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Chapter Text

Vasco

It was the fourth night out at sea when he reflected back to the moment he met the legate; Vasco knew the voyage was going to be an interesting one. Most nobles he met were either too nosey, curious about his tattoos, or in love with the fantasy stories of Nuats to the point of being uncomfortable under their stares. Then there were the ones disgusted by the thought of leaving their comfy homes as to staying on a ship for, give or take a week, three months. All in all, to him they were arrogant and disrespectful which left him with aloof like manners or brief acknowledgement at best from him. But this woman who not only introduced herself but talked to him not at him, found a fellow missing Naut, and fought off a monster all within a few short hours. It should not have meant anything to him. Surely it didn’t, right?

That morning started out as normal as any other departure he had captained over the last two years. Waking up just before the crack of dawn one last time in the captain’s room of the harbor bunkhouse, checking over his packed things, readying himself as he went through his routine, and picked up his pack to head downstairs to the lobby. The room was not so much a room than the whole first floor, the front desk only serving as a sign in and out for those who wish to stay at the bunkhouse. Otherwise, it was a lounge for those staying or a good meet point for those gathering to leave. Vasco was just glad none of his crew were tempted to wander off to the bar end of the area, it was too early and would not do to have tipsy sailors before weighing anchor.

Sure enough he saw his crew waiting around groggily since their near two week shore leave left some a bit out of consistency. Seeing Flavia and Lauro with worried expressions still on their faces did not help his unease at a fellow shipmate having gone missing, today was departure and all hands were suppose to be on deck. He also had two royals to see to so he could not go out and search once more like he wanted. Which the captain did not care to admit to how thrilled he was. Note: sarcasm.

Now here he was a few hours passed midday, on the docks watching as his crew loaded the cargo and prepped the Sea-Horse for the long sailing ahead. His papers were in order, pack safely in his quarters, nothing amiss, and a nice day to boot. He was still unenthused about the Prince d’Orsay and Legate De Sardet boarding his ship and the inevitable entitlement that was bound to follow, but he had little say in the matter. Vasco’s mood was somewhat improved by the knowledge that he could sleep in his own bed on his own ship again.

The previous voyage was met by a nasty storm that made the roof of his cabin, the top of the poop deck, have a good size leak. The board was easily replaced and the water stains on the floor polished off like it never happened, and no books had been damaged. Which was important.

Vasco finished the thought and gave his last order to the crew to finish up loading, someone dropping the porcelain he had just said to be careful with. Staring up at the unseen stars in the sky with irritation instead of calling out his shipmate. Only to hear his title and name being called out from behind him.

When he turned he saw a well dressed but curious woman walking up. Her gait was indescribable, a mix between purposeful and graceful, her boots not making a sound as they touched the boards below. And while it was not unheard of for women in the Congregation of Merchants to wear trousers, it was not common to see in nobility. But what stuck out to him like the Polaris star was her facial expression. She looked intrigued as a few strands of light caramel hair escaped her side braid, swaying with the seaside wind. And by the sea her eyes! A turquoise color that seemed to glow alight. Intrigued, not uncomfortable curiosity like he was being examined, but still the emotion was very slight like as if she was allowing her noble mask to lower a bit. How did she survive in court? Was she just doing it to be courteous?

As he asked this mystery woman who she was, the man walking a few paces to her left was unmistakably a Coin Guard through and through. A face hard as stone to read but observant to their surroundings. Vasco deduced that she must be someone important and prepared himself for some name of some house asking for directions since they were lost at port… That was… Until the now introduced Legate called his ship a boat. Not his finest moment he will admit to only himself, usually he bit his tongue or at best acknowledged the ignorant nobles. But, oh no, he had to correct the royal before he even knew what he said. An awkward moment of silence where he saw barely hidden surprise followed by… mirth?... from the woman and the guard that looked like he was only just schooling his laughter with a firm bit to the side of his cheek.

And, of course the legate was just as quick to give an apology with the same exaggerated nod, just to prove a point. Like he did. 'Oh. This is going to be a long and interesting voyage indeed.'  Were his thoughts throughout the journey so far.

He only mentioned Jonas in passing when the legate was ready to go back in search for the prince. The captain held no hope that the royal would ask about for the cabin boy like she said she would. Why would she? As much as he would have gone out himself, he could not, he had a ship and crew to tend to before setting sail. Not to mention the passed few days were busy enough with poorly disguised Theleme Inquisitors and a caught smuggler. So keeping an eye out for possible stowaways prowling around his ship, to say he was busy was an understatement. By no means were the Nauts pirates but even they could sometimes be persuaded to do under the table jobs if convinced. Still, he was not able to go find his missing crew member like he wanted to, only being able to send a few inquiries out to turn up something but ended with nothing. Vasco felt like a lousy captain but hid it well.

However, when a figure came trotting down the ramp to the port and Flavia crying out in happiness, he knew his cabin boy was back safe with his family once more. He made sure to walk over once a few of the other crew members patted him on the back in welcome. The boy was clearly anxious about being so late and worrying everyone, but was relieved the captain held no ill. Vasco was taken by surprise when Jonas explained in detail and enthusiasm how the Legate and the Coin Guard with her had to sneak him out of the place he was being held. How kind she was when she spoke to him.

He had to pause when he walked back to continue watching over his ship. Lost in thought to the aspect of possibly rethinking his opinion of the woman he only just met an hour ago. But that was not the last surprise of the day.

Checking his pocket watch, the very same one he used for his navigation charts, another hour rolled by and now he was starting to grow irritated again by the royals’ lateness. He could not explain to passengers why leaving with the tide was important, only that it was. In winter the Nauts had only one chance at high tide per day and maybe twelve minutes tops for a good take off or arrival which made for a bit of organized chaos in port. The captain was just thankful this was not a navy port at one of the few other countries they sailed to, or a Naut warship port, else there would be more matters to worry about.

And right now, time told it was almost an hour more before they either set sail or were forced to stay an extra day.

Comically enough as soon as he was about to curse aloud, he happened to glance over once more to the port ramp. Three figures were now full out running around the bend, down the ramp, and onto the harbor’s boards. A none too quiet Legate yelling for her companions to keep moving, and possible few curses along the way. It would have been amusing if not for Vasco reaching his patience end.

After polite introductions with the now accounted for Prince, for which the on-paper descriptions of the blonde’s energetic outlook on life could not fully prepare one for the actual young man, they were finally heading down to the Sea-Horse. Or so he thought.

Half listening to the banter behind him, seeing his ship just pass the one right in front of the group walking up, noticing most of his crew and the other noble and Coin Guard waiting a little way from the few departing ship ramp. Everything after that was a rush. By the time a crew member of WaveRider came running to the rails yelling, the haul’s boards were being broken through. There was no way in all the seas ropes were going to contain whatever beast was in there. All the higher ranks and few captains in harbor knew one of the ships was carrying those creatures from Tir Fradee, but despite the precaution it seemed as though it was useless. The creature had awoken and was now very pissed off.

With an ear shattering roar that shook the very grounds, Vasco could only stare in frozen shock at the massive beast that now crawled fifty feet in front of him and the others. In some mind-numbing haze one thought crossed his mind and that was how glad he was that he took a piss earlier. Said thought was quickly replace with horror at how the Legate pushed out of the Coin Guard's grasp and rushed to her cousin who was right in the middle of the beast and the falling main mast. She was just barely missed by a bark like claw hitting her as she quite literally threw the Prince out of the way towards the guard. With an eyeblink to spare, the Legate looked right at his still dumbfounded state and ordered him to help keep her cousin safe.

Her firm if not fearful tone of voice and her stare, those eyes of pure determination, knocked him out of his stupor as another roar was unleashed.

Quickly he led the Prince and guard back up the ramp to the second level of the harbor. While he yelled for all Nauts to stay back the Coin Guard next to him ordered all guards along the city’s limit to get in some form of formation. How were the guards going to even fight this thing if it got to them? How were his fellow seas siblings even going to get out in time? The beast was right in the way of the only exit of that level and the other crews were down there, either in the two other bunkhouses or prepping their own ships. His own crew and ship were down there, and he couldn’t get to them to keep them safe. Another ear splitting roar shook everyone, and only then did it dawn on him that the Prince was almost crying in shock and terror for his in danger cousin. The only thing keeping him there was the guard’s firm hand on his shoulder to keep him down behind the railing.

Vasco was ordered to keep him safe, and as much as the young captain did not like being ordered around, much less by nobility, he would do so. With the initial numbness gone and his mind back to focus, he unholstered his three-shot pistol. This startled the bodyguard next to him but quickly waved him off as he barked as loudly as he could to the only other fully prepped ship docked. “Open gun ports! At ready only!”. The order almost got him quite literally decked by a certain angry looking guard. But with the other Coin Guards up top were aiming their rifles so he saw no difference except cannons would do more damage.

Apparently, all of this had happened within a few short minutes, because once the orders were out and everyone was ready as could be, the legate was still fighting the beast. So far it seemed she was doing a good job at dodging and getting a few strikes in, but she was at best a general nuisance to it.

Sitting here in Mess in his usual out of the way spot, as his crew mingled and unwind from the day’s sailing, the captain remembered all too well how this noble, this small-framed woman, held her own while the rest of them were too stunned to do anything. But the fight could not last the way it did in the beginning. Her lithe frame did little in the damage department as she kicked back away from her attack, and Vasco could see right away that fighting like this was not going to cut it. She needed help but none could fire without hitting her.

A half arse idea came to mind as he looked to his own weapon, then to the Coin Guard.

He remembered asking if she knew how to shoot and his only answer was a grin and the short response of ‘trick shooter’. The Naut had no idea what that meant only that he could now give her something to help. Granted it was only a little since he never thought a full-on battle would be raged in the harbor, but it was better than nothing. And so, with one final breath he yelled out to the Legate and threw his pistol with some ammo pouches wrapped around it.

Soon the tide was turned in her favor as she rolled out of the way from a branch spike being thrown at her and towards the weapon given. Another was dropped from where the guards were at top and she quickly pick up the rifle. Dancing around the beast as four shots rang out between her dodging and flipping back, each time the shots almost knocking her off her feet. But she stayed firm, and her aim true. Dropping the rifle in favor for his pistol as she got closer once again to stab when she could and fire as she backed away, interrupting the beast’s attacks.

Then it was over.

Slowly he got up with the prince as the guard jogged over to her just when the final shot was heard. Silencing the harbor like an aftermath of a hurricane. Only the man’s concerned questioning as he looked over her then to the now dead beast and the prince giving breathless praise as he hugged her. All was quiet for a solid minute until he heard orders from all over to disengage weapons and cannons. A few of his crew mates ran over to see if he was alright, giving fearful looks to the down creature.

After the jitters that left everyone bone wary and ready to move on, Vasco realized it was most definitely time to get sailing.

Quickly but politely as he could, the captain urged them to continue following him to his ship. Bidding his guests to board after regaining his composure from all that had just happened. He was once again taken back at how enthused the prince was practically skipping about and laughing, his cousin sharing a small amount when the guard said a matter-of-fact statement. But, Vasco was happy as could be that they were still on time and finally weighing anchor. Putting as much distance between them and the horror at the harbor as much as possible.

'This is going to be an interesting voyage'. He once again thought as he swung back the rest of his drink. Slowly getting up to take his leave of Mess, his men were laughing and in good spirits, he would leave them be to go take first watch early.

All the while aqua colored eyes caught a glimpse of his silent departure.

Chapter Text

Vasco

It was the beginning of week two of their three-month voyage when Vasco finally got the chance to talk to the Legate outside of small pleasantries. At first, he was taken back by the mark on her neck and cheek, for he did not notice it during the day of departure. Instead of the more Tir Fradi brown or greenish coloring, hers was sea green-blue in the middle that faded lighter out towards her skin. He missed this detail since normally he would be the expected courteous host and invite nobles aboard to dine with him on the first night at sea. However, the Prince politely asked if they could hold off the dinner since the excitement of the day’s events wore most of them out. He was not about to say no to that, it being easier on the cook and crew.

The wait ended up being a few more days due to the Prince being subjected to a nasty case of sea sickness, finding his newfound sea legs was not going smoothly for the blonde-haired man. The captain’s small smirk from behind the wheel that he usually wore in self victory, did not reach his eyes, for he was curious as to why the woman with her cousin was unaffected.

All the nobles he ever had on board over the years were sick in some way; sometimes only for half a day while others lasted two. Even some of his fellow Nauts got sick for an hour or two on the first day back to sailing, it was how things were. So why was this legate chirpy as could be and dancing around her cousin and the Coin Guard? Kurt was the man’s name. Even he was a tad pale. Yet here the Legate was practically skipping about in humor at her companions sickened state, getting glares every time she got up with ease and walked about.

During the one time at dinner he had with them, Vasco soon realized this royal was unique from the rest. While his Highness spoke, telling stories and bad jokes as vast as the water itself, the Lady De Sardet rarely did. She would fill in some details here and there, kindly look to him whenever he spoke, and did seem friendly enough. But it was as if she was avoiding him, not really making eye contact when he spoke, looking only in his direction. Though the captain had to give her credit where it was due, the lady was very observant of her surroundings.

Being the very same, he saw some minor details now whereas before no time was given. Like how her hair was darker at the roots that faded to the light caramel color, or how wavey it was as it tried to escape her side braid once again. Her skin seemed smooth though how she managed to look slightly tan he could not tell. On her face there was a scar down the middle of her lip to the side of her chin. A slight bump in the middle of her nose told him it had been broken at some point and was corrected almost too late.

Vasco carefully kept his face neutral as he asked himself who would want to hurt a woman such as the one currently sitting at his small table. He could not phantom the Lady De Sardet being the type to let abuse happen, she sounded much like himself in those regards. He also knew the exact moment when she felt his quickly hidden surprise of spotting her mark. What was disguised as a passing glance, the woman tactfully looked down before sweeping over him, their eyes meeting for less than an eyeblink. Bright amber caught in watery turquoise.

The following week Vasco took note to watch the Legate a bit more closely. He highly doubted she was a threat or would start anything, but he was cautious as he was curious about this woman. Anytime they passed each other in the halls, or she looked up to the helm, there was a graceful nod of respect before she walked on. Sometimes there were no words spoken, other times a neutral toned acknowledgment of ‘Captain’, but none where she ever met his eyes again. It was along the lines of someone keeping well-mannered but distant.

What puzzled him more was how she started to relax and condition herself to her new surroundings, the sights and sounds no longer keeping her on edge. Vasco saw how once again how one step behind he was, for he thought she was just distant due to a new environment. And, while that was mostly true, she had also been quietly assessing everyone and everything on board the entire first week. Whether it was briefly conversing with Jonas, Flavia, and Luaro, or watching the interactions during evening Mess when most of the crew would be in one area. Out of a crowded room he knew when those eyes landed on him, never once being able to catch them in time.

Now here he was on the poop deck with the other three night-shift crew, a flask in hand that he occasionally sipped, and waiting for midnight to be relieved by second watch. It was a colder night with the breeze bouncing off the winter sea. Cold enough to force all of them to take turns walking around the whole deck to warm up before returning to the small group by lanterns. Vasco was just returning when he saw her; a shadow of a person swiftly walking to the edge of the rails on the quarter deck. Silently he made to follow in case of any half-brained ideas, but instead was a touch concerned why she was out here in nothing but a maroon shirt and trousers to protect her while leaning over way too far for his liking.

Without thinking he firmly grabbed her shoulder, the Legate’s startled movements going nowhere even as a defensive strike almost hit true before being pulled back in time. “If you are planning to make a swim for it, I suggest waiting till we dock.”

He was about to chastise himself when her wide eyes turned back to normal size that was followed by…mirth?

“Oh? May I ask why that is, Captain?” Her voice was smooth; no longer that fearful command from the harbor or clipped toned from dinner. It wasn’t teasing either, just humorous. Which he did not care for at the moment, he was just correcting a mistake before it turned deadly, nothing more.

“Because I have yet to lose a man. Let’s not start now, shall we?” He gave a firm nod, that only seemed to fuel her.

“I do not know if you have noticed, but, hum, I’m a woman.” Did she just give him back his own nod? With an open grin? The nerve!

And it was then in his pause for something to snip back that he noticed his hand was still on her shoulder. Quickly he let her go to unnecessarily fix his coat. “Well then, if you are well and want to stay that way, I would go back below deck. Shift is almost up, and I cannot -”

“Of course, I would be happy to follow you below deck. Lead the way.” Oh. Oh, that was a tease, and the Legate’s eyes showed it. Her voice may still have been calm and smooth, but those eyes were showing a different story. Once again, he could not look away as he choked back a stutter. This was not how nobles approached him if they wanted that; was this her way of propositioning him? Surely not since she wasn’t suggestively touching his arm or trying to catch his eye. The exact opposite really, she was giving him a wide berth and seemed to be the type that did not liked being touched. Just as the silence dragged on for a moment too long, she broke it.

“Apologies Captain Vasco, that was unworthy of me. I…I did not mean anything by it.” She said as all the sudden her humor left her, replaced by an expression he cannot quite name. Eyes darting a look back out to the sea as she slowly retook her position. “I will not be a bother, mindful of the rail and all that.”

Vasco stood there as he watched her basically recoil and was once more baffled as to why the Legate was so reserved around him. It should not have bothered him; it did not bother him. He had no reason to be anything more than professional and humor the noble, so he did just that.

“It is quite alright, and what shift is for. No harm was done, and it was a simple enough joke.” The young captain said as the woman turned to face him with a small confused or concerned expression.

“Truly? I find it a bit hard to believe that you don’t have better things to do then check on a guest who rushed blindly in the cold, dead at night, due to a little nightmare.” He was unsure what to say to that. Only that he did not care for the belittling tone he was hearing her use towards herself. Something he could have easily mistaken as asking for attention or pity if not remembering what he had observed from day one. And why would a nightmare scare her so?

“Be that as it may, we are here now. However, once more I must implore you to go back, madam. It is cold out and you are only wearing a layer of clothing. If you feel the need to return, I ask that you dress warmer. Wouldn’t want to catch a cold.” There. He said it. His good deed was done, and his shift was over, so they both can go their separate ways now, right?

Even though he was showing no outward facial expressions and his tone was normal as could be, he was happy that the Lady De Sardet seemed to have relaxed slightly. Even going as far as giving a soft smile. “You’re right Captain, again I’m sorry. And I bid you good night.” Then she was walking away, hopefully back to her guest room, leaving a mildly questioning captain behind.

Chapter Text

Vasco

After that night the rest of the first month went by in relative ease, and amusing moments. If he was being honest with himself, he had many questions and equally surprising moments around the Legate. Though she was no longer trying to avoid him, it was still a mystery as to why she did so in the first place. One would have thought that by now he would be somewhat used to having this unique woman on board. How wrong he was. Especially after he saw her help with a few mundane tasks around the ship, nothing to warrant suspicion or bark at her for crossing a line. He did catch the tail end of a rather heated argument between her and her cousin for taking up such tasks and wearing clothes that seemed beneath their stature.

The Prince was nice enough, in a rather sheltered and small dose of haughty, kind of way. Some things flew over the man’s head or was once again like every other noble he crossed, confused about why something was not done or done in a certain way. Vasco assumed that if their other tutor and guard were here with them then some days would not be quite as boring as others for the cousins. Or maybe not with the constant lessons. Probably a good thing they were not, for he felt that the former would have had a fit if he saw the Legate perform the tasks she had taken up doing and her adopting state of dress. It was bad enough hear what the Prince had to say, but he was once again unsure what to think when she stood her ground and stated how she wanted to do them. What noble wanted to work around a Naut’s ship? Royalty certainly did not. Unsure, confused, but somewhere deep down he felt that he could get to like this one.

Especially when she asked one morning if she could try her hand at swabbing the deck.

…

Wait. What?

Vasco would never admit to how much that made him smirk or pleased him once he got over the dumbfounded shock. It humored him almost to the point of being a right arsehole. His first thought being a rather mean joke about a noble finding humility and working for it. But he knew that was wrong of him, she did nothing to him to deserve that. Lady De Sardet was nothing like Elise, not in looks and clearly not in attitude. Biting back his self-guilt, he let her.

Considering he had seen her hang around Mess after breaking fast or midday lunch trying to be discreet about picking up the forgotten mugs or plate here and there. The kitchen staff noticing but let her be, just as baffled but amused about it as he was. He really should not have been surprised as he was when she asked. It was an hour after the crack of dawn, everyone else asleep except the ones on morning shift with him sailing the ship, and she was genuine with her question. So, he nodded. Still not expecting to her to follow his pointed thumb to go talk to the two men behind him on the poop deck. Biting back a laugh as he glanced at their equally confused looks.

Needless to say, De Sardet, dressed in somewhat worn in boots, dark grey pants, a lose button up shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows, showed no hesitance kneeling to grab a brush and follow the two men’s lead. For the next few hours she swabbed the deck without looking too out of place. Which was weird since she was most definitely a noticeable puffy cloud in the sky with her non tattooed face or forearms. But she managed to get one or two conversations going with the men. Short and simple.

A week later he saw her laugh with Luaro while the duo carried a few crates from below where the storage was to the kitchen. Luaro telling a story about a storm that tossed them all about the ship till nearly everyone was as dazed as the flopping fish on deck. The other joking about how that would be called a tossed salad on the continent. Laughing like as if she hadn’t been thrown around the quarter deck nigh two hours ago in a so-called training bout with the Coin Guard.

Not that she was no good at training, but Vasco could see where her forte was and where she sorely lacked.

She was good at defense in a hand-to-hand fight rather than offense. She was no bar room brawler by any stretch of the imagination, her tall lithe frame just not packing a cannon worthy punch for that. Her strikes were true and had a vicious kick, but throwing one to the ground and taking the fight there? She did well. Although if the memory served right of the harbor scene and was considered, her real skill lied in daggers and her aim with a gun.

And for some reason this stirred something in him. The thought of a woman not only knowing how to handle a pistol but caring for it too. Which he saw her do once when her room door was open, chatting across the hall to her cousin. Sitting on the floor with a towel spread in front of her with parts of a pistol and cleaning supplies on it. One of the two seen weapons in hand as she wiped it down in a happy manner, almost damn near sunk him from the sight of her smile reaching her eyes for the first time since meeting her. Vasco paused at the scene and just as quickly darted away when she looked up at him.

Even now as he thought back to the one thought that crossed his mind then; he had to remind himself to keep breathing evenly as to fight the oncoming blush. ‘For the love of the sea! Get ahold of yourself! You. Are. A. Captain. Act like it!’ He all but roar in his mind. Try as he willed, said captain knew he did indeed like this woman.

And he did wish she would smile like that more, and maybe have her care for his pistol like she did after the fight.

Chapter Text

Vasco

Funny thing the last few weeks held in store for him, as soon as he thought nothing more could be thrown his way where the Legate was involved, she proved him wrong once again. During the whole voyage she managed to befriend the crew which no noble had done before, chatting in Mess, helping with minor tasks, or simply taking the time to talk to them rather than at them. She was a curious one sure, but she never pried into one’s past or questioned too far, she took what was offered without pressing for more. De Sardet was rare, and the crew liked her to the point that they no longer tensed when she was around, they would wave her over to a table or tease her as much as she joked and teased them.

All in good fun even if one night two thirds of the way through the sail he heard about a couple of the crew who decided to drink and play cards a bit. Where one was three sheets to the wind and may have off handedly joked about sleeping with her, and he thought there might have been an incident that he had not had to deal with for a long while. But alas, there was none, for she politely declined in a way that he never heard before. She did not laugh, not wanting the drunken man to feel slighted, but merely smiled and deflected. “No but thank you, I’d rather you win back your coin if you play one more round with me.”

Not once can Vasco count a time where someone declined him in a nice way, let alone no embarrassment to oneself and in present company, but also continue to play a simple game to keep his spirits up. Not once was anyone that damn considerate. Sure, she was a bit of a tease with words rather than physically, but she did not seem uncomfortable with some of the dirtier jokes. Never once touching in a suggestive manner, only in comradery like a clap to the shoulder instead of a rub on the arm. It had to be a trick. That was the only logical reason this royal was befriending everyone, talking and helping, it was just to humor them or keep herself occupied. But there was nothing to gain from it that way.

