It had been a few days since they had set sail, with the new sailors catching on fast. Georg would be watching the men for a moment, before moving to knock on the cabin door. "Wake up in there. You've been sleeping all day long." He shook his head as he moved down to get something to eat.

He laughed to seeing her in the kitchen, cooking away for the crew. He shook his head slightly, as he got himself a plate of the food. He then moved to sit down as he noticed the crew was enjoying the food. He smirked as he started to eat.

"At least she knows how to do something right for once." Called out to Lori, as he knew she'd get him back later. When he least expected her to plan her move. So for now he enjoyed the meal with his men.

He chuckled as he watched her with the cook, he'd tell her his story later. For now he was content to eat the food that was prepared. He had to admit that she knew how to cook, which got him to smirk a bit. As he sipped the ale that he had gotten, watching her as she buzzed around the kitchen.

"Hey Lori! Your mom actually taught you how to be a good little house wife. All you need is the white apron." Yeah he is so going to catch hell later. Hiding a grin behind his mug.

That got the men to start laughing, which was always a good sign. "I might of been taught to be a good man, but you love the way I am. You always have and you always will." Called back to her, before going back to eatting slowly. Once he finished his meal, he took his plate to her.

"Put something in my food? Is that what got me to like you?" Teasing her as he moved to dry and put the dishes up. While popping her in the butt with the towel, when he had a free moment. Only to flash her a smile at the glares.

He chuckled as he shook his head. "Stunning? Maybe." Winking at her, before smirking at her as he was about to pop her with the towel, before she took it from him.So he flicked her nose, before he moved to head out of the kitchen.

"I can fool around in my kitchen if I want to." Over his shoulder to her with a wink, as he moved to head back up on deck. He'd leave her down below with her thoughts about his words.

The dream would have been a night mare for anyone else. But not for Lori. No, she lived in the world full of monsters and magic all her life. Where vampires were not just stories. Where mostly everyone knew that the king in the castle high on the hill, was indeed a vampire himself. But he was no fiend. He was a kind and good man who did everything he could for his people. He supported the realm on his shoulders, quite literally for a long time until his wife came in to his life. Then there were his brothers and son who also were guardians and holders of the kingdom.

So vampires in her dreams was no shock. Long before Georg had saved her she had heard all the so call rumors about the land in which she had been born. Lori also knew that not every monster was the same. Some were good. They didn't kill people or hunt down virgins for their blood. Then there was always the other side those monsters who did this things. But As she had learned not every monster wore a face of one. Some were men, like those that would have likely killed her that night if not for her vampire savor.

She sat up in bed in her small cabin. She had a cabin alone. Most of the crew had rooms with other crew members. She wondered if this was some sort of bad treatment or if it was to her favor. It didn't matter right now. She sat there looking at the paneled walls. The room was dark, the lantern had been blown out hours ago. Shed left the kitchen after finishing her work. The ship was sailing still to where she didn't know but she didn't dare go up on deck now. She knew most of the crew was sleeping. And that Georg would be mostly alone up there at the helm. The sea was soft, and the waves didn't break hard over the hull. It was a quiet night. So she went to bed.

She had woken now what time was it? It was hard to tell in the darkness. She reached for that watch on the small barrel like table. It read three am. The ship was floating along. Slowly now. Gerog wasn't at the helm any more, his second in command was likely up there while he got some sleep. Did a captain ever truly sleep though? She slid out of bed, she had given up the idea of nightgowns and night wears all together and now slept in her clothing, she shifted and changed her shirt and then slipped on her boots. Then sat there starring at the wall. The dream had been more fantasy than real. Yes, it was real up until the point where he saved her. Once again that old dream, but now it had another edge to it. One where he kissed her fiercely and held her in his arms.

A long steady breath. She wanted to go and seek him out in his room. But stayed herself. She couldn't. No matter how much she wanted to she couldn't go to him. The crew was already on edge about her. It wasn't her fault though. She sat there starring at that bracelet then to her boots. She ruffled her fingers through her hair and stood. She could do this she could be sneaky right?

