Once again it was after dark and Eric found himself unable to sleep. The events of the last few days blurred in his mind; the capture, the meeting with the Baroness, the dungeon and its subsequent escape, the recapture of the Sea Ghost. I certainly didn’t predict what would be involved in returning to the ship. I certainly have a newfound understanding for women. Eric made his way to the bow of the ship, again. He was clad only in the breeches from his leather armor, boots and he had his Katana at his side. I do not plan on making the same mistake twice. When he came out on deck, Eric was careful to avoid Kasey at the tiller. The other two crewman had given Eric a wide berth. I can’t say that I blame them. Last time I was on deck like this I got hurt, and then Bree got hurt, and then well, I did enjoy teaching Bree that Yoga exercise. I wonder if the surviving crew realizes that the woman who ended up slitting the throats of the rest of the crew was me in disguise?

Putting the thoughts in his mind to rest, Eric began a set of yoga exercises to warm up the muscles of his body. They were still sore and bruised from the time in the box and the dungeon. Hopefully, his muscles would be back to normal soon. I’m really only expecting one person to join me on deck tonight. I passed by Bree’s cabin and made enough noise outside by accidentally knocking over some boxes near their door that I should have woken up the dead. I hope Bree noticed the commotion and my distinctive curse and will eventually come on deck to investigate. The cool breeze from the ocean no longer chilled Eric’s body as he began practicing his katas for the Katana. I’ve got time to wait and I can definitely use the practice. Since I am without a bow for a while I should practice the skills that I have neglected for a little while. I can use the time to get my thoughts in order as well.

* ~ * ~ *

The large Orc sneered at Breanna and began the steady swing of the broad sword that would cut her in two as she struggled to escape. She skittered backwards, trying to put as much distance as she could between herself and the Orc. In her backwards flight, she knocked a few boxes over on to the deck, and the dead crewman, with their throats all neatly slit, grabbed her arms and pulled her forward. She scrambled for her sword, but she had no weapons. She tried to cast a defensive spell. What defensive spell? You don’t have a defensive spell Bree. The heka strands unraveled before she had a chance to weave them into what she needed. Her heart pounding in her ears, she screamed soundlessly.

Startled, Bree’s eyes flew open and she grabbed for the dagger sitting in her lap as well as the rapier she had sitting beside her on the bed. Once her hands touched her weapons, she leaped into a guard position, looking frantically around the room for the threat. Outside her door, she could hear the muffled sound of boxes being righted and Eric’s soft curse. Surprisingly, there was no alarm in his voice. Bree took a shaking breath and relaxed her grip on both dagger and sword. She could barely hear Eric’s soft steps as his feet carried him away from her. She was shaking almost uncontrollably and her stomach gave an uneasy lurch. She took another breath, steadier this time and murmured the same curse she had just heard outside her door. “Kuso”.

She hadn’t meant to fall asleep. Even though she knew that she was well guarded and that she needed the rest, she still didn’t feel safe. The Orcs had snuck in on her once before and they had been captured. She wasn’t going to repeat her mistakes twice. She felt the familiar pin prick of tears and rubbed her eyes hastily. What’s the point in crying? It doesn’t make you feel better. Leave it. Bree took another deep breath, relieved that her door hadn’t crashed open with an unexpected enemy. Bree laid her sword back on her bed, and tucked the dagger in its sheath at her side.

Bree looked over at Adria, still blissfully sleeping and envied the younger girl. I bet she’s not having any nightmares. Since her companions didn’t know how long it would be until they reached the port of Kieta, and because Adria didn’t seem to be sick when she was sleeping, Bilbus had suggested a sleeping spell and Bree had agreed. Why is Eric up at this time of night? He must be tired. Or maybe he can’t sleep. I wonder if his nightmares are as bad as mine have been.

Trying to push her mind away from the events of the last few days and her nightmare, Bree remembered another night, not so long ago when neither she nor Eric could sleep. Bree couldn’t help but smile a weak smile. Maybe I just need a little fresh air. I don’t really want to be alone right now anyway. Is this what Adria means by plotting? Her smile broadened slightly at the thought and she sheathed her rapier. If she was going out on deck, she might as well look like she was doing something productive. Bree attached the scabbard to her belt, and picked up her healing pack as well as the small paper wrapped package that contained the clean remnants of Eric’s shirt and placed them both on her bed. Somehow Eric’s shirt had been mixed in with her and Adria’s things the night they retook the ship. Bree had washed it and planned to return it to him. Just another reason to go out on deck Breanna?

More relaxed now and with the horror of her dream slowly dissipating like the fog, Bree crossed the small room quietly and pulled the covers up over Adria’s shoulders, tucking a loose strand of Adria’s hair behind her ear. She checked to be sure the bucket was close at hand just in case Adria woke and tucked an extra pillow around her head so that if the boat rocked too hard, she wouldn’t bang her head.

Giving a second thought to her appearance, Bree let a few strands of her now clean hair, curl around her face. Both Bree and Adria had washed as thoroughly as possible earlier in the day. It hadn’t been a proper bath, but nonetheless it had been blissful. Bree straightened her linen shirt, put on her leather vest (leaving it un-laced in an attempt to appear casual) and straightened the cuffs of her boots. She winced slightly as she bent forward. Her muscles were stiff and sore from the unaccustomed work on board the ship and she had any number of bruises from their capture.

Deciding that her appearance was as good as it was going to get at this hour, Bree picked up her pack and the package, crossed to the door, and slipped silently out into the chilly night. The night breeze caressed Bree’s body with its cold fingers and she shivered slightly. I don’t think I’ll ever be completely warm again. Before closing the door, she grabbed her thick riding cloak from its hook beside the door and swung it around her shoulders.

As Bree stood at her closed door, she looked across the deck, letting her eyes adjust to the darkness. Bilbus would be wandering “his” boat at this hour she was sure. If Bilbus catches me out here at this hour with Eric he’s never going to let me live this down. Ah well, I’d rather be out here and have to live with the teasing then be in there fighting that Orc. Bree shuddered slightly at the thought of the nightmare.

Just then, a familiar figure moved at the bow of the ship. There wasn’t much of a moon tonight, but she knew without a doubt that it was Eric. She stood silently watching as he inspected his Katana and moved gracefully through the night with it in his hands. She didn’t want to disturb his meditation. Well, now what am I going to do? He’s obviously busy. He’s going to think I’m some foolish maiden following him around in the night. Bree could feel the heat rise in her face, O.K., so I am foolish. Well, it’s not like I don’t have things I need to do anyway. I’ll sit under the lantern at the mast and organize my healing pack. When he’s finished, I’ll just return his shirt. At least I’m not alone out here. This is much better than watching Adria sleep and fighting my own nightmares. Her decision made, Bree crossed the deck quietly to the mast and tried to sit down. She had forgotten that she was wearing her rapier. Silently cursing her clumsiness, Bree removed the scabbard from her belt and laid it carefully within her reach on the deck. Then she sat down, cross legged and began taking everything out of her healing pack, not trusting herself to look back at the bow of the ship.

* ~ * ~ *

Eric moved from Kata to Kata. His position on the deck changed as he moved back and forth, fighting off imaginary foes of every type and description. Most of the movements and actions that Eric practiced seemed to be utilitarian and without any grace or style. It was if they had been learned and practiced, but the spirit of the move had yet to make itself known to him; however, every once in a while he would execute a series of movements that flowed from one to the next, simultaneously a deadly combination of art and beauty. As Eric practiced, he noticed the sounds of another arrival on deck. He suddenly interrupted his movements and turned to face the new arrival while striking a guard position with his katana. It would have to be Bree. Well it isn’t like you didn’t want this to happen… I guess I was hoping that I could have a little more time to figure out what to do. Sheathing his katana in a single fluid movement, Eric stood in the darkness and watched Bree for a moment, sitting down on the deck with her equipment thoughtfully placed around her. Is that a rapier by her side? I guess I’m not the only one tired of being caught without a weapon on hand. She’s becoming more and more an adventurer as each day passes.

Eric slowly walked across the deck to where Bree was seated. “Bree,” Eric said, “I’m glad to have found you here on deck tonight. There are things that I meant to talk to you about, but until now I have not had the courage to do so.” I still might not. Trying carefully not to wince, Eric gently lowered himself to sit across from Bree on the wooden deck planks. Bree was wrapped up in her traveling cloak, fighting to keep the chill of the night breeze from her body. “I have been spending a lot of time thinking about what and how I should say this to you… and I find that I can’t remember any of it.” Eric chuckled at the irony of his situation and then continued to speak.

