Taken In Again
A/N: The song "Flattery" is by Aly & AJ
Disclaimer: It's a fanfiction, what do you expect? I own whatever wasn't invented already.
It wasn't long before the league caught up with the Nautilus. Nobody had said anything after Alisha's startling confession. All was quiet and uncomfortable for the league during their ride back to London, where they were ordered by Campion Bond through Morse code to report their success…or failure. It was nearing the break of dawn when Alisha came through the water-tight door onto the deck, and saw Captain Nemo with his back to her watching the sunrise.
As soon as Alisha saw the Captain standing by the railing she stopped short for a second, almost wondering whether or not to disturb him. Making her decision, Alisha slowly closed the water-tight door as quietly as possible, and gently walked toward the Captain.
The witch kept her vision straight as she stood next to Captain Nemo. When she approached him, he slightly turned his head to see Alisha view the sunrise.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she said, never leaving her gaze. Her voice almost surprised the Captain.
"It always is." said Nemo, glimpsing back to the view.
A few minutes passed until Alisha hesitated for a minute, apparently wanting to ask Nemo something.
"Thanks."
"For what?" Nemo abandoned his gaze to Alisha.
"For everything…for keeping this league in shape. F-for being the backbone for all of us…allowing us on your magnificent ship, in your cabins and using it as our transportation, for feeding us and making us feel at home…for…" Alisha seemed to get out of breath and gave up, guessing the Captain got the message "for everything."
"You're quite welcome. I'm glad to hear the Nautilus is as great a home as you make it seem to me."
Captain Nemo and Alisha returned to the view of the sunrise. The sun was now passing through the blue-purple clouds, and light broke through in every direction…shining on where they stood even. The warmth hit them for the first time in a while.
"Was it hard?" the witch said finally.
"Was what hard?"
"Losing your family and kingdom?"
Captain Nemo was astounded. He suddenly wondered how much Alisha knew of not only his past, but everyone else's. She, after all, knew much about Mina's.
"Just because your name in Latin has the meaning of 'no-one', doesn't mean you were no one…Prince Dakkar." She slightly smiled, leaning one arm on the railing and facing the Captain.
"I—"
"I don't question your past. I know it was hard to lose your family in the Sepoy Rebellion, and your kingdom as well…even if you were antagonistic to the British Raj of India. I mean, it was great for you to devote yourself to scientific research and the development to the Nautilus. But…don't you ever miss your home?"
Captain Nemo seemed to forget Alisha's knowledge of his past and started to remember back to it himself. He didn't care anymore how much she knew…he wasn't surprised.
"The sea is my home now." Nemo permanently deserted his watch to Alisha, and to the sea…his home.
"But don't you ever look back and regret leaving it all behind?"
"Of course I do. I miss my family terribly, and I mourn my loss all too much. But sometimes if that's the case, its better to leave it behind you and move on."
"Hm." Alisha once again joined the Captain in their view of the sunrise, or what was left of it.
"I take your advice dearly, Captain. My past is worth leaving behind as well…but leaving behind my loved ones is a hard thing to do, you know?"
"It takes time, but disregarding your past will come, if you allow it."
"Captain…"
"Hm?"
"My past isn't gone…it's still out there, alive and kicking."
"Oh?"
"My family; my parents. I know I've disappointed them, with everything I've done as the person I've become. I know I've broken their hearts. And knowing their out there with the horror of my memories is bad enough…and knowing they could one day pass on with the same memories is even worse."
"Where are they now?"
"Honestly, I don't know."
"Then how do you know they are still alive?"
"If they died, I would know."
Silence lasted for a few minutes, with Nemo not knowing what to say next.
"If only I could see them one last time…and prove to them I'm not as bad as they imagine me. I'm no criminal. If only I could make them understand that…and I know that not everyone is born with parents that are kind and understanding…and I keep telling myself that, but…I keep feeling that I could change it…but I know I can't."
The two league members stood side by side in silence for the rest of the daybreak, soaking in each other's time of yore.
---
Campion greeted the league as usual, and as usual the league made themselves comfortable in the secret annexe.
"Good work, everyone."
"Good luck? England is in rubble." Henry said.
"Yes…well, that's being taken care of. Repairs are being made all over. I hope everyone came out to be alright?"
"Well…most of us." Rodney said.
"Oh?"