So carefully in the dark she opened the door and peered out. The ship was dark. Only a few lamp lights here and there down the way. No one around, snoring in the cabins near by. She slipped out of her room, slipping on her jacket as she moved. Gerog's cabin was above not he deck the true captains room. Quickly quietly she slid along creeping past cabins. Then up the steps to the deck. It was clear and crisp out. Cold even. She shivered slightly glad for her jacket. She spotted Gerog's second mate at the helm. But his eyes were on the ocean. He wouldn't see her. She slip around the stairs up tot he helm and to Gerog's cabin door. She should knock. She raised her hand to do so. But would someone else hear her? She bit her bottom lip and reached for the doors handle and twisted. It was unlocked. She pushed it in with a soft creek. She closed it behind her and took long breath her eyes panned the dark room. He was in the medium sized bed sleeping. She sighed, she should have known. She turned to leave and one of the lanterns burst to life. Lighting the room in its soft light.

She knew he was awake now. Staring at her back as she tried to retreat. She turned and gave a little meek wave. He would likely laugh at her she saw that smirk on his face.

She slowly walked toward him. "I wasnt trying to sneak up on you." Okay so maybe she ahd been. But she was hoping he might have been awake.

"Yeah you can't sneak up on the vampire captain." She now stood next to his bed smiling slightly. She didnt know what to say or what to do.She felt like she was little all over again. When she used to crawl in to his bed when ever she would stay the ngiht at his old home. She eyed him a moment then smirked.

"Its not that little." She spun around once. She wnated nothing more than to sit down,lay down beside him like they used to like they could back in Amfel.But she stayed stading. What could she say.'I was hoping that you'd be awake?' 'I had a dream about you?' 'I can't get you off my mind? ' All those went through her head as she stood there shifting her weight.

She smiled lightly.Slipping off ehr boots and crawling in to bed beside him. She curled in the covers and said nothing for a long moment as he spoke. "I could never sneak up on you."She tapped his nose lightly.

Though she refused to look in to his eyes. His words had touched her the blush on her cheeks said though loud and clear. "I should have to ask. I am one of your crew,unless you snuggle with all your crew members."Now joking she dared to look up in to his eyes and she smiled. "I know that you love me.Its just nice to hear it." She snuggled in closer to him. "And I came in really beacuse I had a dream about you."

"You might regret saying you want me by your side always.I can get annoying."

Once they were out of the harbor master's office, and walking hand in hand with Lori. He like always inhaled the scents of the towns they visited. His brows shot up a moment, then furrowed as he looked around. "That is rather odd." Murmured in a whisper to Lori.

Before she could utter a responce, he started to explain himself. "A almost familar scent is in the air. One that is much like the Lady Willow's scent." This had him looking around slowly as he tried to find the sorce of that strong scent.

"She is the ruler of Crendia, along side Ghallon." Murmured once they sat down at a table, ordering them both a drink and something to eat. Before he continued. "She was a former slayer, but now she lives in peace. Hopelessly in love with Ghallon." Inbetween bites of food, and sips of the wine.

That scent was very strong here, before he seemingly locked his gaze on a table in the corner of the tavern. "There" He murmured as he waved over a waitress, before he wrote a note and handed it to the woman. Motioning to where it would be delivered.

The note was simple.

I do not know who you are, yet I have a feeling I know who you seem to be looking for. Her name is Willow, your mother. My name is Georg Aurdon..and if you wish to meet her. Come join Lori and me at my table. I can take you to see her.

"For some reason, I was able to catch your scent from the moment I entered this town." Which was the truth, before he smiled to her. "And I know your mother, whom's scent you share to an extent," Now looking between Lori and the woman at her next comment.

"This is Lori, my lady." His tone making the word one used of affection, as he motioned to Lori. He then moved onto the next question, as he took in a deep breath.

"I have a ship that can take you to her. As we were heading there after my men have some time off. I have a feeling she knows didn't know about you either.. Untill recently. I hope you do not hold that against her. She is a good woman, that has recently lost her son." It was odd that he knew so much, then again. He had been told of Shaun..as for the first part of his comment. It was just a feeling he had. A strong gut feeling.

Georg just grinned to her callig Lori his wife, before looking to her when she turned about as red as she possibly could. Trying hard not to laugh at her blushing so badly. He then looked back to Emily, managing not to chuckle. "She is easy to embareass, but we are a couple.. And you are welcomed aboard my ship. Ghallon is like family to me, which makes Willow family. I have always been one to help family." Bowing his head to her.