“I find that I am an explorer in a strange new territory of my life. In my journeys I’ve wandered through many different lands. I’ve seen areas of such exquisite beauty that it would make you cry to know that something like that existed in the world. I’ve crossed lands that were so hostile that even if your guide knew the area well, he was not expected to return from the journey. I have meet people whose customs and rituals ranged from odd to disgusting to beautiful. Yet, I find that I have no experience to help me, no one to whom I can turn to and ask for guidance. So I discover that I must find my way myself, through this unexplored vista of my existence. Bree, what I’m trying to say is that I find myself in a place that I have never been, and I am terrified of making a mistake.”

“I get up in the morning and the first thought in my mind is ‘I wonder where I will first find Bree today.’ I’m giddy every time that we meet or talk. I’m alive like I have never been before when you are around, and when you go, there is this terrible emptiness inside me, almost as if a part of me has died. Your face is the last face that I see when I close my eyes at night. You even haunt my dreams at night.” Eric stopped for a moment and looked around the deck and into the rigging trying to make sure that Bree was the only person within hearing of what he had to say next.

“I was raised as a noble child, the first born son to my father. I’ve known from an early age that I would not marry someone of my choosing. My duty as a noble was to marry to improve the position of my family in the complicated hierarchy of nobility. I was told again and again that my duty was first to my family and the people who we cared for, and myself second. I do not expect to marry for joy or happiness. Only for duty. Never for love. This is how I grew up, running from any woman who might make me happy, because how could I honor the marriage that would be arranged for me if I knew that there was someone out there who could make me happy. Happiness and love are reasons that anyone who is not of noble birth can marry for. I cannot. So you can imagine my surprise when I figured out that I had fallen head over heels for someone who walked into my life. What I was not looking for and felt that I could never have is right under my nose. Even worse, because of how I look at love, I cannot even recognize it for myself. Bree, what I’m trying to say with all of this is that I find that I have fallen in love with you, and it scares me to death.”

* ~ * ~ *

Bree sat and listened quietly, a packet of crushed Rosehips sitting forgotten in her lap, her mind spinning deliriously with happiness. He loves me? He LOVES me? He loves Me? Surely that’s not what he just said. I must have heard wrong. No...that has to be what he said. It just has to be. Gods, what do I say now? Adria, what do I do now? Unconsciously, Bree reached her hand towards Eric. When she realized what she was doing, she hastily grabbed the paper wrapped package and clutched it in her lap with the packet of Rosehips. Eric, how can I tell you how I feel? Bree could feel her face grow warm even though the sea breeze was cool along her cheeks. She could feel the tears pricking her eyes again, but this time for the sheer joy of what Eric had just said, and she smiled gently. How do I begin? Can he see how much I love him?

“I don’t know if you’ll remember or not, but when I was 11 years old, I watched as my father married my oldest sister to a wealthy artisan family. Until their wedding day, they had never laid eyes on each other, let alone conversed in any way. Their marriage served one purpose and one purpose only, to open yet another trade route between two distant lands. It wasn’t until it was too late that my father regretted his choice of husbands for Ellen. The man he had given his oldest daughter to was very violent and he beat Ellen mercilessly on more than one occasion. Ellen died just a few months after my mother.”

Trying to wave away the sadness that tried to consume her happiness, she continued softly, “It’s an old story, and I don’t expect you to remember it. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I too have always known that I would never marry for love, joy or happiness. If my father could choose so poorly for Ellen, then he would choose as poorly for me. To be honest, I’ve been dreading that day for 11 years.” Bree chuckled with a small hint of bitterness in her voice and continued, “But I’m a dutiful daughter and in this my father and brothers keep telling me that they will prevail. I didn’t want to fall in love with anyone, because I knew nothing could ever come of it. I’ve managed to avoid all of the suitors and instead threw myself into my healing studies. But now I find myself looking for you anxiously in the morning. I find myself smiling for no reason when we both stop to talk or when I see you across the room. I fight the same emptiness that you speak of when you’re away from me. I don’t know when it happened. I don’t know when I fell in love with you. I didn’t even know that’s what I felt, until now, and it scares me too. If I let myself love you, will you break my heart? Yet if I deny that same love, then I know my heart will shatter, because you are the only one I’ve ever felt this way about. ” Surprised at her own candor and afraid to meet his eyes, Bree sat quietly starring at the crumpled package in her lap. Now you’ve said too much Breanna. He’ll get up and leave you sitting here. You were honest with your feelings though, and the next move has to be his, even if he chooses to walk away.

* ~ * ~ *

Eric sat on the deck and listened to Bree’s story, trying to blink back the tears in his eyes. Bree’s attention was focused on a paper wrapped bundle in her lap and she didn’t seem to notice the wetness threatening to spill out of his eyes. She actually loves me too? What have I started?

“Bree, I watch Bilbus and Adria and it’s obvious that there is something deeper between the two. More than their ceaseless bickering, I can see a deeper bond between them and neither one has grasped the implications of that bond. Instead they go on their merry way and waste what little time they have to share together.” Eric looked up into Bree’s eyes, his own eyes shining in the dark. “I don’t want us to end up like that. Going through the world wasting what time we have together. We both know that there will come a time when our duty as nobles will call us away. I don’t know what will happen then, but I want to stop wasting whatever time we have left. I may never again get the chance to know what it is to love someone as much as I find I love you Bree. I say, let’s take these moments that we find ourselves in and not let them slip through our fingers.”

* ~ * ~ *

Bree released a breath that she hadn’t realized she was holding and her grip loosened on the package. A single tear had found it’s way to her cheek when she had thought Eric would leave. She giggled softly and brushed the tear away before meeting Eric’s eyes again. “Bilbus and Adria? Yes, there is something between those two, “ she said shaking her head and grinning slightly. “I think they both realize it, but are bound too strongly in their own beliefs in what they can and cannot have.” There is also something dangerous about that whole situation and I’m afraid for them both. “But as a friend so kindly pointed out to me not too long ago, happiness is something that must be taken in the moment, because if you don’t, when you go looking for it, you’ll find that it’s gone forever and you will have missed something beautiful.” With a small look of mischief on her face as well as a grin she wasn’t sure would ever leave, she continued, “I’d rather not miss out on anything as beautiful as this.” Dropping her voice so that she was sure only Eric would hear her, she said, “So I say, Eric my love, no slipping moments for us.” Bree tossed the now crumpled package playfully at Eric’s midriff, and leaned back with her palms against the deck. She tossed her head back as well, and smiled up at the stars, as she stretched her aching back.

* ~ * ~ *

Eric felt the nervousness leave his body. Bree is still here, and she shares my opinion on time? Bree loves me. All of a sudden, Eric found himself holding the package that Bree had just threw at him. It had a soft, yielding feel. Cloth of some kind? Bree smiled a funny little smile at Eric. I don’t think that I have ever seen that smile on Bree before. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever noticed any woman smile at me like that before. I wonder what Bree’s thinking of right now? Eric’s breath caught in his throat as he watched Bree arch her back. Making a funny sound in his throat, Eric turned his attention to the paper wrapped package. Carefully unwrapping the paper revealed a folded pile of silk. It’s my shirt, from inside the dungeon, pieces of it were ripped off so that we could make bandages and other useful items. Bree must have recovered it and cleaned it. There is no way this shirt will fit me any more. I have others in the belongings we recovered from the docks.

“Thank you for my shirt Bree.” Eric said as he moved to sit beside Bree on the deck. “I don’t think it fits me quite right anymore. Why don’t you keep it? The material will work well with your healing kits.” Eric held the shirt up. “Or, you might keep it for yourself. I know it has not been tailored professionally for you, but it would make me happy to know that you have kept it for yourself.” Eric laid down on the deck beside Bree and offered the silk shirt back to her.

* ~ * ~ *

Glancing over at Eric, she could see his broad smile in the darkness. That grin was filled with amusement and something else, something that she had seen before and had hated, but coming from Eric…that was something new and not unpleasant either. It made her heart race. She was sure that if her heart didn’t slow down soon, it would surely burst. Am I dreaming? If this is a dream, may I never wake. Bree looked back up at the stars and tried to imagine her muscles stretching toward that sky. Eric loves me? Suppressing the excited panic that she felt as Eric laid down beside her on the deck, Bree took the offered shirt, blushing as her hand brushed his. “Thank you.” Still unsure as to what to do with herself with Eric lying beside her on the deck, Bree stretched forward and began distractedly sorting through the various packets, vials and wraps that contained her healing supplies. Why is this so hard? Because he just said he loves you. I never would have dreamed I’d be this nervous. Bree chuckled softly feeling the soft material between her fingers and said, “I wasn’t sure if you’d want it back or not.” Puzzled, she continued, “I am curious though, why would it make you happy for me to keep it?”