"Alisha lost consciousness and we don't know why." Tom commented.
"Well I'll get my best men to check on her."
"No…that's ok. I feel fine. If I need any medical assistance I'd feel most comfortable with Dr. Jekyll at my examination. He's pretty handy to have around. Heh…"
"Well ok, then. Just take it easy. I'll contact you for any further assignment."
The league left the secret annexe, and the automobile drove through the derelict streets of London. The league made grave faces when they saw to what had become of the beloved country. After a while they passed London and all the wreckage to a town called Plymouth along the English Channel. The Nautilus was shown; raised high by the docks with English men and women gazing with amazement as they walked passed. As the league got out of the automobile, some of the members stopped short before entering the immense ship to give England one last glance, at a pristine part of it that is. Nemo noticed the yearning faces.
"We shall depart in the morning."
And with that, Captain Nemo disappeared into the Nautilus, followed by Mina then Henry. Tom, Rodney, and Alisha remained.
After realizing they had the night to themselves, Alisha ran off in the distance, passing the buildings and people. Rodney, now wearing his full outfit once again; trench coat, hat, glasses, boots, grease paint, etc., and Tom walked off in a different direction.
---
I couldn't help but hum as I walked down the nautical style streets of Plymouth. It was a nice night out…the people were bustling at a natural pace, the weather was descent, and the streets were draped in so many lights; it was beautiful! Seagulls flew all about, and the town smelled deliciously of seafood. It was pretty ironic, I thought…compared to the rest of England, that is.
I guess word doesn't come by too quick around here, eh?
I think there was some kind of fair or show going on up ahead. I could see some sort of stage and a bunch of lights and music. My humming got happier and louder I could tell. It was so nice here in Plymouth, after everything we've been through. I'd have to remind myself to thank Nemo later for letting some of us stay out for a bit.
Even further down the street I could see there was some kind of show going on up ahead. People were starting to bring out chairs in front. I thought I would ask a man who was working on the lights by the stage.
"Hey excuse me, what's going on around here?"
"There's a show going on. Talent show, sort of. Today's the Plymouth thousand year anniversary celebrations."
"A thousand years? Wow…then Plymouth's been around for quite a while then, eh?"
"Oh yes."
"Hm…hey, who's going to be performing?"
"Plenty of people. The show starts in a half hour. If you'd like, the sign ups are just over there." The man pointed to a desk of judges it seemed, where many people were going up to and signing sheets of paper. You know… the works. I walked over to inspect, and the man continued to fix the lights for the show.
"Hi…is this the sign ups for the show?" I kept quite shy for my character…never been in a talent show, I mean. I've been in plays, but nothing like this.
"Yes, m'am. We have plenty of spots to be filled in."
Without hesitation I took the chart and wrote my name down next to a specific time. I didn't even know what I would do! Singing, I guess. But sing what? Britney Spears? This is 1899 for crying out loud! Sigh. I'll improvise.
It was nearing the opening for the show…and I had no idea what I would do. I thought about everything the league…us…we…I don't know…just everything. All the trouble we've been through. The problems…the relationships…
And then it hit me. I knew what song I'd do! Ooh! I'm so excited…ha! Just the lyrics and everything. I've never been in a talent show before. And my time was almost coming up. The show was beginning…people were filing in the seats…fast. Lights were dimming, and the first act was up…a violinist. It was a man about 35, dressed in black formal attire with black combed hair and a black goatee. He was pretty good, I must say. I think they said his name was, like, Debussy something…I don't really remember.
…
Debussy?
Oh my god. I'm gonna need an autograph.
But anyway, after him there was a woman singing opera. She wasn't as good as the violinist. She had black frizzy hair in a bun, and wore way too tense clothing for her weight; her girdle was on a little too tight I think. It didn't just show from her appearance. Her voice was a little screechy…like a parrot…and the dress didn't look to comfortable, either.
Neither did the audience, actually.
I was performing four acts later. As I waited the tension grew so much I didn't think I could stand it. People came up to me, asking what I would be performing so they could prepare. I told them I would handle it. You know, I actually like butterflies a whole lot…just not when they are in my stomach. Nervous just didn't quite explain it. I started to worry about my outfit, too. I felt I didn't quite fit in, or seem presentable in my white button up shirt, black knee length skirt, beige lace stockings and black heeled pumps. My long, wavy blonde hair didn't seem right either.