And why did she never do that with him?

As captain he would keep a certain distance from himself and the crew due to the ranking. By no means did he want any of them uncomfortable around him, but it was good that one did not get too comfortable lease rank was forgotten during duty. And definitely not sexual! Last thing one needed was to have abuse of rank, felt their superior was doing just that, or either party feeling used. So, in short it was a bit lonely as captain, but he worked hard years to get here without much in the way of friendship or relationships. It was how it was when one put their mind and soul into a goal. He did not want distractions and normally a new person befriending the crew would not bother him.

Why did it now? A mere two weeks more and they would be docking at port, yet Vasco wanted nothing more than to get a few answers to questions that keep plaguing him… Wrong use of words.

To satisfy the curiosity burning in him, he planned one evening for when he was not on shift to catch the Legate as she took steps from the door below to the steps that led to the upper-level decks. Once he had her attention he would ask if she would take a walk with him. Considering the ship was only so big even if it was one of the larger class of ships the Nauts had, a stroll once around with a few stops to chat at a good distance away from crewmembers would not warrant suspicion. It was not that kind of walk and chat anyways!

With that in mind and the time right the captain headed out of his quarters to casually look over the ship from the front rail. Conveniently over the entrance in which he would spot her from. Sure enough he heard when the door opened and out came the woman he wanted to see and watched as she slowly made her way to the stairs that led up to his level. The captain walked over with ease as he stepped by her side, a nod in acknowledgement was made by the woman.

“Your Excellency, mind if we took a walk?” Vasco asked smoothly, placing his hands behind his back, gesturing with a tip of his hat.

The Lady De Sardet paused for a moment, a small amount of surprise and curiosity showing before she smiled. “Of course, Captain. That would be nice, it is a beautiful night for it.”

“Aye, that it is.” He turned to head up to the next set of stairs, the sailor on deck there just starting to head back down. He glanced to his right and was pleased to see she was almost right by his side. As he bid her to go up the steps, he took a moment to really see the woman in front of him.

She did not wear anything different than she had been on most of the voyage, this time however, she had on something a bit nicer like in the beginning days. A blue button up shirt tucked in by a pair of black not quite form fitting trousers, both leather belt and boots were light tan. But her hair is what nearly made him trip on his own deck, thinking there was an extra step at the top he caught himself before she noticed. Mentally cursing himself for not being more careful, getting lost at how this was the first time he saw her hair out of a braid or bun. Waves gliding over her shoulders that reached just at her shoulder blades. Caramel shining when fire light from the lanterns hit before going dark with the night as she passed by.

He tried his best to remain cool as they stopped by the rail, not really knowing what to ask or how to go about a conversation since all his words floated out to sea. But it seemed the Legate unconsciously came to the recuse.

“I’m assuming that you wished to speak with me, Captain?” She asked calmly as she looked over the water, a content expression as she did so.

“Indeed, I did. I’ve noticed a few things during the voyage for the past few months and I wanted to ask about them.” He stated as he regained his control back.

She smiled before giving a shrug as she watched the water for a moment more, then he was staring at those unique eyes for only the second time. The rest of his thoughts blown out to the wind with how they looked as they caught the half-moon to the side of them.

“I am sure you have many questions, Captain. Sail away and I’ll see if I can find their heading.” The Legate leaned back on the rail with both arms on either side for bracing, a grin on her face for the metaphors. He couldn’t bring himself to grimace.

“I want to say that was terrible, but I must admit, I have not heard anyone say that phrase before.” Vasco huffed a small humorous sound folding his arms over his chest. “But alright. I was wanting to know where you learned how to fight. I do not recall seeing that style being used very often.”

“You would be correct. Kurt is my weapons master in arms and taught me much, but as you can see, I never gain enough muscle weight to back up a good punch, and I can kick only so high.” She looked a tad grim. “I’m not too proud to admit my weakness, but still, I don’t like it anymore than anyone else.”

“I can see where you are coming from, but, you still haven’t truly answered my question, Lady De Sardet.”

“Please, just De Sardet. It’s just you and I here right now.” She sighed.

“As you wish.”

“I will say this for now. I did have another trainer for two years. This trainer made sure I was well rounded in the art of stealth. I was recently promoted to diplomat, so punching a fanatic in the face probably wouldn’t bode well for relations of nations.” Both laughed at that, a feeling Vasco had not had in a while, and he felt it. It felt good. “So, the sneaky sneak works for me. But using the skills in a battle? It’s tricky and not really suited. A fight? Is does if you have a very good surprise attack or defense they weren’t expecting.”

“Like when you ducked under Kurt’s hit and landed a punch to the gut as you pitted to kick? Or how you flipped him even though he had you in a hold?” He asked carefully as he took in what she said. A thought or two coming to mind that made more sense to him but making him uneasy.

“Yes. Guess you can say we are quite a team; he draws attention while I dodge and weave around picking off one by one. Though he hates defense, the whole waiting till someone has me in a difficult position. But sometimes it happens.”

“Understandable since he is your bodyguard. Tell me, did this stealth help you find Jonas?” Vasco saw her pause like she hadn’t considered the dots connecting along this direction. He grew a bit suspicious as she straightened up, continuing their slow walk along the rails once more. It was a long few minutes before she answered.

“Yes. I did have to sneak in to get your cabin boy and then help him sneak out so we weren’t caught.”

“So, he really was kidnapped then?” The captain did not doubt the boy’s story and knew now why someone would want Jonas. He wasn’t a lad that got into trouble and stayed with fellow Nauts all the time. But after hearing some of what he said to his few worried shipmates, Vasco was furious. He wanted a second side of the story, and who better then the rescuer?

“Yes, although his mother had a different story. After insulting me on being young and basically dumb, she claimed the Nauts took him first and she was left without a son. The father must have never told her the whole truth about the contract, or she was in great denial. He had planned to keep Jonas where we found him till the ship sailed off.” De Sardet explained as she stopped once more, this time on the other side of the poop deck. By now he was taking deep breathes to rein in his storm of anger.

“I left after her little lecture, got the information from her help, snuck around the place they held Jonas, and got him out. I’m sure there is suspension between the nobles but no way to prove it since they tend to treat their help like they are children who don’t understand much.” The woman continued to explain.

“They dared to take one of our own. That is not how you-” he started out before biting his tongue. He would not get into it here, not now.

“I’m sorry Captain.” Was all he heard before a gentle touch landed on his bicep. It shook him out of his anger enough to look over to her. “I know this is hard.”

“You do?” Vasco bit out sarcastically, unable to stop the mock laugh. “You are royalty, I don’t expect you to understand how us Nuats work. Enough to know maybe but not understand.”

“You’re right.” She let go of his arm to stand fully in from of him, nonthreatening. “But would you believe me if I said I had an idea?” Before he could answer the Legate took a step to him. Both were now a mere foot away from the other. “I had a Naut friend once, and yes, I mean friend. We met when I was seventeen and hanging around the port quarter. It was the first time I ever followed Constantin on one of his “trips” out. I was practicing hiding in the shadows while tailing him but ran into another young man.”

There was a faraway look on her face as she spoke fondly of this friend, and Vasco was hard pressed to accept her at her word. If not for the look in her unique eyes.

“You cared deeply for this friend? Even though he was a Naut.”

“Yes, for what few friends I have I treat them as though they are family. And sometimes family members don’t get along with others so you sneak around so you can still see them and catch up, yes?” She chuckled a bit as she leaned back on the rail. “And he very well could have shot me. I was hiding in the shadows for giggles to scare my cousin, and I thought to cut off at a corner, accidentally running onto Naut territory only because I wanted to jump the fence. I rounded the corner and found a pistol to the face.”

“Needless to say, it stopped me dead in place, we talked it out, apparently I was funny, he walked me back to the fence and offered a drink at the tavern down the street as an apology. I accepted. Funnily enough it was the same tavern Constantin went to, we just left out the gun to the face part and had simple fun with cards. When my cousin went upstairs with someone he wanted company with, I stayed to guard the floor below.”

“You always looked out for the Prince like that?” Vasco questioned, puzzled as to why though the answer was obvious.

“He was not ‘The Prince’ when he went out, he was just Constantin, and my party going cousin who had too much fun. But I hate the feeling of not knowing or surprise attack, so I was always the chaperone of us two. My friend joked about it constantly every time we met for drinks, sometimes it was just us, sometimes a few of his crewmates joined. They were quite the lot. You don’t have to worry about your secrets, he never told me anything, only basics like Sea-Born and Sea-Given, if the tattoos hurt. How long he would be in port to hangout, a rough idea when he could be back. That sort of thing. Sometimes it was a mere two month wait while other times… maybe six? There were times when he was only in port at for a day or two before the ship moved on to drop off cargo. No time to talk.”

De Sardet adopted a sorrowful look, and he knew something must have happened to her friend, a sailor’s life, after all, was dangerous.

“If I may ask, judging by your face, what happened?” He did not want to pry but her story was one he truly did not expect to hear from a royal. He felt he had to know.

“One day, I was a month away from twenty-two now, he said his ship was going to Peren, it was a month-long voyage there with a week break before heading back. Little over two months tops yet when the time came, I never got word. He would leave a letter in a certain spot in the city that was easy for me to check without anyone asking questions on where and why I would walk along this one route. But I never received a note.”

“After four months I was with Constantin when we went to the tavern. Half an hour into it he went upstairs, and I once again stayed downstairs but went up to the bar side to stay closer to the tender. That’s when I glance to the group that just walked in the door, it was his shipmates. I wasn’t about to go and pester them, so I turn back to mind my own when I heard a pair of boots walk over to me.”

Vasco saw a perfectly straight faced noble, but the woman’s eyes betrayed her, she was hurting as she told this story. He did not mean to upset her so, never realizing one of his sarcastic quips could ever have this story. So, with actual care he had not felt for a long while, he placed a hand on this woman’s shoulder. Bringing her back to the present, acting as a silent support.

“He said my friend didn’t make it on the voyage back. The storms that we had here was a small hurricane for them. He fell overboard while working on deck.” She gave a small sniffle as her eyes watered some, but none fell as she composed herself to look him in the eyes once more.

Both were quiet as they held each other with their eyes, both mixed with emotions; one for having lost a dear friend, the other for a fellow Naut, both grieving for the loss. The captain rubbed her shoulder before releasing her, he would have offered a handkerchief but after watching her for months now, he knew she did not need one. She was no sobbing mess, just working though old emotions.

Nothing more needed to be said and he was content with just staying in the comfortable silence. He was lost in thought as she looked out back to the sea. However, Vasco could not help but ask one last question.

“De Sardet if I may ask but one more question? Who was this, Naut? He sounds like a good man and a fine sailor.”

“He was. His name was Benson.” It was a good thing she still had her eyes cast upon the water, for in that instant he felt he heart hurt. Reaching out to his lost shipmate and brother of the sea.

He grew up with Benson, served on the same ship, until Vasco turned twenty and was transferred to a different captain and worked on that ship. A year before the two friends met.

Chapter Text

Just as the sea fog lifted and the island of Teer Fredee faded into sight, Vasco was hit with an indescribable reasoning of sudden hesitance. It was as if every fiber of his being was being pulled back to sea, to turn ship and sail. Which struck him as odd since he did not mind the island port of New Serene.

The captain turned back from where he and the royals had stood when the gulls flocked by as strands of sun bleached light brown hair escaped from his tie and hat. The Coin Guard calling out to the two cousins about seeing the island when they got there. They still had an hour yet to hit high tide and dock which was plenty enough time to double check their packs and last run of their rooms. At least he did not have to worry about getting left behind items and giving them to the right port authority to deal with.

 All three ships that had set sail back in Serene were now lined up and ready to be pulled to their respective docking area. When it was the Sea-Horse’s turn Vasco could see from the bow that the Sea-Greed and Captain Diago were not unloading the cargo right after like normal. On land it took time to get one ship settled before attending to the next, the crew on board helping, and in that time the captain of the ship should have papers ready to go. So, once the crew was done securing the ship, all that was needed was for the captain to go to the harbor’s office and turn in the papers. A few minutes would pass to make sure everything was in order and no problems were at hand, then it was good as gold to unload the ship’s cargo.

All of this would be done in the amount of time it took for another ship to be in range and hoisted in next. But that’s not what was happening.

As his ship was being pulled in, the young Naut captain watched as the other crew was standing in line on deck as two high ranking officials were talking and walking around the ship. He took note how Admiral Cabral walked down their plank to head over to where the Sea-Horse was being pulled in. And sure enough, two more high ranking Nauts were waiting along with…. The crow doctors? What was this?

 With a frown Vasco pushed off from his spot to head to his quarters to get the necessary papers. On his way he noticed a certain Legate watching from the rails by the stairs of the quarter deck, a frown tugging on her lips to equally match his. Both sharing an unspoken knowing glance as he passed by her up the steps, they knew there was some off about this even though they didn’t know exactly what. He had a feeling they would in a few short minutes.

 He felt the ship slightly bump to a stop as he grabbed the papers and looked them over one last time, as he walked back out and shut the door he no longer could see either royal. The Admiral was already making her way up the plank now with the two other Nauts close behind her.

“Captain Vasco, good to see you had fair winds, the ship and crew made it all in one piece.”

“Aye, Admiral. Only a few storms weathered but no difficulty.” He never really liked small talk though he did like the past conversations he had with the Admiral, but this was making him nervous. “Forgive my bluntness, but why are we changing routine? Ma’am.”

She sighed as she looked over to where the crows were at with a small table set up. Her facial expression doing him no favors for reassurance.

“These doctors have now stated that any and all new arriving ships to Teer Fredee must take, and I quote, “necessary protection from the malichor”. They want the guests to take their bloody drink before landing and check on the crew.”

The younger Naut’s eyes widen for a second at hearing this. “Does that mean they are-”

“No.” The Admiral firmly stated. “They will not be boarding a Naut ship and giving Nauts anything. We have a few of our own healers here on the island.”

As she said this the two Nauts that had been patiently waiting, now herded the confused crew into lines to check on them.

“Admiral, we’ve been at sea for nigh three months, it takes only one for the sickness to take hold. And usually, they pass on within two or three months. We would show advanced signs by now if anyone was at risk. And we are all on the same ship, only socializing with ourselves, no contact with others.” The Captain urged. “None of this makes sense.”

“I know this. But the Bridge and their doctors gave these orders and arguments a month ago.” She pursed her lips as she shook her head. “Walk with me. If asked, you’ve been seen to. Those are clearly Naut tattoos.”

Something must have been brewing on the island, and it seemed the suspicious winds blew to the Guild.

Both Nauts walked down the plank to the outside corner of her office. The walk there proved his sea legs would need some time getting used to being on land again. He wouldn’t mind too much here, this port was no Naut Isle, but it was quite nice being away from a diseased or murderous city. The harbor here having the sea-side sounds, waves lapping at the pier and docks, gulls flying overhead, the chatter of his fellow guild brothers and sisters along with the further away market noise. Even the sounds of a few draft horses hauling carts of heavy cargo into the city, hooves vibrating the ground around them as they stomped on.

This relaxed Vasco some as the familiar atmosphere filled his being. But it was not to last as he came to a stop at their destination. As the Admiral addressed Captain Diago with his short report, he glanced back to his ship when he heard a small commotion.

The Prince seem to of been pressed by the doctors, a noblewoman in a fine red dress rushing towards him and shooing away said doctors. They did, however, seem to stand by their little table to watch the Prince, intensely might he add, to the point of making his skin crawl. But before he could see what happened next, Vasco was pulled back into his own conversation. Missing the entire exchange between the now landed Legate and her crow doctor.

“Captain, I will not lie, you will not like this. Nonetheless, I need you to do something for me.” Admiral Cabral began as he tensed up once more. “I need you to accompany the Legate for a bit.”

What? No, no. He needed to find his next schedule for the next shipment and where to. What?

“I- Admiral… What? My report for the voyage is clean. What are you saying?” But he already knew what she meant, only trying to break it to him slowly.

“Vasco, I know your report will be no different than Diago’s, and you had no problems like the last time, but I need you to do this for me. Stay with the Legate till further noticed.”

“Admiral, I must insist. I highly doubt Lady De Sardet needs a Naut for anything. I am hardly court worthy to follow her anywhere.” He could feel a rolling wave of disgust within him.

“I would argue but I will not. Don’t make me order it, I do not wish for this to be harder than it must be.” The older Nauts storm blue eyes steeling with a knowing look for the inevitable order. Vasco closed his with an audible sigh but did not accept his discharge from duty. Not yet.

“Admiral.” He said with a wave of his hand to everyone in the port. “There is literally everyone else to choose from. Why me? Because I was the Captain of the ship the royals were on?”

“Yes. And you know as good as I the other reason why, becoming more ill-tempered each passing voyage. It would be good to befriend someone like this Legate, I think.” She answered with a calm voice. “You will have a place in the harbor’s bunkhouse if you so choose, or if there is another spot the guild will cover you. You are not forbidden to come to port so don’t go acting like a stranger, you are still our family. Despite what you may think.”

But his face must have given away some of his hurt and smidgen of anger rising, before he could say something he might regret, she cut him off. “Captain Vasco, I hear by ground you until further notice. You will accompany the Legate and give any assistance needed. Am I understood?”

He wanted to protest, to argue, to prove something! But he could not for he did not wish to seem defiant to the point of transfer or worse, permanently landlocked. So, he sighed heavily as he waved a helpless shrug, bowing his head. “I truly don’t understand why it has to be me, but as you wish, Admiral.”

“Vasco.” Cabral’s tone softened ever so slightly. “This is not personal. I stand by what I said, I feel this Legate is good. This shore leave will not be forever, just for the time being. Now, I would suggest catching up to her before she leaves.”

And that was how he, Captain Vasco of the Sea-Horse to the Nauts, found himself in the company of the Legate of the Congregation of Merchants, the niece of the King. Walking a few feet back from her with her Coin Guard next to him. At least the other man allowed him some silence and peace as they made their way to the apartment where she would be staying. All the while thinking how wrong everything felt.

However, when the three got to their destination, Lady De Sardet was told by one of the few servants that the place was still being fixed up. It would be a few more hours yet till the rooms were set up for a night or two while waiting for some of the crates to arrive off the ship. In short, they had till dusk and could go kill time since the Legate was not expected to report for duty till tomorrow morning. So, without further a due, Vasco asked if there was anything needed of him for the time being. His words startling both the guard and woman since this was the first time he spoke since leaving the port district. But when his answer was a softly spoken and unsure no, he politely bid them a good rest of their day, and how if he was needed, he would be at the tavern.

Thinking back on it now as he knocked back another shot of dark rum, he probably should have mentioned which tavern. Figuring it out should not be too difficult, like hell he wanted to the portside one at the moment. Too bitter with his laying off he certainly did not want to be surrounded by curious fellow Nauts on why he isn’t on his ship. They did not deserve being barked at like at sea in a storm. No way was he wanting to go to the one by the palace, mostly upper class and the merchants go, it is quieter and more fancy. Which only left the Coin Tavern where he was perfectly fine at.

Some commoners here and lesser merchants there while most of the Coin Guard stayed to the left side where the downstairs bar and tables where for them. There was a small group of musicians playing songs varying from mood to mood. And of course, a few women walking around laughing with the customers seeing if they could lead one up to the rooms above. They weren’t courtesans or even the guard’s girls, they were women who thought they could get said positions if they caught the right eye. And Vasco was in no mood to be the ‘right eye’ so to speak.

Best example was when one came up to gently touch his shoulder. Her overly sweet tone disagreeing with the burning in his mouth from the liquor. “Hey handsome. You really know how to take your shots.”

“Not interested.” Vasco said shortly, swiping at the bottle in front of him to take another shot. Not even looking in her direction.

“Ohh but a sailor like you must know how to steer his helm quite well. Have me blow your sails for you?” Her hand rubbing down his arm as he felt her breath close his ear. The shot he had just taken tasted wrong as he heard those words, making him grimace as he almost choked it down. Sadly, this was taken wrong by the woman, mistaking his reaction as that of a novice. That was, until he gave her a look and pointedly glared at her hand on his arm. Luckily both were saved from a rather nasty turn down by a certain Coin Guard.

“Sorry lil lass, but I think the Sailor can navigate better than you anyways.” Kurt said as he walked up, easily sitting by the Naut captain like as if they were old friends. “And if I may say so, you don’t look his type. Sorry.”

It was effective, for the woman merely pouted before running off to someone else. Vasco only grumbled as he shook his head, knocking back another shot. The man next to him snorted as he took his bottle, a protest dying before he could voice it as he saw Kurt reading the labels.

“Good dark rum you got, eighty proof. Not really my thing, but still good.” He sat the bottle back down, no hint of what he was thinking as the Naut made for another shot. “You trying to down the bottle?”

“If I was?” He snarked back but was confused as to why the guard was smirking.

“This going to be the norm?”

“And if it was?” Ohhh the amount of courage alcohol gives you. He really should slow down, but he was wanting to wash away this feeling since his talk with the Admiral. And this Coin Guard was interrupting. “It is my time, yes?”

“Be that as it may, I am her Excellency’s bodyguard. I will protect her and that also means from one of her drunkard companions. Make this a habit, make a move, and you will go back to the Nauts.” Kurt said in a firm tone. A tone he wanted to challenge, but what little sober thoughts he had made him bite down on his tongue.

“Fine, just give me this one night, Solider.”

The man nodded in a somewhat approving manor, giving him one last glance before getting up. He clapped Vasco on the shoulder, hard. “Good to know you won’t waste away, Sailor.”

And with that he was off, heading towards the stairs for the lower level, making the captain question whether it was too late to take up that offer for a good roll. He would see if it was meant to be or not as he took another shot. Watching as another woman walked by.

Who cared now, right? He was a careened sailor anyways.

Chapter Text

Everything felt wrong, smelled wrong, sounded somewhat wrong.

He hated it.

Here he was two weeks into his forced leave, and all Vasco could think of was how wrong his entire being felt. He would not cry in his frustration, shout in anger, or throw things in hopelessness. Keeping a firm hold on his emotions even though they too seemed to feel wrong. So, he sat up in his bed and began to pace in vain to attempt to burn some of his restless energy. Normally during any other time on shore leave he would walk the beach or piers, the feel of the breeze, smell of salt, and sound of the waves making his stressed mind ease.

But he refused to give in, for two long weeks he held it together, he could do so for a bit longer. If the Admiral wanted to turn him away and take his life, then he would not show how much it affected him. Vasco was doing exactly what she wanted anyways, following the Legate, assisting her whenever needed. Seas! He had been by her side every day for the past two weeks! But this forced short leave have felt like the longest one yet, the two back in Serene did not feel like this. Even now with the thought of having the day off when he woke up early in the morning, not that it mattered now, was madding.

Vasco tried everything he could to keep himself occupied, from rereading some of his poetry, to a few drinks, then the few times he went to the brothel. Nothing really seemed to help relieve the stress, and he was growing more bitter by the passing days. Though the Legate did not seem to mind his dry humor or bluntly put observations. The Soldier however, did.

Usually the two got along, a mutual respect for each other’s captain status even though he could not see how one was a captain without a ship and crew. But since the three of them investigated the missing boy Reiner a few days ago, the weapons master was quiet… Well, quieter than his normal quiet. His stony expression matching his mood. Vasco was genuine when he said his condolences to the man, knowing it was hard to lose a new recruit, and one that seemed to have great potential. He understood Kurt’s anger and determination to find out what happened and why it was covered up.

The Naut was more surprised when Lady De Sardet tried to comfort the Coin Guard, a hand on his shoulder, speaking in low tones when the three were away from prying eyes. There should not have been any doubt about her sincerity since he saw similar on the voyage. This royal was obviously not like any other, but here he was questioning it all because he was adrift for once in his life.

With dawn starting to peak over the sky, the Naut changed into his day clothes to grab breakfast. Only the house servant would be up and about this early, maybe even Kurt since he was the type to not waste anything, and that included daylight. Sure enough, as he made his way down the stairs, he saw the door to the kitchen half opened as the servant, Mary, cooked away.