Her mind racing and trying to fight off the sudden shyness she was feeling, she looked down at Eric and raced ahead softly, “Am I dreaming? Did you really just say that you’re in love with me? Did I just tell you that I’m in love with you?” Realizing that she was bombarding Eric with questions and half afraid that he’d laugh and tell her he was only jesting, she turned away and laughed. “I’m sorry. This is just, well, it’s just very odd. It’s odd in a wonderful way though. I never thought I’d be here with you like this. I’ve wanted it for so long, and I find myself suddenly shy. So what do we do now? How do we quit wasting the precious moments we have left?”

* ~ * ~ *

Eric could feel the lingering warmth from Bree’s touch as she took back the shirt. “I wanted you to have the shirt because I thought that you might like to have something that was personal of mine. That way, no matter what happens to us you can look at this shirt, feel the material and you can remember the times that we spent together. Like the last time we were on deck, or maybe tonight, when we can finally admit that we love each other.” The motion of the ship as it moves through the waves is starting to irritate the bruises on my back. Wincing, Eric sat up and looked at the stars above. “I didn’t think that there would be a moment like this in my life either Bree. A moment where I realized that I love someone more than I thought was possible for anyone to love.” Eric turned to face Bree, “I am in love with you Bree. Know that I have fallen head over heels for you. Know that I don’t have the first idea of what comes next.” Is Bree shivering under that cloak? It’s hard to tell.

“Bree, are you cold out here on the deck? I was hoping that the cool night air would ease some of the aches in my body, but I don’t think it’s helping. Do you know of anything that might take the ache out of these bruises?”

* ~ * ~ *

The cold night breeze was beginning to pick up. Just a little, but it seemed colder than it had a few minutes ago. Bree shivered slightly under her cloak and hoped Eric couldn’t see. What I wouldn’t give to be completely warm again. I think we all ended up with a touch of the cold sickness, but at least we survived. Ahhh…don’t go back to those thoughts Breanna. This is a moment you don’t want to slip away. She couldn’t help but smile broadly with a touch of mischief in her eyes when Eric told her his reasons for wanting her to have his shirt. “Then I shall keep it. Who knows, maybe I can hem the bottom. It might be a little shorter than my other shirts, but you never know, I may even wear it on occasion. Thank you.” Chuckling softly she continued, “I don’t know where we should begin either, but maybe just knowing what we feel for each other is enough for the moment. It’ll be a most wondrous adventure.”

Bree shivered again as another breeze caught the hair at the back of her neck.

Rubbing her arms under her cloak Bree looked over at Eric. He was smiling softly at her, but she had seen his pained expression when he had sat up. “I am a little chilly, but you must be freezing! I’ll happily share my cloak with you and I’ll see if I can find a little salve to help with the sore muscles and bruises.” She bent stiffly toward her pack. There was a small note of sarcasm in her voice as she continued, “After our little ‘adventure’ in the dungeon, I don’t think it’s possible to be truly warm.” Adventure Breanna? We all could have died down there.

But we didn’t, we made it out and with only a few small injuries here and there. We even managed to get our ship back.

Her conscience laughed bitterly, But at what cost? You helped take those lives Breanna. The blood is on your hands as much as anyone else’s.

NO!! I will not let these thoughts ruin this for me! Digging through her now somewhat more organized pack, she found the salve that she had been looking for. She rubbed the cold jar between her hands trying to get it warm. When she thought it was warm enough, she undid the clasp of her cloak, and put it over Eric’s bare chest with the opening toward his back before kneeling behind him a little closer than she really needed to. She placed a generous portion of the salve on her own hands, delighting in the warmth, and then began to slowly massage Eric’s bare shoulders. “This’ll feel a little warm and it should help the soreness.”

* ~ * ~ *

The warmth from the salve started to work into Eric’s shoulders. I can feel the muscles starting to relax. ”Thank you for sharing your cloak. I don’t notice the cold much these days, but that doesn’t mean my body won’t suffer either. Sometimes I forget these things.” The muscles in Eric’s shoulders started to relax. Eric closed his eyes. “I know how you feel when you wonder if there will be a time when your body doesn’t ache. You begin to think that maybe you’ll never be warm, clean or well fed again. You begin to wonder if there will be a time where you won’t have to worry about your own life and the lives of your companions every moment of the day.” Eric chuckled once, a bitter and humorless laugh. “These are the moments that get skipped when you tell the story of your adventure. The brave hero or heroine always has the right answer, knows just the thing to say, find’s the treasure and kills the villain. They never have to worry about their horse going lame, the sickness they pick up, frostbite, or where their next meal is coming from. For me, being on an adventure means that you are always scared, about to be killed and never know where your next meal is coming from.” Bree’s hands seemed to have stopped rubbing in the salve. Is it me or has it gotten warmer while sharing this cloak? “There is something on your mind Bree, something that you don’t know how to do or say. What is it?”

* ~ * ~ *

Bree sat quietly listening. She tried desperately to think of nothing but the massage, the muscles relaxing under her fingers. The memories of the last few days took their vengeance on her mind and her hands began to shake. The shaking continued through the rest of her body, but it wasn’t with cold. Not this time. She laid her head on Eric’s back, moving her hands to his sides, and for the first time in days, let the tears fall.

Through her tears, she managed to whisper, “You’re right you know, when the storytellers tell of grand adventures, they never tell you about the guilt that you’ll feel. They don’t tell you that the villains are people and that they bleed. They don’t tell you about the nightmares you’ll have to fight and live through.”

* ~ * ~ *

Eric sat in the warmth of Bree’s cloak and listened to her voice. He could feel the moisture from her tears on his back and the sorrow in her voice.

“No. No they don’t.” said Eric. “There are those who rationalize the taking of another life. They will say things like ‘It was him or me.’ or ‘They were killed for the greater good.’ or ‘It was evil.’ or one of a hundred other reasons.”

Eric listened to the sounds of the water against the hull and the wind in the rigging of the ship. The sounds had a soothing effect. I am beginning to see the allure of the ocean. “There are those who come to realize how frightfully intimate a moment is when you look at someone who is in the final moment of their life and you know that it is you who brought it to pass. Some people crave that moment of connection and kill randomly and indiscriminately for the pure joy they find in that moment. Others, in that moment, swear never to cause another to pass, unless it is their own. Out of fear of that intimacy or respect for life they will become a person who will never kill another living thing again. Sometimes at the cost of their own life.”

Eric closed his eyes and took several slow deep breaths, to calm his quickened pulse. Why is my heart beating like a trapped rabbit? Eric spoke in a soft and gentle voice, “I choose to avoid lethal combat whenever I can. I have come to treasure life that I find in every form. The more I think that someone is different from me, the more alike I find we are. All of us share a common bond, whether we chose to acknowledge it or not. Every time I take a life, a tiny portion of my spirit dies with my opponent. I have failed in some small way whenever I must use lethal force.” Eric’s voice became harder, “Make no mistake. Once I have made that choice, the choice to kill, I play to win. There are no rules for taking life from another.” Eric’s voice again softened, “When it is over, and I am left standing with my foes slain, I feel two emotions. For a short time I feel sorrow at the failure in myself to prevent this lethal exchange. Then I take pride in myself because I am still alive. It’s a rather paradoxical view of combat. The Yin and Yang of my existence in balance.”

Eric turned to face Bree. “I have told you how others look at taking life. I have told you how I view this act. I can only show you some of the paths you have for your life Bree. You will have to chose the one to walk for yourself.”

* ~ * ~ *

Bree knelt silently behind Eric for several minutes with her hands still placed at his sides. The cool night breeze dried her tears and she found that she once again had control of her own body. The sounds of the water rushing past the ship, and Eric’s soft, deep voice, helped soothe her aching heart. And so which path do I walk? I don’t know. I’ve made the very same rationalizations that Eric spoke of…The crew betrayed us. Captain de Peltier condemned us. They were evil. It was either them or us, and still the guilt is there. In their dead eyes, do I deserve to die in the same manner in which we killed them? Yes. Could we have prevented it? Yes. No. Maybe? But we are alive, and I will NOT let my life be taken for nothing.

