anything along the lines of weaponry.. or are you well in the area?? She gave it some thought for a moment. ? Nothing I can think of now..Nae they be fine on weapons and all those tings. A bit too well. She was counting out the gold now. ? We have food, and all the essentials.. And once the ships done being fixed perhaps we may even set out again.? Now looking to Pip, who chirped.

One hundred fifty gold, were counted out,twice just to be sure then slipped back in to that simple cloth puch and the rest back in to her
bag.. ?One hundred fifty gold, count it if ye like... ? She held out the little brown pouch then.A smile and a soft nod of his head ? Nothing like the open air and full sails to relax and set a smile upon your face, hm? " He didn't watch her count the coins out, to do such would be rude so his gaze was kept between Pip and her face in turn, reaching a hand for the pouch then and taking it with a soft bow of his head. ? I trust you, besides.. if you shorted me.. you'd be short a few supplies from these wagons when they arrived tomorrow down at the docks. ?A wink and a smile

She nodded to that then again to the statement about setting sail. ? aye,realxing it can be. Oddly enough I've found being here in Rhydin oddly comforting.. as has Pipen.. and the crew.? ?Many a creature to be found here... as many a trade to be had... work and the such. ? Nodding softly, the pouch of coin tucked under his robes near a hilted sword with a large blue jewel at the end. ? Many come here from all around... few are actually born upon these lands though. But you can find just about anything you maybe searching for here."


She nodded to tha. ? aye I have noted that. Tis a fine city. Much to see and do. I have found it a bit like home.? She did note the hilt of that sword. But said nothing. Fixing the pouch to his belt, he drew the robes back over his side and smiled to her with a soft nod. ? I personally enjoy the mixing of races... species... within the city here. Oh, I'm going to be changing the name of my company in the markets.. just in case you go to look for it again if you sail back this way sometime. ?Smile, ? Dragon Acquisitions.?

She smiled to that, ? a fine name.I shall remember that." Pip chirped then loudly. ? and Pip shall as well I like it too, the blend of things here. Reminds me of a place I have not seen in some time. ? her smile grew to that. ? So much so that
even if I do leave I will be back..?

A smile to and a soft bow of his head to the small dragon, then in turn to her. ? All are welcome upon this city.. trust me, I've seen it with my own eyes. And it'd be good to do business with you again, Kathryn.?A smile and soft nod to that, ? And with ye as well, ye give good prices, ye can be sure I'll be back. ? Pip chirped then and settled back under her hair ? thank ye,again for that good price on all of this .? noting the wagons. ? I best be heading to the docks.?

A soft bow of his hea. ? I'll make sure they arrive timely tomorrow morning for you. Enjoy the rest of your night, Kathryn. May the wind always be with you.? She smiled to that, ? thank ye,I shall be there. ye have a good eve. ? She gave him a nod before turning ona heel and heading back the way they had come.Pip chirped his goodbye, and Kathryn just smirked and gave the dragon a pet as she turned down the dark alley way,towards the docks.

It had been another long day of working on the deck of the Black Velvet, with it finally started to look like a deck again. Vincent was currently looking out over the railing, at the sea. Thinking on what life on the sea would be like. She was not on the ship at the moment but Pip was watching him from the wheel. She ahd gone to get some much needed supplies and was now on her way down the docks lugging with her a few sacks of needed supplies.He looked around a moment, then over to Pip. ? What?? Not used to the little dragon watching him all the time. Pip just chriped and flew up in tot he air and then towrads the docks.Chirping like mad as he waw Kat:. ? Ello Pip. ?She smirked looking up tot he dragon:. ?been keepin an eye out?? she hefted the sacks over her shoulders as she headed up the gang plank, ?Well.? She smiled at the deck work. ? nice work..?

He blinked to that, before moving to follow the dragon..then came to a stop to seeing Kat. ? Thanks..? He smiled to that , ? I should have it finished by tomorrow..? ? Very good .? she smiled and kept on moving,heading below deck with those sacks. And he moved over to her, taking a few of the sacks from her. She smirked softly and tugged the sacks along and tossed them softly in to the cargo hold. ?ahh , ?once all the sack were laid down she wipped her brow with the back of her hand. ?Lunch time?? Her brows wuriekd to both Vincent and Pip.Pip darted for the galley then.That as his answer


He laughed and tossed his bags with the others, before looking back to Kat . " Guess so.." He then started towards the galley as well .