She was a bit older of a woman, somewhere in her forties, that was quiet but firm. Her red hair streaked with a few grey strains always pulled back out of her face. He’d seen her in the market from time to time with a few children that looked to be hers. Nothing note-worthy except he understood where the motherly strictness came from.

With that in mind, he quickly snagged a breakfast roll before plopping himself on the couch in the sitting room. The fireplace giving off some heat and light. Complacent for the moment as he waited for the Legate to make her way down.

He had no idea if she would be too busy, with all her to do lists for literally everyone, but he hoped he could ask her about something. It was a bit personal, and maybe a little tit for tat. The Naut knew no better time than now to ask, for Kurt was looking up on leads about why his recruit was found dead and was lied about the cause. Tomorrow, while Kurt stayed, De Sardet and he were to follow Siora to help with her with her clan. The new “addition” to their little band, for he did not see any of them as “crew” though he did try to the best of his abilities contribute to their group, and he could give some credit, De Sardet has tried her best to include him.

Today was a “day off” for everyone but the Legate it seemed, the last few times she declared such days, wind up being more of a prep day. Checking and cleaning armor or weapons, buying needed items, selling anything that was not. She was constantly making sure him, or Kurt, were good. To the point he would call it insane if not for the fact that he did the exact something when on his ship.

And that was why he felt he could reach out a bit, and trust her with this little favor.

He wanted his file.

~ ~ ~

It was now dark as Vasco made the appearance of casually strolling with a fellow Naut, who in actuality was De Sardet. Dressed in basic sailors’ attire except for the shirt, she had a V necked black shirt to go with her trousers in place of the neck high white one. A nice touch since the lower shirt showed her slim neck. As they walked, she tried talking the plan and quietly reassuring him that all was going to be ok, both knew this was not her first time sneaking into a Naut warehouse.

The captain was none too happy three days into his landlock, and less so when the Legate and Kurt stated how they needed to find the cargo they had stored in one of the warehouses. He said how it was no big deal for the boxes to go through the normal routine check offs and no, the processing could not go faster. The Nauts did not care if you were a commoner, nobility, or Coin Guard with a royal in his pocket. And of course, his snark got him a good shock when De Sardet shrugged and said how they already knew.

“How do you think the cargo got onto your ship in the first place, Captain?” The woman smirked. “I wasn’t foolish enough to ask you since I knew the loading had already begun and rules say two days minimum to have all cargo accounted for.”

Vasco was taken back by her explanation, eyes wide with shock before he could school his features. “You smuggled?! Do you have any idea how much trouble you could have caused?”

“Relax, we had this handled. I just thought to tell you what we were doing and if you knew which warehouse to make it go smoother. Else we must check them all.”

“No need.” Was his grumpy reply.

He thought back to what she said then and how she dressed now, walking with ease and swagger of a sailor. Almost like she was a true Naut. It made him wary, how easy she made it all seem, sneaking around private and highly guarded territory. This woman smuggled a few crates into their warehouse in Serene, then back out here in New Serene. The first time seeing her in action was truly worrying since he was torn between letting a little payback happen and being true to his family and mention better security.

It was a good thing he did not go with the latter, or this small mission could be very different. He motioned for her to stop off to the side before the harbor district gates.

“Alright, it’s time. Remember, sneaking only. I don’t wish for any Nauts hurt.”

“Yes yes, I know. Everything will be fine. Mostly everyone will be fast asleep, and I am in disguise.” The woman said with some amusement.

“I just mean… I don’t..” He tried not to fidget but failed at keeping his eyes on hers.

“Vasco.” Hands were placed on his shoulders, gaining his attention. “I promise, no Naut will be harmed. If sneaking doesn’t work, I will make a run for it, not fight. Ok?”

He sighed. “Yes. Thankyou.”

De Sardet smiled as she gave a quick pat on his arm, then she was off. Leaving a very torn man behind.

His nerves were all over the place even if his face did not show it, partly hidden by his tricorn and the wall’s shadows. Arms folded leaning against the stone with a leg bent, waiting in silence. Every so often he would glance about for anything suspicious or if the Legate returned, hopefully with no trouble had. The whole thing still unsettled him, conflicted as to what the high seas he was doing.

Was he wrong to do this?

Vasco snorted, of course it was wrong to do this, but he wanted to know. No, he needed to know who he was and where did he come from. It was not like he was a teen just hitting the drop off for Sea-Givens to be recruited and could remember his family. Nor did he know why they did it. Why did they give him away? Was in voluntarily, a contract like Jonas, or something else?

All the questions and doubts slowly started to surface in recent few years, and yes Admiral Cabral was right, each voyage he got a tad surlier. He did not think his feeling were that easy to read, or bad enough for his fellow Nauts to grow weary or suspicious of his loyalty. Had it really gotten that bad?

Vasco thought long and hard about where he went wrong or how he could have fixed it to avoid being landlocked, but by the end of the day he just wanted simple answers. Waiting till he was fleet commander seemed like a long time from now and there were few other ways to obtain a tattoo of loyalty to then know who you were. He did not want to wait now, not with a set back like this. Which led him to how he got here, asking a very sneaky but seemingly reliable Legate, waiting in an alleyway while she got his files for him.

It was only a short moment later when he caught a glimpse of her form walking his way, not a sound from her boots. As the woman got closer the Naut saw a wide smile on her face with a slight spring to her step. That was the first time Vasco ever saw her smile like that to him.

“Here you go!” De Sardet beamed as she handed him the file. He was taken back at how the flimsy thick paper that had his name at the top looked so innocent but felt heavy in his hand.

“All went well I see.” He tried to say something, anything to shake him out of this feeling.

“Yeppers.” The woman’s smile never fading. “And before you ask, I didn’t snoop through it. Its yours and none of my business.”

Vasco looked up sharply, not expecting that. Speechless except for a “Thank you.”

Chapter Text

Sylvie

To say this week was stressful and chaotic, would have been an understatement. Here she was, Legate to the Merchants Congregation, and a good diplomat, feeling like she was failing at every turn now. The trip to Siora’s clan to help ended up a disaster, the only helpful thing in her mind she did was managing to convince the Bridge to allow the return of their mal’s body. The situation was tense but doable.

Later that night when Sylvie thought it would be best to give the native people their space to morn, having her and Vasco camp a little way from their village. It was none too far for any predators to try to attack, but enough for distance to breathe. Without a word both her and the Naut worked together to set up camp, what wood he collected she lit, as he laid out the bedrolls and tents, she quietly mentioned walking back to the village to help with the food. Tension was there but not near as bad with her as it could have been with Vasco. Sylvie with her being a marked one, on ol menawí, and all that.

They ate in silence near the small fire, sitting cross legged, when the woman unconsciously looked over to the man. His eyes not really seeing while he pushed away his food in favor for the cleaning kit, tending to his weapons instead. She knew for certain he had to of been way out of his element with the “battle” that happened earlier that day. Sylvie knew she was and could not stop herself from vomiting afterwards just before Siora stopped her twin sister from impaling her with a spar in rage and grief. Has she seen death before? Yes. Has she been in a few fights? Once more yes. But not a slaughter. So, she pushed down the bile through sheer will and some training.

‘Only the… sea? Would know what’s going through his mind right now.’ She thought to herself, but did she let him cope on his own? Did she say something? Kurt would have known what to do but he was so close to finding the “Ghost Camp” that she could not bring him even when he insisted. Arguing that by the time they get back from short negotiations they could be on their way and solve this mystery.

Negotiations turned out to be a blood bath that both Legate and Naut Captain were no way prepared for… no way she saw anyways. So, the only thing that came to mind was to apologize. For what? Who knew.

“I’m sorry.” Sylvie said casting her eyes down, flinching when sharp golden eyes looked her way. “I’m sorry about what you had to see today; it was most certainly not what I had in mind.”

It was quiet for a long moment until he softly replied, eyes focused back to what he was doing. “It’s not your fault. Nor was it my first fight.”

“I guess not, on both accounts, but I could have been faster or maybe done something different. But I guess fate had something different in mind.”

“Aye, it did. All we can do is cope and move on. We can’t change what happened, doubt this will but the last of what we see, but we can try to move on for the better.”

“Yeah, I mean, yes. Surprisingly wise words there, Captain.” Slyive tried to lighten the mood with a small tease, smiling when she saw him glance to her from where he worked on his sword. Whatever heaviness that laid over them washed away with those amber orbs.

It was two nights later when she grew a little more curious of the young Captain, as they both readied themselves while Kurt doused the tiny fire. The walk to the camp that Kurt found out about while they were away helped Sylvie clear her thoughts. Talking with her master at arms about what happened and how to deal with these emotions greatly improved but she knew what worked for the gruff solider would need some tweaking for her.

When Vasco told a story about the first drowning that he saw as a lad, how the method to try and save a victim did not work, had her listening unintentionally closer. How he spoke of knowing the dangers of the sea and how even the most prepared can be taken away, how to understand and deal with loss but not stop moving forward. At sea you could not do such a thing, the ship needed a crew to sail, and crewmates depended on one another. Each dealt with the loss in different ways but had to keep going, keep sailing.

Now the Legate watched as the Naut expertly applied poison on his blade, half crouched down by the rocks and plant growth similar to herself. This man who could not have been any older than her, reached high in ranks so young, dedicated, and skilled. Yet here he was with her so far from sea life and on a mission to sneak into a camp full of Coin Guard recruits being trained as assassins. For that was exactly what all three of them agreed upon, but what for was a scary good question.

She noticed since the beginning that Vasco was a man eerily like herself and reflected how she might have acted have their rolls been reversed. But now was not the time to dwell such a subject.

The time spent sneaking around the camp, finding notes and documents alike, then the basement… it took Sylvie back to her own training days. Not once did she ever tell Kurt or Constantin the horrors she faced and the ones she had done. Only barely hearing what Vasco said in her haze, how he complained about Naut training, and that it was milk and kindness in comparison. She clapped a hand on Kurt’s shoulder, firmly nodding that she has his back before he pressed forward. Catching a glimpse of the Naut’s eye before motioning him to follow too but paused when he held up a hand for them to wait, pointing to a piece of paper on the far wall. A note.

It was a list of names for “Night Training”. And it had Wilhelm’s name on it.

Both Legate and Naut had to do all they could to keep up with the pissed off soldier. Once they were in the woods all three raced to save the young man’s life. Ending the beating the officer there seen to, most of the recruits already knowing the whole thing was wrong but a little bit of words did help. In the end, they had to kill the officer who would not listen to reason.

 Rolf on the other hand, was a nightmare to fight. It was six against the three of them, even with Sylvie’s bullets breaking up the group to pick off, Kurt’s pure determination, and Vasco’s poisons. Or she had thought the numbers were six, until one blindsided her with a nasty slash to her right. A gunshot, not hers, sounded loud as her vision at the same time seemed to of slowed. Just as the Legate turned to face the new threat, pian blossoming in her shoulder and side, the bullet struck true to the guard’s head. Then the night sky and the pretty stars up above, beautiful, and untouched by the chaos and bloodshed below.

She tired to blink as a face came into view but not really seeing.

Vasco

“Fuck! Kurt, Sylvie is severely wounded we need a med kit now!” He yelled holstering his pistol as he lifted the injured woman in his arms. Trying to remove the dark coat in the already equally dark night, stopping when he saw her white shirt underneath soaked in crimson.

Kurt came running to the other side of her to assist. “Blast it Green Blood. We need to get her out of this dirt first, get her to one of the tables over there.” The Solider commanded Vasco pointing to one of the officer tables that oversaw the fighting pit. Quickly he gathered the Legate to pick up, ignoring how the blood now stained his person. Her blood. Something gnawed in his stomach at that thought.

The man gently but quickly laid her down on the table once it was roughly cleared, ink wells, pens, and probably important papers falling everywhere. None of it mattered if the Coin Guard and him couldn’t patch up the Legate in time. He hated to be the one to tell the governor his cousin died, or even be in the same room. Highly doubting they would survive themselves, being perfect scapegoats and all.

No. He was wrong. He knew he was, that was old thinking. This royal was different, proved it on the ship many a times. And… wait.

“Kurt? What are you…”

“What does it look like Sailor? Saving Sylvie’s life.” Was the gruff bark. The bodyguard all but ripping the bloodied shirt, both seeing how deep the wound was that left even her leather breast band torn on the side. Blood running like a steady stream. The slash starting from the top back part of her right shoulder, around the blade, curving slightly to her rips then on down to her hip, passing bone and all. He felt a bit sick at seeing white peaking through in some places. Her slight and toned frame had little meat on her bones so to speak. Once again wrong choice of words at the moment.

They had little means of antiseptic, but a bottle of high-grade alcohol was better then nothing, was poured over the wound. Eyes flew open in panic startling both men, Vasco barely had time to push the woman back down so Kurt could finish applying gauze and pressure.

“Easy! Easy! Lass. It’s ok, we got you.” The Naut practically leaning all his weight to keep her still. Confused as to why she kept half mummering half whimpering “no no” and “please not again”. What? They were done with the fight; did she think there was more?

“Sailor, talk to her. I can’t work like this.” Kurt said as he tried to keep to the task at hand. Pouring some of a health potion over the worst of the wounds. Uh, he did not know one could do that.

“I am. What is she talking about?” He was met with a grim but firm look that said to drop the subject. Alright, he would, for now.

“Hey, it’s going to be ok. You have Kurt and I here, we won’t let anything happen, aye?” Vasco was lost for words when he did not know what it was the Legate was seeing or thinking. But the words must have worked because next thing he knew those aqua colored eyes locked onto his, anchoring them both. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out, Vasco was almost afraid to ask what it was she saw until she turned to him. Almost relaxing.

“It’s ok, Sylvie.” He didn’t know what came over him to say the name, it felt nice to finally have a name to the woman who seemed to only go by her title, last name, or Kurt’s nickname. Hoping maybe it worked or that he didn’t look too much a fool. Never once taking his eyes off hers.

~ ~ ~

Vasco reflected everything that had happened back at the ghost camp those few nights ago. How surprised but relieved both captains were when Siora came running up the dirt path to the camp, meeting them at the bottom with a half out of it Legate hanging off them. She refused every time one offered or tried to carry her. Each had an arm to support her as they walked back to the little camp they had made, no one wanting to stay in the place that held such horrors. Even the recruits opted to make small tents and bedrolls around the outside instead of the buildings themselves.

The Naut remembered how the woman seemed to of leaned more towards him then her bodyguard, but he could have been imagining things. It was a night neither of the three got any sleep. Only once De Sardet was finally in a bedroll all wrapped up and asleep mostly pain free did the men collapse in theirs. Briefly did he remember to take his bloody coat and weapons off, not daring to try with his boots. The native watching over her patient and the camp for the rest of the night and most of the morning. 

Now here he was at the bar side sipping his ale in the Coin Guard Tavern, waiting for his contact to show his blasted face so he could go back to his room and get some real sleep. The last two days proving just as draining when one brought home a hurt Legate. Her cousin showing up at the doorstep of her small apartment, someone must have run up to warn him just as they entered the city. It was a good amount of time the young governor stayed by her side even though she was improving greatly thanks to Siora’s healing. But the slash needed a few healing sessions to heal the cut muscle but not cause any unnecessary damage in the future. Yesterday was pretty much checking over their gear, fixing what could be fixed, and easing out any aches and pains they had. Lady De Sardet was still on bed rest till tomorrow.

The tavern door opened and the man the Naut was waiting for walked in, at this angle from the entrance he discreetly signaled the man over without looking suspicious. Taking a sip from his ale once more.

“I’ve found the information you wanted.” The figure of a moderately muscled man in a long coat, short bread and equally short hair sat down by him. Motioning with a hand for Vasco to pay up. “The other half if you will.”

“Not until you told me.” Eyes narrowed, bring the purse into their view but still hidden in his own coat. For a moment he thought the other would start a fight but mentally sighed when he shrugged.

“Smart man you. Fine. There is indeed a D’Arcy here on the island, not currently in New Serene. He travels around the three cities frequently. Now pay me the rest, I almost got caught.” The man frowned.

“Then that is your own problem. I paid half for you to find information, and to do so quietly. If you weren’t then you are to blame, not me.” Vasco commented as he slid the coin purse over.

“I almost got caught, not that I did.” Was the growled-out response. “And that being because I found some additional info if you’re interested.”

“Oh? Is this good?” The Naut quirked an eyebrow. The man shrugged again.

“Not sure, but it’ll cost you.” He smirked when another purse was put on the table, somewhat smaller but this time the Naut kept it firmly in hand.

“Better be worth it. Waste my time and I take it back.” Vasco gave his own glare, not bothering taking an eased sip from the mug in a show of false boredom. He never liked dealing with people under the table, but when he did, he did so with seriousness. Let others play the bad boy cool aloof rogue, he was a Naut Captain... Though the title rang hollow these days.

“The name is Bastien D'Arcy, apart of the Merchant Congregation, and will be in San Matheus within the fortnight.” He slid the purse over, quite pleased with the new information.

“If that was all.” He dismissed the man who had no issue leaving on his own with his newfound wealth. Finishing his ale which was almost empty anyways, then left a tip for the bartender when he got up to leave.

It was not a particularly hot night, but the air was a tad humid with summer now official, loosening a few buckles did help the Naut some. Walking with purpose back to Lady De Sardet’s residence, even though the path was literally the same as the guard’s patrol, night was still not a good place to wander too close to alleyways or linger around. He was at the front door when he noticed how bright the stars were that night, a small longing came over him as he quietly opened the door. Locking it as he made his way to the guest room the Legate gave him, still too bitter to ask for a captain’s room down at the harbor’s bunkhouse.

Vasco saw a little bottle of something sitting on the floor by the door, paper folded underneath it. When he got closer to crouch down to see better, he was surprised, his hands stilling just before he touched the bottle. He swallowed a lump in his throat as he picked it and the paper up as he entered his room.

Said room still looked mostly the same as the day he unpacked, the only signs that someone lived in here was the extra boots by the door, some books on the nightstand, and coat over the chair. The small walk-in closet had his pack he brought and some cleaning supplies, his clothes were obviously in drawers. But there weren’t any decorations or personal things, not that Vasco wanted to. All of this was temporary… right?

But now he could not say that. This assignment was starting to feel permanent or endless, and now he did have a small personal bobble or sorts. A Naut ship in a bottle with a short rope wrapped around the bottleneck in a bowline knot. The note read:

Really doubt I must address to whom

this present belongs to. Was not able

to give you this in time earlier but here

you go. It’s called a “Boat in Bottle”

down at the docks for laughs… But I

learned my lesson from last time.

 Hope you like and name the ship!

• DS

Vasco was speechless at what he was seeing, one hand holding the note and the other the present. ‘She called it a present. For me?’ But why was a good question. Was it because he helped save her life? Maybe. But he liked to think that she would have done the same if their rolls were reversed. Did it mean she was hinting at something? Surely not, she was a very reserved woman, never once crossing a personal boundary or space that was for sure. Their camping trips up to now never revealed she was looking for more just like on the voyage here. 

Maybe a hand reaching out in friendship? Shit. Maybe this whole time she was staying professional with him because she was just as lost as he was. His sour mood and remarks not helping. How could he have been so blind.

Over the past some weeks he noticed how close the Legate and the Coin Guard were, but once again keeping him at arm distance like she did on the ship. It bugged him up until that night they talked, but even then, he did not get to see or hear the humorous royal the crew joked with. Why? Why?! What did he do to get the cold shoulder? Was it really the cold shoulder though? He’d seen that when the woman was dealing with the courts, this was just more like not saying or doing anything more than necessary when it came to him.

But he was starting to see that he himself hadn’t been any different, not really talking to the group but small remarks here, dry joke there. Observation stated when he thought it would be a good time to speak up. But he never really stayed around during the off hours, choosing to go out to the tavern but not take shots for shots like when Kurt warned him the first time. Or take his dinner to his room which he hated since it felt wrong. Once again bitter by his predicament. He may have eaten alone on the ship but still he was in a room full of fellows.

He was bitter, yes. And he helped save Sylvie - De Sardet’s - life. Maybe this was her way of trying to mend what she thought was her fault. His forced leave really was not, she just happen to of been a good outlet at the time, apparently it never moved on from her.

Damn him. He should have known better. One could not be like this out at sea with their shipmates, that was how people got hurt or worse. Nor did the attitude help around one’s crew. He even said this a few days ago, to try and help her move on from the clan’s battle. This was no crew, but they were a team. De Sardet, Kurt, him, Siora, and now the newly joined Petrus. Almost all of them were at least talking or in Kurt’s case stating some deadpan jokes at them. All but him really. His witted remarks got him more than a few glares instead of huffed laughs.

…

He missed the sea, ok? He missed sailing. He missed his ship.

Vasco wanted to go home.

He admitted all of this as he sighed, placing the ship in the bottle down on the nightstand by a small book. Almost in a defeated manor the Captain took off his tricorn as he sat on the bed, looking out of the window, and for the first time, actually seeing the harbor beyond the stone buildings and walls. Though it was night, he could image the sounds of gulls, feel the breeze with the smell of salt. The top of the ships where the crow’s nest was just barely peaking around the corners of over the roofs. He was, almost home, but not quite there.

Turning back to the little ship staring innocently back at him, he felt different. It seemed now the time of giving him space and allowing him to brood was over. Someone felt it was right to reach out to him in kindness, he rather that than a kick in the ass, he did not need to bet that the Coin Guard wanted to do just that.

Vasco still felt lost as to how to go about being better from now on. His file’s contents still nagged at him, the bitterness of what was written. But none of this was the Legate’s fault, he doubted she even knew since the woman never treated him differently. But one thing was for certain. He wanted to meet this Bastien D'Arcy, maybe even try to ask about him to De Sardet before they left New Serene, perhaps she could talk to Lady Morange about more.

Whatever happened next, this Captain wanted to be done with barely treading in high waters, adrift because of his desire to know more about his origins left him careened. He would know, and then decide what to do from there.

He would right his ship so he could sail once more.

Chapter Text

Vasco

The past week was very…confusing, eye opening, shame for past wrongdoings that the people before them did. Vasco was unsure where he was going with these thoughts as he sat down on his bedroll in their camp. De Sardet, Siora, and Petrus having returned from their trek up into the ruins of what looked to be an old city. Telling him and Kurt of their findings, the story Siora told was a somber tone. Both captains opted to stay and guard the camp since it looked like they would be staying here a few days. And the other three wished to see more of the ruins before leaving.

Now he was walking beside Siora as they followed the Legate to the docks to speak with the Admiral.

It was bittersweet walking along the wooden boards that sloped down, commenting how in just a months’ time the roads seemed to of cleaned a bit. Piles filled sacks, wood, and stones being used had opened up the streets, making them wider and easier to navigate around people and horse pulled carts. Occasionally explaining to the islander about things she pointed out, which seemed to of confused her more before shaking her head.

When they got to the office area of port the Captain was a bit taken back at how the docks have changed. The uneven wooden planks that tripped and slipped on during rain was now tidied up ramp with sand mixed with wood coating. The mixture provided good rough texture for grip. There were a few more buildings and instead of a meek three berthing areas, there was now five or six spots for mooring ships. The other buildings looked as if they were being worked on for updates and upkeeps.

The once sad looking open space that served as an office like area was now uniquely designed. They were closed off like an actual building to keep out the rain but were door and windowless, letting the sea’s wind blow through. The wall angles allowing the breeze to continue from front to back of the building and onward like as if there was nothing stopping it.

The three walked through the doorframe to a small desk that had someone seated behind it, the man greeted them and politely asked them to wait by the sitting area, the Admiral would be a few moments.

In the sitting area there were a few chairs, couches, tables here and there, in the back was a large fish tank that interested both Legate and islander. He sat near them and pointed out a few different fish when one of the women asked what it was. Vasco bit back a chuckle as the shark looking fish and sea horse gained the most attention from the very curious royal. Her fingers touching the water in wonder but sharply pulled back like a child that just got caught. Soon the same man from before said they could follow him to the Admiral’s office. Again, all three took note of the various sea paintings and the like on the walls.