He glanced to Lori now. "As for you. I know that idea has been in your mind ever since we were little." Daring to tease her right in front of their new friend. As he batted his lashes at Lori, playfully mocking her voice next.

"When I grow up..I'm going to marry him." Now he started to chuckle in to his mug, as he looked to Emily with a wink.

"She is a good woman. She was a slayer fo a long time, but has since retired. Ruling along side Ghallon, whom would do anything for her." Softly to Emily, before looking towards Lori with a sweet smile.

He then looked back to Emily. "From what I know about her. I am sure she is running around worried about if you will like her. Her probably fear of you being like Shaun..your brother. Doesn't seem to be needed. He...turned on everyone, from what I was told." Fishing out a letter, that was a touch old and handed it to Emily. It would give her a better idea to what he had meant about Shaun.

"In the four kingdoms, there are none that hunt anyone. So you can leave that worry behind, once we leave here. And if you want, you can bring your foster parents with you." Softly to Emily, before turnning his gaze towards Lori as Emily read the letter.

"I was planning on coming here. You noesy little woman, and when we get to where we are going. You can pester the other women about how they done their weddings. To help you to dream about it more." He smiled at her as he just had to tease her again.

He then looked back to Emily."From what I was told personally, he was dragged off to a portal to the Earth realm and tossed it. With them sealing it afterwards." Said as he stuffed a apple in Lori's open mouth, when she was a bout to comment. Knowing she'd get him back the moment they were alone.

Georg nodded softly to Em, before smiling softly. "It is a peacefull and beautifull place. I am sure you will love it there." A smile and wink to Emily, followed by a blown kiss towards her, just to torment his dear Lori some more.

He then flashed Lori an innocent smile, like he just didn't do anything flirting. "You are nosey. As for your dreams.. You tell me all about your steamy naughty sexual dreams that you have about me." Oh so sweetly.

Georg chuckled softly to Lori getting all rilled up at him, before looking to Em. Winking again, as he lowered his voice so just the three could hear him. "You should hear the things she dreams up. She's such a sweet innocent girl. But the things she talks about..Could make a grown man blush." He's so asking for it.

He chuckled softly, as he patted Lori on the shoulder. "Poor innocent Lori. Always trying to sneak a look at me when she thinks I'm not looking. Or trying to sneak into my room, when I am sleeping to have her way with me." He stood up quickly, and moved towards the counter to pay for their drinks and food. Before Lori could hit him.

After paying for their meal, he looked over at the two for a moment. Grinning as it seemed Lori would have someone to chat with when they got back to the ship. Now a shake of his head as he moved back towards the two, hands clasped behind his back.

"If you two ladies are ready. We can head back to the ship, so you two can gossip some more about me." Teasing the pair as he offered his arm to Lori, only to do the same to Emily a moment later. This done to rile Lori up even more.

He nodded lightly to Emily, before looking down to Lori. Flashing her his best innocent, I'm not a rogue smile as he started to walk her out. "I don't have a clue to what you are talking about. I was just trying to be a gentleman, and walk her out as well." Said in that smooth tone of voice.

Along the way to the ship, he sent word by one of his men. That they would be heading out soon, giving th men enough time to gather their familes together. Knowing it'd be a while before they headed home.

He chuckled softly, as they moved up the gangplank then quirked a brow to seeing Emily had beat them there. He then shrugged as Lori moved to show her to a cabin, with a smirk to her comment about vampires. He made a final check as the men and women started to come back.

Cook was the last one to show up, with a grunt to Georg. Getting his brows to rise, watching his hand gestures, before nodding. He headed back in to town to gather the things he needed. Before carrying them back, then down into the galley. Handing them over to the man.

He was on his way back up to the deck, before looking to Emily. "We are about to leave. If you need to ask me anything. I'll more than likely be on the deck, or my cabin. Or if you want..you can go talk to Lori." Offering her a smile, before he snapped his fingers.

"Oh..one last thing.. Don't mind Cook. He..doesn't have a tongue, so don't mind him if he grunts at you." A light smile..as that was a story neither him nor Cook ever told anyone.

He chuckled softly. "Tis a personal choice of her's. She always loved cooking. Even if she growls at whoever teases her about it. She is a great cook, and the people of the crew are coming around to her. Cook on the other hand loves the help, plus it gives him someone to smack people aroud if need be." He smiled softly.