She smirked and headed up.She slid through the galley door and in to the main kitchen. "There inst much left in here. " It was rather bare for a ship galley. " We may have to go out to eat . " She peered in to the cabnets. "That's fine with me.." Once again petting Pip, while looking at Kat. A little grin on his lips.. Loving the veiw. She turned back to face the two and snickered.Pip was on his back liking the pet,kicking his little legs in to the air.She then checked her coins, shed gotten a good price for the spices, and flour.She could buy lunch. " All right... whats everyone feel like? "And he looked to Pip..to try and hide that he was so checking her out...again "Doesn't matter to me.." Still petting Pip. Pip purreed and wiggled along the cutting table. " All right ..." she shrugged and started back for the door, "my pick then..." Pip watched her and rolled back over and nudged Vincents hand and flew after her.Chriping. " Ye arent picky Pip.. "She grinned to the dragon as he landed on her shoulder::

He smiled to Pip, before following the two." I don't think I'd pick either.." To himself..as he was checking Kat out again She knew he was checking her out.He seemed to like to do that. And just ebacuse he was watching she hadded a little more swagger to her walk. Pip bounced happily upon her shoulder. " Inn food it is then", menaing that little inn on the docks, " fish and chips for all." Pip growled at that. " save for Pip.."


He smirked to her swaying her hips, before finally moving up to her side. With a little swat to her butt . " Keep that up.. and I'll pick.. " She smirked to the swat. " Too late,I already did. "She slipped up carefully across the deck and down the gang plank. She eyed him softly. Oddly after pushin he rint he water the day before his idea of warming her up was not the one she had. They had put on the inns cotton robes and sat before the fire while both their clothes dried.Oh yes she got him back by hugging him soaking wet. She sncikered to that image in her head


Which he didn't mind one bit as he held her closer. " True.. but " He leaned to her ear.. "It would be you.." Now moving a bit ahead of her and Pip. Seems that night had given him the same ideas. She smirked and watched him for a moment as he walked ahead of her, oh she admired that view before she caught up to him near that little dock side inn. " Im not picky as I seem, "she headed to the door.

He looked over his shoulder to her, eyeing her form again, then openned the door for her. " I know..You picked me.. " Teasing her.. She grined to that and nodded as she ehaded inside.She wouldnt comment on that.She could smell the food the moment she walked in,todays specail was a hearty soup with roll,she grinned all the way to a table .

And he followed her inside, catching the smell of the food. " Something smells good.. " Said to himself as he followed Kat over to the table. Then pull out a chair for her to sit in .She smiled to that and sat right down. "thank ye." Pip fluttered to the table. Once of the servers came over she placed an order of soup and a small mug of ale for her self and some meat and water for Pip.She would let Vincent order for himself. "Welcome. " Kisses her cheek before moving to sit across from her. He ordered the same thing she did, before the server went to get their food and drinks.. He was looking out the nearby window at the moment . She smiled to the kiss on the cheek and watched the server go off then glaced to him as he gazed out the window. "ye alright? "


- He blinked and looked over to her. " Just trying to get used to the idea..of going out on the sea. " A sheepish grin. she smirked to that. "Its not as scary as ye think. " She wouldnt sugar coat it, but she didnt find it scary.After everything shed been throough the sea had been rather kind to her. "You'll get used to it in no time flat.. Beside we wont leave Rhydin for a little while longer I know that." Flicking a peanut that he plucked up out of a bowl. -"Just getting used to the idea.. or did that kiss bother you that much?" Grinning at her . She starred at him for a long moment and shook her head, their food was soon set before them.Pip went right to work diving in to his stack of meat. " It nae bothers me at all . " She grined and lifted up her spoon and started to eat.


"Yeah right.. "Murmured to himself as he thanked the sever, then started to eat. If Pip wasn't eatting at the moment..He'd probably agree with Vincent. She blinked at that mouth full of soup.She wodnered what he could mean.But she left it be and just ate. He looked over to her, and set his spoon down as he stood up. He then walked around the table to her, timing it just right. Before placing one hell of a kiss on her lips. Letting it linger for a moment, before moving back to his chair like nothing happened. She blinked, he had timed it just right she ahd swalloed her food, and caught that kiss.It was caughte by surpise. She blinked a blushed softly.Then she just starred blankly at him. He just smiled to her, before taking a sip of his ale, then wipe his mouth...Before finally saying something. " What? " Brows quirk at her.