“Good day milady, Lady De Sardet, hardy winds Vasco.” Admiral Cabral greeted them.

“Greetings, Admiral.”

“Hardy winds.”

Both he and De Sardet said at the same time, Siora opting to nod and let the others speak instead.

Needless to say, yes, Vasco was still angry about being kept ashore, so he let the Legate talk. Informing the older Naut about the ruins they have found farther inland, the story Siora told them that was passed down to her from others in her clan. Then back to De Sardet who ended the explanation with how the governor would like to know more about the subject and why there are ruins dating older than a decade of colonizing. How these were not recent and the only ones on the island that were the best and reliable source were the Nauts due to their documentation.

He had to admit, the Legate knew how to praise one’s job while thoroughly point out reasonings that were undeniable, and firmly state how she would find out. All in one conversation. Which he admired in a way; she was truthful to the Nauts whereas Vasco seen the woman weave bluffing with hints of truth to get her information in court. Different little details in white lies to deduce a rotten apple.

With a nod of acceptance and warning, the Admiral agreed to overlook secrecy and help if the Legate would be willing to return a favor with an urgent matter on her hands. Reports of unrest in San Matheus docks were starting to become worrying, ones that Bishop Petrus could tell more about, if Lady De Sardet helped in finding out exactly what was going on and stop it, the Admiral would tell her what she wanted. But Vasco saw that the older Naut knew something, something that always bothered him but understood in a way. Some information one knew should be shared during the right time, or not at all since it was no one else’s burden. Being a Captain, he knew when or when not to tell the crew something.

But catching the woman’s brief conflicting gaze that followed the Legate out the office was a concerning one. Did she know all of what he puzzled together? And how would it affect De Sardet?

What would happen?

He had a feeling it would be bad, for the pieces of the puzzle he fit formed a picture indeed. And he did not like the image, not one bit.

~ ~ ~

It was a quiet evening and fairly late when they arrived in the city, San Matheus citizens most likely home for dinner and prayer. Their party, De Sardet as always, Petrus, Kurt who insisted to go for her own protection, and him… who would probably be the only one to help ease any uncertainty when the Legate starting questioning. Siora parted with them to stay in a nearby village, only when in New Serene did the islander visit them or stay a night or two at De Sardet’s apartment.

Here, however, was the Congregation embassy with a few guest rooms for them, and that was ok with Vasco. Though he did feel better being around his own when docked in the religious type regions, Nuats stuck together like that. The embassy was good too, knowing that the Legate would not tolerate anyone with her being hassled or harmed.

Tomorrow was Sunday and would be a rather busy day towards the church where people would attend the services, less hassling at port would be a big relief during those few hours. First De Sardet wanted to speak with Second Mate Fernando for his side of the story while it was calmer in port. Then to the Ordo Luminis once church let out but still by the Mother Cardinal’s side. ‘Sneaky Legate.’ Vasco thought with a smirk, softening when he remembered they would be meeting with Kurt at the tavern for lunch, then after to go find his brother. The bishop would stay behind for a few hours ask more about the order’s intentions before meeting up with them back at the embassy.

The Naut had mentioned Bastien D’Arcy just before they left New Serene, and how the man would be in the city, asking if he could go look for him while they were there. De Sardet said yes and even offered to go with if he would like, he saw no reason for her not to. When Vasco saw her quick but sincere smile, he knew he made the right choice.

~ ~ ~

“One of those high and mighty long robes dared walk upon my docks and talk of burning me at the stake. Burning me! Then two of my own crew up and disappeared, I do not believe in coincidence.” The Second Mate told them with frustration and anger as he crossed his arms. Rightfully so. “I went to ask for help from the Mother Cardinal, but she did not answer my request. I do not play the games of politics and investigating even less so. Find my crewmates, I implore you.”

“I promise I will do all that I can to find them and get to the bottom of this matter. That, I can assure you. Thank you for your time, Fernando.” Lady De Sardet nodded to him and left. They walked a few paces away from the building before she turned to them, taking a deep breath.

“Petrus, can you perhaps go ahead to the church? Maybe you can request to see the Mother Cardinal easier. Me and Vasco can meet you there in roughly about thirty minutes. I think the Nauts here are more agitated than I thought, and I don’t wish to upset them more.” She politely asked the Bishop, a grim smile taking place. But Petrus agreed and understood, she was right on both accounts; the Nauts would be more open with just the two of them, and while they walked around a bit the older man could try to get that audience Fernando couldn’t.

Mostly they walked around the port, occasionally they stopped to talk to a Naut, but most said the same thing, inquisitors were spotted and did aggressively question them. A few said how the order seemed to question them specifically about the malichor and what magic they used to combat it. Vasco did not like the sound of this, he had a feeling their “secrets” would be involved, the mystery was always a fascination, but not like this. Not where people were being openly threatened with death and now kidnaped.

They finished walking around the perimeter of the harbor before finally heading to the church, service was over with the bells in the tall stone tower ringing over the city. For an odd reason the ringing sent dread down the Captain’s spine. He took a breath and tried to look calm while by De Sardet’s side, he could have sworn she skipped a step to draw closer to him. He mentally shook his head as he scolded himself, they were uncomfortable in this city and stuck together like the buddy system, nothing more. Soon they were at the church like palace where Pertus met them, then up the long stairs they went. And sure enough, the bishop leader of the order they were looking was right there by the podium where the Mother Cardinal would stand, just as De Sardet predicted. But there was no Mother in sight.

“I am Bishop Domitius, I represent the Ordo Luminis here on the island. What can I do for you?” The man said in a monotone voice. Already eyeing Vasco like he wanted to start interrogations right then and there.

“I believe there are a few problems with the Nauts who reside at the port, I am here to help in any way I can.” The Legate kept her words neutral but polite.

“We have problems of all kinds of heretics, my daughter, and of course the pagan Nauts would be among them. They are secretive and have all sorts of strange rituals cloaked in mystery. The sorcery they draw to guide their ships is from Nature, something very similar to that of the natives.”

Vasco was starting to grow irritated, this man, this bishop, was not entirely wrong but neither was he all the way right.

“… and we suspect them to be the origin of the Malichor.” The inquisitor all but spat at the Naut, meanwhile Vasco could not hide his surprise. Eyebrows shot up as he just barely managed to keep his jaw from dropping. ‘Is he fucking serious?!’

“Whatever do you mean? How cou-” De Sardet was cut off.

“Have you ever crossed paths with a Naut suffering from the blood plague? Why are they spared like the natives? Only logical reason is because they are the origin, with their rituals. I am certain we will find their rituals and their pagan idols in the stock houses at the port.

Vasco could not keep quiet any longer, it was madness! “This is a nest of absurdities!”

“What other reaction would you expect from those who are responsible for the curse that afflicts us!”

“So, if it were true, I should what? Nod and agree to it? Well we are not!” His nostrils flared in anger as he shifted, almost taking a step forward. Oh, how he loved to give the man a good Naut style dressing down. But a hand touched his shoulder, Vasco turned to see De Sardet giving him a small shake of her head. How did she know what he wanted to do? Did she, or was it just to calm him?

“I…uhm…” It wasn’t everyday the Legate was speechless, but here she stood lost for words. Vasco had plenty, just not diplomatically. “Let’s just agree that these rumors need to be verified.”

“Likewise, is there anything else, my child?” Domitus said, still eyeing the Naut.

“None, thank you.”

The Captain didn’t remember much after that, only how he practically marched his way out the church doors before De Sardet and Petrus could say anything more. He knew this look out of character and he should have stayed by the Legate’s side, but he was too furious to stay in that build any longer. It all made sense to him now, why Fernando was so upset, why he was so reserved when talking to them, and why the other Nauts in port were so hesitant to talk about the order. He bet he could have had the Second Mate tell him what was going on, mostly, but with the Legate right there, no.

“Vasco! Vasco wait!” He heard a feminine voice call out to him. He blinked when he saw that he was already down the stairs and in the square, Square of Punishment, how fucking fitting.

“What, Legate? I have no more patience for that nonsense and my fellows need me.” Ouch. Did he just bark at her like that?

“Vasco,” she started softly to him, stepping close but falling short when she reached an arm out to him, “I’m sorry. I…”

She sighs, a look of uncertainty on her face. He waited for her to continue since he knows she is probably just as dumbstruck as he was. “I made two promises and I intend to keep them. We will get to the bottom of this, and we will verify it. Now we know the root source, all we need to do is prove them wrong and address this to the Mother Cardinal. Directly.”

“You think it will be that easy? You must gather evidence, and that means snooping around our warehouses once again.” Vasco had no clue if the quiet Bishop knew of Lady De Sadet hobby of sorts, and he still had his doubts about how a royal knew to sneak so good. Given her already questionable friendship with a Naut years prior, her diplomatic way of befriending, he was getting an idea of how. He was not stupid by any means, he could image.

“If I may add a suggestion.” Petrus spoke to them for what seemed the first time that day. “I shall remain here for the lunch gathering and most of the afternoon. I shall gather any rumors or knowledge of their reasoning, may be find out where this “dark source of magic” as come from. The Nauts would be more comfortable with one of their own talking to them, and my child, you could be the go between to come up with a plan. Later tonight we can go over what we know and prepare for a next step tomorrow.”

“That sounds like an excellent idea Petrus. Then we will see you later tonight. I wish you luck.” The Legate smile warmly to the older man before he nodded and walked away.

It was now a bit awkward standing in the square with a nasty burning smell, a reminder of what threated his sea brothers and sisters. Did this mean they would not be finding Bastien? Wait. Why was he worried about that personal mission now of all times? There was a bigger problem at hand. Shit.

“Mind if we head to the tavern we said we would meet Kurt at? It is lunch time, and we can take our minds from what we just learned.” Her tone was indescribably heavy.

“Aye, we should.” He said, turning to head there, pausing to be by her side where he normally was. In a way she was his guide since he was so lost in thought. Vasco hardly remembered entering the place except for the loud bustle of people there for lunch, only following behind a light blue merchant cape. Not even paying attention to the people around him when he was spoken to, if they weren’t Nauts, he didn’t care. Blinking once again when he heard the unmistakable sound of the Coin Guard’s voice.

“Damn, whatever it was, it shook you up, Sailor.” The man said as he took a drink from his mug, food was already being served apparently.

“Captain, we need you at your best if we are to go find your brother after this. Please eat some.” De Sardet spoke to him with some concern. This time when she reached out she didn’t pull back, firmly placing a hand on his forearm. “I said what I said. I keep my promises.”

“Is that why you’re so broody?” Kurt shook his head and ignored his glare. “First promise the Legate made to you?”

“Not to me, to two different people in this mess.”

“Then take it from me, she will keep to them.”

“The Legate or the Lady?” He couldn’t quite keep the bite out of his tone.

“Doesn’t matter, Sailor.” The guard gave a stern look.

“No, it doesn’t.” De Sardet placed a hand on Kurt arm, she still hadn’t removed her other one from his yet. “Because I keep to my words no matter what, business or personal, that is one thing I will not break. Which is why I don’t freely make them.”

She removed both her hands at this point, smiling to him a little, then dropped the conversation. It was at least comfortable to eat in silence, no longer hot from the inquisitor. The time passed relatively fast as they finished their food and drink. When all were ready, they got up to leave, and rather comically, Kurt and De Sardet followed behind him now. The Legate looking like she wanted to laugh at something the entire time she and Kurt walked along the streets and sidewalks. She held it in until they rounded one more corner.

“So… Is this what it’s like to play ‘follow the leader?’” She started, mirth barely concealed.

“Green Blood. No.”

“Awe come on, could make ducky jokes.” She poked some more.

“I said, no. Stop.”

Vasco had a feeling the next one was the punch line. Third time being the charm always was.

“Well fine then… at least the views nice.” Wait, what? The Naut stopped dead in his tracks, looking over his shoulder to a grimacing Kurt and surprised filled horror Lady De Sardet.

“Whoops…sorry.” She embarrassedly said with her head slightly down.

He was about to say something when he heard a yell coming from the ally they stopped at. The three looked over to see a man saying something to five figures around him; two in worn out looking merchant coats, the other three in dark trench coats. Thugs. High class thugs, but thugs none the less. Vasco and Kurt were about to lead De Sardet away from the scene, things like this happened all the time and sometimes you had to learn when to pick your fights and when to walk away. But one step had the Naut whipping around to help face the threats head on when he heard the name.

“Stop! You can do this! I am the son of Lord D’Arcy!” Was the man’s cry, bring his hands up to protect himself from one of the thug’s grab.

“Hey! Get away from this man, now!” Vasco rushed forward, pushing the two thugs in front of the man away when he shoved his way between them.

“Eh! Who the fuck are you?!” One yelled, a woman.

“Wait!” De Sardet caught up, hands gesturing to everyone to calm down, Kurt one step behind her with a hand half drawing his long sword, ice enchantments sparkling. “We just want to talk, no need for a fight.”

“Unless you came to pay off this idiot’s debt, fuck off lil bitch.” The man next to the woman snarled. His drawn pistol hidden by his side, making Vasco twitch for his.

“Maybe they’re friends of the weakling.” The woman smirks. “Share his fate if not?”

“You think I’m afraid? I fought people uglier than your landlubbing mugs.” They clearly have no clue just how insulting that statement was, for the thugs had a short moment of confusion on their faces before wiping it away. They took a step towards him.

“Wait.” De Sardet slowly made her way to the Naut’s side, Kurt frowning from his spot. Calmingly she spoke to him though he did not take his eyes off the threats in front of him. “Vasco, let me try talking. Ok?”

“You are debt collector I assume?” She was on in full Legate mode. “How much are we talking about here?”

“For the money he owes and for our services, it’s a hefty sum.”

“Debt collectors? Yet you have a gun drawn.” Vasco bit out. De Sardet grabbed his arm, hard, without nether looking.

“He is merely concerned at what type of debt this could be when a life is now the price, it seems.” She tried to defuse before another argument could break out, knowing if it did a fight would certainly follow, placing the man behind them in immediate danger.

“Client didn’t care and had no orders other than “by any means”. Either way someone was paying, don’t care how.” The man stated, still hiding his gun. “So, choose quickly.”

“How much.”

“For our service, 200 gold. For the merchant goods he lost? Rough estimate 600 give or take.”

‘Shit! That is a lot.’ Now everyone knew why, those were expensive goods. How the seas did one lose that much? De Sardet must have thought the same.

“What about a deal? We leave in a week, so five days from now we will procure the money from the goods we have sold by then? Your client would have paid you half, you don’t have a time limit, so you can get the money five days from now, return and get your second half. Sound fair?”

“Ha! Don’t make us laugh.” The thugs shook their heads, Vasco wanted to say something but was stopped by a rough squeeze on his arm. He was a bit surprised by the firm of grip the Legate had.

“I did not have that kind of money on my person. It’s a foolish thing to carry that much gold around.”

“Then that is when you pay in other ways.” The man smirked nastily.

“I am being very serious about the deal. We will not hide in the shadows and alleyways. I am seen frequently in the market district, making business. I will have the money in five days, otherwise you’ll know where I’m at. Do we have a deal?”

The woman seemed to mall it over, looking to her partner. With a nod they seemed satisfied. “Alright, we have a deal. But if you break it we break you, understand we will find you.”

The group of five left after that, leaving the three and one still shaken up man.

“Bff, “we will find you”. Please help yourself to try.” The Legate laugh, making Kurt frown even more as he shook his head. His sword fully sheathed once more.

“One day Green Blood that won’t help you.”

“Oh! Thank you so much. I thought those brutes were going to kill me!” The man exclaimed as he stepped up to them.

“Don’t mention it, it’s only natural after all.” Vasco said in a faraway tone, not believing he was here, talking to his bother. After weeks of questioning and wondering what this moment would be like since he never thought it would actually happen. Now it was. And he was growing a tad anxious wanting to know who this man was, what he was like. The debt business did not bode well however, and technically they did not know him. Vasco only just manage to hear a name being yelled which caused this encounter, couldn’t hurt to ask to start conversation. “May we ask who you are?”

“Bastien D’Arcy, son of Lord D’Arcy.” Bastien said in haughty tone, looked at him, then quickly turned to De Sardet. Eyes narrowing at the man’s actions being that of a typically snob noble. No. Vasco could not start judging already, he just met the man, and he hasn’t said his name yet. “Once again I thank you for your timely intervention.”

“I’m sorry but that was just me trying to be diplomatic.” She darted her eyes to Vasco, confusion, and concern on her face. “Please answer when I ask this, we did just take on your debt after all. How did you end up in this situation?”

“I have no doubt someone like you in high society would understand perfectly. This is a game table here that is attended to by the best aristocracy… I lost the money I owed to the merchant while playing there. And since I got out a few other debts, I had to leave the merchandise there as well.”

Oh, lovely. Just lovely. His brother was a gambler, while that was not so bad, he was and did so with business money. Another’s money. And the goods to be sold too! Were he to do something like this with the Nauts he would be exiled for sure. Or work at the lowest job at the docks for the rest of his life. Yet here was this little asshole getting away with it.

“But these are mere trifles my father would pay off without thinking twice, were we back on Gacane. Never thought someone would send these brutes after me like this, what a lack of tact!”

What a daddy’s boy. This was getting better, or no surprise really. This was a disappointment and a mistake after all. What was he thinking? That he inherited some form of decency from a rare but decent noble family? Warm family reunion? ‘Oh, you’re my brother! Yeahie!’

‘Blahh, fuck this.’ Vasco bitterly thought. ‘Typical noble, you should have known better.’

But that’s no the complete truth, now, was it? No and he did not want to think more on it. This was getting tiring, and they still had a mission to complete.

“In any case as it may be, who do I have the honor of speaking to?” Bastien continued, but De Sardet nodded to him politely and gestured to Vasco himself. Trying to steer some credit to him even though he could see in the other man’s eyes that he was just now really looking. “The hero of the day goes to him.”

“My name is…” He hesitated for a second but went with what he felt was now right in his heart. “Captain Vasco, Naut and Sea-Given. It was a pleasure, sir.”

“Ahh, well. Thank you.” The noble looked him up and down several times but said nothing more to him. “In any case, I must be going now.”

They let him leave as they walked the other way, the same way they ran in. No one talked as they all seemed to of been of the same mind, quiet and wanting to get back to their residency. Vasco greatly appreciated the silence; it gave him time to think.

~ ~ ~

Now here he was in the living room of the Congregation of Merchants embassy, staring down with crossed arms at the woman who asked if he could go on a late-night mission with her. She already had a strange charcoal grey and black outfit on, he narrowed his eyes at how oddly familiar they seemed. And a few weapons strapped in place. No one else was up, Kurt and Petrus had retired to their rooms about an hour ago, the clock on the wall told it was nearing midnight. Yet the Legate had seen his lantern light from under the door and softly knocked to ask him to meet her downstairs.

At first, he thought she would want to talk to him about their experience with D’Arcy but was quickly wrong when she asked Vasco if he would accompany her to the docks. He balked at her question, knowing nothing good at this hour and her skills would come of this. And in a way he knew what she was going to do before she said it.

“Vasco, you know the only way to prove the Ordo Luminis wrong is to investigate, as you stated earlier. So, I must, and you know this is not my first time sneaking around.” De Sardet said softly.

“Be that as it may, your little smuggling was one thing. This, is different and you know it.” His voice was equally as low, trying to keep from waking the others.

“I am asking you to help make my job a tad bit easier. Help me out.”

“I am a Naut- ” He was cut off.

“Which is why I asked you, and only you, to come with me. Just me.”

“You are still an outsider.” After his little meeting with the noble snob that day, Vasco thought hard about himself and his place. He was a Naut, given or born, it did not matter. Say he did get that warm welcome from his blood family, he would not have betrayed his shipmates and the Guild family like that. He could say that much even if the encounter did not happen like he thought it would.

“All I need to do is know if the malichor is there. That is all, I promise Vasco. Please.” She looked at him, her diplomatic mask dropping. “Please trust me, and if you can’t, that is why I am bring you. Do you understand what I am saying, Vasco?”

Was she… oh… oh seas. Seas she wasn’t asking that was she?

“You can’t be serious.”

“I am.” De Sardet said with a grim look, barely concealing a glance to her weapons. “If at any point you feel I over stepped, or threatened-”

“By the tides, Sylvie, I won’t do it.” He whispered harshly; a questioning look on her face but he brushed it off. Sighing, he took a step back, unfolding his arms as he tugged at his hair. “Just, give me your word. Your promise.”

“Ok. I promise I will only look at what you point out and not say a word of what I saw.” She had a fist to her heart before kissing her knuckles. Ok, weird way of doing it, but ok.

“Fine then, lets makes this quick, and let’s be very clear here.” The Captain’s mask was fully in place. “You will do as I say, exactly as I say. Got it.”

“Yes.”

He sighed as he gave in. not really believing what he was about to do. First, he was struggling with family ties of both blood and adopted, questioning his own self and where he stood with everything. Now he was doing a very traitorous thing.

Could he even call himself loyal anymore?

They quickly and quietly slipped out the embassy, skirting around the few guards tasked with patrolling the building when they were there, and jogged to the port. While making their way there, Vasco was once again surprised and suspicious about how quiet the woman’s steps were. On the stone walkways and roads, it should have made some noise, but nothing was heard. Soon they reached the portside building and crouched down in the shadows. Unlike in New Serene, here the Nauts did not have a gate, so they had a few Naut guards in corners and around buildings to make sure there were no trespassers. Effective to ward off the inquisitors, but not so for the Legate and Captain.

He motioned for her to follow him, silently making his way around the building, and avoiding the odd guard here and there walking by. Every now and then ducking in the shadows or behind creates and barrels. Once Vasco reached the building they needed he tried to work the lock, however, after a few attempts with no success De Sardet tapped him to gain his attention. She pointed for herself to try and he let her move around him, with seconds she had the door opened, a teasing smile on her face as he rolled his eyes at her. Once inside he locked the door again to be safe incase someone tried the door.

The building was one the Nauts used for storing and repairing their own items, property of the guild and only the guild. It was definitely off-limits storage for clients and outsiders alike. Yet here he was showing a very high-ranking outsider all there was. But true to her word, after scanning the room and lofts above for threats, she looked back to Vasco for him to show her around. Trusting him to show her what she needed and him trusting her to keep her word. A lot of trust in one another no doubt.

Each instrument he showed he carefully watched the Legate’s reaction. The sextant was something De Sardet stated the court did have, it was no work of evil and the order themselves have one like the Congregation. It had two uses, it was used for measuring distance on the horizon and spying on the stars above for tracking the ships course. The barometer had her looking at it a bit more curiously since it was not something she seen before. When asked he said how it helped predict whether and was very useful for upcoming storms, it helped the crew prepare in time before the ships were hit. The last two had the woman openly staring with wide eyes.

Face losing its mask in favor of childlike wonder, she was doing the same thing with the instruments like she did with the seahorse in the fish tank back in the waiting room. Wanting to touch it but pulled away last second. The newer model depth finder was indeed beautifully crafted, a dolphin shouting, it allowed them to judge how deep the water was. While the other was a speed chart, or better known as chip log, which did what its name said. Charted the speed and logged it.

Vasco had stepped back and rest a hand on his holstered pistol, unconscious of what he had done until his hand touched the weapon. Mentally slapping himself. He did not feel threatened, De Sardet was just curious not harming anything. This was a huge step in trust, the Guild’s entire secret was at risk here, and he was still so torn on what to do. But he removed his hand, for he was willing to take this risk, he would talk to her about her intentions here and now before getting hasty. That’s what any rational person would do, and he was a Naut Captain.

“This is all so incredible, the products of science that have been used in other areas of study, helped you sail. All things adding up it makes sense now; I would be hard pressed to use them too.” The Legate shook her head with folded arms, walking up the steps to the loft area.

“I don’t think you understand what is at stake here, keeping these secrets enabled us to be the only ones to navigate the high seas.” Vasco held an arm out to stop her from walking any farther.

“Everyone always whispered about magic that you used on our own, like the natives here, and Theleme with theirs.” Her mask was back in place, but her eyes shine with curiosity, which she would not get answers to. So, he easily gave the lie with half-truths.