Master Shipley’s ragged voice echoed in her mind with the most fundamental of lessons he had taught her. All life should be cherished; from the tiniest plant, to the largest animal and everything in between. In the life circle all things live, and all things die, but life is a precious gift, not to be squandered or let go of without a fight. Breanna, the path you have chosen is as it has always been. Life.

Eric had turned slightly to face her and she had reluctantly folded her hands in her lap, enjoying the warmth of the salve on her hands and her cheek. Finding the strength to speak, Bree looked up into Eric’s questioning eyes. “I am a healer. I chose my path long ago when I began my studies. I choose life in all its forms. But in order to choose life, there is always death. I’ve seen it. I’ve tried to prevent it. Sometimes with great success, and other times… There are far more times when death is unavoidable, and you must bear witness to the awful intimacy of that person’s life slipping away. When the death is horrible and when the person is tired of fighting, then it’s a healer’s duty to ease their way, but it must be at their own request. Until now, death without sickness has never been my choice, and I think that’s why I feel so guilty.”

As she spoke, Bree’s resolve strengthened, and her voice, while still soft, held that strength. “I will hold to my beliefs, and I will avoid taking a life unnecessarily, but if it comes down to a choice between my life, or the ones that I love, I will fight. I will fight until there is no longer breath in my body. Should my fighting bring death, then I will have my regrets, but I will also have my life and that is a most precious gift. I will not waste it.”

Bree rubbed some more of the salve into her hands to warm it, and slowly began Eric’s massage again, feeling the muscles in his back release underneath her fingertips as her hands moved slowly down his warm back. How does he do that? How can he be so warm to the touch when it’s so cold out here? “Thank you for sharing that part of yourself with me, and for letting me be honest with you. Just talking and putting all of this chaos into words has helped me gain a little perspective. I can’t say that the guilt is gone, or that it will ever leave, but it’s not quite as debilitating as it was a few moments ago. There are still so many things I need to learn. Like learning swordplay. Someone isn’t always going to be here to protect me. I need to be able to do that on my own, and so I’m learning. There are always the more pleasant lessons though as well. Like learning to love.”

Her heart was lighter than it had been since she and her friends had retaken the ship. There was still a spot or two of sadness and uncertainty left, but she felt she could deal with those now. Eric loves me. With a smile in her voice, she asked, “Have I missed any other sore spots? Bree tried unsuccessfully to suppress another shiver. She moved closer to Eric, hoping to share a little of his warmth. It is getting colder out here…it’s not just me.

* ~ * ~ *

Is Bree shivering from the cold? Or is it something else? Eric watched for a moment as his breath plumed in front of him. I shared some of my soul and melted some of Bree’s guilt, a little body heat would go a long way to warming her body. Eric stood as he pulled the cloak from his chest and then knelt down behind Breanna. He swept the cloak around her so that it covered them both with the front opening again hanging over his back. “Let me see if I can help make you a little warmer.” Gently, Eric rubbed Bree’s arms, trying to bring some warmth to her body.

“If you want to learn from me I would love to teach you how to fight with a sword. You have a rapier and I have a sword. The weapons are not made to fight each other. The styles are very different. I think that there is a lot we can teach each other. But you’re right. There are more pleasant lessons to learn. I can teach you what I know about defending yourself, but I’m afraid I know almost nothing about love.”

* ~ * ~ *

Bree looked up into the rigging, and spotted the deck hand standing in the crows nest above them. He didn’t seem to be paying any attention to things going on below him. Then she spotted Bilbus and Kasey up on the poop deck. Kasey was at the tiller, starring out over the ocean, whistling softly to himself. If Kasey saw Eric and Breanna below him on the main deck he gave no sign. And then there was Bilbus. At the moment, he was sullenly looking out over the railing with a tabac stick in one hand. As if her glance had drawn Bilbus’s attention he looked over his shoulder and met Bree’s eyes. His sullen look sparkled into a mischievous grin before he turned back to Kasey who had followed his glance to Bree and Eric. Bilbus pointedly turned Kasey’s attention to a certain constellation that was being obscured by clouds. The distraction seemed to work. Bree giggled and moved closer to Eric underneath the cloak. “You know, we’re going to be teased mercilessly about this in the morning, and probably for the rest of this journey, but somehow I don’t mind so much just now.”

As Bree got warmer, she leaned back into Eric, enjoying the sounds of the ocean rushing against the boat as well as Eric’s gentle touch. For the first time in days, she was content, and almost truly warm. I don’t want this to end. Not just yet. She gently took Eric’s hands and held them to her arms so that she sat within the circle of his arms, and sighed happily.

At Eric’s offer of weapons instruction she turned slightly and looked up at him, questioningly. “You actually want to teach me? I would happily learn with you, if you’re sure this is something you’d like to do. If I’m going to do this…it will be for a purpose and not a pleasant one. All of the training in the world will do me no good if you train me as you would someone who just wanted to be cute holding a sword. ” Bree shivered slightly at the thought, but the warmth quickly chased it away. “Or maybe you have some suggestions for other weapons a little more suited to me? Adria and I were discussing this a few nights ago. Has it only been a few nights since Adria and I had that conversation? It feels like it’s been an eternity since that night. Adria suggested that maybe a different choice in weapons would suit me better as it’s a little hard to carry my rapier with me all the time.”

Still basking in the warmth of the shared cloak and Eric’s closeness, Bree grinned up at Eric and said teasingly, “What could I teach you in return?” The note of teasing left her voice and was replaced by something softer as she continued, “I know almost nothing about love either, but at least we both know what it is now.”

* ~ * ~ *

Eric gently embraced Bree from behind with the faint aroma of cinnamon and lilac teasing his nose. I’ll take whatever teasing I’ll get for this moment, I’d take it ten times over and this moment would still linger forever in my memory as one of my most cherished. Bree feels so soft and warm here under her cloak.

Leaning his head down so that his lips were next to Bree’s right ear he whispered, “My love, I wouldn’t dream of teaching you anything that you couldn’t really use. If you are going to learn to do something you learn to do it all, or don’t even bother. If you were slain because of some cheap trick that I taught you I would never be able to forgive myself.”

Bree’s breath caught in her throat when Eric whispered in her ear and she made that same odd noise that she had heard coming from Eric earlier when she had been stretching. She was immediately aware of how close they were to one another and while there was a small voice in her mind that kept telling her this was inappropriate, she wasn’t listening. Closing the door on that particular voice was part of not wasting the precious time she had left with Eric.

Eric raised his head from Bree’s ear and looked into the night sky. “There are almost as many different weapons in this world as there are stars in the sky. I believe that each of us has an instinctive talent towards a weapon that exists somewhere on Oerth. Sometimes it is the sword. Sometimes it is the bow, or the lance, or the axe, or any number of things. There are weapons that are not meant to kill but to incapacitate instead. Perhaps one of these weapons is yours. Perhaps not. I know of many weapons from both sides of my family. There are sadly few that I excel in. The Bow. The sword. The Sai. My hands and feet. Bilbus, Adria, Kasey, Sturm and Rishala all have weapons that they favor over others. I suggest that you try anything and everything that you can find until you find something that calls to you. Remember, the best weapon that you can ever have is here.” Eric said as he reached out from under the cloak and gently stroked Bree's temples. “If you can keep your wits about you, you can always find a way to beat your opponent. Always.” Eric put his hand back under the cloak and held Bree closer. “I think that if you learn to fight with your hands and feet, you will have a weapon always at hand and one that is likely to be overlooked. Healers don’t normally learn to fight bare handed.” Eric donned his most insufferable and stuffy noble tone “And a proper Lady would never even think to learn.”

Eric’s tone softened, “Would you like me to teach you how to fight with bare hands and feet?”

* ~ * ~ *

Laughing at Eric’s assumed tone, Bree settled herself more firmly in Eric’s embrace. Trying to sound as formal as Eric had only moments ago, Bree said, “I would like it very much if you were to teach me to fight with my hands and feet.” Bree continued softly and with sincerity, “I will try not to disappoint you, but I think you’ll find I’m a very stubborn student. Once I’ve begun something, I’m not one to walk away from it. You’re more than right. There is no sense in beginning something you don’t intend to finish or do well. Too many things go wrong when you don’t take the time to learn something completely. You’re also right in that healers and noble women aren’t taught to fight. But when you are the youngest girl in a family of 3 other children, 2 of which are boys, you tend to pick up a thing or two here and there. I guess it’s a little survival technique. If you don’t like frogs and snakes under your bedcovers or being pushed into the stream, you learn to fight back in whatever ways you can. I know very little about fighting, but I’ve been told I’m surprisingly strong when it comes to punching and kicking, for a girl that is. So much for being the proper Lady after all. I hope you aren’t too terribly disappointed.” This last sentence was said with a strained note of teasing. It really did matter to her what he thought of her.