She shook her head and lifted that mug to take a nice long draw of ale.Pip was eyeing them both as he chewed. " Thought you said my kisses have no effect on you? " Grinning now as he was being more daring that usual. Seems being aroubnd her was starting to make him a little more..like a pirate. She smirked to that as she swallowed that drink. " Ye knew that was a line..." he was getting bolder, she could tell. He would need that bioldness once the crew met him.It was odd to her, she knew so little about him, yet there they were.But the same could be said about him, he knew so little about her. Yet he sat there still,he ksised her and made her feel calm and excited all at once.

"That I did. " A wink to her, as he looked into her eyes. True.. They didn't know each other all that well..but they just clicked from the moment they met. He looked down to his food a moment, starting to pick at it now . She had nearly finsihed her food and Pip was all done laying there all curled up watching them.She had wondered over the past few days when it would be the right time to ask him about himself, to tell him about herself.But no time seemed right. " So. " She saw him picking at his foo. "all done." She pushed her bowl away.. that mug was still half full though.


"I come from a small fishing town.. There wasn't much to do there..So..I left to try and find my place..in the world.". Said without looking up just yet, as he continued to pick at the soup. " I didn't see myself as a fisherman..So I went to one of the bigger cities where I am from..and learned how to fight..." She titled her head, she hadnt asked yet some how he read her mind, or perhaps her eyes. She listened to his tale then,hands about that mug. " I was on my way to the..guard post thy were sending me too..before arriving here.." Now looking over to her, with a light smile. Before noticing the look she was giving him.. Noticing she had been thinking on that. "Seems..we are able to sence things about each other.. "

She smiled to that. " Those senses may come in rather handy out at sea.." She lifted that mug for a long sip, it was good to know a little bit more about him." I lost my mother when I was very young, at least it felt that way to me." He nodded softly to her tale ." Sorry for your loss.. " Bowin his head softly . She nodded, "it was slow for my mother... " another sip of ale. " One stormy night my fatehr bid me to go home.He said eh woudl lock up.That same night he was shot,they cleaned the store of gold and gems "Another light nod as he moved to sit much closer to her, taking her hand in his as she continued -

"I sold the store it became a pub and there I met a woman whos husband had known my father, a man whow as a sailor. He offered me a plac eon his ship and I took it.I ahd no desire to stay in DeClaire.." She grasp his hand lightly. " Henry was a good captian, and is still a dear friend. "She looked down in to her ale,wondering if she should go on, her life story was a touch long.. He was quiet as he listened to her. Easy for her to see he was hanging on her every word. Seems he really did care to know who she was.

She looked up to him, " The Crimson Sun was the first ship I ever sailed on. I elarned everythign from Henry. He had a good crew, two of his ebst men are apart of my crew now.. his wife, was a wicked woman.She had an affair with one fot he crewmembers and set forth a mutiany against us all. Nine of us were sent off the Crimson sun to island beach.. where we all stayed till we were rescued.. " Another light nod, as he looked into her eyes. With a squeeze of her hand here and there. Mostly around the sadder parts of her tale -

She took another sip of ale then,and glanced to Pip who was taking a cat nap on the table, " Once we were saved and got back on dry land most of the men got otherjobs or went home to loving families.Henry got me a job on the Jade Thorne. Martin was a good man too. Hs crew was different,but a good one at that. I wasnt on the thorne long, it was ran sacked by pirates, the worst kind.. Linesy Brynn and The Harlequin.." He took a sip of his ale. Then looked back to her. She was leaving out the part about Ariel,Dristan and Vapein.. " I was rescued then too by navy men.. they took me back to Ariel... where before I ahd met two wonderful men.Vapein of the local inn a sylvan elf and Dristan Hartford of The Burned Cutlass.. "She idly touched the hilt of her sword then. "He made my sword, gave me this. "she held up that necklace that held thsoe two rings one was silver with a blue pearl setting that was the one she was showing off.