And yet, not before long I was up. I think the worst I thought of was the reaction the audience would have to my song. It's not exactly 1899-ish…oh, well.
I got up from my seat all the way in the back from the stage where I watched the show. Walking over to the side of the stage, I walked up the stairs and behind the curtains. As I walked through the wings people nervously asked me what I would be performing. I said I would be singing. But other than that, I just ignored them.
As soon as I said that a man quickly set up a microphone in center stage.
And so, I walked through the curtains, stepped out onto the wood floorboards of the stage, and stood in back of the microphone. Somebody announced my name. Lights were flashed into my eyes; I swear I would go blind. So, that was my first priority. Secretly to my side I waved my hand a bit down, and the lights dimmed to a soft glow. The man that was in charge of the lights couldn't figure out what had triggered them to do so.
And with a swish of my other hand, the music began to play. A continuous hum played on as an upbeat strum of a guitar echoed around the stage for about twenty seconds. Then I began to sing:
"Please, don't flatter yourselfyou're not the only onethis heart has ever felt
Please, don't exaggeratedon't tell me you're okay, okay, okay…"
As the chorus came to be, the strumming of the guitar got a bit more intense and upbeat; funky.
You know, the works.
I must say, I thought I was quite good. The reaction of the audience wasn't what I expected it to be. They seemed to like it…as something new, or that they've never heard before. The mood of the song gave something soft, or dreamy. So when the chorus came the mood changed to…like…intense passion.
"I will admit it, if you admit itIt's harder than we both thoughtIt's easier to fall apartLook where we are
I can forgive it, I can't forget ityou left me here with all these scarsand you can't deny the hardest partI'm not in your arms…"
As soon as the chorus ended it went back to the normal beat, and I continued:
"We're more hurt than we appearThe world will never knowWe both have tasted tearsMy dear
You're denying what I sayDon't act like it's okayCuz it's not okay…"
---
Rodney Skinner and Tom Sawyer ran for their lives down the street in laughter. Once or twice they looked back over their shoulders. They pushed some people behind them, leaving them pitiful looks.
"HA! Oh god, Rodney that was…the best fun I've had in a long time." Tom found it hard to find his words.
"Aha! Yeah, yeah I know." They stopped short to catch their breath. Leaning over in exhaustion, Rodney laid his hand on Tom's back, and Tom pressed his hands on his knees, both aching for support.
"I…can't believe…they didn't catch us that was so close…" Tom once again looked over his shoulder.
"What are an invisible man and an American spy to do, eh? We're naturals!" The two friends broke into exhausted laughter, and found their balance to stand upright.
"Right, well I'm burnt out tired. I'm gonna head back to the Nautilus for the night. You comin?"
Just then Rodney heard music coming from down the street. Just barely he could see a show going on, and to his surprise he saw who it was exactly that was performing. Tom didn't seem to notice.
"Well?" Tom pressed.
"Actually…" Rodney kept his gaze on the show. "I think I'll head up with you later, Tom."
Tom still didn't seem to notice what it was that Rodney was staring at. And frankly, he didn't seem to care. "Alright well I'll see you in the morning, then."
"Right."
As Tom walked away, Rodney slowly paced down the street until he caught up with the show. Standing in the back, he watched and listened intently as his friend sang, hanging his hands in his pockets and with a wide smirk across his face.
---
Once again the chorus rung with a faster tone, and the lyrics sprang out of my mouth.
"I will admit it, if you admit itIt's harder than we both thoughtIt's easier to fall apartLook where we are
I can forgive it, I can't forget ityou left me here with all these scarsand you can't deny the hardest partI'm not in your arms…"
Then as the third verse came around, my voice didn't spring out as usual this time. It was a little more intense. Intensely loud, that is. That was because when I saw Rodney come out from the back of the audience just standing there with that huge grin on his face, the meaning of the lyrics really kicked in.
"It's not in the cards…It's not in the stars!"
My eye contact with him was direct, and I was beginning to get the intense feeling we had there. The lights seemed to get brighter as I went through that third verse, but the music to my ears, the people, the feeling, everything…seemed to block out almost. It was like the only person watching me was him…
And he was the only one I cared about.
"I'm not sorry! I'm not sorry!You're not sorry!I will admit it, if you admit it…Just please, don't flatter …don't flatter…yourself."