Bree laced her fingers through Eric’s hands as he held her closely, marveling in the softness of his skin. “Can the lessons wait for another day? For this moment I’m just happy to be here under this cloak with you, watching the stars and feeling the water rush past the ship. I never thought I’d see the stars from anywhere but the garden wall at home.”

* ~ * ~ *

A part of me thinks that it’s wrong to be this close to Bree. Yet, I find that I don’t want to have her any farther away then she is right now. Eric noticed his body get warmer as Bree snuggled closer. Eric silently chuckled at Bree’s humor. “Lessons on how to fight can wait for another night.”

That funny sound Bree made a little earlier, when I spoke softly into her ear, I wonder if she could make it again? Eric smiled a mischievous grin and leaned closer to Bree’s right ear. Eric took his left arm out from the cloak, careful to keep the night breeze from blowing in and chilling Bree. Pointing at a star Eric turned his head slightly and whispered in Bree’s ear, “My father taught me how to navigate by the stars. That star there stays in the same place all night, every night.” Eric’s grin grew as Bree shivered and again made that funny noise in her throat. Bree tilted her head a little to the left and looked down Eric’s arm to find the star he was pointing to, and Eric’s breath caught in his throat for just a moment. Could this be a two way deal? Is Bree teasing me back?

“Navigators use a device to determine where they are on Oerth by measuring where in the night sky that star is, and what time it is.” Eric said. A few strands of his long black hair accidentally tickled the hollow of Bree’s neck. Bree shivered a second time and giggled while squirming slightly in his embrace. “I used to sit out in the garden when my parents were away on a trip and I would look at the stars. I knew that wherever my dad was, he would look at those same stars, and it was as if we were together instead of miles apart. When I find that the world is bothering me and I can’t find any peace, I still come outside and look at the stars. Even now, as a grown man, I still find peace in watching the stars and knowing that my family and friends also look at those same stars.”

* ~ * ~ *

He’s doing that on purpose you know.

I know. The funny thing is that I don’t mind. Well my love, two can play at that game.

Bree ran her fingers gently down Eric’s arm that was wrapped around her waist, smiling to herself when she heard Eric’s quick intake of breath. She took his hand in both of hers and started massaging his palm, feeling a little mischievous herself when he shuddered at her touch. “Jamie and I used to make up stories about the stars. We’d sneak out into the garden after everyone was asleep and we’d sit beside the goldfish pond looking up at the stars. See that cluster of stars right there, to the left of where you’re pointing? To me it looks like a lion, with his head thrown back growling at the world. In our stories he was the greatest of the lion kings, and he died in the last great battle between good and evil, when Camelough fell. He leaped out of the shadows to attack the Dark One. His mighty claws left cuts as deep as a valley across the Dark One’s face, but sadly the great lion was defeated. Because he had shown his loyalty to Uther though, he was granted that place in the stars so that everyone would see him and remember him for all time.”

Eric had brought his other arm back under the cloak and it too had found it’s way around her waist. The night air had chilled his skin slightly, but it warmed quickly under the cloak. She placed his right hand at her side and took the left into both of her hands and continued her massage. “It wasn’t until much later, when I began my studies with Master Shipley that I learned that the stars and the moon can tell us the right time to harvest certain herbs and roots. When that third star to the right of the one you just showed me, is under the 2^nd star, it’ll be the right time to harvest honeysuckle, and valerian. The night after that will be the night to harvest chamomile. The other main ingredient in your mother’s tea, the gallowbrush, is a little harder to find, but it should be harvested about the same time as the chamomile. Depending on how long it takes us to reach Kieta, I should be able to gather these herbs myself. The gallowbrush will be the hardest to find, especially in this climate, but hopefully we’ll come across some. Would you like to go with me to harvest?” She looked up at Eric hopefully and intertwined her fingers with his and smiled warmly as Eric’s eyes softened. It was only when she looked up that she realized how sore her neck and back really were. She winced slightly, unsure if Eric had seen her pained expression.

* ~ * ~ *

Eric’s mischievous smile was shattered by a quick gasp as Bree ran her fingers down his arm. I think she figured out you were teasing her, now what? Bree started to massage Eric’s hand. Eric found himself starting to relax under Bree’s tender care. I wonder if there is something I can do for Bree?

“I grew up sharing two cultures. Both have many stories about the stars. My mother told me a story about those same stars that you just pointed to. This story is about a dragon though. Dragons have many meanings in every culture.

This particular dragon had been destroying villages and the surrounding lands and the lord of the land sent his best warrior to stop the dragon. The warrior found the dragon wallowing in the ruins of a small village. The warrior was horrified by the way the dragon had so casually devastated the village. He realized that if he were to attack the dragon with his sword or his bow that he would be instantly slain. He also knew that dragons were very intelligent but could also be very vain, so he decided to try to outwit the dragon. The warrior removed his weapons and his armor and hid them outside of the town and waited until dusk. Dressed as a commoner from the lands, the warrior walked into the village and found the dragon lounging on his back in the center of town and picking his teeth with the sword of a local.

‘Ah, a tasty morsel has escaped my notice. Run little one, so that I might enjoy chasing you and devouring you piece by piece.’ Said the dragon as its eyes simmered a molten red.

‘Oh great dragon,’ said the warrior, ‘I have come to throw myself upon your mercy. I came back to my village and found it destroyed and my family slain. I must find the creature that devastated this village and slay it. Would you tell me what manner of creature brought all of this devastation to my village?’

The dragon pulled himself into a seated position and adopted an arrogant and condescending tone saying ‘It was I, foolish little morsel. Now run in terror so that I might devour you as I devoured your village.’

‘Oh mighty dragon, it could not have been just you by yourself, surly you had the help of a tsunami or an earthquake to help you? I find it difficult to believe that a creature of your size could do all this.’ Said the warrior as he gestured to the ruined village. ‘If you would point out the direction that those responsible for this destruction traveled I will move on and leave you in peace.’

With a note of scorn creeping into his voice the dragon replied, ‘Surly you jest little appetizer. Perhaps a demonstration of my might would change your mind for I am responsible for all you see around you.’ With that, the dragon took a deep breath and exhaled a mighty plume of fire at a nearby building and smiled a malicious smile as the building burst into flames.

Feigning a bored expression the warrior replied ‘That’s an impressive amount of destruction for one of your size but I think that is the most damage that you could cause and then you would need to rest for a while. Now if you could indicate a direction that those responsible for the destruction took. Perhaps they went to the North?’

So the dragon flapped his mighty wings and watched as the gusts of wind knocked down a small collection of huts. The warrior again expressed his doubt. The cycle continued for long into the night with the dragon trying to instill the appropriate amount of awe and terror into his dessert and the warrior continued to act dubious of the dragon. As the night wore on the warrior noticed that the dragon was getting wearier and wearier. It was time for the warrior to make the final move.

Standing amidst the devastation that was a small village the warrior replied ‘Only a creature with great magic could have caused all of this destruction.’

The dragon harrumphed and flew off into the night sky. The warrior watched as the dragon flew so high he became a constellation in the night sky. The Lion constellation next to him turned and attacked. There was a mighty battle that lasted for the rest of the night. The warrior watched and smiled as the Lion finally defeated the exhausted Dragon constellation. To this day when the people of Karasimi are in trouble they look to the Lion constellation and take hope from the story of that single brave warrior.”

“Bree I would love to go with you and find the herbs and leaves that my mother uses to make her tea.” Eric noticed the way Bree winced when she moved her neck and back. “

Let me see if I can help take some of the ache out of your neck and back.” He reached out from under the cloak and picked up the jar of salve that Bree had used earlier to rub his shoulders. Eric marveled at the way the salve warmed when he put it on his hands. Reaching back under the cloak Eric started to gently knead the stiff muscles in Bree’s neck. Bree made that funny noise again. After a while, the muscles in Bree’s neck started to relax. I can feel that the muscles in Bree’s back are stiff, but how can I massage them without reaching under Bree’s shirt and vest?

“Bree,” Eric says, “Do you want me to rub the muscles in your back and shoulders?”