He nodded softly to that, before moving his other hand from his mug to her cheek. " I'm glad they found you. " Whispered softly to her..She leaned in to that hand. " When they dropped me in Ariel..I found that the city had been sieged the man I had loved," meaning Dristan, " was gone.But Vaepin was there, and he and I went to Lote. He opened a bakery and I worked there.Tis where I learned my skills.. with elven bread.I learned their language on the Arato " That navy vessle she still could picture in her mind.

-He nodded softly to that, as he shiifted closer to her now . She then looked back tp Pip, "then one day after buying spices in Jaji.I met Zachary Blair..and Pipen.. He was the captain of The Mysterious Stranger.. He gave me this, the Tigers Heart. "She brushed her fingers along that emerald and mithral necklace above the mithral chain necklace. " I became a part of his crew, we sailed for a long time, we loved deeply. We were married.." She graced that other ring upon that chain a silver ring with a set diamond.

He nodded softly to that, guessing how that ended but said nothing, as he shifted to hold her now. " Shhh..." " We sailed for a long time before they came. They thought he was a pirate, the bad kind.This time they did not save me.This time the man who led the navy men to the ship was my own brother.." She shifted in to his arms then, " Pipen flew away.They sent me to the shore where I was to hang.. Viktor Manchester my own elder brother shot the man i loved and sank his ship.. I would have hung.. if Henry wouldnt have come to save me.. He gave me the Velvet.."

He nodded softly, "I would like to meet Henry.. " " He bid me to leave and never go back. And I havent. " She nodded, " I wrote him the other day. He always told me he would be there for me in a jam..". He nodded softly , "She took a long breath, "Pipen.. I and one other are the only ones alive from that day on the Stranger..Pipen came to me the day after I left the docks.I knew then Zach was dead... I have lost many good men in my life, a father, a lover, a husband. But I still have Henry and I have Vaepin . " Her hand brushed his cheek, " and I have ye now... "

"Aye.. you have me now.." Smiling softly to her as he leaned his cheek into her hand . She gazed in to his eyes, "so if I seem a bit reluctant to let ye get closer, as close as I may want or need ye too. It is only because I am wary...the sea has been far kinder to me than the affairs of love have.." He nodded softly to that . "Tis alright Kat.." Kissing the palm of her hand. " I understand..and I don't blame ye for taking things slowly with me.. Nor do I wish to rush things between us.." She smiled and nodded to that, slow was good. He smiled back to her.

It was early not even past two in the morning yet and yet she was wake laying on her bed with Pipen fast asleep beside her. She hadnt been able to sleep, she had been up and down back and forth all night. And most of the early morning, from her desk where three letters sat, then back to bed,then back again. What was keeping her up? Who knew.. Vincent was already up as well.. Looking over the ship, as he couldn't sleep either.. So he was just making sure the deck was fixed. Yeah....that was the reason . She paced the floor looking to the snoring Pip, then back to her desk, to those notes, one to Henry,one to Vaepin and one would not be sent but tucked away with all the others like it. She paced back tot he desk and put that one away then folded the other two in half. She then lay down along side Pip and gave the dragon a pet. " Pipen.." She whispered, " Pipen..."

He glanced towards the door to her cabin, before shaking his head lightly. As he moved towards the steps leading below . Pipen snorted and opened but one eye and looked at her. As if to say 'what the bloody hell woman?' Kat just smiled softly at the dragon. " I cant sleep Pip, I can't stop my mind from thinking about the beach,Pipen... I don't know what to do..." He couldn't hear her, as he sighed and moved to go off the ship.. Going for a walk on the beach.The doors to her quarters were just open a crack. She lay there her back tot he door, her bare feet up in the air. " I know ye hate to be woken Pipen, " "she glared at the dragon, slightly. "But I havent felt this way since Zach..." She idly touched that diamond ring that hung off that silver chain. about her neck. " I havent been able to let his ghost go,I've been writing him ever since that day... wishing he wuld come back in to my life. " She rose, " but hes dead... and now... I'm falling head over heels for someone... else... "

He paused to just catching that, and carefully moved up to her door. Yes..He was listening in . She paced the floor,idly toying with her hair, brushing off of her shoulders. Though she had not slept she was in her bed clothes, not that pj set he had seen either,something a bit more sexy,oddly enough.Pipen sat up on the bed and sqeaked at her. "Pipen you know no one could replace Zach ,he is a huge part of me.. just like Dristan," as she paced the graced the swept hilt sword at her desk side. " But ye like Vincent dont ye?" She kenlt down to the dragons level. " He is a good man..I just wish I knew how to tell him.. " She sighed and gave Pip a pet.the dragon chriped then,softly and nuzzled her hand. And he slowly openned the door, making sure to now make it squuek. While giving Pip a "shh" gesture with his finger. Now leaning on the door frame.