He nodded lightly. " Just rest and enjoy your stay upon my ship. If you wish to offer help, that is fine as well." Bowing his head lightly to her, before moving up onto the deck. To help get the ship sailing.

Actually it wasn't Georg moving into the galley, it was actually his newest crew member that he had picked up in town. A rather tall drow male, long white hair with a pair of piercing silver eyes. He looked over those present before he moved to get himself something to eat. A nod to Lori and Cook, before moving to join the lone female, sitting across from her.

Lori grinned back.the new crew men was handsome and he had the few women on board staring at him.Lori went back to work making up plates of food for passing crew.

Emily looked up.She had been focused ont he plate in front of her. She hadnt noticed this man before. He must be new. A drow.Her brows rose softly.Drow Kin were rare,and rarer at sea still.

He quirked a brow right back at her, before looking her over a moment. " Vampiric. " Murmured in a low tone of voice. " Never seen a Drow before?" Said before he started to eat slowly.

Georg was the last to arrive, as he moved over to torment Lori. With a smirk to seeing the newest crew mate sitting with Em. He took his plate from Lori. She starred at him for a long moment. It was hard for mortals to tell her apart they had dull senses but elves,drows and others coudl easily tell. "Not in some time."

Lori grinned at her Capt. As she handed out the last plate then sat with cook to eat. Georg chuckled softly as he sat with her and Cook. " Looks like Em made a new friend. "

Zhorn chuckled. " Would you like me to make this rare moment one to remember? " He looked at her, not a smile crossing his lpis as he seemed to just be toying with her.

"Pardon?" Emilys brows rose softly at her she could feel Lori and Georg watching her from behind.

Lori grinned as Georg sat with her cook and a few of the other crew. "Shes blushing."Lori whispered. "You sure can pick em. Capt." Zhorn chuckled faintly. " I said do you want me to burn my image into your mind so that you never forget meeting me. " Leaning towards her as he sipped the ale.

Georg chuckled softly. " That she is. " Cook grunted, as he looked between the two, with a chuckle. " She probably is thinking about it. " Catching what Cook had meant.

Emily blinked at him having no clue what to say.She wasnt usually this way.She was witty and always found it easy to speak to men.Most men.

Lori looked between cook and Georg then back towards Em and the new guy. Zhron moved around the table to Em, not even asking as he caught her by the chin. Then kissed her slowly and deeply. Which got a cheer from the men, egging him on.

Georg chuckled as he watched the scene. Lori cheered too.And then burst in to laughter.

Emily didnt know what to do.She wouldnt normally let someone kiss her like that.But she allowed it. For a moment ebfore she pulled away.Her fair cheeks flushed red. " Oh no you don't. " Murmured the drow as he pulled her right back into that kiss. After a few moments, he casually moved back to his side of the table. Then started to eat slowly.

Georg cheered as well, and once the kiss was over. " Wonder if she'll run and hide.. or just stare at him." Pulled back in to that ksis witht he crew hooting and hollaring. Her cheek were bright red now. As he pulled away and sat back down she stared blankly at him.

Lori snickered watching. "Thats one way to get noticed." " Yes it is.." Georg chuckled and made kissy faces at Lori.

" My name is Zhorn..and you are welcomed for the kiss. " The drow looked to her a moment, before looking back down to his plate. Acting like the whole scene never happened. Emily blinked at him and bit her bottom lip. "Bold arent you Zhorn? "

Lori amde kissey faxes back athim before she rose and started walking about taking up empty plates leaving the kissing two alone at their private table.Georg smirked as he moved to help Lori clean up. Cook soon moved to help as well.

" If I was bold. I would of pulled you to your feet, then bent you in a dip, with your back flat on the table and kissed you. " Zhorn looked at her on that. Saying it as if they were talking about the weather. Emily blinked at him. "Hmm indeed. Is that how you greet all new women that you meet?Or just the ones that stare for far too long?"

" Just the ones that undress me with their eyes and their minds. Wondering what it would be like with a drow. " Another bite of his food and sip of his wine. Her brows rose softly. "Do you read minds Master Drow?" Her steal blue grey eyes stayed on him now not even noting how the crew was finishing up. "I suppose all women enjoy to undress you with their eyes and minds. "

" I do not..but I was trained to read eyes. " Looking to her again as he leaned towards her just a touch. " Right now you are playing that kiss over and over in your mind.. Wondering what it would be like if I were to pin you to the wall. In a slow heated kiss. "

Her brows rose higher. "Perceptive. "She rose slowly to her feet. Loria nd Cook stared at then as they finsihed the clean up. "It seems most of the crew is gone.You should get back to your duty." She bowed her head softly and left swiftly. Zhron smirked as he watched her dart off. He then took his plate to Lori. He then turned to slowly follow after Em.

