Hey guys!
Sorry for such the long wait! Writer's block is the devil.
Hope this chapter isn't too boring! After all the excitement Ana and Silver have been through the last couple of chapters I figured they could use a couple of days of relaxation.
All characters belong to their creators.
Enjoy! ;)
"Marry me," I whispered, takin' Ana's hand in my own.
T'ere I was down on one knee in t'e sand on a beach in Pacifica, t'e sunrise slowly coming up behind me makin' everything glow in t'e soft mornin' light. I never thought in my entire existence t'at I'd be doin' t'is, promisin' to spend t'e rest of my life wit' one person. But I didn't want anyone else but her.
I looked up at her to gauge her reaction, she was bitin' on t'at blasted lip of hers again wit' tears swimmin' in her eyes. After what felt like forever, she threw her arms around my neck and tackled me backwards into t'e sand.
"Yes!" she cried, "Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times, YES!"
I woke up just as her lips landed on mine in my dream world.
"Good morning handsome," Ana whispered running her fingers through my hair.
"Mornin' beautiful," I muttered, reachin' up to caress her cheek. Right away she leaned into my palm and sighed.
"How was your nap?" She asked quietly.
"Perfect," I grumbled, wipin' t'e sleep from my eyes. "What time is it?"
"About time to get up." she answered, stiflin' a yawn of her own.
I sat up and stretched my limbs a bit, tryin' to get all of my muscles ready for a day of work. "Ya should'a woke me up lass, you didn't need to do an entire night shift on yer own."
"I'll be fine," she waved me off for t'e millionth time, "You needed your sleep anyway."
As we headed down to t'e galley to get started on breakfast, I watched her carefully to see if she'd show any signs of being tired. Surprisingly, she was energetic and bubbly as ever, she practically sang while cookin' up some purp omelettes for everyone. T'e meal passed by smoothly, only t'ing I noticed was Ana seemed a bit more comfortable t'an she usually was. Don't get me wrong, Ana had fit in wit' t'e crew almost since day one, but today I could see a difference in her.
T'e wall she usually had up when she talked to t'e crew was no longer there Now she was completely comfortable wit' t'e men, even punchin' them playfully in their shoulders when they were pokin' fun wit' her. I couldn't help but remember how I didn't think this life would be good enough for her. You were stupid for ever thinkin' such a t'ing. Just look at her, she's lightin' up t'e whole room wit' t'at smile of hers.
Jim gently nudged my shoulder, pullin' me out of my inner ramblin'. "You okay there Silver?" he whispered, glancin' over to Ana, "You seem a little distracted."
"Aye Jimbo," I muttered, "Just t'inkin' is all." I continued to watch Ana absentmindedly.
"Well if you think any harder, you'll have smoke comin' out of your ears." He chuckled.
Right then almost on cue, Ana glanced down t'e table at me. Immediately her face blushed as she realized I was watchin her, then she tried her best to focus back on t'e conversation she was in. Once everyone was done wit' breakfast, I stayed behind to help her clear t'e tables off.
She still had an overly happy air about her, she drifted from table to table, gatherin' dishes and plopping em in t'e sink. Once all t'e dishes were gathered up, I turned to make my way to t'e control panel to plan out t'e coordinates for the day.
"John," she sang over her shoulder, "Can I ask you a question?"
I stopped at t'e base of t'e stairs to turn back to her. "Sure lass, what is it?"
"Did you know that you talk in your sleep?" she asked, wit' a knowin' twinkle in her eye.
Shit. "Do I now?" I muttered, tryin' to keep t'e panic on my face.
"Mmhm," she nodded, "What exactly were you dreaming about last night?"
"Nothin'," I answered nervously, "Um, I gotta go plan t'e coordinates for t'e day." T'e sounds of her twinkling laughter followed me as I scrambled up t'ose damn steps.
By t'e time Ana joined me at t'e helm t'e day's journey was already planned out.
"So, how many more days until we reach the Coral Galaxy?" she asked cheerfully.
"Oh, probably t'e day after tomorrow." I answered her cautiously, "Then it should only take us about two more days to reach Montressor."
"Great," she smiled deceptively, "Just in time for my birthday."
"Aye, right on time." I watched her carefully for any signs of stress, but she was pretty good at hidin' t'e feelin's t'at simmered in her heart. Only I could tell by t'e way she carried a tightness in her jaw t'at she was tryin' hard to keep it all together. Once we were launched and t'e crew was busy, I walked up to Ana and leaned on t'e railin' next to her. Givin' a quick glance to make sure no pryin' eyes were lookin' our way, I leaned over to whisper in her ear.