“We were the ones to spread that rumor. The instruments allow us easier sailing then without. The rumors do get out of hand and may harm our reputation, but it is effective against competition.”

The De Sardet pursed her lips but dropped the subject for now, even though he somehow knew she did not believe him fully about the rumor. Instead, she moved on to the next topic, the main reason why they are here.

“I also see no foul play here suggesting that dark rituals are being used to ward off the malichor. Nor evidence to show responsibility for it starting here.”

“I couldn’t begin to explain why we do not catch it, maybe because we are out at sea and not in port long enough to, but I assure you we are not responsible for it.” The Naut firmly pointed out, after hours of thinking about what Domitius said, it was a convincing case. But still, there was no right for him to sic his order on them, investigating was one thing but threating to burn them at the stake? No.

“It’s ok, I believe you, and there is clearly no malichor here.” She said as she stepped to him, her face sincere.

“And I truly hope you will reveal nothing of what you saw here.” He frowned at the thought of what kind of damage she could do. Wait, stop. This was the same woman who so far has always kept her word; Jonas, his file, his brother… and now the Guild secrets in order to prove the Ordo Luminis wrong. They have yet to find the missing Nauts, but he had no doubt that was what they were doing tomorrow, then off to see the Cardinal.

He could do this. He could trust her.

He was a Naut. He was loyal.

She kept her promises. And respected the Guild.

“I won’t, Vasco.” De Sardet took the last step to close the space between them, putting a hand on his shoulder. She softly smiled as her voice was equally gentle. “You have my word, and my trust.”

He stared at this woman in front of him for a good moment, his heart beating hard in his chest. The comradery he had saw since that day back in Serene was, what seemed like was given to everyone but him, was now there.

“You allowed me the greatest honor in seeing this, it was big risk, and you did it. Thankyou.”

Vasco swallowed the lump stuck in his throat, nodding as he patted her hand.

“I’m guessing you have a plan to find the missing Naut after all this? You fulfilled one promise and got to the bottom of the mess, but now we must finish the mission.” He motioned for her to follow him back down the stairs, making their way to the doors.

“Indeed, I do.” She said as she followed after the Captain. “I have a feeling I know where to find them. Kurt is coming with me, you, and Petrus. Kurt will be talking to the guards in the Coin Guard jails, Petrus will dissuade any inquisitors that might be there, and you can help ease any upset fellow Nauts. I there mostly to help where I can but I think I’ll just get in the way.”

It was a sound plan, so with that they fell silent once more to exit the building. Quickly they made their way back to the embassy. Keeping to the shadows once more and dodging patrols. Everything was the same as they left it when the duo made it back, entering the side door of the residency. Nothing out of place. With some luck and no major changes, they could be back on their way to New Serene to deliver the new to Admiral Cabral.

Chapter Text

Vasco

The plan worked out just as they all thought, a few words to the guards and Kurt had the keys. The few Ordo Luminis there were convinced by Petrus to step aside, insisting that the Mother Cardinal herself would not approve of them interfering with their investigation. Then it was his turn, grabbing the keys that Solider has thrown over to him from his spot by the Bishop, keeping their distance from the upset Nauts in the cell. Two men and a woman all but crying when they saw Vasco.

He was taken back when the woman rushed to hug him as the cabin boy followed the other Naut out. The older of the three sighing in relief, telling him how grateful they were he came. Hearing about them being tortured for information about the malichor pissed the Captain off more ways than one. The woman was embarrassed about crying in his arms but let him go to calm down some. When told that they would be accompanied by Kurt to the port while they went to talk to the Mother Cardinal, they weren’t too happy.

Eventually the three did accept the man’s presence when he vowed that no one would mess with them while he was there. Reluctantly listening to the Legate’s reasoning.

It was bittersweet putting Bishop Domitius in his place; stating the plan of purification in front of the Mother had left a sour expression on the man’s face, and exposed him to her. The monarch horrified at what the Inquisitor had planned. Vague explanation of evidence but firm statement about the lack of malichor and dark magic had the older woman agreeing with the diplomatic Legate, the Nauts were not responsible. Quickly saying how she would personally write an apology letter to the Admiral, and one to the Second Mate at the harbor.

Vasco could not bite his cheek any harder to hide a smile at the tongue lashing Domitius received. Though he doubted that would be the last they heard of him.

Now here they were back at the embassy packing up, Sylvie having received word from her cousin that his health had taken a slight turn. Watching as the Legate skillfully packed her duffel in less than fifteen minutes, almost as fast as the Coin Guard who had walked out of his room only a minute prior to her. Vasco following in step behind her, all three packs by the door as they waited a few more minutes for Petrus to descend the stairs. The older man smiled as he joked about them being younger and eager, how he too at one time could pack as fast as them.

Now the only thing they had to do was give the apology letter for Fernando to him and be on their way to catch the caravan. At least that was then plan until the Second Mate offered them a lift back. Which threw everyone.

“I do not wish to impose on you and your crew.” Was the polite reply, but the man laughed a little at her words but not in an unkind way.

“I would not be offering if I thought you were imposing.” Fernando said, waving them to the ship. “We will be leaving within the hour, so you timed it right.”

“It would definitely be faster to get home. How long is the trip?” De Sardet asked.

“Three days usually, four tops if the wind is slow. Better than the eight days by road and less dangerous I say.”

The four followed as the older Naut led them to the ship Naut-Hers, which Vasco had to laugh. He had fond memories on this ship, the same one he was Second Mate to not long ago. It was Admiral Cabral’s own cargo ship she had captained before moving up in ranks and was given a warship. This too was bittersweet.

It was strange boarding the ship and not be doing something, working somewhere on the ship, helping in some way. Even more so when they were show to the guest rooms, his face must have given something away when Fernando patted him on the back with a loud laugh. Grinning he said. “Aye Captain Vasco, this be a once in a lifetime experience. I bet one day tops before you itch to do something.”

“Something like that.” He grumbled as the others picked their rooms.

“If it gets too bad you can always ask Captain Sens. I’m sure she’ll have something for you.” The Second Mate said before nodding him in parting, no doubt to do his job.

He did not even last that long, they had left by noon, and he had gone up to the helm a few hours before dinner bell to ask what there was something he could do. Captain Sens had a knowing but pitied smile which he did not care for, he knew it was because of him being a Captain without a ship and was now restless. He almost pulled out his hair when the woman told him everything was under control for today, but she did have a few things in mind for tomorrow if he felt like it then.

“With all due respect Captain,” wow that felt weird saying now, “I feel like it now. I am more than capable to do whatever it is at the moment.”

“That is not the reason why I said tomorrow, Captain Vasco.” She said in a neutral tone, shifting the wheel a bit before addressing him again. “You are restless, take the time to relax. Maybe find some humor in the situation, I doubt you’ll ever get a chance like this again.”

“The dark humor in a Captain forced on shore leave that is now a guest on a ship in which mocks him of what he could be doing. It’s hilarious, truly. I’ll be glad when it’s all over.”

“That is not what I meant, and I think you know it. Don’t get mouthy with me.” A glare was casted his way. “Maybe talk to your friends about what it’s like being a guest.”

“No, thank you.” He said a tad shortly.

“Moving on then. What about the Legate?”

“What about her?” Did he ask that too quickly? Oops. Maybe Sens had more to her thought before he practically cut her off. He hated the surprise turning into a smirk.

“Why so defensive?”

“I’m not here to gossip like a fisherman’s wife.”

“I was merely wondering if you could confirm what I heard to be true.” The slight but false teasing tone irritated him more.

“I might or might not?” Seas Vasco wished to be done with this, he only wanted something to do around the ship, not gossip.

“Heard she proved the Ordo Luminis wrong, something about dark Naut magic not being true and us innocent of responsibility of the malichor. Is this all true?”

“Yes, they believed we were and due to a ritual, we were immune.” He crossed his arms.

“Idots. But you did not say how she proved them wrong.” The younger Naut could feel Sens’s tension from where he stood. There was no way he would tell her how De Sardet knew, that was for the Admiral. Vasco did not care in the least that she was picked to captain Cabral’s cargo ship, that gave her no privilege to feel she could know things more than she should.

“She trusted my word and I trusted her when she said she believed me. Nothing more.” Which was true… just not the whole truth, tides it didn’t even starch the surface. But the short statement had very powerful meaning. Which Captain Sens nodded with some reluctance but dropped the conversation.

Vasco left without a word, having been done with the word games the woman wanted to play. It was not that he hated her, there was mutual respect due to captain status, but nothing more than that. He disliked her political way of putting her nose into things she should not, taking advantage of the kiss and tell type to gain more knowledge. He was not the sort to talk when he knew better and firmly remained so, which bugged Sens to no end since she could not play him.

When it was time for dinner, Mess was an interesting affair to say the least.

The tables in the room were half full by the time he and the others stood in line to get their food, their party of four getting weird looks. A shipless captain, humored noble, grumpy Coin Guard, and a bishop who was actually decent but was glared at in various degrees. They made for a perfect joke; Vasco waited for someone to come up with one while he grabbed the plate of food. He was not disappointed when he heard De Sardet voice he exact thoughts. But his humor was short lived when he turned to go sit down.

Where would he sit? Who should he sit with? The group he is with or his fellow Captain and Second?

He huffed as he resigned himself to sit with his current company, he was no exile, but it felt wrong to assume he could sit with the other high-ranking Nauts while forced on shore leave. But equally felt wrong to not sit with the others. His plate sounded on the table a bit too loud as he plopped down on the bench. Eyes fixed on his food refusing to look up to his companions let alone any Nuats there. But the silence was not to be as a certain Legate sat by his side.

“Vasco?” Was the worried sounding woman. She made no move to touch him or crowd his space which he was thankful for at the moment.

“I’m fine.” He frowned as he shook his head, waving her off. It was an awkward silence that followed, the Mess not being too loud either.

“You don’t have to talk about it, but I’m here if you need me.” And with that the four ate their food in peace.

Mess went by quickly since there was some tension in the air with the odd group dinning with them, it was more than last minute passengers with a strange story. Vasco was not joking when he said someone could make a great punchline. Petrus was the first to finish and politely got up to return his plate, then said how he would retire to his room to give everyone some space. It was a bit hot with all the looks and glares being casted, but the three rescued Nauts also happened to be on the ship. They were a great help spreading the word on how this bishop was not anything like the Ordo Luminis, stating even if they don’t trust Theleme they could trust the man himself not to harm anyone.

Vasco was a few steps away from his door when De Sardet called to him. He turned to see her slowly making her way to his side, the concern look on her face returning. But when she stopped by him, he watched as she fumbled with what to say.

“No need to-”

“Would you like-”

They spoke at the same time, surprising them both.

“You go first.” She timidly nodded to him with a sheepish smile. When was the Legate ever sheepish about anything?

“I was going to say that you need not worry about what happened during Mess.” The Naut tried to sound reassuring, hoping she did not pick up his inner turmoil. She nodded a few times as she contemplated what to say next.

“But that’s exactly what I’m doing, I’m worrying because I hate how hard this must be for you. I wish to make it better by asking if you would possibly like to go for a drink.” Her eyes crinkled a bit. He was wondering why all the sudden he was seeing them so much recently, whereas on the voyage he could barely catch a glimpse. Though he did let up on his orneriness since realizing his error. And now he was caught in those turquoise eyes once more.

“We are hardy in town now, aren’t we?” Vasco somewhat teased out with a mock seriousness.

“True, but I was going to go back to Mess when it cleared out a bit more with a good bottle of rum as I read some. Then I thought maybe you would like the share?” De Sardet said with a still hopeful tone, he did not see why he couldn’t.

“Why not, must make sure it’s the right rum after all. Me being a Naut makes me an automatic expert, aye?”

“No, nothing like that. I just like rum is all.” She gave him a look while smiling. “See you in an hour? I’ll pick a corner spot.”

“Alright, in an hour.” Vasco returned the smile though he could not make it reach all the way to his eyes.

He sat in his room thinking about what happened the last few days and now being on a ship, as a guest no less. The Captain knew exactly what he had to do now that he figured himself out. Vasco was a Naut, loyal even though he was in question due to past actions, but he would prove to himself and the Guild that he could be trusted once more. He would ask Admiral Cabral once things have settled for his loyalty mission. Whatever she deemed him worthy of completing he would do so to the best of his abilities, and return. Maybe then he could find out how much longer this current mission would last.

‘But what about Sylvie?’

His thoughts were dropped suddenly like an anchor. Why was he getting that feeling again? He felt as though he was making both a right and wrong decision, queasy at the thought of leaving her side but longing for the sea. What was he doing? What was he thinking?! This should not have been as difficult as he was making it out to be! He had been waiting to see what would work out for him, family reunion or returning to sea. Would he be able to meet his family, or would he find a way back on the Admiral’s good side?

Either way Cabral would have one or two things; being rid of a sour Captain that apparently had questionable loyalty or gain back said Captain who found his way again and possibly learned better. But now here he was thinking about a certain woman on the same ship with him once again.

Vasco sighed as he checked the time on his pocket watch, it was a few minutes pass an hour. He shook his head and stood up from his spot in the chair, grabbing his hat on the way out. He quickly made his way down the hall to Mess and walked through the threshold, scanning the room for the Legate. He was waved over to one of the far corner tables that had a small oil lamp hovering by it, half masking the table and single occupant. The one group of Nauts that lingered there nodded to him as he walked over to his… companion? Friend?

“Bout time you showed, thought you may have backed out on me. I would have had to drink alone.” She teased as Vasco sat on the bench opposite of her where the wall was off to their side, noticing how she had a small bag with her. She sat the paper she was reading down. Popping the cork, she poured him half a glass of clear rum. Literal glass and what appeared to be Naut rum? With a piece of chocolate sitting pretty on it.

“Are you…drinking Naut rum in a glass glass?” He held the contents to his nose and smelled the hint of strawberry. Taking the treat off the rim, eyes growing wide when he took a quick sip.

“Indeed, my friend.” De Sardet turned the bottle’s label to him. “Parrot Bay, strawberry flavored. Hope you like because it’s my preferred one since I can’t stand coconut.”

Huffing a laugh as he sat the glass back down, smiling at the irony. A royal with expensive glass to drink out of who could buy any rum she wanted chose a Nauts.

“It will do, I’m more of a dark rum man, this a bit sweet for me but not bad. Dare I ask why this brand?”

“Maybe because I like it? Maybe because I know a higher price tag doesn’t mean the drink is better?” She smiled at him. “Why? Bet you know of this place it’s made at.”

“Aye, I do. Been to Parrot Bay a few times, it’s a nice little island. Nothing like the Five Isle but not remote like an islander village.” Vasco caught her eyes shine with curiosity, knowing she probably had a ton of questions to ask. But like everything else she did not push, and he respected her for it. He raised an eyebrow when the woman threw a leg over the seat, straddling it, then lean back against the wall, facing sideways but looked over to him in amusement.

“What? I have no clue how long we plan to be here; I want to be comfy, and where better than a Naut ship?” She gestured to the open Mess room, the five Nauts a few tables down glancing to them.

“Point taken. But I must say, you sitting like that, is a whole man there.”

“I am?” The teasing tone made him accident look down. ‘Stop staring fool.’ He fixed his seat and turn his head a little so the hat shadowed over his face and slight blush.

“Yes. Just like you did back on the Sea-Horse but stopped once we were on land.”

“I was happy to be away from court protocols and just relax a little before I was expected to be Legate, and diplomatic out the ass. I managed to avoid court dances so far but I’m sure I will be asked by Constantin to attend one soon. Which means proper sitting and all that fun stuff.” De Sardet said taking a sip.

Vasco nodded as he did the same, the silence falling over them. It was not unpleasant but the feeling of something unspoken remained constant as he tried to figure out what it was. He looked up to see the woman watching him with an unreadable expression. Before she broke away first, she looked almost upset and worried.

“Vasco, are you ok?” A hand was held up gently stopping him from speaking. “I mean it, please, tell me what is bothering you. I don’t know how to help if I don’t know.”

“You do not need to worry about me. I’ll be fine in time, thank you for the concern.”

“It’s not still the fact I called your ship a boat, is it? It’s been quite a while to still be salty about it.” Her question surprised him before he remembered what she was referring to. He bit back a laugh.

“No, it’s nothing like that. I got “salty” as you say because I was already uneasy around nobles, let alone a royal who just casually said boat.” He explained with some humor.

“Well, that’s good, I was wondering about that for the first week but didn’t ask since I knew you were going through a lot. Then it slipped my mind when we got busy running errands for literally everyone.” The Legate teased but dropped it quickly which made him look at her. “I hope you, uh, are better now? I don’t make you uneasy, do I?”

“No, you don’t. I’m fine with it all now, sorry if I seemed rude.” Vasco shifted more in his seat, sitting leaning against the wall.

“But…” She quickly shut her mouth and frowned.

“But what?” He returned the question, noticing how she darted her eyes around before looking down at her glass. It was something he learned she did when unsure of what to say.

“What of your bother? You didn’t tell him who you were. Are you ok now?” De Sardet asked softly, like as if she did not know if she could ask him a fair enough question. “If you don’t-”

“De Sardet, it is ok. I honestly wonder how you ever became a diplomat when you second guess yourself so much.” The Naut shook his head but soften his tone. “I don’t mean for that to sound mean.”

“Because I know how to play with the court, but I do not wish to treat my friends like that, Captain.” She gave him a smile.

“And am I a friend?” Where had that come from? Why did he say it so… weirdly?

“I would like to think so. You did help Kurt save my life, and I’ve been trying to befriend you while you were on forced shore leave. But I didn’t want to seem like I was smothering you, so I gave you space.”

“That you did. Then if we are to be friends, I think you can drop the ‘Captain’ aye? Rings hollow.” He smirked.

“Suppose you are right, Vasco. You never did ask once about my first name.” She gave him a teasing look. “But don’t think I haven’t noticed you dodging my question.”

“I was stupid, Sylvie.” He teased back sipping his rum. “I resented everyone. The Nauts for taking me from my family, said family giving me up, you for having it all. More so you since I had to be with you for this leave and you had the life I didn’t get to live.” Taking a deep breath, he continued and was surprised how calm he was, gone was his bitterness. “I had it in my head that I could have been wearing silks instead of polishing ship bridges. Was bitter knowing that while following you.”

“I’m sorry Vasco.” Sylvie put her hand on his that rested on the table. “But you really should know that nobility is not what it seems.”

“I know that now. I have seen how it has treated you, how you deal with it. I care less about politics, but I do know how to get by without being drowned in it. But in my head, you had it all, and I thought it should have been me, until I finally met Bastien. Then I truly realized how honor-less and cowardly he was. I’m not like that.”

“No,” he felt her squeeze his hand some, “you aren’t. You are the strongest, considerate, intuitive man I’ve met. I don’t think you would have felt “right” in nobility.”

“Like you?” Vasco looked here in the eyes, her little speech hitting him in the chest, feelings of long ago that he once thought were gone, now surfaced one more.

“I guess so.” She blushed as she looked away, letting her hand loosen but not letting go.

“You’re right. Throughout this mission for the Admiral, I had been conflicted, and worried myself. I was a Naut and refused to betray the Guild, but I wanted to know where I came from. And kept asking myself if this was right or wrong.”

“There is nothing wrong with finding out your history, your origins. But I would also remember who you are, without those trails and memories you would not be the same person today. If you ever feel lost, go back to your roots, retrace your steps, find where you felt you could do better, and keep moving forward.”

“Exactly. I came to that conclusion. Though with more sea sayings than roots.” They chuckled at that, Siora’s talking leaking though. Which he knew the Legate no doubt had a plan on getting word to thier islander friend that they were in New Serene viva ship.

“So, no more regrets?”

“None. Except not being able to get over the bitterness sooner.”

“Vasco, stop. As we just said, trails and errors yes, but you never truly strayed from your loyalty. You stayed true to yourself and the Guild, nothing wrong with knowing.” She gave him a pointed look before raising her glass to him. “A toast to you and may the wind always be in your favor, my friend.”

He laughed but toasted to it, both taking a long swig.

“If I may ask, what did you think of Bastien, besides the honor-less and cowardly?” She asked him. He snorted.

“I had high expectations with naive thoughts of overly emotional reunion. But found myself in front of a conceited and selfish idiot. Need I say more?”

“At least this encounter allowed you to assert yourself and sweep your regrets away.”

“Very true, and I am grateful for your help, you were there during my period of doubts and continued to help… I feel like myself again. Mostly.” Vasco confessed, for he really did feel better about himself and his place.

“Mostly? My ship in the bottle does not cheer you up?” The woman nudged him, a grin on her face when he smiled back.

“It did.”

“I bet you still haven’t named it.”

“No, I have not. I’m waiting for the right name to come along.”

“Would you like more?”

“More?” He was confused what she meant. “Names?”

“No, I suck at names. I meant, trinkets, bobbles, presents. That sort of thing. I don’t want to assume and just get everything Naut-like when you could like other things.”

“It is fine, Sylive. No need.” He tried to wave her off, but the woman would have none of it.

“Says the one who ate that piece of chocolate sometime during the conversation, and I honestly don’t know when!” Laughing she plucked out the whole wrapped bar from her pack that he completely forgot about. “Did you even taste it?”

“Yes!”

“Really? What flavor was it?”

“It’s chocolate, what flavor do you think?”

“No, silly it had a hint of something in it.” Breaking off a piece she handed him another one. “Trying savoring it this time.”

Vasco looked at it as he took it, shrugging while popping it in his mouth. He was instantly hit with the dark chocolatey taste and sea salt. Raising an eyebrow for the giggling woman to explain.

“It’s dark chocolate with pink sea salt. I have no clue how you make salt pink but there you have it.”

“The pink salt is from one of the Five Isles, a Naut run store that sells quite a bit of these types of treats. The goods are very expensive to import but the turn around profit of selling them are worth it. Also, for obvious reasons, we have discounted prices and deals made out since it is our ships these goods go on.” He smirked a toothy grin. “Though I will admit how I have never tasted this type of chocolate before. Usually, I go for the caramel truffle.”

“Ick, why does everyone like caramel?” She gave and exasperated sigh. “It’s really not all that good.”

“Yes, it is, have you actually tried it?”

“Yes, and no it is not.”

“Picky.”

“Touche.” Sylvie shook her head.

Both fell in a comfortable silence; she picked the paper she had sat down and began to read. It was not a dismissal, and the quietness did not seem as though it would get awkward, just content in each other company. Neither of them was done with the bottle they had opened, and he did not want to get up and leave just yet. He made a motion to the rum and was nodded to with a smile.

“Have as much as you like, I’m sorry if I seem indifferent or dismissive, it’s just a lot of work I must do. I want to stay and keep doing… this.” The Legate gestured around. “If it is alright with you.”

“I do not mind at all. I understand about work taking priority.”

Wasn’t that the truth, before the last voyage Vasco hardly ever gave a lick of time to himself. Preferring to go over his logbooks, checking the ship, checking the crew, if there was anything that needed to be done, he would see to it. Now that he thought about it, there was little to no time he spent on himself. Only reading his poetry when his mind was restless and he could not sleep that night. Maybe even practice some sword training. But in the way of a hobby, not so much.

Maybe that was another reason why Cabral had him on leave? To not only find himself but to live a little?

In the way of friends, he did not have many, the few shipmates he could literally count on one hand. Vasco only saw them maybe once every year give or take. He did not even want to go on and think about his few exes. ‘Elise’ he spat in his mind almost not able to control his face, hidden hurt, and anger over the woman who-

“Vasco?” A soft voice asked in concern. He blinked himself out of those dark thoughts to see that the woman in front of him was very real, and very genuine. ‘Not like Elise.’

“I’m fine, just the past caught up to me.” He admitted uncomfortably, stomping down the urge to shift in his seat.

“If the silence is too much we can keep talking.” Sylvie put her paper down to give him her full attention again. “It’s not still about Bastien, is it? Or the Nauts? I have full faith that you will be back on your ship in no time.”