Pip chirped again but her eyes were on the dragon, and she didnt even notice the door was opened." Yes you would think it would be easy just to tell him how I feel about him. But its not... " She ran her fingers through her hair then and lay her head on to he bed,still knealt there by the end of it. "Oh Pip,I'm crazy as all hell... "

"And how do you feel about me? " Now speaking up, sure to scare the heck out of poor Kat.. As she poured her heart out to Pip.She rose an spun and saw him there in her door way. "Vincent, "she had not even thought he might have heard her, she then looked back at Pip who wiggled his tail back and forth along the bed spread. " How long have ye been standing there? "


"Long enough to hear what you two were talking about." Looking from her to Pip then back to her. Her cheeks were quite red with blush. "Oh... " she glared back at Pip who chirped loudly. The back to Vincent in her door way.She was at a loss for words, she had not intended on telling him at all, but now she had no choice. " I... ," yet she had lost all her nerve. He uncrossed his arms, before slowly wiggling a finger at her. Beckoning her to walk towards him. She moved then from the edge of her bed towards him,slowly across the planked floor of bher cabin, she could feel the cold floor under her bar feet,and the chill of the eve outside the doors, it made her bare ars goosebump,or perhaps it was the moment. She came to a stop before him.And the moment she stopped in front of him. He swept her off into a deep dip. One hand on the small of her back, the other in her hair. Before kissing her deeply on the lips. Letting it be his words. Seems he felt the same as she did .

She was taken back for a moment as he dipped her back, then even more at his kiss. She returned that kiss her fingers rising up along his shoulders and on to his back. He had a way with 'words' unspoken. And he slowly brought her out of that dip, only to move his hands to her hips, as he pressed her back against the door frame. Not bothering to break that kiss. In fact..He just made it a deeper and hotter kiss .

She feltherr back pressed to her door frame, the chill of the ngiht and the heat of his hand againt the thin fabric of her night gown at her hip. She pressed up closer in to that kiss,as it did not break and became deeper and much hotter. Slowly he pulled back a few inches from her lips, before openning his eyes, but kept close against her .She took a long deep breath and opened her eyes to gaze in to his, her fingers were curled one hand upon his shoulder the other along his upper back, her fingers curled inward as she starred in to his eyes. He slowly leaned to her ear. " Is that what you wanted to say? " Whispered ever so softly to her.

She nodded softly and smiled as well., "Aye.." Her voice was breathy and she felt very flushed. He smiled softly to that. " I love you. " Whispered in her ear, before slowly starting to move from her. She blushed more and held on to him tightly as he started to move away from her, she gazed up in to his eyes, she had fallen for him fast and hard .. fallen in love.. but she could still not fimnd the words,nor the breath to say them. He looked back into her eyes, before kissing her softly again, before smiling softly. He could see the wordss in her eyes, with him letting her see. He had fallen for her the same way..Fast and hard .

That soft kiss was returned,and she held still on to him, as he starred back in to her eyes. She blushed softly and looked back at her room. Some how in their antics Pipen had flown off,liekly below deck to give them room. "I could not sleep, all i kept thinking about was.. the beach and ye and... "She looked back up in to his eyes. He looked over to her bed, just noticing Pip was gone, before looking back to her.. "I was the same way..to be honest. Moving them both out of the door way, before shutting it.. Pip's locked out now . "

She snickered, " I think he wants to give us some room, to talk..." She smiled then, " I think hes known for some time now..." She slid her hands from his shoulders at last. He nodded in agreement. " Yeah.. seeing how he liked me right off the bat..Well almost. " Looking to her as he leaned back on the door, finally notcing what she was wearing.

She smiled and nodded, "Pipen likes you.." She then noted how he was leaning back upont he door then she recalled what she was wearing, that knee length slikly dark blue night gown. witht he lacy V neck line done in pale plue, it set off her chestnut hair and those gems in that necklace that rested along her collar. she blushed softly and idly played with that long chain necklace about her neck. He tilted his head slightly, before smirking, "So..what do you want to talk about?"

