The next morning started just as basic as the previous one had. Killian made his way to the galley for a basic breakfast before meeting with Robin or Ruby, whichever he found or found him first, for his chores and duties of the day. It was Ruby that day. She informed him that he was first to clean up the galley after breakfast was over and then find Robin who would teach him some of the basic sailors' knots that would help with the rigging and sails. He nodded and quickly finished up his breakfast before going about collecting the cleaning supplies so that when the last few straggling sailors departed the galley, he could begin.
Making polite chit chat with Ariel who was cleaning a few of her pots and pans, Killian began wiping down the tables, mopping up spills, rearranging the benches and tables, and bringing any leftovers he thought Ariel could use again into the back part of the kitchen. With his tasks completed, he gave a nod to Ariel before heading up top to find Robin for his sailor training.
"Ah Killian, there you are. Ruby tells me that I'm to teach you some knots. That shouldn't be a bother." Robin said, greeting the raven haired prince as he approached.
"I just can't help wondering why I'm learning this." Killian asked, as Robin led them over to the front of the deck and grabbed some spare pieces of rope for them to use.
"Most likely so you could help with some sails and other odd jobs. Surely you don't want to spend your entire journey here in the galley, do you? By knowing the basic knots, you have a bit more broader experience and can assist in a much larger multitude of tasks."
Killian nodded at Robin's explanation, understanding that it was vital for him to be useful aboard the pirate ship. His parents used the same techniques on the newer servants back home, allowing them to get a taste of each job which gave them a broader spectrum of skills and the ability to assist in most parts of the castle instead of just the one area they were hired for. Taking the piece of rope Robin offered him, Killian then watched as Robin explained and demonstrated the first of a few knots. Robin would explain how to tie the knot and what it was for as he tied the knot slowly, pointing out each portion of the process as well as doing it multiple times. Killian then practiced with his own piece of rope, asking for pointers or a clarification if something from the demonstration escaped him. Once he accomplished the first knot, Robin went on to show Killian a few more, repeating the process for each one. Soon enough, Killian had been taught and mastered a variety of sailors' knots and could tie them with the best of them.
"You are quite a natural at this, Jones. You sure you have no previous rope knowledge?" Robin asked, smiling.
"Just tying my brother up with a belt or blanket in our fun from my younger days," Killian joked, causing a great, big, belly of a laugh to come from his companion. The two men then put away their pieces of rope and headed to the galley for a late lunch before splitting off, Robin with wheel duty and Killian off to the bow of the ship for a few calm moments before seeking another task.
He was allowed many twenty minutes of looking out at the serene horizon before he was greeted by two smaller men, seeking his company,
"Killy! Come play with us!" Roland called out as he and Henry approached Killian and broke through his thoughts.
"Well hello young master Roland, young master Henry. How may I assist you this fine afternoon?" Killian asked, smiling down at the two boys.
"We're done with chores and Roland wanted to see if you wanted to play with us." Henry explained.
"Well but of course. Now what would you boys like to do?"
Killian then spent the remainder of the afternoon and well into the evening playing with the boys before escorting them to the galley where they split off on their search for their parents, while Killian grabbed his own dinner and ate it at his own table, a typical boring day at sea having passed by him, bringing him one day closer to home. Though deep inside, he was almost wishing they'd take longer getting home, something inside him wanted to stay on the ship.
Killian awoke the next morning and went about his duties, as he had become accustomed to already. Taking a quick breakfast before chatting with Ariel as he cleaned the galley before going off in search for Ruby or Robin in order to get another task for the day. Ruby had him working on knots, securing some sails to the deck. Nearing the middle of the afternoon, Ruby came and informed him that Emma wished to have his presence in her cabin for dinner once more that evening. He nodded in agreement, before spying the mentioned blonde up by the wheel. She looked strong and almost god like, the sun streaming down and bouncing off her pulled back blonde hair as she gripped the wheel and kept the ship on its course.
"Stop gaping, lover boy." Ruby snorted, alerting Killian to his too long staring and wide open mouth. "Tread carefully Killian. She's been hurt before. I'd put a damper on that crush if I were you." Ruby told him softly before nodding and walking off.
The rest of the day, Killian's thoughts were filled with the blonde captain and the multiple times he's been told about her somewhat sordid past. He couldn't help but become more and more curious as to just what had happened to Emma that left her so scarred and hidden behind walls. Clearly a majority of the crew, who were her friends, knew at least some details about her past but he ventured a guess that none would betray her trust and tell him anything, at least not right away.
Just before Killian began making his way to Emma's cabin, Henry and Roland found him again in hopes of spending time in his company. Not wishing to let down the two people on the ship who seemed to favor his company, Killian promised that he would tell them a bedtime story in a few hours. After receiving two giant hugs in thanks, Killian quickly made his way down the hall, past his room and to the door of the Captain's Cabin where he knocked politely before being invited in.
"You wished for my company, Captain?" he asked as he entered, spotting Emma near the back of the room looking out at the sea through her window.