He could have kissed her how close yet so far away she was to the topic of his thoughts and considerate to his past worries. But all he did was nod in a sad happiness kind of way. “Thankyou for that, it will be quite the thrill getting back to the helm. But no, it was not Bastien…just another noble who I have not quite forgiven.”

“Ahh, I’m sorry to hear that. You know I’m here for you, right?”

“Yes, my friend. I do.”

With that they finish up the remainder of their drinks, stopping the bottle, and wish each other goodnight. When they did so, Vasco stopped for a moment to watch the Legate leave first, noticing how hesitant she was. It was like as if she did not want to turn away first.

Chapter Text

Sylvie

The second morning proved to be an entertaining one when she stepped up on deck to do her morning warmups. Wearing nothing but her tan form hugging trousers and white shirt rolled to the elbow, the only thing fancy on her were her polished black Legate boots and belt. Otherwise, the lack of vest, coat, gloves, and lady’s cravat was very freeing and allowed her to move. Ever since the horse-riding accident when she was sixteen, her left hip always giving her some problems, stiffing up when not moved for certain period. Not being magically healed before the natural processes started, by then it was either fix the damage already done or retear the joint to heal. She frowned as she started her lunges, rolling onto the next step; her uncle wanted the lather done but it was a great relief when her mother stepped in.

The sun was slowly raising over the water as the crew around her prepared for shift change, by now most left her be after the initial confusion the morning prior. And unsurprising once again, she saw Captain Vasco emerge from the deck below, the man looked leagues better since boarding Naut-Hers. Although he still grumbled about not being able to do much and she could see how being on a ship seemed to stress him out more. At least he slept better than when on land, his body used to movement. Sleep did only so much for a captain on a ship that wasn’t his, and twitchy to do anything. The little whispered jokes did not go unnoticed, but many knew to keep it down around Sylvie. The Legate having called out a few when the jokes weren’t jokes anymore and were plain rude.

Once again, she saw a few smack another’s shoulder to say something after the man walked by, out of earshot or no, she knew exactly what would help shut them up.

Quickly she finished up her stretching and did one more circuit of lunge walking, then headed right for the stairs leading below. Jogging her way down them making her way to her room. In the corner were her weapons pack, but ignored the sharp ones, instead grabbing her blunt bladed daggers. Sylvie did not favor the sword like her cousin did so she would have to ask Kurt for his practice one. Both carried the blunt weapons incase her itchiness for movement got the better of her and practice would be declared.

Walking back out the door she was met with the very man she was meaning to talk to, asking if she could barrow the rapier she needed.

“After all this time you want to learn the sword now?” Kurt shook his head but retrieved the weapon from his room.

“No, it’s for Vasco. I’m going to challenge him to a duel.” The woman smirked at his raised eyebrow.

“Green Blood, tell me what it is you think you will accomplish with this. Sparring on a ship with me is different than with a captain.” Was the warning as they made their way up the stairs.

“Nothing serious. I’m just not enthusiastic about how the crew is staring and jabbing at him, being a ‘Shipless Captain’ and all.” Sylvie explained with slight annoyance, completely unaware of the small smile her weapons master gave her.

“For his honor then, is it?” He raised a hand to cut off her protest. “No worries, I’m sure he will gain it back in no time. Here’s the sword and try not to embarrass me too much.” She caught the sword being tossed at her. Kurt walking over to a barrel by the wall to watch while a few crewmembers glanced. Sylive shook her head as she spotted the Naut she wanted over by the main mast. When she walked over to him, she nodded as she caught his eye, smirking when she raised the practice rapier.

“I may be full of hot air with these next words, but Captain Vasco I, Legate De Sardet, challenge you to a duel.” She smirked as she tossed the weapon to the man the same way Kurt did to her a minute ago.

“Oh, your Excellency? And pray tell me why you so dare.” He caught the sword with ease, looking over with calculating eyes. Sylvie heard a few men around them start to chatter.

“For your honor good sir, and to see what you got on the deck of a ship.” She said with a flick of her daggers. “I already know land proved no challenge.”

“If this is a nice way of saying I’m losing my touch, please milady, say so.” His words were a bit touchy, the smooth voice sounded anything but. Amusement reaching his golden eyes as he practically prowled towards her.

“Nothing like that dear Captain.” Taking a light stance. “Ready whenever you are.”

And so, they began their duel, both grinning ear to ear as they tested one another, the man halfheartedly swiping at her. Sylvie knew the Naut was going easy, having sparred with him twice in the beginning to know where his skills laid. Even then the hour they took both times seemed like it was just that, training. Training usually meant fifty percent or less strength, speed, and skill to get practice in. It was also the perfect time for questions and introducing new moves on safe grounds. Sparring was fifty to eighty percent with no real help, it was to get you acclimated to possible real fight scenarios. Sometimes these spars would have rules to get you to use unfavorable skills.

Vasco on both accounts was in training mode and even now, though they agreed to duel one another, the man never did anything more or less than what he needed to. Was it because he didn’t know how to fight a dual welder? Dual daggers? It was a bit weird for her to fight one on one than another like herself or with two opponents. Usually using one as a shield to confuse the one she attacked. But right now, she was not interested in fair play, she wanted the man to use his skill and push her like Kurt did, make her fight on a moving unstable surface that the ship was.

So, without farther ado, she made a surprise move on the Naut. Sylvie parried by crossing her daggers but instead of kicking out like usual, she slid the daggers towards his hilt at the same time into a backhanded grip. This allowed her to grab his wrist, side stepping into his guard to hook an arm around his neck, and hip throw him onto the deck. An amused smile on her face when she saw the shocked look when she carefully stepped around. “Come now, I do believe a duel means a good fight, not training my dear friend. Shall we?” The woman gestured once more to the space around them, ignoring the gathering crew. Vasco cautiously making it back to his feet.

Their second round provided more fruit to the effort, she could see the frustration that had been building up slowly bled out. Within a few minutes Sylvie changed tactics from offensive and defensive to dodging and rolling with the blows. The singing noise of metal sliding on metal, soft grunts of efforts, and boots on wood. At one point the captain caught her wrist to pull her to him, giving both a small window to speak.

“Why are you doing this?” Vasco asked softly, making a swipe at her feet.

“To show these idiots you are still very bit of a Captain now, as the day you were laid off.” Her voice equally low but the heated statement stunned the man. “Vasco, show them what you’re fucking made of. I can take it, I promise.”

Then the Legate was dropping low to break his hold, rolling away, and bring her weapons up with a mean fight mask firmly in place. Watching as he nodded with the tip of his tricorn before giving her a real fight.

Swipe for swipe, dodging and dancing around powerful blows and kicks, quickly returning a thrust after a parry. It was beautifully terrifying to watch, both preferred to used their opponents own speed and strength against them, so it was thrilling to fight a similar but different style opponent. At one point Vasco got a good front kick in, his boot landing squarely on her hip, bad thing was it was her left one. She bit her tongue when she used the momentum falling on her back to roll to stand, a grinding like pain shooting through her joint. The woman waved the concern look given and readied herself once one. Her hair by now had managed to escape the hair tie completely, caramel tangling around her face.

“Last round Captain? The winner gets a bottle of whatever they like once in port?”

“If you would be so kind, brandy after a duel well won.” The humored jab did not reach his eyes, but she could tell they would continue in earnest. Sylvie smiled.

“Already declaring a victory, I see, may we finish the dual first?”

Then they were back at it, however, any kicks that were made were purposely directed at her legs or higher above. By now both knew they were good on deck, so it was no surprise when she watched Vasco jump on a few wide crates, light on his feet as he made his way to the other side. His coat swishing in the wind as sweat beaded down the side of his face. Now the crate was effectively between them, making it slightly difficult to decide what to do. She couldn’t leap over for he would be right there waiting to stab at her and making her way around would either have him maneuver around to use as a shield. So, she did the next best thing, kicking the crate hard enough to slide towards him, making him break his concentration to dodge the object. Here she leaped forward with a combo swipe, her left dagger was blocked by his sword and twisted down. The right went flying past his head as he reeled back.

Sylvie was halfway through her twist around but was caught by a firm hand to her shoulder and a foot to the back on her knee. Instantly the weapon was tapped to her neck from her kneeling position on the deck. Her hand on instinct reached up to protect herself, but it was already too late. With a chuckle the Legate slowly looked up to see a wide smile and face shadowed by the tricorn.

“I believe a bottle of brandy is calling.” The weapon was removed as Vasco held out a hand to help her up.

“You would be correct, once we make port point the way.” Turquoise eyes shining with mirth. “Shall I take the barrowed rapier now?”

“I think I shall accompany you back, I seem to have worked up quite the sweat from this duel.” He gestured for her to lead the way, both ignoring the mummering crew around them. The disapproving look of Captain Sens from the helm even more so. Leaning slightly against the wall as she made her was down the stairs, choking back a wince every time she stepped on her left side. Until an arm steadied her when the ship titled a bit with a wave.

“Let me help you, I clearly did something with that kick earlier. I’m sorry, I did not mean to do it so hard.” The smooth voice said with worry.

“It’s ok, I’ll be ok, once I can get back to my room.” Sylvie tired to reassure the Naut, patting him on his shoulder.

“You sound anything but ok.” There was no need to turn around to see the frown, she could practically hear his brows furrowing. Sighing as she opened the door, she pointed to the far corner where her weapons pack was.

“You can put the rapier by my pack there, I’m sure Kurt will be by later to pick it up.” The fatigue creeping, she made her way to the nightstand where her travel bags laid, pulling out a health poultice. Opening the lid to check to see how much of the salve was left in the jar, the few moments it took she almost forgot about the other presence in her room.

“You didn’t have to do that, you know.” Sylvie turned to see a man with conflicting emotions, fighting back from shifting on the spot, the sight ceased her heart. “The duel.”

“I know, but you needed it.” Her heart then did a flip when Vasco took two steps to be right in front of her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Almost like what she would do for him, or Kurt and Constantin… but different as he leaned to her ever so slightly. Briefly catching out the corner of her eye how his other hand twitched by his side.

“Next time, please stop m - the duel, sparring, or training, if you are ever in that much pain.” Those golden orbs catching the sliver of sunlight, setting them ablaze. The color intensifying and making him seem…more. Something more. She couldn’t put her figure on it but felt the feeling deep in her chest that there was more to this moment.

“Ok.” Was her weakly made attempt of a voice and nod. Confused and a tad humored how the man then made a swift exit out of the room, followed by a door being heard opening and closing quickly.

Taking a deep breath, Sylvie walked over to shut her own door and lock it, then placed her daggers by the rapier. Slowly with aching muscles she undressed down to her breast band and smalls, sighing as the coolish air sooth her flaming skin. She grabbed the salve jar and laid back a crossed the bed, her head propped up by the wall. Opening the jar, she began to lightly massage her bad hip, a small amount of poultice being applied each time a wave of pain flared before disappearing. It took some time to fully ease the aches away, and by then she redressed in her travel attire once more before laying down again to take a small nap.

It was roughly around noon when there was a knock at her door, waking her up, Kurt’s loud voice easily making through the wooden door to let her know it was time to go. She quickly put on her travel coat before grabbing both her packs and met the Coin Guard. They soon made their way up the stairs and walked towards where Vasco and Petrus were waiting for them.

“Me and the Bishop thought it would be best if we went ahead to the apartment. We can take you packs if you would like while you speak to the Admiral.” Kurt pointed to both hers and Vasco’s things. She nodded as she handed over her two packs after sliding out a letter to put in her coat pocket, Vasco, however, did not. Opting to keep his since the report should not be long and would be no trouble to carry it with him.

Oh, if only they knew once they entered the offices just how wrong they were.

Sylvie walked behind the Captain as they stepped through the doorframe of the building, the attendant waving them through. It appeared that they need not to wait like last time since they were expected. And she was sure Admiral Cabral waited eagerly for the report they had, knowing that her Second Mate would soon be in to give his. Sure enough, the older woman sat behind her desk waiting for them, motioning them to sit.

“I had heard that your group came by ship instead of the caravan, your Excellency. Not near as long as the voyage but I trust it went well for you all the same.” Cabral said with that same curious tone the Legate felt more then heard during their last meeting.

“Yes, it did, Admiral.” She faintly heard Vasco beside her reposition his legs, not daring to glance over to him.

“Did you feel it was preferable?”

Preferable? What did the woman mean? That the feeling of sailing was exciting to her, or if she felt strangely comfortable? Maybe so. That it was better than traveling the roads? Yes, but she would not put Vasco through it again. It was unfair, being on a ship that wasn’t your own with a crew that didn’t know you that well. And by no means was she going to even think about the Sea-Horse, that would be cruel. So Sylive answered to the best of her ability.

“Traveling by ship is not problematic however I don’t wish to impose on the Nauts, some of my companions might feel a bit uneasy. I don’t wish to break the small peace we have.” Though the younger woman thought of Siora as well as Petrus, she saw how the Admiral’s sights flickered to the Naut beside her. Why Vasco didn’t speak up or say anything she had no clue. ‘At least she caught my hint.’

“Then if all is well, I suspect a report is in order. Tell me what happened and if you were able to help.”

“Yes, I have settled the matter with the Ordo Luminis and things should be calmed down by now.” She sighed. “Several of the misguided brothers had your people imprisoned and had plans to attack the port. I got to the bottom of it and had them arrested by the Mother Cardinal’s decree. And she sent her personal formal apology with me.” The Legate took out the letter from her breast pocket of her jacket, handing it over to the Admiral. Taking a moment to finally peek over at Vasco while the other was busy. Catching his eye, she gave him a small smile before facing forward again. Cabral laid down the letter once she was done.

“That was a right mess. The Cardinal mentioned how by proof of your words, that this dark magic and ritual we were accused of doing, was entirely false.” The woman’s tone gave nothing away, but the leveled look did. De Sardet fight back a nervous swallow. “Might I ask how you know this.”

“It was my word, Admiral.” Vasco spoke up for the first time around Admiral Cabral since being laid off. “The Legate asked about any possible dark magics, I answered no and how even we don’t know why we haven’t caught the malichor.”

“Anything else?” The neutral tone continued.

“I did…” Vasco bit out hesitantly. “I showed her some of the equipment in the warehouse.”

“Only after I insisted.” She cut in before anymore could be said, hoping she could take the heat off her friend. “It was either I went in with or without him, I choose to ask him because I did not wish to betray the trust. I agreed to only look exactly where he pointed, nothing more nothing less. The order thought you all heretics because of your tradition of secrecy.”

“Secrets often cut both ways…” The Admiral sighed, looking at Sylvie with concern. The look made her stomach clench. “Therefore, since you have been truthful, I am going to revel to you another.”

“What are you saying? We already have suspicions with the ruins we discovered; the agreement was to help each other.” Sylvie kept herself professional.

“Indeed, you are correct. We discovered this island two centuries ago, then a few decades after we sold the location to your nation, our closest allies soon followed. The lords we transported over began to colonize the land with tyranny and a deadly passion. This angered the natives and even some of the workers that came over with them. The magics of the Natives of Terr Fradee was awoken, beast came out of the woods to tear down the new cities.”

She took a deep breath before nodding for the other woman to continue.

“Only a handful of survivors, lords and armed men, were able to make it back to our ships. The losses were grave and enormous, the humiliation devastating. The Kings paid the Guild greatly to keep it secret. They continued to make the occasional expedition, but nothing ever came of it.” The worried expression on the Admiral’s face had her nervous, like as if she was trying to convey something to Sylvie. Speaking without words but not understanding the language herself.

“I do not know why you were never told, and I am so very sorry you are finding out this way.” Why was Cabral’s voice so soft?

“What are you talking about?” She asked speechless, but the bead of cold sweat running down her spine was felt.

“You were in fact a product of one of those voyages. A child of a native, you had to of had your doubts.”

“Not until I arrived here, upon first meeting Siora, and how Constantin commented how similar we looked. I only just started questioning myself, but I’d rather leave it be. Knowing my uncle, the King, nothing good will come of it. It’ll all be twisted and ugly.” The younger woman held back her trembling voice by a hair pin. She felt a hand touch her shoulder but ignored it. “Child of a native. I know who my mother is.”

Sylvie then looked away, her face turning towards the wall away from the others.

“I understand how difficult this is, and I once again don’t know why you weren’t told. Nor imagine what you are feeling, but I know because I was working on the ship you were born on. And despite of all the fears, the Congregation could not keep away. And here you are again.”

A blanket of anger wrapped around her entire being, her mind filled with all those hated comments towards her mark. All the snide remarks that seemed like everyone was let in on an inside joke but for her. Nose flaring with each breath she took as she closed her eyes. Sylvie shook with rage while the memory of Bridge “doctors” cut at her throat or how Theleme Inquisitors tried burning some of it off in hopes to “cure” the darkness within played in her mind. A hot tear ran down her eye closest to the other two people in the room, grinding her teeth.

Then her mind went blank, her body felt icy, all emotions seemingly vanished. Opening her eyes, the Legate of the Congregation of Merchants let the cold expressionless mask of that of a trained assassin take over. She was done with the games now that she knew, and she would show them all how wrong their cards were once she collected hers. But she would not take it out on the people here, not fall into her long-forgotten training just yet. With a calming breath she looked back over to a very confused and troubled Admiral.

“Of course, the King could not keep away, he had what he needed now.” Sylvie’s tone was completely neutral. “Thankyou for sharing this with me.”

“I am sorry, for the shock this has caused you. You asked me for the truth, we made the deal, and now you have it.” Admiral Cabral’s hand moved towards her before stopping halfway and returned it in front of her. She faintly felt the hand on her shoulder tighten a fraction.

“So I do, but if you’ll excuse me, I have much to do.” Then without ceremony, she got up in a slight daze and walked briskly out. All but marching her way through the building while Vasco’s voice called out to her. She did not stop.

Once she was outside the Legate abruptly turned to the outter edge of the port, now bolting for the walls dividing the area from the wilderness. Jumping on a crate, twisting up the stone wall, over and landing in the sandy water below. There was only a few feet of beach that separated the sea and forest, she ran along it. Tripping a few time as her emotions flared back up. She fell to her hands and knees as a sobbing scream overcame her, crawling to a nearby rocky crop jugging out and around the aera she was in.

She took off her coat and hat, placing them on the rocks, soon her boots followed, rolling up her sleeves and trousers, Sylvie sat down. Ass in the sand while her toes were buried in the salty water before her, then laid down on her back to look up to the sky. How dare it be sunny and happy while her world turned dark, emotions roaring like a storm. She cried and cried until they turned into messy sobs.

Vasco

Fuck! This was a… there were no words to describe it. Only three times have he ever seen the woman show a great amount of emotion in pubic, but even then, they weren’t really in public. Confusion when she first met Siora, hurt and worry for Kurt during the ghost camp, then shock while the Ordo idiot spewed absurd accusations. But never this much emotion, and anger to boot.

“Tides take me Admiral.” He swore when the Legate quickly made her exit.

“You would understand better than anyone.” Cabral’s knowing look and cocked head telling them both they knew about the file. His file.

“Please, not now. Just…” He turned to yell out the woman’s name, hoping maybe it would slow her some. “Just let me fix this. However I can.” Vasco quickly said before running after the upset… seas what does he even call her now?

Making his way outside he saw a few Nauts conversing and pointing somewhere, a clear sign they may know something on Sylvie’s whereabouts. He jogged to them. “You four! Have you seen a noble run by?”

“Aye, Cap’n. Right like a hurricane going through that one. Made her way up the wall like it was not’n.” One said point to where he saw it happen.

Quickly Vasco thanked them before following, amazed how she managed to do it though it was not impossible. He sat on top of the wall to pier down where the faint boot prints were visible, the lapping waves steadily washing away the evidence. He was caught between a rock and a hard place, go after the runaway Legate while the tracks were fresh and hopefully catch up to her and safe. Or go get Siora to help with the way of the land, and maybe Kurt for extra protection. Ultimately, he chose the first, thinking about time being the essence.

Jumping down and rolling with the impact, impressed since her tracks looked deep like as if she took on the full blow. Then he jogged along the water’s edge while keeping an eye out for any danger. He yelled at her name once more, even though it was highly unlikely the upset woman would answer. Vasco bolted when he heard a distressed scream. In a few short minutes he found himself near an outcropping of jagged rocks from the island cutting into the sea. Carefully the Naut climbed up them and find who he was looking for.

The Legate was on her back staring up at the sky with vacant eyes, arms stretched outwards, knees bent so only her feet were buried in the lapping waves and sand. Quietly he made his way down, noticing her coat, boots, and hat safely on the rocks, he did the same. Slowly he made he way to the woman who looked every bit as lost as he once was. Doing nothing more than sitting close to her and placing a hand on her arm, rubbing it in circles. Vasco tried not to stare as he saw tears fall down the side of her face, ignoring the knot in his stomach at the sight.

It was quiet like that, the wind blowing around them with the smell of the beach, sounds and feeling of the waves before them. He was truly lost for words at what had all conspired minutes ago. But the Naut was anything but content, what he read on his files, there was no going back. To make it worse, the Admiral knew he now knew, probably did since the night Sylvie stole the file. He just hoped he was able to help her that same way she helped him except this time he knew better, he would not let her lose her way like he did for a whole month.

Just as he was thinking about what to do next, a soft voice was heard, rough and raw from emotions.

“I hate him.” Vasco looked over, her face fighting a battle of anger and tiredness. “I fucking hate them all.”

She placed her free hand over her eyes as fresh tears poured, he squeezed her arm in comfort, anchoring her.

“I was so naïve to think I was chosen for this position because I was good at it, and I could keep an eye on Constantin. That I was able to work my way here, closer to where I felt most at home. I hated the palace, how confining I felt; mother and I lived outside the city on a horse racing ranch with a nice mansion. While I liked the horses, I often rode them down to the beach that was twenty minutes away. Take the horse there and just run free along the shore as the sun rose.”

She took a deep breath broken by choked sobs.

“That was until I was… just before my fourteenth birthday. The malichor was hitting the whole nation hard and the King wanted his sister closer to home. Bet he just want to make sure I was closer at hand.” The hand fell away and Vasco almost flinched at the returning anger. “Up until I was eighteen and was sent away for… “extra training”, I stayed at the palace. Me and mother visited twice, sometimes three times a year for a few weeks, so it wasn’t like me and Con were strangers. We always had each other backs whenever we got together. But there are things I will never tell him, things his father had done that should die with us.”

“Two can keep a secret if one of us is dead.” Her words did make him flinch this time, for he heard those words were of that of assassins from Peren. Now was not the time to ask and pry. It was quiet for a long while, her eyes darting everywhere with her wild thoughts, occasionally landing on him before swiftly looking away. Vasco found it ok to say something, her emotions having run dry for the moment.

“I… I understand your anger and feeling lost. Longing for something.” He shifted to face Sylvie fully. “I was angry for knowing what I was and longing to know who I could have been. You were longing for what you unknowingly where and angry now for what you could have been.”

Those watery aqua eye stared at him, mixed with emotions he could and couldn’t begin to know.

“I wasn’t meant to be here. I want to yell and be angry, lash out at how you could possibly understand… but I know that would be wrong and cruel of me.” The arm he still held reach up to his shoulder, gently moving to cup his neck. Her thumb just brushing his ear, causing him to fight back the urge to lean into the touch. “I am so sorry for what happened to us then. Sorry that you felt that way, for the doubts you had. For if they are anything like what I’m feeling, I’m sorry you went through it.”

His heart felt like it was swelling in his chest like the boards on deck during a storm, drowning as emotions violently rained down. Vasco quickly stopped her hand from moving away, placing his over top of hers. Somehow, he knew that she figured out how identical their situations were, opposite sides of the same storm. He felt the need to steer the conversation to a different topic.

He cleared his throat, gently placing their hands in his lap. Why wasn’t he letting go? It was ok now, the horrible storm passed for now. When it popped back up again it would not be as unbearable… right?

“So, you liked the sea even when you were a child? I’m sure there had to be a river or those fancy noble pools you could have swam in.”

“There was, both. Damn river almost drowned me because of a fast current, and I hated the palace’s… fresh water seems to like to try and kill me, I’ll take my chances with the salty one, thanks.”