Georg smirked as he watched the others, before moving to his cabin. Lori chuckled and winked to the drow before setting to her clean up work with cook.

Emily flitered throught he passing crew whom hooted at her and some eyed her now more than before. She was seeking safe refugue in her own room.

Just as Em moved into her room, and shut it. Zhron as followed her in, waitting for her to light the candles. She'd find him leaning back against the door.

She took a long breath before lighting her candle.She smelt him now his scent. "Following me?" Turning not suprsed as she was sure hed hoped. "Its a dangerous thing following a vampire." He smirked to that. " You aren't that dangerous. " As if daring her to prove him wrong.

She growled lowly at him. "Don't push your luck." There wasnt nearly enough room it seemed now in har spacious cabin. She was at one end he at the other no way out. "I am far more dangerous than I look."

"Prove it""Said very much like a dare.

Her brows rose at him and she growled a bit more. "If I hurt you Georg would be mad.Have one of his crew men held up in a body cast.So I will try not to break anything. "She moved closer now.She might just toss him out.

He waitted till she was within striking distance, before pulling her in dangerous close to his own form. " Perhaps..but you have me all alone now. What will you do?"

She narrowed her eyes and growled again. Her hands reached up and grabbed his shirt. "Toss you out on your ass." He let her grip his shirt, as his arms snaked around her. Trapping her arms against his chest. " Do it and you'll go with me. "

She sneered at him as his arm went around her. Then she shoved him back to thed oor wth some force. "What do you want?" He pulled her right along with him. " Have I burned my image into your mind" Suddenly so softly, as his other hand moved up to caress her cheek. Aimming to get a gasp from her to the slight shock she'd recieve. And get her to jerk back from him.

She jerked back softly.Shocked. "Why? Bored?" He smirked to that. " No..but you enjoyed it. " A wink to her as he sliped out of her room. Leaving her to ponder his words. She watched him go.More confused than before.

Lori leaned nearer to hima nd snickered .Crendia was beautiful,a wide expanse of country,hills and valleys and she could see the city from here the spires of the great palace. "Wow." as all she could say before Gerog bid his crew to go and have fn. They didn't need much more than that and everyone left.

Emily blushed softly to the wink form the dark elf. And then looked back at Georg and Lori. She already had her things with her. "I am ready now."

Lori smirked linking her hand with Gerog's. "I think your right.Smitten." She whispered back as theyw ere now in route towards Em. Lori smiled to Emily. It didn;t look like it would be too long ebfore they reached that Palace.

Emily was still blushing as she looked away over the dock and the city beyond it. The city streached out fromt he docks but ina odd way. There was the little dock town, the people their sailors and pirates and the lot of stores and bars for them then thier was a wide expane of field,grass,flowers and a few trees then low walls of a gated city beyond that the spire of a great palace seen even with the dullst of eye sights. Lori was sure Georg would know the way she trusted in that.

Emily looked back tot hem then slowly followed them down the gang plank. A bag over her shoudler the other across her form. Ready for nearly anything. But her eyes turned towards Zhorn. Why was it thats he still couldnt get him out of her mind even now? She wlaked along beside the good Capt and Lori. Lori seemed fasinated with Crendia as well. "Have you never been here Miss Lori?" "No,Georg has though. Its amazing."
Emily nodded. "Indeed."

"Greetings Captain Aurdon." Zorin bowed his head. "Greetings to you all. Miss Emily I was sent to come and greet you but it seems you have already found your way here with the Captians help."

Emily nodded and looked a bit nervous. Lori grinned at the man. Zorin. Then looked to Emily. She lookd more nervous now than she had the entire trip more so than even when Zhorn and she were all smoochy. "I hope you have enough room for all of us."

Zorin looked then to the blonde elfess. "Of corse my lady, I shall gladly guide you all back to the palace" He turned ona heel and started the way he had come.

(cross posted in greenstone tale and continued there)