Her brows rose. softly, " I have no idea... ye caught me off guard... again.. " And he flashed her an innocent smile, " I did nothing of the sort."

"Oh yes ye did..". She smiled, softly and reached for her robe upon the back of her desk chair. " But Its alright, " She slipped the robe over her shoulders and lightly tied it. " I wanted to tell ye how nice the deck looks." She was trying to move on to business.. instead of thinking about what else was on her mind. And he would untie and remove that robe, then tossed it right back on the back of her desk chair. "Uh huh.." -Now trying to get her to back up and fall back on the bed now -

She blinked at him as her robe went flying back to the chair. "What it does look nice " her knees hit the edge of her bed, and she fell to sit on it. Yet his hands pressed against her shoulders, as he moved to straddle her hips.. That is..If she slde back more on the bed. " And?" She slid back a touch or two and looked at him, her cheeks flushed bright red. " And...," her fingers slid up over his chest then as she lay back a bit more.

"And... "Now pinning her hands down to the bed, before leaning down to her ear. " Time for ye to pay me.." Whispered daringly to her. Before kissing along her neck. She smirked softly as he pinned her hands back tot he bed. "Ye said I didnt have to pay ye.. " She smirked abit then closed her eyes to the feeling of him kissing along her neck. "But if this is your method..I do nae mind.." " That so? " Now trailing his lips to the front of her neck. Seems being around her crew..and her.. Had made the shy man she first met..into a rather bold one.

She smirked softly ,he had become more bold from spending time around her and the few crew memebrs he had the luck to meet with int he past few days.. " Aye..., "her fingers wiggled as did her wrists.. under his grasp. And his lips slowly started to moved down her chest. With him trying to undress her while doing so.It wouldnt be hard to undress her, all he would have to do is slip those straps off her shoulders and tug the night gown down. She wasnt wearing anything under it,how lucky for him. Her eyes flcikered as she felt his kisses move down." Ye've become quite bold... "

"Tis because I love ye.. captain.. " Whispered as he removed her night gown, before dropping it on the floor. Lips now moving over her bare skin, as was his hands.

Kat enjoyed the mornings more now, she wasnt a morning person not really. But when she opened her eyes and knew he was there beside ehr mornings always seemed better. She never wanted to move from his arms just lay there in them all day. Vincent was always an early riser, but enjoyed it more now as it gave him a few hours to look down at Kat, watching her sleeping in his arms. It was the same right now. " Morning." She smiled . "Morning. " she looked to him just over her shoulder. Before turning over and kissing his cheek. " Did ye sleep well?"

Kissing her brow. " "Well. ""Would of slept better if you didn't snore while you slept." Grinning at her, just waitting for her to slap him for that. Her brows rose, "I do not snore.." she hit him softly. then looked about the room for the one who did snore but Pip wasnt about. He chuckled to that, before mocking an "ow" to the light hit . " So agressive." before looking around, " Guess he went to get something to eat.. "

She smirked softly, and crossed her arms over her chest. " I do not snore.. Pip snores."

"You do too.." He smirked back at her. " Even Pip probably would say so. "She hit him again, " I do not.. " She huffed, " Pip is the one who snores. I've never been known to snore. "He chuckled to that slap to his chest again. " You do too. " Now poking her lightly .She poked him back, " I do? " now she gave him an concered look. " I do dont I... I kept you up didnt I?" And he pulled her in close, lightly kissing the tip of her nose . "No ye don't snore, and ye didn't keep me up. " Her nose wiggled to that kiss. " Mmm good. " she snuggled in closer. "So ye slept well?"

"Aye.. very well. " Snuggling in closer with her , "So my captain... what on the menu for today?" She smiled to that, " I have to go gather my crew back up, make sure they are ready to leave. I bet most dont want to leave port they seem to like Rhydin." He nodded lightly to that. " Oh very well.." Givig her a mock pout, before moving his arms from around her. She moved in back close to him,nearly laying over him. "I didnt say I was doing that now.. " She smiled to him.He smirked to that, and moved his arms back around her. " And where will we be going? "

She smiled to him and nuzzled back in to his arms. "Just off the docks, most of the men are about here, some went in to town,I'll have to hunt thsoe ones down.. " "I see." He nodded lightly as his hands moved down to her butt, then started to pop one butt check, then the other. She wiggled tot hat and snickered moving in close to him and giving him a kiss for those smacks. " Did ye need me to move?" Her brows rose then, as she was just laying there on top of him.