The song ended for everyone else, but not me. It kept going on and on when I walked off the stage, the audience cheered, and I walked up to Rodney in the back, still standing there with that smirk on his face. The look of it made me smile as well.
"So? How'd I do?"
I was so happy then. I felt…like…super flirty with him; I have no idea why I acted that way.
"You were great. Lovely voice."
I smiled. "Thanks."
"Since when do you sing?" the smirk never failed.
"Since now, I guess."
"Well you're really good. You should stay to claim your prize." His grin grew even wider than it already was. I didn't think that was possible.
"Aha-um…I didn't win. That Claude Debussy guy definitely did."
"You sure? I think you're a prize."
"Mm…" I twisted my body back and forth.
A few minutes of silence lasted between us. We stared into each other's eyes…or me staring into his sunglasses, really…and smiling at each other. After a few, long lasting minutes Rodney finally said something.
"You want to have dinner?"
That startled me. I had never thought for him to say anything like that. I looked at him, asking him telepathically if he was kidding or not, but I don't think he was.
"I mean, I'm real hungry. What about you? You up for a bite to eat?"
"Starving." was the only thing that came out of my mouth. I had no control over it; all I knew was that I was acting real serious with him, and my eye contact was direct.
"Well alright then. I saw this restaurant down the street that seemed worth checking out."
"Sure."
"Hope you don't mind seafood after eating it all the time on the Nautilus."
We began walking down the street side by side.
"I don't mind seafood. I like it."
We continued to walk in silence for a few minutes.
As we got halfway down the street we stopped at a wide building decorated with several strings of lights and decorations. People were seen through the windows happily eating their food, and classical music played softly through the inside and out. We greeted a man at the door, dressed in a black formal suit and had brown thick hair and a matching moustache that was curled up at the sides in some Italian form.
"Table for two?"
"Right. Table for two." said Rodney. The man led us through the building and masses of tables occupied by Englishmen and women. The restaurant had a dark burgundy carpet and deep velvety red wallpaper. A bar lay on the left wall, where several people were seated upon it; drinking, flirting, and having a good time. We were led to a flight of stairs to the side of the bar, and up it came another floor, all occupied tables. Going out the restaurant and through the back doors viewed a small patio which laid 4 sets of tables and chairs. We were seated to the last one, set against the railing of lights, and the view of Plymouth, England was set upon us. It was beautiful at night; everything was lit up and the music made the feel all so soothing. The weather was warm but in a calm way. I sat down on the right side of the rounded table, and Rodney sat down on the other side, obviously.
A waitress then appeared at the table. She was in her thirties, with big breasts and black, beautiful hair. Nice golden skin, perfect teeth…you know, the works. Made me look like hell compared to her. If only it was our character we were comparing…then I wouldn't have a problem with hell.
"What will it be then?"
I didn't even look at the menu. I had no idea what I was going to get. Rodney had the same thoughts. He, too, was too occupied with talking. I just quickly looked over the specialty section and picked the best thing there.
"Seafood linguini, please." I handed the waitress my menu, and took a sip of water as I watched Rodney seem surprised at my quick reflexes. He picked something quickly as well, and handed the pretty waitress his menu. I think he ordered some kind of fish filet.
"Anything to drink? Wine, perhaps?"
"Yes, please. Some nice red wine would be nice." Rodney said, all too quickly I thought.
"I—uh…mm…" I tried to say something, but before I could really find any words to get out of my mouth the waitress was gone with the order.
"Rodney, I-I don't…"
"What?"
"I…er…"
"You don't what?"
"The wine…"
"Don't drink?"
"No, its not that…well not technically, it's just…"Rodney looked at me like he was trying to figure me out, and it was confusing him. I sighed.
"Never mind."
"You sure?"
"Fine."
"Okay, then."
Once again silence rested upon us for a few minutes. After a minute or two I raised my eyebrow and twisted my head around the setting like I was too mesmerized to realize where we were.
"So…"
"Hm?" Rodney perked his head up just a bit.
"Is this like…"
Rodney crossed his eyebrows slightly. "Like what?"
"A date?"
He smiled and bowed his head. He was chuckling slightly.
"If you want it to be." as he said this he rested his jaw on his left hand.
I raised my eyebrow again, even higher...and couldn't contain my smile.