"Everyt'ings gonna be okay lass. I promise."
Surprise flashed in her eyes as she looked up at me. "How'd you know what I was thinking?"
I couldn't help but chuckle, "Because I've come to know ya pretty well. Yer clenchin' t'at jaw so tight it ain't a wonder it hasn't shattered by now."
"Hmph," she pouted, "I thought you said you don't make a promise unless you can guarantee it can come true."
"Aye, t'at is true." I agreed, "And I can promise ya t'at by this time next week, we'll be together on a beach in Pacifica."
"Or I can be at my coronation. You never know." she deadpanned.
Before I could try and reassure her, Jimbo came boundin' up t'e steps to join us.
"It's a beautiful day for sailin' isn't it Cap'n?" he said joyfully, clappin' a hand on my shoulder.
"Aye, my boy it sure is, perfect day for you and Ana to scrub t'e hull."
They both looked at me confused. "I thought we just scraped the hull the other day?" Jim asked.
"Aye, but we need to make sure it stays scrubbed so it doesn't build up as quickly." Thankfully Jim caught on to my tone of voice quickly, he then understood that I wanted them to practically redo a job for a reason.
"Uh, okay then," he relented, "Ana, would you mind going to get our tools ready? I'll meet you at the long boats in a few minutes."
"Sure," she muttered and made her way below t'e deck. Once she was out of earshot, Jim turned back to me.
"What's going on Silver?"
"I just need ya to try and keep her mind occupied today." I confessed, "Hopefully it will be a boring sail to t'e next port, and t'e last t'ing I want is Ana bein' idle and worryin' about our little plan."
"Is she really that worried about it?" he asked.
"Aye, she is. She's thoroughly convinced we won't be able to get her out of t'at damn castle once she goes in."
"Well do you really blame her?" he whispered, "I can tell you don't even fully believe we will be able to yourself."
I couldn't t'ink of anyt'ing to say. He was right, but I couldn't let her know that I was terrified of lettin' her go in t'at lion's den alone, and what choice did we have? I let loose a deep sigh and rubbed my eyes in frustration.
"Look," Jim muttered, placin' a hand on my shoulder. "Come hell or high water we will get her out of there, even if we have to blast the place to pieces."
"I know lad, I know. I just want t'is all to be over wit' already." I sighed.
"Don't worry," he winked as he walked down t'e stairs, "As long as you want it to work out it will."
If only it were t'at simple Jimbo. I couldn't help but laugh bitterly, I remember when Jimbo's outlook on life was the complete opposite and how I was tryin' to cheer him up. He used to t'ink t'at nothin' could ever work out in anyone's favor, and now here he is tryin' to comfort me. Funny how t'ings can turn out.
The rest of that day seemed to last an eternity. On one hand it was good we weren't runnin' into any problems, on t'e other hand it gave my imagination a chance to run wild. By t'e time dinner came around my mind had ran a damn marathon, but seein' a genuine smile on Ana's face soothed my nerves right away.
"Hey handsome," she grinned as I walked down to t'e alley. She was at t'e cauldron wit' her hair tied up, stirrin' a steamin' pot of octopurp stew.
I came up behind her and placed a quick kiss in her hair. "Smells delicious lass, need help wit' anything?"
"Thanks! And nope, I just got to get the bowls out and I'm done."
I watched as she stacked up the bowls next to her to start delvin' out servings. The anxious edge she carried wit' her earlier seemed to have all but disappeared, or atleast she was hidin' it well enough from t'e rest of t'e crew. Once everyone was served, she made us both a bowl, handed me my own and went to sit down at t'e table.
T'e rest of t'e night was filled wit' genuine laughter, excitin' story tellin' and even some drinkin' games. By t'e time t'e crew all settled in for t'e night it was almost eleven, as I stayed to help Ana wit' t'e cleanin' up I could tell exhaustion was startin' to overwhelm her. As she put away t'e last pot, she came over and leaned against my chest wit' a heavy sigh.
"I thought we'd never get those damn dishes done." she whispered, "Thank you for helping me."
"Anytime lass," I muttered, rubbin' her back. "You 'bout ready to get to bed?"
"Mmhm," she grabbed my hand and started to drag us to my stateroom, a mischievous grin shone on her face.
