The ship charged proudly through the salt water of the calm blue sea. Christine could only just spot it breaking water on the horizon, and already her heart beat a thousand times faster.

"Erik." She whispered happily. She tapped the ceiling of the coach with her knuckles. "Faster, please! As quickly as you can!"

She heard the clicking of hooves on cobblestone increasing their speed, and felt a thrill run through her. So near to him after six long months spent apart! She felt that she would never again experience such a rush of happiness and peace. He was safe, and he had come back to her, just like he had promised.

Erik slapped Raoul on the back jovially.

"Did you see his face? He's royally upset."

Raoul mock-glared at him. "Yes, I did, and it's all your fault."

"You followed me every step of the way, Raoul. Do not deny it." Erik smiled.

Raoul finally returned the smile. "I do not. But you must admit, it was a blasted stupid thing to do, rushing onto a patrolled island and yelling to the guard. You almost got me killed."

He set down the glass of rum he had taken a swig from onto the sturdy wooden table between them. They were in the deceased captain's quarters, awaiting the call that would tell them when they neared the shore of their homeland.

"Ah, but I saved you at the last minute, didn't I? I could have sworn the bullet flew far off to the right. Nowhere near you!"

Raoul ignored him. "And all of it to save a captain who despised me."

Erik sobered quickly, and spoke with the utmost seriousness. "He was my friend, and a good man. I will forever regret his death and that I could not prevent it."

Raoul glared off into the distance for a moment before a smile returned to his pointed face.

"Very well, Erik. My apologies. I know you held respect for the man, though I will never understand it."

"Was he not also your captain? Did you not respect him? Regret his passing even in the least part?"

"He was my captain, yes, but I am not ashamed to say that I held no more regard for him than I do the letter carrier who reports to the manor each week."

Erik shook his head. "Sometimes I think you unfeeling, Raoul. I worry that you will do something you will regret if you continue with your uncaring attitude for others."

"You wound me, Erik, and do yourself a great disservice. How do you remain friends with such a wicked man? Sheer force of will?" Raoul drawled sarcastically.

"Yes. I believe so."

Both men laughed, though Raoul's laughter was quiet and short lasting. After taking a swig from the bottle of rum before him, abandoning the empty glass, Raoul stared at Erik.

"You think of nothing but her, do you." It wasn't a question, more an acknowledgement. At Erik's questioning look, he continued. "I don't blame you, friend. If only I could find such a woman as you have, I would be a happy man."

Erik smiled and his eyes focused on a spot on the wall, dreamy and unfocused. A shout sounded through the cabin, and Erik jumped from his seat, running out of the room to see the shoreline he had missed those many months of sea travel. Raoul stayed behind and drank the rest of the rum, smiling grimly.

"A very happy man indeed."

A/N: R&R please!