* ~ * ~ *

Bree was lost in the sound of Eric’s voice as he told the story of the dragon and the lion, so much so that she was startled when he had begun massaging her neck. His touch was like satin against her skin, and the salve warmed just enough to help release the tension in her aching muscles. As each layer of knotted muscle released, Bree sighed and felt herself relaxing further into Eric’s hands. If he doesn’t stop this soon, I’ll be asleep in his lap. Trying to keep herself from slipping too far into her relaxed state she sighed contentedly and then began to speak softly, “I think you’ll like the harvesting time. There has always been something magical about it to me. It’s like the forest feels different, safer, not as harsh maybe. I’m glad I’ll get to share that with you.” Eric continued rubbing her neck silently so she continued, “It always amazes me to see how stories from two such different cultures find ways to intertwine with one another.” She lapsed into a content silence, finding herself again lost in the rhythm of the ship and Eric’s gentle touch, a dreamy grin playing along her mouth. She was truly warm again and perfectly content to be sitting like this with Eric. His touch made her heart race, like that of a scared rabbit, but the massage was wonderful. She was so lost in her own thoughts that Eric’s soft voice lead her through the haze of her dream and back to the boat. His hands had stopped and he was asking her a question.

“Bree? Do you want me to rub the muscles in your back and shoulders?”

“Hmmm? Oh…I..uh” Bree felt herself begin to blush, embarrassed at having let herself drift that far away. Her thoughts raced through at least ten different protests, and found that they were all half hearted. She really did want the massage, the knots in her back were even tighter than those in her neck had been. Bree also couldn’t forget the way Eric’s touch had made her feel. His touch had made her feel safe, warm and loved and she didn’t want him to stop.

Before she could stop herself though, she found her mouth had already formed the response, “I would like that.” She chuckled softly, “I guess sometimes I forget that even the healer needs a little healing every now and again.” Without thinking, Bree pulled away from Eric enough to shrug out of her leather vest, reveling in the feeling of the relaxed muscles in her neck. Bare skin would be best for this, but I can’t ask him to do that. She could feel herself blush even deeper with just the thought of his hands on her bare skin, “I know it would be better to continue with…” here she stopped, unsure of how to say ‘bare skin’ and even more unsure of how to continue at all. She felt the heat rise all the way from her toes to her cheeks, but she continued hopefully, “This particular shirt is fairly light weight, maybe, if you’d like, you could rub the salve into your own hands and then continue? I mean, only if you want to.” Bree laughed nervously, “I can’t believe I just said that. We don’t have to continue. I’m feeling much better, Thank you.”

* ~ * ~ *

Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. While Bree leaned forward to shrug out of her vest, Eric scooped some more salve into his hands and listened to Bree talk.

Eric took a deep breath. “…be better to…” said Bree.

“…fairly light weight…” continued Bree as Eric exhaled slowly trying to calm the wild beating of his heart.

Eric inhaled again while Bree nervously chuckled and then exhaled.

“…feeling much better, Thank you.” Bree said. I hope I’ve read this right, otherwise I’m about to cut myself a Bilbus sized portion of trouble.

Trying to be quick and yet gentle at the same time, Eric reached under the back of Bree’s shirt and started to work on the muscles in the small of Bree’s back. Bree stiffened. Did she tense her muscles because I caught her by surprise or because I’ve crossed a line that I shouldn’t have. A corner of my mind has been warning me for some time that I’ve gone too far, yet I’ve ignored it. Is now the time that I pay for not listening to that voice? Bree started to relax after a moment and leaned slightly forward, a small sigh escaping from her lips. Eric slowly started to work his hands higher up Bree’s back, massaging the muscles across Bree’s back. Her skin is so soft and smooth. It sends this electric charge through my body. I hope Bree doesn’t realize how fast my heart is beating right now. Eric continued to work his hands higher and higher along Bree’s back. As the muscles relaxed, Eric was rewarded with a small sigh of contentment, or sometimes that strange noise from the back of Bree’s throat, the one that you almost feel more than hear. As Eric worked his way up Bree’s back, her shirt started to gather around his wrists, restricting the room that he had to work with. If her shirt keeps gathering around my arms like this, I don’t think that I can reach her shoulders. Well, when in trouble, ask the expert for help.

“Bree,” said Eric in a cautiously neutral voice, “When you’re massaging someone and you run into a problem reaching an area you want to rub, like someone’s shoulders, how do you work around the problem? Do you reach up their sleeves or down through their neck?”

* ~ * ~ *

Eric’s sudden touch shocked her and she tried to control her quick intake of breath along with a startled scream that had almost escaped. Just breathe Breanna. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly and relax. He won’t hurt you, and don’t forget you asked for this.

I did? Yes, I guess I did, I just didn’t expect him too…I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this. I’ve never even let myself imagine moments like this and yet here I am. His touch is like a million tiny fires dancing all over my body and I find I love him even more than I did just a few moments ago. With each stroke, Bree relaxed into Eric hands and she found herself matching her breathing to his. I wonder why Eric is breathing so quickly? She made a conscious effort to slow her own breathing and found that she relaxed even further.

As Eric’s hands moved up her back, the cold night crept in every once in a while and started teasing her back and sides with its icy fingers. The cold brought her back to herself before she slipped into the blackness of complete relaxation. Eric’s hands had quit moving almost like he wasn’t sure what came next, and then he asked her. She wanted to laugh, not because his question was funny, but because he had stopped to ask it, and the tone he had used was so cautiously neutral. By the gods Eric, I do love you, and that is an extraordinarily overwhelming sensation at the moment. She didn’t know how to put her feelings into words and so she answered his question silently. She slowly sat back against him and his hands fell gently to her sides, letting her shirt slip back down her back. Her hands shaking, she unfastened the top two buttons of her shirt, and pushed the shirt back, baring more of her neck and her shoulders. She then pulled her braided hair over her right shoulder. She could feel herself blushing again as she looked questioningly over her other shoulder into Eric’s deep blue eyes with a shy smile.

* ~ * ~ *

Eric made a strange sound as Bree unbuttoned the top of her shirt and uncovered her shoulders. That smile, there is just something about that smile. I get the message Bree. Eric slowly reached his hands towards Bree’s exposed shoulders and continued her massage where he had left off. Eric found himself changing his breathing to match the slow and measured breaths that Bree was taking. Her skin, it’s so soft everywhere that I’ve touched and it still sends this tingling sensation into my body. Bree leaned back and rested her head against Eric’s chest, her breathing deepening and slowing slightly

A little while later, Eric finished massaging Bree’s shoulders. Resting his hands lightly on her shoulders, Eric looked down into Bree’s face. Her eyes were closed, and her face was peaceful. She’s asleep. I guess she really is relaxed. So how do I get her to her room? “Bree, wake up.” Eric softly said. Bree mumbled something and scooted closer to Eric. I guess we’ll have to do this the hard way. Eric shifted his body, being careful to keep Bree from falling over. When he was in a good position he reached out and lifted Bree off the deck into his arms. I’ll come back in a moment and collect our things.

Looking to the stern of the ship it seemed that Bilbus had become engrossed with the mechanics of the tiller where it connected to the ship. He had Kasey looking over the railing at the back of the ship, deep in conversation. With a sly smile and a small nod meant only for Eric to see, Bilbus turned to Kasey and pointed out some of the features just out of sight. Smiling himself, Eric cautiously made his way aft to the room that Adria and Bree shared. “Bree,” said Eric, “You’ve got to wake up. I can’t take you into your room with Adria asleep inside. You’ve got to wake up.”

* ~ * ~ *

Eric’s hands were shockingly warm on her bare shoulders and it was like he instinctively knew where all of the knots and sore spots were. Each stroke of his hand released another knot or soothed a particularly sore spot. She tried to keep track of the strokes, but one blended into another until all of the edges of her surroundings softened into an indistinct blur. She was completely warm and for the first time in what seemed like an eternity she felt safe. When the last knot in her shoulders finally released she found herself blanketed in blackness. From somewhere in the blackness she could hear Eric’s soft voice.

“Bree?”

“Yes my love?”

“Wake up.”

“Am I sleeping?” But there was no answer. She cuddled in closer to the center of her warmth and continued to drift.

The warmth seemed to pull away from her for just a moment and just as she thought it was leaving forever, it came back and surrounded her like Eric’s arms had earlier. She could feel herself moving, but she couldn’t tell where she was going. It didn’t seem to matter as long as she got to stay within this place. Just for a little while longer. Eric’s gentle voice came again, a little more insistent.