“Almost kill you?” His brows furrowed in confusion, she sighed before looking away.

“I was almost drowned by an assassin when I was three, held me under in the palace’s fountain in the gardens. I fell off my horse and into the river when I was twelve. I rather not take a third chance.” Shocked horror hit him as he listened to her neutral tone, lost for words at how talked about it like they were minor memories. Even he had a bit of a hard time talking about his near-death experiences, it wasn’t something he shared to everyone, but a few did know. And he learned not to take life for granted. “We can switch topics again if you are uncomfortable. These things just don’t bother me anymore, too many other nasty things that happened to grieve over something so small.”

“But it is not, however, if you wish to then we can.”

Sylvie chuckled lightly, something the Naut did not know he liked until now, in the aftermath of see the strong woman break down. “As much as I would love to, I think we should be getting back. I’m sure the others are worried by now, and half surprised I don’t hear a search party being held. Kurt won’t be happy I bolted like that if he finds out.”

“It’s alright, you technically weren’t alone and defenseless.” Vasco stood up quickly, holding out a hand for her. He winked, getting her to smile as he said. “And I won’t tattle if you don’t.”

“Our secret then?” She asked but the light jest turned serious again. “I really don’t want to talk about it to them just yet, Constantin first. I have to know if he somehow knew all along or-”

“No. Don’t think that, for I can tell neither of you had.” He held up a hand to stop her from getting worked back up. “Sylvie, think about it. The Constantin I know from the voyage does not seem like a man who could hold a big secret like that without telling his adopted cousin. That she was exactly that, adopted. And that you were a native. Trust me, he looked every bit surprised at seeing Siora for the first time like you were, then puzzled after noticing the similarities.”

“You observed all this? You were heavily distracted since… that day.” Eyebrows raised as an impressed look shone on her face. He grinned at her.

“I was upset and sour, there’s no doubt about that. But I did pay attention to my surroundings well enough.” The Captain walked over to their things, picking up both their hats, amusement at her and then the feather on her hat. He shook his head at the thought of him finally knowing what gift to give back to her.

“Well, that is a bit reassuring.” They both put back on their coats, boots, and a small friendly fight about her hat, before they were ready to head back to the city.

“Next time you wish to go down to the sea like this, let me know. I wish to return to here, you picked a nice spot.” Vasco said as they walked on.

“To be honest, I was completely blind by tears and just stopped once I was done climbing and tripping. Had no clue where I was at.” She flushed with embarrassment.

He elbowed her in with play as he laughed at the image, who knew he could get her to stumble over words and-

‘Oh tides take me.’ He was really liking this woman far too much to deny. Though deep down he knew he cared, he had a hell of a hard time accepting that maybe he could give this one a chance. But he knew better then make any comments or ask now, or anytime soon. The Legate just found out the truth and would be hurting for a little while, she needed time. Not only that, but she was the Legate, he was just a Naut Captain waiting for the right time to ask the Admiral for a Loyalty Test. Then he would be off to the sea again.

There was no way Sylvie would ever want to try. Right?

She didn’t seem the type to care for the exaggerated romance stories the noblewomen read, or the songs sung in taverns, about pining away for a lover.

Why do so when you would barely see the one you love?

Love? Where did that come from?!

Chapter Text

Vasco

Poisoned blade cut through the air as the Coin Guard took the cutlass to the face, the toxin worked within few short seconds, muscles tightening as paralysis took over. The man fell back down the stairs in which he came, a loud snap was audible, but Vasco dared not pause. The pissed off Naut dodged a blow and lashed out with side kick to the fool. They were on no ship, but he felt in his element as the five of them fought the traitorous Guard near the stairs. He felt a ping of pity for the staff, a lot of cleaning was going to be needed to fully scrub off the blood stains.

To think only two days ago he had arrived back in the city, Sylvie confirming her mission, learning about the ruins, heritage and birth, then this morning learning of her cousin’s health. That would have been enough to make Vasco out of sorts. For a few hours they stayed in the large palace room to help ease the young governor’s mind with talk, all but Kurt. He regrettably admits he had let his guard down around the other captain, both mutually respected each other and enjoyed quick remarks while accompanying the Legate around. It almost seems as though there was a small competition going on who could get the woman to shake her head and give up being diplomatic with them. But every thirty minutes he notices the guard change in the room, a few new ones coming in to replace the standing ones.

‘I don’t like this.’ Especially when he saw the guns they were holding. ‘Fucking tides take him! The same guns from the crates!’

Vasco mentally cursed in his head as he discreetly glanced over to Syl - De Sardet, to see if she had seen them too. A smile that was anything but friendly met him with a wink before she turned back to Constantin. He felt a little better but was still worried where Kurt was. If he, who was he kidding, of course Soldier was apart of this, and he was going to be damned dangerous to fight. The merc knew them all well enough to give them a hard time and personally trained the royals, the man knew their strength and weaknesses. Thinking of the man must have summoned him for he pushed through the double doors and threw a pack off to the side, and was marching down the room, barking out for the guards to leave.

The man’s face was unreadable though his body was tensed for a fight, many of the newly stationed guards were slow to listen. The young governor questioning what was going on and demanding an answer, but most ignored him, focusing on the major threats in the room. Only half of them actually left, leaving the other half turning angrier as they gripped their weapons tighter. Within an instance Kurt attacked the nearest one startling everyone, De Sardet stepping in front of her cousin without hesitation. Him, Siora, and Petrus readying themselves before joining the fry.  

It was over quickly, the air smelled of magic, gunpowder, and blood. Sadly, there was no time for talking and the Legate quickly led them down to the main floor to split off.

Vasco was also somewhat equal measures annoyed, now he had to wear a brown Coin Guard armor and was curious about the Legate’s own. Kurt mentioned on their way down to the palaces callers that they would need to blend in if they were to get at the lieutenants and commander without involving the recruits and good soldiers just following orders. So, while Constantin was getting settled in and the advisors were collected by Siora and Petrus, De Sardet and him changed armor. But whereas the Naut had the brown guard armor and a hat to somewhat shadow the facial tattoos, Kurt stopped the woman and slowly mentioned she should wear her other armor. The same pack that he had discarded before warning them, was slung off his shoulders to her, both their expressions dark.

The armor she wore was silent as she moved, once again Vasco was surprised at how her boots made no sound with each step. The leather was a dark charcoal color with some sort of enchantment sheened on it making inky smoke or shadows flow over it, the whole outfit was one piece as far as he could tell, not quite formfitting to allow room for movement but not baggy. The torso had a tight-laced vest that reminded him of what a pirate woman would wear, then a thin looking shine less ebony metal chest armor was added. A strap with potions strapped across like a few would have over their uniform or armor including Vasco himself.

What potions those were was anyone guess; her dagger belt was odd too. It wrapped around just above her hips to tuck under the edges of the vest, her weapons sheathed down the side of her thighs. Her pistol on her left with ammo storage along that side of the belt, two daggers on the right, the tips strapped above the knee while the hilt stopped near the hip joint. Her boots had the same thin looking metal strapped on her shins, then her greaves in a similar fashion, except her left one had a strange looking blade on the inside of the forearm.

The only thing hiding her mark was her braided hair off to the side and a matching-colored tricorn tilted low on her head. The whole look screamed assassin, and if no one else recognized this he would eat his boots. He knew now was no time to question or start an argument while the city faced traitorous soldiers. But apparently no one saw a point to comment on it, he would once this was all over. Though he had to admit it worked in her favor while fighting their way around the city.

Now here he was running along side the rest of the group to get to Lady Morange before the patrol reached her place. The Legate entered the home just as the Coin Guard patrol rounded the corner. Thankfully the fight was short since none expected them to be there, giving them the element of surprise. He reassured De Sardet that they were fine, and how they should keep moving. The plan was for Siora to go with Petrus to meet up with the Congregation messengers to send word out to the other cities. The messengers wouldn’t argue with the two since there was a letter for each governor with waxed stamps personally from the d’Orsay signet ring. The very one Constantin wore.

Meanwhile, him and Kurt would be in the thick of the fighting with the Legate. They were to stop the Commander at all costs. Which meant things were about to get very bloody very quickly.

Just like when the three fought beasts and thugs, they fought the guards who didn’t listen to reason. Kurt using his heavier armor and enchanted great sword to draw more attention, Vasco lashing out with dirty kicks to the front of knees or chest before ending them with his cutlass. De Sardet’s liquid like movements weaved around her opponents, deflecting instead of parrying, striking like a viper with her dagger with instant kill shots. Mostly she would dodge or roll away to the outer edge to pick off the range targets.

It was a blessing and a curse; the woman eliminating the risk of a nasty surprise from the side or behind the men, but also leaving her vulnerable.

Vasco kicked back one of his two foes, bring up his sword to parry an overhead blow as he whipped out his pistol and shot the woman point blank. The bullet entering the bottom of her jaw angling up to the brain, blood sprayed over the Naut’s chest and face. Quickly he turned back to the man he had kicked, stabbing him in the ribs as the guard just got to his feet. He saw the assassin-legate-royal shadow dash forward to bury her dagger in the ribs of someone trying to get the drop on him, her wrist knife looking blade thing quickly ending their life with a jab to the neck. The woman’s greaves and boots just as bloody as his.

“We should be clear.” Kurt spoke up after finishing off the last one, his boots caked with muddied bloody dirt, whatever pool of crimson that wasn’t soaked up would seep into the stone road. “We’ll have to deal with the lieutenants in the lower levels first. Least the guards down there get called for backup.”

“Then we can head to the dormitories, make sure the order to stay there is met, and deal with Torsten.” The Legate said walking with them off to the side, vainly attempting to wipe their faces off with a cloth. Her voice was soft when she spoke next, like she did not realize she was speaking aloud. “This is what we get for employing sells words as royal guards.”

“You don’t say.” Vasco could not keep the bite out of his tone. “Entrusting your royal safety to mercenaries is a valid concern.”

“Yes. Everyone knows that Sailor.” Kurt’s face contorted in anger, whether it was at himself or the situation, the Naut could care less. “Rub it in why don’t you.”

“Just pointing out the obvious. Close to power and all, no loyalty but to coin only goes so far.” He deadpanned as he began to reload his pistol quickly.

“And the Nauts are any better.” Both men’s eyes narrowed. De Sardet hurriedly got between them.

“Calm down, please.” Turquoise eyes darting to and fro. “We cannot be at each other’s throat now, in the middle of battle. We must try to continue like the team we are, or we’ll fail.”

“Which is why I only stated my opinion. I will not act on them.” He glared at the merc. “But I will after this is over with. Soilder.”

“Looking forward to it.” Kurt growled out, but the men said no more, opting to get going.

Soon they made their way to the Coin Tavern, the Legate allowing Kurt to lead while she walked beside Vasco, outwardly ignoring his glances to her.

First, they were able to get passed the guard for the downstairs entry, telling the man that he would have better interest to step aside for the merc captain. Then Kurt confronted one of the traitorous group leaders, convincing the surrounding soldiers how terrible this plan was, and how they would end up stranding themselves on a hostile island. Vasco backing him up when a few looked to question him, his tattoos briefly shown in the light when he tilted his head. Apparently De Sardet’s silent and broody type with arms crossed seemed like a good addition to how serious the three were. Dieter and his group were also sensible to listen to reason, none were too eager to join in on the coup.

When it came time to make their way through the dormitories to get to the Commander’s office, the two men walked side by side with the aura of purpose and authority. The silent woman now tailing behind them, waiting to round every corner in the shadows. Once again Vasco fought back the itch to turn around. How was she able to use their bulkier bodies to remain unseen like that? While Kurt addressed the recruits, the Naut barely felt the whisp of a presence behind him, only catching a slight shadow out the corner of his eye slipping into the hallway to their left. The one that led to the office.

When he and the merc turned to head down the same hallway, both saw the shadowed figure pressed against the darked wall, waiting for them to catch up. He almost questioned out loud how she managed to do that but was elbowed by Kurt before he spoke. He glared at the man though he kept quiet as to not alert the recruits.

“Kurt,” De Sardet whispered hurriedly, “I fear we are late. I saw some men rush down the stairs from another hallway behind us. It could have been the Commander.” They quickened their steps, bursting into the office, only to be met with an empty space.

“Shit, Green Blood. If you’re right this got a lot harder.”

Sure enough they searched the desk and found a log for a booked passage on one of the Naut’s ships. The destination unknown. How could it be unknown?! Before anyone could say anything, the Legate was dashing out the door, dodging Coin Guards and running down the stairs. Kurt and Vasco kept up since their strides were longer, but he was unused to wearing this heavy of armor, not that he would admit it aloud. Running through the city and trying to keep up after the fights they had and the adrenaline wearing out, Vasco was huffing by the time they reached the docks. The Nauts around the port giving them mixed looks as they stopped short of the boarding area, they looked wary and upset. Not to mention the caked blood and dirt on them. Kurt cursing as the ship they missed sailed farther away.

“Vasco, how far do you think that ship is?” The woman’s question puzzling him as he laid his hands on his knees catching his breath. He squinted to judge the ship’s distance as a few of his guild family started to gather.

“About a few hundred feet, don’t look too far out.” He glanced at her while Kurt started to pace back and forth in frustration.

“And it’s calm waters.” Was the soft response as she placed two yellow looking potions on the ground, then turned away to walk back to the city. He looked back to the sea in confusion as he straightened up. ‘What is she on about?’

He did not have long to ponder for a dark shape bolted passed him and Kurt, the merc yelling her name out in surprise as the woman dove into the water. Vasco stared slack jawed at the pure determination of the woman, loss as to what to do. A few Nauts cried out around him, someone yelling to get the Admiral. But none of it mattered, the Legate was on a mission to reach that ship. He stared back at the discarded thin metals she wore, her pistol, and then down at the potions before picking one up. ‘Stamina?’

“Fuck Green Blood! What do you think you’re doing?! You lost your mind?!” The other man cursed, pacing in faster circles.

“Kurt.” The Naut tried to get his attention.

“You’re going to make me swim after you?! I hate fucking swimming and you know it! Now I’m going to have to rescue your ass from Torsten!” The Coin Guard kicked at a nearby crate.

“Kurt!” He yelled out as he neared. If they had any hope to reach Sylvie in time just as she got on the ship, they need to take the potions now and start swimming.

“You little-”

“Sea take me Coin Guard! Listen to me!” Vasco stepped in front to stopped the pacing and angered ranting, fully aware he had a pissed off Guard now aimed at him.

“What?!”

“Get ahold of yourself! Sylvie left these before-” He tried explaining holding up the potion but was cut off.

“You knew and let her just jump in?” Kurt took a menacing step forward, practically in the Naut’s face. He glared back growling out his words.

“No. I didn’t. I highly suggest we quit lollygagging and bitching, drink these, and get our ass in that water quickly. Unless your intent is to wait here to see what happens, we need to back her up. Now.” He saw the soldier ready to retort back but another voice interrupted them.

“Indeed, Captain Vasco.” Admiral Cabral walked up to them, Fernando keeping the other Nauts back and keeping crowd control. He was already taking off the cumbersome armor as the older Naut spoke, Kurt following his lead. “I found it curious as to why the Commander of the Coin Guard was leaving so soon. I put off the request of passage once I saw the unmarked arms and rifles. When they left my office without much of an argument, I was wary. Then they boarded the Sea-Greed, weighing anchor before I even had a chance to react.”

“Whatever happened, Admiral, we will stop them. Trust Sylvie, and give us time. We will make these conger ells pay for this.” Vasco was now drowning down the potion and readjusting his cutlass, the merc still grumbling about having to “swim off his ass first” before taking his. He nodded to the woman before launching himself into the water.

The water was not cold, but neither was it comfortable to stay in long, the stamina potion helped in regards of keeping him energized and moving. The Coin Guard behind him cursing life and the sea as they slowly caught up to Sylvie. She must have taken a potion herself to have been a third of the way there by the time they got the armor off and dove in. Vasco was just glad he got to take the armor off, even feeling a tad cleaner with the salty water washing away the dried gore and stench of fresh death. He had felt every bit ridiculous as he looked in the clunky thing, but now he had to be more careful about fighting; shirt, trousers, and boots did nothing for protection.

The minutes it took to swim as fast as they could to the ship felt like hours, while the energy still sung in their blood, their limbs felt heavy as they neared. The Legate somehow swam fast enough to catch the bloody ship. Though he did have to admit, it did not look like the vessel was far enough out to hit open water currents and better winds. How have they not been spotted yet and shot at was another question but by no means was he going to voice it. Slowly he reached Sylvie’s side, she caught the ship’s steps on the Starboard side, and held on as they slowed their breathing down. Kurt finally joining them and gave the meanest glare only a seasoned Coin Guard could muster.

“You are insane Green Blood.” He hissed out. The only answer they got was a smirk and then she was climbing up the steps, when she got to the lowest level of gun ports, she started to pry at one. It was the first time he saw her use the left forearm blade, slipping it under the bottom to wiggle the thing open, lifting it high enough to squeeze into as it shut behind her. Vasco stared in shock and horror. A moment later she popped it back open and held it, motioning for them to follow. Shook himself from his stupor and climbed up. Within minutes they were inside the ship on the gun deck, crouched down by a few crates. Oddly there was no one in the room. He stared right at the woman before lowly stating a piece of his mind.

“After this, you are so explaining things.”

“Maybe so, but we need to focus on Torsten.” She snuck around the crates and picked out two pistols with ammo bags and a sword. “I suggest we use these since ours would have been useless during the swim anyways. And your great sword would have sunk you Kurt.”

“Very funny.”

“How do you think we should go about this?” Vasco looked between the two of them. “I know the crew would help us if we could spread the word discreetly.”

“You would be the best candidate, Sailor.” Kurt spoke up. “I doubt many of the guard are paying much attention to the Nuats, let alone the tattoos on your face. Keep your hair down, wear a regular sailor’s uniform, and keep your distance, you just might be able to get word out.”

“Not a bad idea, it would also minimize the chances of being caught. Do you think you can do it Vasco?” The Legate asked him.

“Aye, I can. This ship’s layout is like the Sea-Horse, and I know Captain Diago would not have surrendered to Torsten. Not unless the crew was in danger or threatened.” Vasco explained with heated words, he didn’t like any of this. Looking around the gun deck he saw weapons thrown about. “It looks as though this is the place they locked the weapons away. Which makes me think the traitors are outnumber or feared a fight.”

“Probably both.”

“Well, in any case. I will head down to the bunk area and hopefully have luck changing into something less suspicious. Unless looking like a drowned fish would be overlooked.”

The woman grinned while Kurt rolled his eyes, he quickly unbuckling his sword belt and gave it to her. He knew the Coin Guards would not have allowed the crew to carry weapons, less risk that way. But as De Sardet reached out to the given weapon she quickly placed a hand on his shoulder, leaning towards him.

“Be careful, my friend.” Her voice holding some worry in it as her mask dropped for a split second, a half encouraging smile as she squeezed her hand. The Nauts stomach doing it’s stupid clenching again but coughed a laugh while giving her a grin. “Why, I can’t let you have all the fun now. I’m a Naut, and the sea is my domain, aye?”

With that he got up before anymore confusing emotions could surface, pointedly ignoring Kurt’s staring. Quietly he stepped to the door, testing to see it was locked, it wasn’t, and cautiously peeked out the hallway. There was a single guard leisurely walking up the hall, he quickly exited and shut the door without a sound, locking it this time. Then he darted up the closest staircase leading down to the next level, Vasco breath out a sigh as the footsteps stayed the same. Now began the fun part.

Chapter Text

Sylvie

They remained quiet for a long time, both content in trying to dry themselves off wringing out their shirts then trousers one at a time, politely turning their backs. She took her boots and socks off to minimize catching foot rot and silently helped move a few crates around a cannon or two. It gave them somewhere to remain out of sight should someone peek their head in and allowed them to stretch out a bit. The woman felt her hip starting to flare up with heat and pain. If she had to guess, maybe an hour since Vasco left. She sighed glancing down to her chest from her laying down position on the floor.

What has gotten into her as of late? Who was she kidding, her emotions might be a jumbo mess but logically she knew. Sylvie was starting to fall for the Naut Captain she just started to call friend.

It had been years since her last failed courtship, a high-ranking noble merchant who she had befriended and soon he had asked her out. They spent a nice day talking and getting to know one another, when sun began to set he insistent on asking permission from the Princess De Sardet on truly courting the young woman. She was twenty-two then and thought herself as a grown enough woman to know if someone was genuine enough or not. The man wasn’t even thirty yet, well spoken, mannerly, and seemed engaging enough in conversation; why wouldn’t she see where the courtship went? She was a physical supporter to her friends that liked to give hugs and pats on the back when she grew close enough, comfortable enough, in their presence. While she wasn’t that day due to just meeting him, this man seemed patient enough to let her get to know him first, allow her to grow close.

Sadly, her recent training did not help her recognize false love interest, his acting was exemplary. All those sweet words and a pretty face turned ugly, demanding, and unsatisfied.

He changed a few weeks in, growing irritated when nothing more happened than walking with arms linked, a small hug here, a squeeze to the arm there. The man was always the one to kiss her, at first on her cheek then trying for her lips with a hand on her chin. Others thought it sweet from the outside, for the scene looked romantic out of a book, but they did not feel the slight grip. Kurt never said anything but after every time it happened his face would darken. During those times she would tilt her head to miss, half wanting to punch the man the way her master of arms taught her, but that would end badly. It wasn’t that the man was unattractive, her heart just wasn’t in it, and he ignored her explanation of not being mentally, let alone physically, ready. Sylvie had no clue as to why she did not swoon and blush like the other women in court did while in their courtship, only that she did not. Nor why she had no ‘butterflies in the stomach’ or ‘tingles down there’ while kissing.

She did not have those feelings with the three other men before him, and she did not have those feelings now with him.

The woman also did not care for how, during their short courtship, he ended up acting like the typical snob nobleman. When their arms where linked it felt like he was boasting like a pampered peacock with a prize, not proud to be with her like a couple. She did not see the appeal the other women did being treated like this. Nice smiles with clipped false words of niceties, not really be heard because she was now ‘his woman’. Blaahhh. Two weeks in and Sylvie was already tried of the lies the man spued, but she couldn’t do anything since he was high ranking as she. It only took one more week before he got aggressive with her, and she acted.

Soon a kiss was forced while they were in the gardens, a hand tightening on her arm like a silent threat if she moved away while the other grabbed her when she said no. The former assassin had enough, and she showed it that day. She was not emotionally attached to give the man what he wanted, and like hell she wasn’t going to nip signs of sexual assault in the bud before it blossomed to something more. A quick strike to the throat followed by a knee to the face breaking his nose when he bent over choking. Poor Kurt barely had time to react let alone ‘break up the fight’ or ‘protect her’, merely being able to take a step forward and putting his frame between the two. Shaking his head as he stared down at the bloody and gasping for breath idiot.

But for all the protection from her trainer, he could not protect her from the King’s wrath.

Nevertheless, a certain Naut she had slowly starting developing confusing but not entirely bad feelings for…. Was nothing like that. Meeting his brother and confirming his loyalty proved it. Blast her, throughout the past month and half proved it, he spoke the truth and gave his thoughts. Even his newfound friendship, though rocky, did not feel fake to her.

She must have been daydreaming for a long while, for a deep voice spoke up.

“He’ll be back, Green Blood.” Sylvie turned to her master arms trainer who was leaning against the cannon next to them.

“I was thinking about him?” She tried to dodge.

“Deny all you want, I seen that look you gave him before parting.” The man’s face hinted at no emotion, eyes remaining closed.

“That doesn’t mean anything Kurt. It’s a high-risk mission and a friend going in alone, I can’t help the feeling for anyone doing it.” She casted her eyes back down.

“Sure, that’s the only reason.” Was the same monotone reply and lack of expression.

“I mean it, there’s nothing there. Just good friends.” But she doubted her own words. Her slow feelings and opening up to the Naut Captain were affecting her, heart aching every time she wanted to say something but bit back words she thought were too stupid to say. In the end she’d stay silent and pretend she wasn’t about to become a rambling mess.

“Keep telling yourself that kid.”