Uh oh, what is she plannin' now? Once we got to t'e deck, we slowed down to admire t'e night sky. I looked down at Ana, as she held onto my mechanical hand tightly she was lookin' out into t'e etherium with such awe and wonder.
"I don't think I can ever get used to how beautiful this is." she whispered.
"Ya probably won't," I admitted, "I've been sailin' t'e etherium half my life and it can still take my breath away."
We admired t'e scenery a bit longer before finally retirin' to our room for t'e night. I went to work gettin' a fire started as Ana went off to get started on her bath, by t'e time t'e fire was roarin she had already shut t'e water off. As I made my way across t'e room to sit in my chair, I couldn't help but notice Ana had purposely left t'e door cracked.
Such a damn tease. I had just made myself comfortable and had lit up my pipe when I heard her call for me.
"Johnn, I need you're help."
"Nope," I called back, "Don't t'ink I'd fall for yer tricks t'at easy lass."
"I don't play tricks John," she lied.
"Ah, so you don't t'ink walkin' around here in a towel t'at one time was playin a game?"
"Hey, you started that one," she laughed, "I promise I'm not going to play any games, I really need your help with something."
Stars help me. I got up and eased t'e door open, carefully peeking inside. T'e entire room was lit wit' dozens upon dozens of candles. Practically every flat surface held a little flame, castin' everyt'ing in a soft glow. Between t'e heat from t'e candles and t'e heat from t'e bath water it was pretty cozy.
Ana was situated in t'e tub wit' her back towards me, her hair was swept up and bubbles were practically spillin' over t'e sides onto t'e floor. I leaned carefully against t'e counter takin' another pull from my pipe, I knew if I went any closer she'd ignite t'at fire like she always did.
"Well? What did ya need help wit'?"
She held up a rag and looked back at me innocently. Well, she was tryin' to be innocent, but her bitin' her lip kinda threw that whole 'innoncence' t'ing out the window.
"Could you help me wash my back?" she grinned, "Please?"
I stood t'ere for a minute tryin' to hide my surprise at her question. She asked nicely enough, but I could tell by t'e devilish grin on her face t'e thoughts runnin' through her mind were anyt'ing but nice. I eventually snapped out of it and made my way to t'e tub. After pullin' a stool up close and takin a seat, I took t'e rag from her and carefully massaged her back. Right away she sighed in pleasure, leanin' back into my touch wit' her eyes closed as I massaged t'e knots out of her shoulders.
"What were you dreaming about last night?" she asked quietly.
I froze, not really sure if I should come clean and tell her.
"Why do ya ask?" I asked carefully.
"Just curious. You were saying some interesting things, so I was wondering what you were dreaming about."
"Well, what did I say?" I had a pretty good idea, but I wanted to be sure.
She leaned her head back and looked up at me. "You asked me to marry you."
I froze tryin' to t'ink of just what to say. Here she is worried about marryin' to begin wit', I highly doubt she wants to hear t'at I would want to marry her. "Are you sure t'at's what ya heard?"
She turned around to face me and carefully placed a hand on my cheek. "Just tell me what you were dreaming. Please."
I sighed, looked down to t'e floor and finally told her about my dream. By t'e time I was done describin' t'e scenario she was pretty quiet, so I glanced up to see what her reaction would be. She gazed at me wit' such love and a million dollar grin on her face. "T'at's why ya heard me mutter 'Marry me' in my sleep."
"You know, I wouldn't take you as someone who would every want to get married." she leaned on t'e side of t'e tub towards me. I grabbed t'e rag, reached around her and started rubbin' up and down her back again. "You seem like a man who's afraid of commitment."
"Aye, yer right." I whispered, disappointment flashed in her eyes. "But all t'at changed once I found you."
She looked down wit' a flush on her cheeks. "So, you really think you'd want to marry me one day?" she asked uncertain.
I put a finger under her chin so I could meet her gaze. "I don't t'ink lass, I know."
As soon as those words left my lips I knew I'd screwed up. Doubt flashed in her eyes as she started to nibble on her lip. No longer was she relaxin' against me, but now she was sittin' straight wit her arms wrapped around herself. Damn it, I knew I should'a kept my yap shut.
"Ana, I-"
"It's fine John." She replied, standing up suddenly to wrap herself in a towel. She stepped out of the tub and carefully made her way to t'e sink, bracin' herself on t'e counter and sighing heavily.
Here was a woman wit t'e weight of the world on her shoulders, and here I am just makin it worse. I walked up behind her and placed my hands on her shoulders.
