The soft morning's rays warmed Senjo's face as she awoke. She turned her hear to see Nicholas sleeping beside her, his arms wrapped about her waist. She smiled and gently kissed his lips, causing his eyes to flutter open. He smiled at her and softly touched her cheek.

"'Morning," he said quietly.

Senjo took hold of his hand and gave it a small squeeze. "Good morning."

Nicholas smiled and hugged her as he stretched his arms. He looked at her as he said, "We better start up."

"But why?" she groaned. "Can't we just stay here?"

"No," he laughed. "I need to get you back to port."

Senjo frowned. "I don't really have to go anywhere."

Nicholas simply shook his head. "Sen, it'll give us both time to really think this over. Besides, when you get back, I should have more money. We could visit the Carribean. As best friends or as husband and wife. But we need time to decide."

Senjo nodded, agreeing. "You're right."

He laughed and tugged on the necklace around her neck. "And don't you dare forget me and fall for some sailor."

Senjo grinned and shook her head. "Never. Besides, a sailor would never stay true to one woman. You know what some of those ports are like."

Nicholas chuckled and sat up, pulling her along with him. He smiled and kissed her cheek before saying, "Come on."

Senjo nodded and stood. She brushed off the dirt that still hung on her clothes.

Nicholas also got to his feet. He took Senjo's hand in his and gently kissed it. "Will you tack up Victoria for me?"

"If it weren't for last night, I'd be sending you after the horse," she giggled, grabbing some rope from the side of the carriage.

The sun was slowly sinking in the red sky as they neared the port. Senjo sighed and shifted her weight in the seat. Nicholas had talked her into sitting in the carriage, as it gave him the impression of a wonderful driver. Senjo lurched forward slightly as the carriage same to a hault. The door opened and fresh sea ari blye into the compartment. Nicholas smiled and held out a hand to her.

"We're here," he said.

Senjo took his hand and stepped out onto the cobble stone street. She glanced around at the buildings, as if seeing them for the first time, although she had been here many times before.

Nicholas took a hand and turned Senjo to face him. "Sen, I want you to really think while you're on this voyage," he said softly.

She nodded. "Do you want me to write to--"

He put a finger over her lips. "Don't write to me. Only write to tell me what day you will be returning, so I can meet you on the docks."

Senjo smiled softly at him. "All right. But I'll tell you everything when I get back."

Nichola nodded, grinning. "You better." He gently reached out and touched the shark tooth necklace. "And remember our promise."

Senjo bit the inside of her mouth slightly. She always hated good-byes. Before it registered in her mind, she had thrown her arms over Nicholas' shoulders, hugging him tightly. "I'm going to miss you," she whispered into his ear.

Nicholas let out a laugh and embraced her. "Just keep missing me so you won't forget me."

As she shook her head, Senjo smiled. "I'd never forget you. And I'll write to you and tell you when I get back into port. I promise."

The young man took her in his arms and gently kissed her lips. "I'll look forward to your return Miss Kistune."

She laughed and gave him one last hug. Soon, the embrace ended and he slipped from her grasp, like sand from a loosened palm. But before he hopped atop his seat, he turned and smiled at her.

"I think you'll need this more than I will," he said as she tossed something at her.

Catching it, Senjo relized it to be the sack of money she had given to him the day before. She looked up and grinned anc Nicholas.

"My heart will love only you, Senjo Kitsune," he called out as he slowly started down the cobblestones.

Senjo stood in the street and waved to him, until a curve in the road took him from sight.