"No." Now kissing her back, " Unless you don't like having your nice little butt smacked." Grinning innocently at her. She smiled, "I nae mind.." She kissed him agan, " ye think I have a nice little butt? " Her brows rose then twice at him. "Yeah." He smirked, " As for the rest of you." he tilted his head, " Have to look you over to make a opinion on that. " She shifted then to sit up upon his lap. " you do do ye, ye havent gotten a good enough view of me yet?"

"Not yet. " He smirked and slowly looked her over .she smirked and sat up more " Have a better view now? " She sat there upon his lap, with their passioante nights she had that habbit of sleeping in the nude beside him now. And he ran his hands up from her hips, then her stomach.." Much better. "She smiled and watche dhis hand move up her stomach. Then locked her gaze to his ." So what say ye?" She smiled and shook her hair back from her shoulders. "Very sexy." Grins softly to her, before moving his hand to cup the back of her neck. Pulling her down to him . She moved down slowly , " Very sexy hmm, what do ye like best? "

"Your eyes. " Murmured to her as he softly kissed her. She gladly returned that kiss. And he contineud to kiss her right back. moving his hands along her back and butt. She shifted against his touch deeping that kiss as she shifted,her dark hair fell back over her shoudlers and all around his face. And he moved her hair from his face, before leaning her back. " You are enjoying this..Holding me down? " Smirking at her.


"I am not holding ye down," her hands shifted back over his arms and once she found his hands she took them in hers then pressed them back to the bed. "Now I am.. " He smirked to that, knowing he could turn the tables on her, yet looked back to her. " So..what are you going to do? " She shrugged. "Hmm, I do not know. " She leaned in over him. "Perhpps I should tie ye down, have my marry way with ye."

"Not that you would do that. You don't have it in you. " He smirked. " I don't ?" She held his hands tighter to the bed. " where be my twine? " She looked over her room. Hhe smirked to that, and shifted as he arched up into her. "No you don't ." She smiled down to him. "maybe I be provin ye wrong.. " She reached over to that small night stand and dug out a small ball of twine. She held it in her right hand while the left pushed both his hands above his head. "And what if I do have it in me? "



He smirked more to that, as he moved lower onto that bed." You won't tie me down.. Ye might be a pirate, but you are soft."Wiggling his brows at her. Daring her tie him down. Her brows rose tot hata nd she started to unwind that ball of twine, her right hand held his hands down and her left spun out the twine. "Mmm is that so?" Then she started to tie down his left arm at the wrist to her bed. " maybe ye just think I am soft ." "Oh I know you are soft.." Grinning up at her, " Seeing how the supposed tough as nails lady pirate..let herself fall in love with a guard.." He so got her there. Her brows arched to that as she tied his other wrist down, " falling in love with ye makes me soft? " she then moved down to tie his legs to the bed. "Ye act as if I have not been in love with others before, and me being in love with ye, doesnt mean I have gone soft." She rose up then.

"Oh admit it." He smirked to her." You haven't let anyone in close for a long time.. Then I show up.. and you melted.." Now testing those binds. She stood there next to the bed looking at his tied up form, her knots were good and tight." I was married and I lost him, I wasnt ready for anyone... ye surpised me.. " She glanced to him now, "I didnt want to let any one in, but you worked your way in... and won my heart, but if its tough ye want.." She smirked at him, "I'll leave ye here like that, all tied up."

He smiled then, "I know my dear, now come here.." Looking her form over . She shook her head. " nope, you want tough, find a way out of my knots.." She stood there still looking over him witha smile, she did like this view. He smirked to that . "Hey now..." Tugging more on those binds.she smirked and watched him pull on her bind, " mmm but ye do look so helpless.."She couldnt help herself she moved in back close to him, retaking that spot upon his lap. " I had to have a nice good long look at ye... "He smirked and looked her over again. " So did I. " She sat there leaning in close to him, her hands rose up and down his chest slowly. " I might just have my marry way with ye yet.." And he leaned up into her body. "Not that I would mind, but ye do that about every night. " Smirking .