"Lass, I didn't mean to-"
She turned around wit' a determined spark in her eye. "John, I promise everything's fine." She whispered, wrappin' her arms around my neck. She was doin' a horrible job of tryin' to convince me that my confession hadn't freaked her out. "I just need a minute, could you wait for me in bed?"
Searchin' her eyes for some clue as to what she was thinkin', I finally gave up and sighed. "Of course lass, take however long ya need." I gave her one last glance as I walked away, she was starin' at herself in t'e mirror a look of fear and apprehension on her face. Wit'out another word, I slipped out and quietly shut t'e door.
As I went through t'e motions of gettin' ready for bed, I tried to figure out why Ana had panicked when I told her t'e truth. The more I thought about it, the more aggravated I got, I mean she was the one who insisted I tell her and t'en she's gonna act like she doesn't wanna hear it? Damn women, not knowin' what they want and when they figure it out they don't wanna hear it.
Was that it? Did she not want to get married EVER? As I laid in bed my thoughts led me to have more questions t'an answers. Best t'ing for me to do now is get some rest. Just as I was about to fall asleep, I felt t'e bed dip under Ana's weight as she slid in beside me. She scooted over to lay her head on my arm, as she curled up against my chest I wrapped my other arm around her.
"I'm sorry," she muttered, wrappin' her arms around my neck.
"It's okay lass," I whispered into her hair. I started to rub down her back. I wasn't too surprised t'at she wasn't wearin' a shirt, it was a little habit she'd adopted t'ese last few nights, but what I was surprised to find was t'at she wasn't wearin' anythin' at all. I tried my best to bite back a groan, but obviously not good enough since Ana busted out laughin'.
"What's wrong John?" she asked.
Now she was really testin' my patience. I couldn't keep my eye from glowin' a firey red, but once it did Ana knew I was in no teasin' mood. "Listen Anastasia," she perked up at t'e use of her full name, "I just got done tellin' you t'at I want to marry you. You panic and act like you don't want nothin' to do with me, which is fine, but you can't just come in here actin' like nothin' happened."
She looked like she was about to cry. Her lip quiverin' quickly made my eye go from red back to golden yellow. "Lass, I'm not tryin' to hurt yer feelin's, but it's not fair to me for you to blow hot one minute and cold t'e next. Remember how aggravated you used to get when I did it to ya? How am I supposed to know what ya want from me when ya flip flop like t'at?"
"Because I'm afraid to admit what I want!" she cried. Tears were streamin' steadily down her face now. "You want to know what I really want! To be married to you, to have babies with you, to live and love with you until we're both old and gray and can barely walk! But I don't want to hope for something that I'm not sure will ever really happen."
She pushed herself out of my arms and up to t'e side of t'e bed. As she stared into t'e fire she poured out more of her heart. "From the beginning I knew you were different, I knew you were the one I wanted to be with but I couldn't admit it to myself. It's hard enough knowing that my entire life is taken away from me, I can't handle having the possibility of a life with the man I love being taken away from me too."
"Ana, look at me." I turned her to face me, "I'm not gonna lie, t'e future for us is uncertain as it is for everyone, but one thing that is certain is t'at we have t'e rest of t'e trip to spend together." I took her by t'e hand and pulled her back into my arms. "Let's just take it day by day for now, we'll worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes."
She mumbled an okay and wrapped her arms tightly around me, too exhausted to fight t'e invitation to lay down. Her sobs had slowed to t'e occasional hiccup every once in awhile, and as I slowly massaged her back I felt her relax even more. "So do ya really wanna have babies wit' me?" I asked tryin' to lighten t'e mood. "I thought ya said you didn't want to have kids?"
"I said I wasn't sure if I wanted kids or if I would even be a good mom," she sniffled, pullin' back to look up at me. "I don't want to have babies with a stranger.
It warmed every part of me to think t'at she'd want to have my children, and t'e actual thought of bein' a dad surprisingly didn't frighten me like it used to. "I know you would make a wonderful mother lass," I whispered. I wrapped my arms around her even tighter, holdin' her close to me. T'e fact t'at she wasn't wearin' anyt'ing didn't bother me anymore, t'e fire I felt earlier had gone from a ragin' inferno to a steady ember.
Before long Ana's breathin' slowed to a steady rhythm, snugglin' deeper into my arms than she was before I knew she was finally fast asleep. It wasn't too long after t'at I fell into a deep sleep of my own.