"Well what makes a date?" I could tell he was enjoying this.
"Well…a nice restaurant…music…a passionate conversation…a more-than-friends relationship…either that or making out in the back seats of the movies…really depends on your style." I smiled at that.
"A movie?"
"You know…motion picture?"
"Oh, those. Well…as much as I'd love to do the movie thing, we're pretty set for now at the restaurant. So…sure! Yeah, this can be a date, then." his never-ending smile showed that he was definitely enjoying this.
"We have a more-than-friends relationship?"
"Don't we?"
"I don't know. Do we?"
"Well I would hope so."
At this point the waitress had come back with our food (that was quick), followed by a waiter that held our wine. She set our plates in front of us, and with a cheer the man opened the bottle, flying the cork off the balcony. The 'pop' noise it created made me jump just a bit. Rodney chuckled.
Right now, the food wasn't looking all too good, considering I imagine it as throw-up. I can't have wine! It's not legal to drink at…
Oh well.
I'm legal at the moment...sort of…I think…I don't know.
The man filled our glasses half-way, and then set the bottle in an ice-filled bucket.
"Cheers, love…to a lovely singer, and a possible more-than-friends relationship."
We clanked glasses, and I took the glass to hold it up to my nose. It smelled vilely like alcoholic grapes.
Well, wine is made from grapes, anyway.
…
It still smelled bad.
I looked up and Rodney was drinking his wine, almost done. I thought I would barf.
Instead I dug into my linguini. It was ok. Too much oil, though. I guess this is the downside of not looking over the menu.
I could tell I wouldn't be able to finish it anyway. I always had a problem with finishing my food. I get full way too easily.
I just realized that because the linguini was so oily, I got thirsty easily. And joy, the only thing to drink was wine. I had already drunk all the water.
"Food's good." he hadn't looked up. Good thing too, 'cause then he wouldn't be able to notice my expression.
"Mm-hmm…" I faced back down into my food, eating it slow until Rodney finished his dinner.
"You haven't touched the wine." he glimpsed his eyes to me as I faced him, wide-eyed and startled.
"It's alright if you don't want it, I'm just saying." He faced his food again.
"Oh, sorry. Just…don't want to drink all that much tonight."
"Any reason why?"
"Don't want to get drunk?"
He laughed.
"Take it from someone who knows…a glass of wine isn't going to get you drunk."
With hesitation and most likely a grossed-out face I took a sip of wine.
It tasted exactly how I'd imagined it…unpleasant. I drank more in time, however…courteously.
So once again I dug into the linguini.
"So what else?" he said. He didn't startle me this time.
"So what else what?"
"What else makes a date?"
Rodney pulled his head up to face me and I forced back the smirk.
"Well the guy normally pays for the food."
"Well ok, I was planning to do so."
"Were you?"
"Of course. A man doesn't take a gal to dinner without expecting to pay for it." Rodney gave me an expression asking what I did expect.
"Well…I was curious."
"Curious about?"
"How'd you get the money?"
Rodney seemed very amused by this. He bowed his head in laughter.
"Because I'm a thief?"
I raised my eyebrow and took a sip of the wine, as vial as it was.
"You don't like me as a thief, do you?"
"So it is stolen money."
"Maybe."
"Mm. Just curious."
"You don't have a problem with it, then?"
"No. I don't mind you're a thief, pay with someone else's money…it's who you are."
"Better or worse?"
"Exactly."
"Heh…well, thanks." he sipped his wine in response.
"Mm. You are a gentlemen thief, after all."
"Of course."
I couldn't tell how long we sat there staring at each other. Our food was mostly finished with, the wine was almost gone to my surprise,(for I did feel a little unstable) and the waitress was going to come in a few minutes.
When she did come, Rodney paid the check right then and there with the crinkled up bills from that he retrieved from his boot…which I found to be an interesting place to hide one's money…and we got up out of our seats.
"Well I don't know about you, but I would have called that a date."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"Well, we ate at a nice restaurant, there was nice music playing…a nice view might I add, I paid for the meal, and I would say we now have a more-than-friends relationship."
"Because we went out to dinner?"
"Not just that, no. I mean…our relationship is quite close." he smiled.
I pondered for a moment.
"…prove it."