“Bree, you’ve got to wake up. I can’t take you into your room with Adria asleep inside.”

“My room? Why would we go to my room? It’s very peaceful right here.” The cool night breeze brushed her cheeks with its cold fingers and she found the blackness beginning to fade away. She expected to feel the hard deck beneath her, but instead found strong arms. Eric? Slowly she opened her eyes. Eric’s features were slightly blurred to her sleep stained eyes, and as they became clearer to her she found herself smiling into Eric’s deep blue eyes. She reached up with her free hand and traced the line of his cheek with her finger. “Hmm…” His smile broadened and slowly her surroundings came into focus as well. The wind had picked up some, and she could hear the waves breaking against the ship. They were standing at the door to her room. Or more precisely, Eric was standing at the door to her room with Bree cradled in his arms. “How did we get all the way over here?”

* ~ * ~ *

Eric smiled at Bree as some of the sleepiness left her face. My Love, how long has it been since you had a good night’s sleep? For that matter, how long has it been since I’ve felt rested? “You fell asleep as I finished massaging your shoulders. So I carried you across the deck to your room. I couldn’t take you inside because Adria is in your room. It looks like you should be able to get some real sleep tonight Bree. I left some of our things out on the deck. I couldn’t carry you and your kit and our weapons at the same time. I’ll run back and gather our things then I’ll knock on your door and give you your equipment.” Eric waited while Bree opened the door to her cabin.

Bree turned the handle on the door, but it wouldn’t budge. That’s odd, this handle has never stuck before. Bree tried turning the handle the other way, but it still wouldn’t open. Bree let out a shocked laugh, “It’s locked! Adria must have locked the door sometime after I left, and I don’t have the key! I can’t believe she locked me out!” Bree knocked on the door, not loud enough to draw attention to her situation, but loud enough that if Adria was awake she’d hear it. Bree waited a few moments, and knocked again, a little louder this time, but still there was no answer.

Smiling, Eric replied “She is probably just being careful. I’ll go collect our things from the deck. You can use the secret passage in Bilbus’ room to get back in. I’ll meet you inside his room in just a minute.”

* ~ * ~ *

Bree crossed to Bilbus’ door and turned the handle only to find it locked as well. “It’s locked too. As much as I dislike the idea, I guess I could go ask Bilbus to pick the lock for me.” Making up her mind, Bree turned to go get Bilbus. I wonder how much teasing I’m going to get for this one. Eric turned to follow Bree when all of a sudden thru the air a sliver of gold fluttered from the sky. Eric caught it in his hand with a curious look on his face. He opened his hand slowly to reveal a golden key. Surprised, Bree and Eric looked up, only to see Bilbus standing above them with a mischievous smirk on his face. He winked, nodded and made as if to shooo them away, before turning back to distract Kasey again.

Eric offered Breanna the key which she took carefully out of his hand. “I wonder what that was all about.” As soon as she said it, Bree understood and blushed wildly as she looked down at her unbuttoned shirt, and the shared cloak. “Oh…he is never going to let us live this down.” Bree smiled up at Eric and continued, “But you know, I wouldn’t trade this night for anything in the world.”

Eric stood on deck for a moment making sure Bree could get into Bilbus’ room before making his way back. Taking a moment to gather his Katana and Bree’s rapier Eric scoured the deck to be sure he hadn’t left any of Bree’s healing kit behind. The wind is picking up, is there a storm on the way? What’s that fluttering in the shadows? Oh, it’s Bree’s vest. How could I have forgotten that? Picking up the vest and a few leftover items Eric made his way aft and knocked softly on Bilbus’ cabin door before he stepped inside.

* ~ * ~ *

Bree walked carefully into Bilbus’ room. She wasn’t sure of the layout, but it couldn’t be that much different from the room she shared with Adria. As she made her way carefully into the room she tripped over something on the floor, stumbled to the wall and tried to catch herself. Just as she had almost regained her feet, the ship pitched and she stumbled again, this time hitting her head on what had to be the lantern hanging from the wall.

“Ouch! O.K., stumbling around in the dark in Bilbus’ cabin is a bad choice. Now to light the darn lantern.” Bree felt around the lantern for a flint and steel, but couldn’t seem to find it. Frustrated, she channeled a small amount of heka into the lantern to light the wick. A small flame ignited in the lantern and the sudden brightness left spots in her field of vision. She carefully turned the flame down as low as it would go before surveying the room around her.

Surprisingly the room was very tidy. She spotted a large map case on the floor near the door. That must have been what I tripped over. It probably fell off the table. Bree crossed gingerly to the center of the room, rubbing the sore spot on her head. She bent carefully and picked up the map case and returned it to the table with the key. The boat rocked again and her head spun just a little. I didn’t think I hit my head THAT hard. No, it’s just a little bump, I’m tired and I stood up too quickly. I’m o.k. But it wouldn’t hurt to sit down for just a minute before looking for the latch. The chair in the room was clear across the room almost hidden in shadows. Bree could just make out Bilbus’ jacket as well as his pack piled in the chair, but she really didn’t feel like moving them. The bed was neatly made up though and without clutter so she crossed the room again and sat wearily at the end of the bed.

Small wisps of the blackness clung to Bree’s mind. She was completely and utterly exhausted but happy. She hadn’t wanted Eric to leave her. The emptiness was trying to sneak in and grab her heart, but the warmth that Eric had put there chased it away. Great Bree, Eric tells you he loves you, gives you a massage and you fall asleep on him. I can’t believe I did that! Of all the times to fall asleep! He must be even more exhausted than I am and he didn’t fall asleep on me! I know I haven’t slept well in at least a week, but that shouldn’t be an excuese. How long has it been for you Eric? My love, I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank you for this. For all of this. For telling me your heart and for giving me the chance to tell you mine. Bree rested her head against the wall of the cabin and pulled her cloak closer around her shoulders. She lifted her hand to fasten the buttons of her shirt, but her whole body felt like it was made out of jelly. Her hands fell to her lap. I’ll fasten it in a minute, when the bones grow back into my arms. Her mind battled back and forth between utter contentment and complete embarrassment. Let’s see, the latch to the panel in our room is beside the armoire, so it would make sense that it would be roughly in the same place on this side. Just another minute and then I’ll go check. Bree watched the flame dance in the lantern.

Bree’s heart skipped a beat when she heard a soft knock on the door. Well, it’s either Bilbus or Eric and I doubt Bilbus would knock on his own door. Just then the door opened slightly and Eric came in. She couldn’t help but smile a sleepy smile at him. He had their belongings gathered together in his arms and a silly grin on his own face. Bree blushed at the sight of her leather vest on top of the pile. She got up slowly from the bed as Eric quickly closed the distance between them. Bree rubbed the sore spot on her head with a distracted look on her face. She held her hands out to take her belongings. “I am so sorry I fell asleep on you. Believe me, that wasn’t my intention at all. I guess I just haven’t slept well in a few days, which is no excuse I know.” Bree smiled happily up at Eric before continuing. “I also wanted to thank you for the wonderful massage. To be quite honest, that was the best massage I have ever had, but I hope you can forgive me for falling asleep on you?”

* ~ * ~ *

Noticing Bree rub her head Eric noticed a small bump. Bree must have bumped into something in the darkness of the cabin. Gently taking Bree’s head between his hands Eric took a moment to examine the lump. “I don’t think it’s fatal, but maybe if we work very hard we can save your head.” Said Eric with a silly grin on his face. Looking down at Bree’s face Eric noticed that the tips of his ears were burning. Bree still hasn’t buttoned her shirt back up. Then Bree smiled a sleepy grin and Eric found himself smiling to match that grin. “Bree my love, I forgive you for falling asleep on me. I know you are just exhausted, we all are. You are welcome for the massage. Thank you for your massage. I know that I am not as skilled as you are but perhaps you can give me some instruction next time. ” Eric handed Bree her rapier and the rest of her belongings that she had brought with her out on the deck.

* ~ * ~ *

Bree laughed softly as she took her things from Eric. “You are more skilled than you give yourself credit for my love.” She could feel the flush begin at the base of her throat with the memory of his hands on her neck. To cover her embarrassment, Bree slid her healing pack over her shoulder. She placed the rapier carefully on the floor at the foot of the bed and then folded Eric’s shirt and her own vest over her arm, marveling at how quickly the silk warmed against her skin even though her arm was covered with the linen sleeve of her shirt. I don’t want to let him go. In her mind, her conscience laughed at her. Breanna you are a lovesick fool. Get into your room before you cross that line that you’ve been dancing on all night. “I guess, I should um…find the latch that opens the door now.” Bree smiled broadly as she looked up into Eric’s eyes. The tiredness was still grabbing for her in the front of her mind, but she made no effort to leave. All of a sudden the ship pitched yet again, throwing Bree into Eric’s arms. Unable to find their balance, Eric stumbled forward with Bree clasped around the waist. The side of the bed caught the back of Bree’s knees and they both fell back onto the bed in a fit of startled laughter.