"Emma, please. And yes, I wanted to hear more about life at your castle. You are my guest after all, and the Captain is supposed to be quite courteous to their guests." Emma spoke, a sarcastic air joining her jovial words at the end of her sentence.
"But of course, Captain Emma. I had been wondering just when I'd be so blessed to be in your presence." Killian remarked. Emma laughed lightly before waving for Killian to sit as she made her way over to the table as well, where two plates of the dinner were waiting.
"So, Emma. I'm assuming it shall be a tale for a tale. I tell you about my childhood, and I might get a tale in response?" Killian asked as they began to eat.
"But what sort of tale would you want to hear? I am just but a humble pirate captain." Emma asked vaguely.
"Now I don't believe that for one second, but perhaps a tale of Henry's childhood or your time with Robin Hood, it seems you two have quite a history."
"Perhaps, but I'd like to hear about your childhood first."
"Very well, Swan. Let's see, how about I tell you about my first ball."
"I was about 10 years old, I believe. And two weeks before the ball, my mother came rushing into my room, pulled me from bed at quite the early hour and hauled me off to our tailor so that the seamstress could take my measurements and get started on my first suit for my first royal ball. Now mind you, I was plucked right from my bed and was only in a haze as to what was going on, until about an hour later when it all sunk it. I remember after the measuring, my mother escorting me to our dining area where she and my father explained that they were hosting a grand ball for their 15th wedding anniversary and as the crown prince; I was expected to be there. Apparently Liam was able to get out of it, as he was still only about 7 years old and couldn't be expected to mind his manners.
"The next two weeks were full of extra etiquette lessons and worst of all dancing lessons. I think the maid's feet are still swollen from all the toe stepping I accidentally did. And that was many years ago. Liam had a grand old time laughing at my dancing, until of course I reminded him that in a few years he would be learning all of this as well. There were also extra fitting sessions and my normal lessons to do as well, so those two weeks for me flew by in a flash. The next thing I knew, the ball had arrived.
"I don't remember much of the actual night now, as it was so long ago. But I do remember the royal entrance. I was to follow my parents down the grand staircase after they were announced. All I can remember is Granny, my godmother, having to push me through the doors because I got a bit of nerves just as they were announcing my entrance. I had peeked through the curtains earlier and had seen the enormity of the ball, and was scared of falling on my face. But needless to say, as soon as I entered and was stood in front of the crowd, my royal blood and training kicked in and I was able to walk down the staircase with ease. The rest of the night however, I was not so graceful. I think of the 5 princess I danced with, not a single toe escaped my horrible dancing. Of course I apologized profusely to each one, but that memory has stuck with me all this time. I do wonder how those princesses stand my company now, after such a terrible first impression." Killian wove his story, painting the details for Emma as he reminisced his past for her. She could see the dancing, the balls, a small version of Killian, not much bigger than Henry is now, stepping and wincing as he danced at his first ball.
"Perhaps it's because they understand that it was your first ball and you have improved your dancing skills with age. I hope so at least." Emma quipped as he ended his story.
"Aye, my skills are much more refined now. Liam's the natural dancer of the family, takes after our mother. I'm more like our father. I'd rather swing a sword or negotiate a contract, than court a lady and attend a ball."
Emma smiled at this comment, "So you don't dance even if you can?"
"Why would you like to dance, Emma?" Killian asked, putting his drink down and looking directly at the captain.
"Not particularly." Emma answered quickly, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "I believe I heard you promise to tell Henry and Roland a bedtime story tonight, what you were going to tell them?" she asked, changing the subject.
"I was hoping to tell them the story of my parents. How a bandit princess and a shepherd turned prince fell in love against all odds. It truly is a heroic tale." Killian replied.
"That sounds nice, I believe they will be heading to bed soon, if you'd like to find them before hand. I'm sure Robin wouldn't say no to an extra hand in preparing them for bed and tucking them in."
Killian could sense he was being dismissed, their earlier conversation having taken a turn to the bit too personal. He nodded in agreement and departed the cabin in search for the quartermaster and two young boys. Henry and Roland were happy to see him, telling him so amidst their yawns as Killian assisted Robin in helping the boys wash up and change before he sat against the wall in their room to begin his story. Killian then began to weave a tale that he had memorized by heart, having been lulled to sleep by it almost every night for many years by his own father and mother. Of course they each had their own tale, and somehow each night seemed to have different details, but all in all they were the same story. And it was this story that Killian then spun for the two young boys to lull them to sleep. Once they were asleep, Killian made his way up top to look out at the starry sky. His mind was swimming with his family, between telling Emma about his childhood and relaying the timeless tale of his parents to Henry and Roland. If Killian didn't know any better, he would have thought he was home sick. But he knew that he wasn't truly homesick but just missing the comforts of his family. If they were on the ship with him, Killian knew he'd be perfectly content, because to Killian. Home is the place where you are safe and loved with the people you love.