Apparently we must have been pretty close when I said that, because it was real easy for him to just lean in on me and press his slightly puckered lips on mine.
The kiss lasted long, I could say that much. Long and passionate. After we released lips, we stared into each others eyes closely for a second or two, until once again his lips forced onto mine.
As the kisses got shorter and faster, our bodies got closer…and I could feel one of his hands go up my spine, which felt fairly good might I add, and his other hand lightly contacted the side of my face. In return my arms grasped his shoulders.
We were still at it when I figured I had no idea what came over me. For my first kiss it was very nice. I'll give the rogue his props; he's a good kisser. But I didn't love him…at least I didn't think so. To tell you the truth, the one person that I was attracted to at first was Henry. But I'm pretty sure he likes Mina. And I'm very sure Mina likes him. Isn't Mina married, anyway? Well…no. Her husband died.
…
I wouldn't be surprised if she was the one who killed him…just saying.
But anyway, I guess Roddy would have to do.
So…after a couple more minutes of interlocking and parting our lips, the caressing of my back and the craziness that went on in my head, we finally stopped with a heavy intake of breath.
Rodney smiled, his lips still barely touching mine.
"What?"
He continued to smile, and then started to laugh a bit.
…
I think I just realized why.
"I have grease paint all over me, don't I?" I closed my eyes in despair.
He laughed even harder. "Yeah…"
"Great."
I lifted my hand from his shoulder to wipe it away, but he beat me to it. As his thumb wiped my lips he looked me in the eye and smiled very slightly.
"So…is that proof enough for you?"
I hesitated for a minute.
"No…it isn't."
Rodney backed his head from me about an inch to study my expression. He gave me a half amused, half confused look.
And then I finally realized what I had said. Rodney's expression showed exactly what it was that I had said. He'd got it in his head that when a girl says no to a guy when he asks if a kiss is proof enough for them to be more than friends, it means more as 'no…its not enough' rather than 'no…it isn't since I might love someone else but I don't think it would work out because he likes someone else and she likes him too'.
We led ourselves out of the restaurant, and hauled a carriage to take us back to the Nautilus. He insisted me a 'ladies first' when we were entering the coach, and the horses started going after he followed me inside.
I hadn't expected him to do anything inside the coach, but he proved me wrong by tenderly kissing the bottom of my neck as soon as it started going. His hands were placed gently on my shoulder and around my back. My head tilted to the side for him to progress his kisses to my upper portion of my neck…and by closing my eyes, it really did feel good.
Its not that I don't want this to be happening…it's just that I don't want it to go too far, where in the end I know it would be Rodney that would end up getting hurt.
But then again, I'm sure he's done all this before.
Before I knew it we were by the docks, and the Nautilus was shining as beautiful as it ever were in the English Channel.
The entryways were wide open, and Nemo's crewmen were bustling around the ship. Getting out of the carriage Rodney and I simply walked inside the ship, down the halls side by side with no interaction, and as we came down the hall where all our cabins were Rodney grasped my hand, opened the door to his cabin, and pulled me inside.
After closing the door he immediately approached me, grasping his arms around my body and leaning his head under mine to give into the kiss. It went on vigorously, and I could feel our bodies thrusting towards the bed behind us. My body hit it first, and we plunged atop the blankets and pillows, still at one another. My left knee bent for my leg to trap the rogue's body as his right hand embraced the side of my waist. His hand moved upward to the side of my breast, then to my collar. With his one sticky fingered hand the first button came unbuttoned, then the second, third, and fourth. I felt the cool air hit my bare chest, and then as our lips parted and our eyes opened Rodney quickly shook off his coat and continued to the kiss; his hat, gloves and glasses already been taken off long before. Rodney still wore a black sweater and pants and his cash-filled boots. I had no idea what was controlling me…most likely my inner sexual desire…but both my hands moved smoothly down his sweater and to his fastened pants, with the purpose of unfastenment…if that's even a word. In return his hands once again returned to my hips, but this time under my skirt, and began to pull down my undergarments after unfastening my holster-garter belt.
Grasping his right palm to the edge of the headboard, Rodney entered into me as the kisses lasted. I could feel his tongue push its way through my mouth, and soon enough our kisses had traveled to France…his tongue massaged mine as I did his. The night had lasted long in this matter, passionate as it was. But after a while we died down to a calmer state, and sleep had at last rested upon us.