* ~ * ~ *

Eric found himself lost in the laughter that they both shared as they tumbled onto the bed. Eric untangled himself and found Bree looking into his eyes. Feeling the warmth and relaxation that came from the massage Bree had given him earlier still lingering in his body Eric gently lay back on the bed. Bilbus’ bed certainly is soft. It’s almost as comfortable as the hammock in the hold. It’s much quieter here though. Maybe I’ll just rest here for a moment, then I’ll get Bree into her room and make my way to the bunk below deck. Reaching out with his free hand Eric gently reached for Bree’s head. Gently brushing Bree’s cheek with his hand Eric reached the small red spot where she had bumped her head. “Does this hurt here?” He asked as he indicated the sore spot.

Bree felt herself blush even further as Eric’s hand brushed her cheek, and she chuckled softly, “Only a little. I bumped it on the lantern when I came in.”

Eric grinned and continued, “My mother has a simple cure for injuries like this one. It worked wonders for me when I was a child and I would come to her with an injury like yours. With the power of her love she would work miracles and the pain would rapidly disappear. Let me see if I remember how this works.”

Eric moved closer to Bree on the bed. Gently reaching out with one hand Eric tilted Bree’s head down so he could get a closer look at the injury. “I think I can make this better.” Eric slowly tilted his own head down to get the best position and gently kissed the small bump on Bree’s head.

Leaning back slightly and letting Bree raise her head Eric looked into her eyes and asked, “Does that help?”

* ~ * ~ *

Bree’s heart was pounding wildly but a playful smile found it’s way to her mouth as she said softly, “Oh, I don’t know my love. Maybe.” She felt her own smile broaden as Eric’s did and she laughed softly. With her free hand she brushed a loose strand of Eric’s black hair away from his face and traced the line of his cheek, letting her fingers also trace the curve of his mouth. The lamplight played across Eric’s face and softened his eyes. It’s so quiet and peaceful here. Can I hold on to this just a while longer?

* ~ * ~ *

Eric closed his eyes for a moment and shivered as Bree’s touch left a tingling sensation on his skin. Reaching out gently Eric stroked the hollow of Bree’s throat up towards her chin. “I see.” Said Eric. “Well maybe we should try and see if this family remedy works on other injuries. Is there anywhere else that you are hurt?”

* ~ * ~ *

Bree stifled a gasp and she felt her skin flush even deeper where Eric had stroked the hollow of her neck. Is that my heart pounding in my ears? “Hmmm..let’s see. There’s this little scrape on my elbow.” She said as she pulled her sleeve up to reveal the scrape. Bree chuckled as she looked up into Eric’s clear blue eyes. His smile was as big as her own must have been. “And there’s the little bruise left on my cheek just there” she said as she traced the line of Eric’s cheekbone with her finger. Bree’s smile sparkled with mischief before she continued. “But maybe I should see if this remedy works for you as well.” With that, she took Eric’s hand and kissed his bruised knuckles softly. “Better?”

* ~ * ~ *

“Yes, that does make things better.” Said Eric. Gently reaching out to Bree’s elbow Eric brought it close to his lips and again, gently kissed the scrape. “Does that feel any better?”

Bree laughed and nodded, returning Eric’s broad smile. “Yes, that’s much better! This is a wonderful remedy my love.”

“Now if I remember right there is just one more place that I can help heal for you. Where was it? Let me think.” Eric said as he looked at the ceiling of the cabin, mischief dancing in his eyes. Thinking out loud he continued, “Now it wasn’t your toes. It couldn’t be your hands. I fixed your elbow and the top of your head. What could it be? I know! It’s here!” Eric gently traced his finger down Bree’s smooth cheek. Breanna’s eyes were closed and a small shiver ran thru her body as Eric’s touched her face. Breathing softly, Eric gently kissed Bree’s cheek. “Now, how does that feel?” he asked.

Bree didn’t trust her voice. To be honest, she wasn’t even sure she was still breathing. She opened her eyes slowly, and smiled softly at Eric before saying almost in a whisper, “All better.”

BREANNA!! What do you think you’re doing? I leave you alone for 5 minutes and look where you are! Her conscience took on the voice of Mrs. Crooks.

What? Go away…leave me alone. I’m staying right here!

You most certainly cannot. Do you have any idea what you’re doing?

No. But I honestly don’t care at the moment. This is where I want to be. Her conscience was quiet, and Bree thought through her feelings. By the gods I know this is inappropriate. I shouldn’t be here like this. Eric shouldn’t be here like this. We both know it, and yet here we are and I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is all happening so fast and the world is spinning. Breanna looked into Eric’s eyes and saw happiness and uncertainty in the clear blue depths. I wonder if he’s just as uncertain about this is as I am?

Again her conscience chimed in…See! I told you! You should get up and go to your room before you cross that line even further than you already have.

Would you please be quiet. I know you mean well, but you’re not helping matters.

Her conscience stomped away from the fore front of her mind, muttering something about silly girls and slamming the door as she went.

It was then that she realized there was something hard poking her in the back. Healing packs aren’t overly comfortable to lay on. Bree sat up partially and shrugged the pack off of her shoulder, placing it at the end of the bed. With a soft, content sigh, Bree continued to sit up slowly on the bed and put her back to the wall. She had purposefully stayed as close to Eric as she could. When she was situated, she ran her hands gently through Eric’s hair, carefully removing the hair band that kept it bound. She sat quietly playing with his hair until he placed his head in her lap. She brushed the loose strands away from his face and smiled down at him. “I don’t know why this is so hard. I just find that I don’t want this night to end just yet.” Eric’s breathing had deepened somewhat and a soft smile played along his mouth. Bree lapsed into a calm silence, watching the shadows play along the wall and across Eric’s face, her mind drifting happily through the events of the evening. I do love you Eric.

* ~ * ~ *

Uh oh , thought Eric, Bree’s moving around. I might have overstepped her boundaries and now she’s going to get up and leave. Eric started to get up, but Bree shook her head and gently grabbed for his hair. He started relaxing as Bree played with his long dark hair. Eric found a warm darkness at the edge of his consciousness. The long days and hard work were beginning to catch up. He began to realize that he was loosing this battle. Sometimes, the moments in you life work out just right, and sometimes they don’t. I love you Bree and I wish that this moment could last forever. Eric let his head rest in Bree’s lap and let his mind wander for a few moments… and then sleep overtook his body when he wasn’t paying attention.

* ~ * ~ *

Eric’s hair was spilled across her legs and the bed in a shimmering pool of black satin. The lantern light made his skin glow with a pale rosy light that softened all of his features. It was only then that she realized that his eyes were closed and his breathing had become deep and regular. And here I thought I was the only one who was that tired. O.K., that’s not entirely true. We’re all tired. The long days and hard work is bound to catch up with us at some point. Why not now? She suppressed a giggle and looked down into his sleeping face. Breanna couldn’t remember a time when she had been happier. I guess I got my wish. I wasn’t ready for the night to end. I’ll just sit quietly, until he wakes. This can’t be an overly comfortable position for him. She whispered quietly, “Sweet dreams, my love.”

Bree grabbed a handful of the blanket and pulled it down until she had enough to cover Eric’s broad shoulders. In the movement, Eric had squirmed closer to her and his hair had covered his face at least partially. Bree pushed the loose strands back and watched a tiny smile pass across his face when she accidentally brushed the back of his ear. Bree smiled in amusement. They say that if a certain touch makes a person smile in their sleep, that is one of their most ticklish areas when they are awake. I wonder if that’s true.

Breanna… Her conscience said in a warning tone.

What? It’s just an old wives tale. It’s not like I’d try it…or would I?

You are hopeless!! Happy? You got what you wanted…the night won’t end so soon now.

Yes. Yes I am, no go away!

Her conscience left with a shrug and a dismissive sigh, leaving Bree again with the play of the light across the room and over Eric’s sleeping form. Before long, the soft grayness crept into her mind and began pulling her towards sleep. This time she didn’t fight.