|
Standing on the deck of a ship for the first time in her life, with the crisp, salty ocean breeze blowing through her hair would have been exhilarating, a beautiful scene, if not for Adeline's present company. The presence of the man beside her could turn blue skies and calm seas into a horrible raging tempest, to use a proper metaphor in communion with the current setting. She sighed, a bit too loudly she discovered, as Doran -- Captain Jythralo Doran he was called, and it made her want to spit, and even wish that she knew how to properly -- asked: "And what troubles you, my dear, for such a strong expression dread?"
"Troubles? Never, Master Doran. My life is grand, glorious even. Shockingly so. Where else would I want to be but on a ship, wild and free on the never-ending waters of the world, with none other than your illustrious self."
"Why, my lady Adeline, you flatter me!" he answered rather raucously. The wine bottle that had been in his hand since early that morning was looking empty. Still, it was no wonder that the man could still speak coherently, considering who he was.
"Whether in accordance with my intent or not, you are welcome," she said, smiling bitterly as she gazed at a horizon separated from the sea only by a change in shades of blue. Glancing back at the man beside her, she realized just how perfect a time this would be to ask questions.
"When do you estimate we will reach your next...destination?" Adeline asked in her most polite conversational voice. Unfortunately, as she turned to face Doran she discovered that the first mate stood behind his relatively inebriated captain, looking quite sober, and with ears listening to every word. She would need to be careful, and hope for the best. If only she could be sure that luck had ever been or ever would be with her.
|