Wakin' up t'e next day was surprisingly easy, t'ankfully I was finally able to get some real rest. Stretchin' carefully, I noticed t'at Ana wasn't in her usual spot, t'en I heard t'e faint sound of t'e shower runnin' in t'e bathroom. Time for a little payback for last night.
Risin' as quietly as I could, I snuck over to t'e bathroom door. T'ankfully Ana had already left it cracked, so I was able to ease it t'e rest of the way open and slip inside. Judgin' by t'e amount of steam tat was floatin about, I'd have to guess t'at she'd been up for awhile. After steppin' out of me shorts, I made my way to t'e shower, eased t'e curtain to t'e side and stepped in.
She was facin' away from me and toward t'e shower head, her drenched hair hangin down her back. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her up against me, but instead of cryin' out in surprise like I'd hoped, she hummed wit' pleasure and leaned into me even more. She stretched one hand behind her to run t'rough my hair, placed her other hand over mine and started wigglin' t'em damn hips of hers.
"Good mornin' Mrs. Silver," I growled in her ear playfully, takin my natural hand and gently scratched up and down her left hip. T'e sensation just made her writhe more and bite back a moan.
"Good morning Mr. Silver," she purred, "You're mighty affectionate this morning."
I lightly dug my nails into t'e sensitive part of her hip, making her cry out in pleasure and push against me even harder. "I'm always affectionate when it comes to you," I mumbled into her neck, givin' her slight love bites along her shoulder while I continued to massage her sides.
"John, please.." she mumbled, startin' to get increasingly frustrated. Instantly I quit lavishin' her and stood back crossin' my arms across my chest.
"No ma'am. Not right now."
"What!" she stamped her foot angrily and whirled around, "Why not?!"
I couldn't help but laugh, "Because, I kept my hands to myself last night while you slept completely naked. Now you have to keep your hands to yourself while we take a shower."
A lightbulb went off in Ana's head as t'at mischievous spark went off in her eyes. Bitin' down on her lip, she started rubbin' her neck. "Keep my hands to myself you say?" her hands started to dip down to her chest. Shit, what did I get myself into. "That's okay, I can finish what you started perfectly fine."
"Woah, now just see here lass-" I tried to reason wit' her, but t'e farther down her hands went t'e more I couldn't t'ink straight.
"But you said I had to keep my hands to myself," she crooned, "And it feels entirely too good to stop now."
My mind shattered when her hands finally dipped in between her thighs and she moaned out my name. I was on her in an instant, hands roamin' all over her curves drinkin' in my fill. We'd made love until t'e water grew cold, t'en laughed as we both scrambled to try and wash under t'e freezing spray. Once we'd managed to get out, we were both tremblin', so we rushed to get dressed by t'e fire to try and warm up. Finally we emerged on deck just in time to see t'e sunrise.
"About time you two love birds left your nest," Jimbo grumbled.
"Sorry," Ana giggled, "We were having issues getting the hot water to work in the shower."
I tried my best to keep from bustin' out laughin which just earned me an annoyed glare from Jimbo. "Hey, better late t'an never," I called over my shoulder as I followed Ana down to t'e galley.
For t'e first time in almost a week we worked alongside each other wit' out a care in t'e world. There wasn't any heavy talks about t'e future, no fights wit' any crazy crew members or killer aliens, just me and Ana havin' a good time makin' breakfast. After everyone had t'eir fill, I left Ana and Jim to clean up so I could go plan t'e day's coordinates wit' Mr. Otis. Once we we're launched Ana and Jim came boundin' up t'e steps before startin' on their tasks for t'e day.
"Another gorgeous day," Jim muttered while takin' a peek at t'e control panel, "Looks like it should be easy sailing from here to Montressor."
Ana came up behind him to take a peek for herself. "So we're still on time despite everything that's happened?"
"Aye," I answered, "We usually try and add a few days on our trips to account for any mishaps."
"Hm," she whispered, walkin to t'e rail to look out at t'e stars, "You're right Jim, this weather is perfect. Is this how it is in Montressor?"
Jim and I exchanged a weary look. Ana hadn't usually been t'e one to bring up Montressor t'is entire trip, it was mighty strange t'at she was doin' so now wit'out a sour look on her face.
"Yeah," he replied cautiously, "It get's pretty cold during the winter, but the snow is pretty fun once you get used to it."
"Really?" she turned back to look at him, "I've never seen snow before."
"It's beautiful, especially when you see it first thing in the morning before anyone else wakes up," Jim came up beside her and looked out in t'e etherium wit' her, "It's almost like the entire planet is covered in a white fluffy blanket."
She smiled wistfully. Snappin' out of her day dream, she turned to me and Jim, "We're still going to be able to go out for my birthday right?"
"Of course lass," I answered, "Ya still wantin' to go out to t'at bar?"
She nodded her head excitedly. "I need one last night out before we land in Montressor." I could tell by t'e tone of her voice she was doubtin' our plan again, but before I could reassure her she made her way towards t'e stairs. "I'm gonna get started on my to-do list. Jim, come get me whenever you're ready to detail the longboats."
"Sure," he muttered. We both watched her make her way towards t'e deck waitin' for any sign t'at would betray any of her inner thoughts.
"What was that about?" Jim asked.
"I have no idea Jimbo," I confessed.
"Did she say anything last night?"
"Aye, but I made sure she was calmed down by t'e time we went to sleep," I answered, "And she didn't utter a word of it t'is mornin' while we were makin' breakfast."
He stood t'ere for a moment deep in thought. "What if she changes her mind."
I noticed he didn't ask, it was more of a realization. "Nah, she wouldn't" Would she? "What makes you t'ink t'at after all t'is plannin' she'd all of a sudden change her mind?"
"If she thought it was too dangerous. If she wanted to make sure no one else got hurt." Jim turned around to face me, "That woman cares too much about other people and you know it."
Doubt started to fill my head because he was actually right. "She'd never do t'at Jim, she's made it clear what she wants," I tried to reassure him, more for my own self but still.
Seein' my insecurities, Jimbo jumped on t'e defensive. "Look, I'm not saying she doesn't love you Silver, but what I am saying is she loves you enough to sacrifice herself to make sure neither you or Eric get hurt."
I couldn't help but grumble and rub my eyes in frustration.
"I can go talk to her if you wan-"
"Just leave her alone Jim."
"But she-"
"Damnit I said leave her alone!" I glared at him. "I finally find a woman I can see meself spendin' t'e rest of my life wit' and I have to worry about losin' her to some psycho! I only have a few days left wit' her, all I want is to spend this time wit'out a reminder of what's to come. Got it?"
He started to bow up for a second, t'en he deflated. "Yes Cap'n" he grumbled, t'en went on his way to start detailin' t'e longboats. Good mood now long gone, I spent t'e rest of t'e day at t'e helm, not even botherin' to head to t'e galley for lunch or dinner. Before I knew it t'e Etherium was startin' to darken and t'e crew was startin' to perform their end of t'e day duties.
"Hey there stranger."
Her voice drifted from behind me, immediately soothin' my sour mood like a balm. "Hey t'ere yerself," I muttered.
"Are you hungry?" Ana whispered as she came up beside me. She glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdroppin' t'en slipped her hand in mine. "You haven't eaten since breakfast at dawn."
"I'm fine lass," I whispered. For once I wasn't lyin', I wasn't t'e least bit hungry nor was I interested in gettin' anyt'ing to eat.
"Please John," she begged, "I have a surprise for us tonight and I don't want you to be starving the whole time."
"Do ya now?" I asked amused.
Nearly an hour later we were both fed and sittin' in a longboat. "Are ya sure you don't want me to drive lass?"
"Of course I'm sure," she said confidently, "Jim gave me a crash course earlier on how these things work."
I couldn't help but be impressed as she set off to work getting us ready for launch. She went t'rough t'e steps almost as if she's been doin' forever, and before I knew it we were coastin' around t'e Etherium.
"You know lass, you catch on pretty quick. If I didn't know any better I would'a thought you've been maneuverin' ships yer whole life."
"Well I have a couple of teachers who know a thing or two about sailing," she laughed, "I figured we could use a little break from being on that cramped boat."
By now she had slowed t'e longboat down to where we were just free floatin'. She was right, I needed a break and t'is was just the kindI needed. I leaned back and let t'e beauty of t'e night carry my worries away.
"Have you ever been in this part of the Etherium before?" Ana asked quietly.
"Mmhm, plenty of times." I stretched out and looked around, "T'is is a popular trade route in t'e winter."
She scooted up next to me and leaned down to give me a kiss. "Show me your favorite place here."
"Are ya sure lass?" I quirked an eyebrow, "It can be a crazy ride gettin' t'ere."
"I could go for crazy right about now," she grinned. As I took my place at t'e controls she bounced wit' excitement.
"Good, so can I," and off we went t'rough t'e night.