“I’ll say this again, now is not the time to be talking about this, we are still technically in the middle of battle.” Did she sound moody just then? Kurt popped one eye open to look at her.

“Fine, have it your way and be stubborn. But you need to talk to him after.”

“Seas, ok. I will. Happy now?” The man smirked then.

“Cute.” He readjusted himself to get comfortable again. “The man stumbles over his actions, and you stumble over your words. A great match.”

“I doubt that very much, he seems very sure of himself to be that clumsy.”

“Because he likes you, Sylvie, it’s a mask.” The Coin Guard’s voice softens a fraction. “Have you really not seen? That boat in the bottle thing, helping him find his brother, the ship ride back? Every time you showed your care, not matter how small, his demeaner has grown less… agitated. Jittery.”

She was quiet for a moment, nodding as he brought up each point. “I was tired of just leaving him be, that’s not what friends do. I wanted to show him the same friendship we had, to include him even though I knew he felt lost and excluded.”

“And you did just that, but then why almost practically avoid him during the voyage here?” Oh… now she saw what the man was getting at. She sighed.

“I was unconsciously sending mixed signals again, wasn’t I?” Sylvie saw him nod in approval.

“Yes. I know you, just as Constantin said many times, you are a good diplomat, being a friend one needs and sometimes wants. But when it comes to the heart you get tongue tied and distance yourself. You do it too much, backing too far, and it makes it seem you are uninterested.”

“Fuck me.” She spat sitting up, covering her face with her hands. “I’m such a screw up.”

“No you’re not, Green Blood. Just tired of being hurt.”

“But it is too late now, isn’t it.” The words were meant for a question, but the tone was more defeated than anything.

“No.” She heard an amused huff, looking up she saw Kurt shake his head. “Keep thinking back on his actions and responses.”

Sylvie smiled a little bit, her emotions subsiding for now so she could concentrate on the task at hand. That was until a mutter was heard, but she bit back her laugh, opting to fake ignorance.

“Can’t believe I had a talk with my protégé.”

She smiled as she settled back down, thinking on his words.

Another hour passed before Vasco returned, the woman almost not recognizing him from his attire and bandana on his head. All he had on was a sailor’s vest over his shirt which looked so odd since she was used to the coat with a thick belt and many buckles. Throughout his explanation what happened Sylvie had to force herself to focus. He managed to slip up to the deck and briefly informed a cabin boy to quietly give word to Captain Diago, stayed around the deck to help and gather information, then slowly ease his way back to them.

From what he had seen, a dozen of the guard was in the Mess, the crew saying another dozen milled about where they slept, and the traitorous Commander himself was on the poopdeck keeping careful eye on the captain to sail. The Nauts he got to talk to expressed concern for how they were going to go about this and hoped they waited till nightfall.

“They would surely have their guard down then, thinking they’re in the clear.” Vasco said with arms crossed.

“But how would we deal with them? We need Torsten alive, and I’m not going to kill a man in his sleep, I’m not an assassin.” Kurt made a disapproving noise.

“Then what do you suppose? I’ve seen these guards, just now, how they treat my brothers and sisters. How they parade around like they won and take what they want, like a bunch of land pirates.” The Naut hissed out.

“Alright, calm down you two.” Sylvie put a hand on both men’s shoulders. “No we won’t murder everyone in their sleep.” She looked to Vasco. “And we will get Torsten.” She looked to Kurt.

“Vasco, I will need you to do a few things for me if the plan I’m thinking is to work.”

“I’m listen, De Sardet. What do you need?” The man’s voice was still rough but lacked the heat… damn, maybe Kurt was right. No! Not the time.

“I need you to keep working and observing like you’ve been doing, but I was wondering if later you could have someone come down… and, maybe, draw on some tattoos for me?” Her words growing hesitant as she voiced them. The man’s eyebrows rising in surprise.

“What? Green Blood, what is your plan?”

“I was thinking of being there to help prepare dinner tonight. I could then slip sleeping potions into each soldier’s drink.”

“Like we did for my file.”

“Yes. But unlike the others, I think Torsten would be a bit paranoid at the moment and would eye the drink closely.”

“He would, we will have to deal with him another way. Confronting him maybe the only choice we have.” Kurt sighed.

“Maybe so, but while the guards sleep I bet crew would help us brig them. From what they said, the commander is staying in one of the guest rooms, he wont hear us move them. It’ll be too late for him.” The Naut gave out helpfully.

“Then it’s settled; Vasco, you go back and continue working with the crew, inform the Captain and Second Mate to the plan. When it gets time for the cooks and hands to prep dinner, have someone come down to get me and draw on some believable tattoos. I’ll then go up to ‘help’ and slip in the sleeping potions. Kurt you’ll stay here until I get back.”

“Then all we have to do is wait till everyone is knocked out.” They all smiled at the plan. “Great job Green Blood.”

~ ~ ~

The plan went accordingly, by the time it was sundown and Mess was in full swing, the Coin Guard expected nothing amiss. Earlier she was given new clothes to change into, her clothes now that of a Naut. Sylvie sported a Sea-Given tattoo and the one year around her eyes, the man they sent to do the ink on her face even managed to bring a skin-colored dye to cover her birthmark. Each layer was lightly applied until the mark’s aqua color was covered, the rough looking texture couldn’t be helped, but at least with her hair re-braided off to that side it would be less noticeable. Not that she expected to be spotted, the cook had her mostly off to the side pouring drinks and serving them.

She was careful to not serve any Nauts the sleeping potion drinks, counting what spots in line the crew were before slipping in the small vial into the drinks for the guard. The Legate was fast as a bartender mixing a surprise drink, only the cook and the one other kitchen hand gave her the occasional glance. Both said nothing however, since she was there to help the crew out of a tight situation and was not a threat… to them anyways. Sylvie most certainly would go down with a fight if a merc spotted her and tried anything.

None were the wiser, and soon the Mess that had resembled a rowdy tavern was soon reduced to knocked out guard and mixed emotion crew. The only thing that worried the woman was where Torsten and Captain Diago were. She helped clean up some of the kitchen appliances before making her way out to the Mess Hall. She found the man who had done her makeup and gave him the go, they could start moving the men to the brig. Since it was down the hall of the room, it would not seem suspicious or arouse alarm if the Commander walked in, considering the sleeping quarters were also down the same hall just on another level.

She about jumped when Vasco came up beside her, his face harden, eyes serious, and rushed for words.

“When need to get Kurt and face Torsten now. I have no clue why he has Captain Diago held up on the poop deck. I couldn’t get close enough to listen, but it sounded heated.”

“Shit, lets go and end this quickly.” She said lightly grabbing the man’s arm and jogging down to the gun deck. Knocking only once before hurrying in to give a small warning for the Coin Guard on their side. Kurt was up in an instant and grabbing weapons when he saw the look on their faces, already knowing without a word.

Quickly both she and Vasco collected their weapons and the three were off. The Naut in the lead as they made their way on deck, dodging around crewmembers and knocked out guards alike. The tension in the air was thick, the other Nauts unease could have been felt with the amount of buzzed energy radiating from them. But, they ignored this, their priority was to get to the captain and commander before something happened. Sadly, a crack of thunder was heard all around them and the smell of rain followed. It sounded as though a storm was going to join in.

“Let me go first, see if I can’t separate Diago and get him out of the line of fire.” Vasco said as soon as they hit the last set of stairs. Slowly a trickle of rain started, making the already dangerous night seem more so. “As soon as the Commander recognizes Kurt he’ll try for a hostage situation.”

“Alright but be careful. I’ll stick close by as back up. Once you have the Captain far enough away we’ll corner him.” The Legate said although she felt like there was a knot in her stomach. The storm holding a foreboding she wished she could avoid but knew better, so she grit her teeth and pushed through it. Vasco nodded before leaving without a word, Kurt staying at the top of the stairs leading down below as Sylvie crept slowly forward. She crouched making her way to the bottom of the stairs for the poop deck, Vasco in her line of sight.

The night was dark with the storm brewing, thick clouds covered over the full moon like a blanket as fog rolled in. The only light source was the ship’s lanterns and the lighting strikes, cracks of thunder roaring and shaking the ship. Yet, for all the fierce sights and sound, the light but cold rain was the worse. Droplets poured down the back of her shirt and through the open laces in the front, clothes dampening and making her shiver. From the actual cold or the dread she did not know. But she dared not lose sight of the man she only just accepted feeling for. Watching as he looked to be reasoning with the Commander.

That was until loud voices were heard and the older man barked out for Vasco to leave or else. Then he kicked Captain Diago away, causing the man to rolled towards the rails, drawing his pistol, aiming for the other Naut. Sylvie jumped into action then, yelling for Kurt as she hurled herself up and over the rails, not even bothering with the stairs. She stood protectively over the fallen man, the lighting overhead illuminating her poised frame at the ready.

“The fucking Legate, no one else would yell for that name.” Torsen cocked back the weapon with a sneer, Vasco stared defiantly at the Guard Commander. “I knew something was amiss when the Captain stalled me. Now we do this my way.”

A shot rang out.

Sylvie watched in shock and horror as her Naut fell, a spilt second later another shot was heard behind her followed by a whizzing noise close to her head. The second bullet nailing Torsten in the hand making him drop the pistol, Kurt engaging the Commander while Sylvie ran to Vasco. The sudden movements making her slide down to her knees from the rain, she could make out streaming of red under his shirt and vest from his left side. Before she could do anything a hand caught her shoulder, looking up to the owner was Captain Diago.

“I’ll keep him stable, you deal with the fight.” The man ordered out, pushing her back to take her spot.

With sudden anger and fear running through her veins the Legate abruptly stood to turn with daggers drawn. Had someone been close enough or facing her, they would have saw the red tint in her eyes as a flash of lighting lit up the sky. The mark of death targeting at her prey, and with a charge she dashed forward just as the traitorous Coin Guard kicked Kurt away.

Ducking low just before ramming herself up into the man as he lifted his great sword for a powerful blow, causing him to stumble a few feet to the side. Shadowing dashing away when a gauntlet tried back handing her, the great sword soon following. It tip brushing along her thigh at the end of the swing, but she ignored the sting, eyes flashing as she resumed her stance. Kurt on the other side made Torsten hesitate who to strike first, the hesitation was enough for her to dash forward, daggers digging into the man’s hip and shoulder.

Sylvie was side kicked away as a growl of pain sounded from her foe, her arms master blocking the Commander’s sword from any farther attacks. Lunging again she rammed into his bad side, hooking her leg around his causing them both to fall onto the slippery deck. The great sword dropping some feet away, but the Legate wasn’t done. They wrestled on the ground, his hands trying to grab her throat as she broke their hold every time, elbowing the man in the face breaking his nose. In one sweeping motion he was now the one on top, forcing his weight down on her lithe body. Blood from Kurt’s earlier blow to the head and her gift from her elbow mixed with rainwater dripped on her as the woman snarled, equaling the rage filled face in hers.

“All this for a fucking Naut.” Torsten hissed out, an armored fist crashing down on her face. Seeing stars and not really knowing how she was still conscious, Sylvie only knew from muscle memory to trap the arm so she wouldn’t get hit again. The heavier body made a move to shift away as she tightly wrapped her legs around the man’s waist to prevent him from doing so. Oh the dirty jokes that came to her dazed mind, but now she had leverage. The traitor couldn’t go anywhere, Kurt came from behind him with a chokehold.

Between her trapping Torsten in place and Kurt applying his version of sleeping potion, they subdued the man. With small amount of relief the Legate let go, her adrenaline running out until Vasco’s state hit her.

Vasco was shot.

Vasco was shot and bleeding badly.

She bolted up looking over to where Captain Diago was still by the downed sea brother. Stopping just before the two men to catch herself from slipping on the deck, Sylvie’ heart clenched tightly as she kneeled on the other side of Vasco. She almost couldn’t stand the sight of the pooling crimson around her friend and unidentified emotions surrounding the man. Fearing that she may not ever find out now with how the man moaned in pain.

While she had been in the middle of a fight, the Captain had torn his shirt to see the wound, a bloody hole under the pictorial muscle of his left side. The wound was deep where the bullet lodged between the Naut’s ribs, and every bit as painful. With no pain-relieving remedy or drink there to help, alcohol was the best anyone could do for now. The bullet was dug out by a pocketknife that was on hand, cleaned with whatever was in a flask sitting by the man working on applying pressure. A torn bit of shirt being pressed into the wound, with the other hand forcing the flask to Vasco’s mouth one more.

“I need you to get the med kit now!” Diago ordered, face hard with anger and determination. “There’s one in my cabin, in the chest by my desk. Go!”

Without thinking she scrambled to the stairs for the quarter deck, nearly tripping over herself in the processes of getting down them. Bursting through the door she searched for the desk, spotting it she ran over to where she saw a small size chest by it, praying it wasn’t locked. It only had a jar like clamp to keep it closed, she opened it and found everything she needed. Then a thought hit her harder then any punch to the face she received. Siora started to teach her healing magic after learning she could heal minor cuts and bruising. By no means was she even close to call herself a healer, but maybe her small pool of magic could stop the major bleeding.

Sylvie grabbed the antiseptic, gauze, a healing poultice and potion, and bandages. Then went running back out, once again making a mad dash to Vasco. The man was almost completely incoherent before passing out from whatever he had been drinking. It would have been comical if not for the dire situation. She sat down the supplies in the Captain’s hat when he motioned for her to set them there, but before anything more could be said or done she frantically cut him off.

“I have a bit of healing magic!” Frightened aqua eye meeting dark brown, the rain drops dripping off both of them. Mini streams running down their faces, causing the man’s short beard to glisten in the lantern light. But Sylvie was sure hers was mixed with tears as hairs escaping her braid clung to her face. Trained assassin she was, knowing her emotions and how to cut them off when it was needed, could not do so now.

“Define a bit and quickly!” He snapped back while grabbing a health potion.

“A bit! But I think I can at least lessen the bleeding. Give him a health potion quickly after.” Her hands were already reaching for the Captain’s to replace them. He let her, torn shirt and all. When she lifted half of the fabric to place her one hand near the wound, blood instantly flowed over her fingers. She poured every ounce of concentration into healing the man under her touch.

Oh so slowly the swirling…blue? magic around the wound started to knit the torn flesh together, the bleeding lessening but not by much. Sylvie felt lightheaded as she tried to push on, ignoring her own discomfort since it was minor compared to the man she was healing. Within a few short minutes she was sweating and completely out of magic, catching herself before she fell forward. The Captain quickly applied pressure, giving her the health potion to ease into Vasco’s mouth, massaging his throat to help the liquid down, avoiding his airway.

Each second ticked by painfully, and each second the Legate felt everything she did was not enough. Only when Diago let up on the wound and gave a small sigh did Sylvie let out the breath she was holding. Both worked on finishing up with the health poultice and bandages, double checking that everything was in place and Vasco’s breathing was stable. By this time she notice Kurt coming back, never noticing when he had left, with a few crewmembers that had a stretcher, gently as they could they hoisted the unconscious man up. The Captain instructing them to his cabin as he walked ahead to guide them down the slippery stairs. The action surprised Sylvie, but then again she did not know the other man very well to decide if this was out of curtesy or just how the man was.

“Go to your Naut, Green Blood.” Kurt came up beside her clapping his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it similar to herself when they infiltrated the ghost camp.

“He’s not really “my Naut” Kurt.” She felt a ping of fear and hurt in her chest as she spoke the words softly.

“Then go and be that annoying caring friend.” The merc gave her a stern look. “But take my advice from earlier. Talk to him. Now go and quit hurting yourself over him, I’ll be in Mess watching over the hallway of the brig.” He pushed her towards the stairs in the cabin’s direction.

Sylvie had no clue what to expect or what to do when she finally made her way to the entrance, standing awkward in the doorframe, hesitant to move any closer. Out of her element though she only saw Vasco now in bed with the blankets rolled down and the sheet laying over him, stepping off to the side as three of the four crewmen walked out. Captain Diago talking lowly with the fourth before waving her in as he too headed out. Her eyes never really leaving the wounded Naut as she walked in, completely unaware of her surroundings.

“We will check on the wounds in the morning.” The older man said, giving her a somewhat disingenuous as well as cynical look. The Legate made sure to keep her face neutral as she nodded.

“Thankyou, Captain Diago. You didn’t have to give your cabin up, and we already cause enough problems. I am sorry for all this trouble.”

He made a noncommunicable grunt shrugging his shoulder. “Not entirely your fault, you did what you could with what you had, no one asked for Captain Vasco to get shot. As for the cabin, less stairs the best. We’ll be back in port by tomorrow by noon, no later, I can go one night.”

“Thank you, I-” The legate was lost for words, bringing a hand to her head. “Thank you, I should be going then.”

She was stopped before she could turn around, seeing hard lines ease some on the Captain’s face.

“You clearly care for him, stay. And I’ll see if I can procure some change of clothes.” At his words she glanced down at her person, wrinkling her nose at the sight of herself. Shirt wet from the rain with streaks of blood that hadn’t washed away along with her thigh that had been slashed at. Ironically enough one of the crew that left came back in with a bucket of water, wash rag, and towel to sit by…the tub? In the bedroom? Sylvie tried not to snoop.

“Right, uhm. Mine are still on the gun deck we were in, the man who helped with putting the ink on knows which one. They’re charcoal color and kind of form fit looking.” She explained with a nervous hand on her neck, hoping questions won’t be asked just yet. To her relief none were, the Captain merely nodding before leaving her to sponge off the grim stating how he would be back with her stuff.

Once again she tried not to look around the man’s literal bed and bathroom, it wasn’t her place even if he did allow her to clean up and stay by Vasco’s side. The look he had given her suggested that he had an idea how much she cared. Sylvie had no clue what her face looked like but apparently enough for everyone to see her heart on her sleeves. Pushing the emotions down, she grabbed the med kit to set by the tub as well, then began to unlace the shirt and trousers, putting the dirty clothes by the bucket. Stepping into the tub she grabbed the rag to wet it and wipe away the grime. Facing sideways trying to be modest with the bed only some feet away, and the door in front of her. ‘At least I can’t scandalize the sea behind me.’ She thought as her backside was to the windows, her small clothes were on the skimpy side after she discovered how much she liked lacey thong bottoms.

Only reason why she had a bra band instead of matching the smalls outfit was because she did more running and fighting than any other noble woman she could think of. Not as much as a solider but damn near close. Who else would have fought in the coup? Swam after a bloody ship? Then go toe to toe with the Commander himself? Not counting the beasts of Teer Fradee, thugs in the streets, which confused her since everyone knew not to try a Coin Guard. By no means was she trying to prove anything! Things just need to be done so by the high sea she would do it.

…

High sea?

Sylvie shook her head, too tired to think anything more on everything, content to force her mind to quiet down and just wash off. Carefully she rinsed off and patted the wound on her thigh, the bleeding still slowly trickling. Hissing as water made the the sting worse but it had to be done. Eventually she managed to clean it and dress it, the health poultice easing the sting. The woman sighed in relief as she started to wash the rest of herself.

But the question was, how was she going to wash the areas that needed it most? Wet from rain, sweaty, bloody, and most certainly smelly, her smalls were ruined… and her privates were feeling no better. But like hell she would do that with an injured unconscious man nearby. Quickly looking around she spotted a curtained privy space, gathering up the bucket, towel, and rag she walked into it.

Closing the curtain she sighed when she could finally take off her breast band and bottoms, wiping the rest of the grime away. Closing her eyes as she fought back the days turmoil, biting her tongue to keep quiet. ‘Focus on cleaning, nothing more.’ But for all the good that did for as soon as the thought popped in her mind tears shed down her cheeks. There was no point in stopping them, only letting the emotion run its course and then get back to it. She’d hate herself for wasting time, the crying never helped making her feel better after but learned long ago to let them happen whether she liked it or not. Like she let other things happen.

Calming down enough to go over herself one last time before wrapping the towel around her frame and tucking it in the corner. She picked up the bucket and emptied it into the tub to wash away the streaks of red, pulling the plug letting it drain. Rolling up the dirty clothes into one using the bucket as a laundry bin. Just when Sylvie looked around to do something to not look too out of place, Captain Diago knocked, walking back in with a tray of food in one hand with clothes under his arm. She walked over to help him through the door, thanking her as he sat the stuff down by the nightstand. But was unable to ask as he gave her the same look again.

“We both know you won’t leave him. Might as well eat here too.” He said, waking around her to grab a thick blanket from the cedar chest and sat it down by the bed, making a makeshift sleeping bag. With a not quite smirk he flopped a pillow down by it, shaking his head. “I must say, this would be a first.”

“That is an understatement.” Nodding in acceptance, stalling whatever feelings she was having, fighting the urge to squirm. “You saw all that, did you?”

“Hard not to, with the way you ran for him, the look on your face before healing him, you being here now.”

“I could be just a concern friend, who cares.”

“You keep telling yourself that.” As he walk closer to her to pat her bare shoulder, Sylvie noticed the towel she still had wrapped around her. Feeling exposed but oddly strengthened by how she did not waver.

Nothing more was said as the man walked to his dresser to gather his own change of clothes, then closing the sliding door to change in the office area of the cabin. Taking the hint the Legate got dressed, but they weren’t her armor clothes like she thought, those were underneath a clean pair of tan breeches and grey shirt. Both were a bit small, grateful none the less, though her butt filled the bottoms a bit more than advised for sailing… and her shirt was snug enough that the woman may win the next wet shirt contest. Not that she ever entered one.

Over the course of the next hour Sylvie nibbled on the food, plate in hand, as she walked around the windows. Knowing she had to eat since the last time she ate was noon just before the coup, a snack around din did not count for much. But the loaded potato barely registered in flavor, and her thoughts blinded her to the clearing storm outside. So, she kept her pacing quiet as the Captain slept on his couch in the office room, hearing his snores through the thin divider door. Vasco made no sound except for the soft sounds of breathing.

Eventually she ate all of the food and a cup of water to wash it down, her mouth feeling like it needed brushed, but it could wait. The water helped with the after taste as she placed the plate on the tray and then on the floor, so the swaying ship did not make them clatter. Then she tried to arrange the thick blanket and pillow to a more comfortable position, it was going to be a long rest of the night. Sylvie paused for a second before getting down, looking over the Naut one more time. The air wasn’t cold so the sheet should be enough, his breathing was still even, though his skin was a bit pale from the blood loss. No sweating so no fever, she unconsciously leaned over to check anyways.

Then tears began to blur her vision, this time she closed them to stop the onslaught of emotions swelling up again. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, the woman moved before she could stop herself.

Moving her hand to his hair, Sylvie gently kissed his forehead. Then she was quickly retreating, turning the oil lamp low and laying down in her “bed” to rein it all in and try for some sleep.

Beknown to her a pair of golden eyes stared up at the ceiling, the tear that had fallen on his cheek having woke him up.

Chapter Text

Vasco

The last few days were the roughest he could remember aside from being laid off. He had only been severely sick or injured a few times in his life, and those were either cured through a medic with herbs, or the rare healer to mend wounds. Vasco had been lucky when it happened to him since healers and medics were usually on-board admiral, fleet commander, or high-class passenger ships, which he either served on or one was docked at the same place and time.

One in three Naut ships did not have a healer or highly skilled medic since they were likely to be assigned on important ships first. That being said, the Sea-Horse and Sea-Greed were one of those few ships that did not have the means to fix severe wounds or sickness. So, the captains tried to ensure their crew were as prepared and protected as best as they could to prevent serious injuries. Along with having someone on board who did know some medical and field treatment. Their ships were not passenger or war ships, so they had to make do with the old fashion way of healing and health care.

The Naut also had to admit how strange and uncomfortable he felt back on the Sea-Greed, being in the Captain’s cabin that was not his own, on a ship that too was not his.

Even stranger yet, waking up with a woman on the floor sleeping by the bed.

Vasco sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that morning, leaning against the pillows of his room back at De Sardet’s place. She was a strange woman, a royal that seemed to break the mold of expectations, and surprise him at every turn. He knew he started to like her during the voyage, was bitter for a bit while figuring himself out, now back to like her again. She never lost his respect during his ups and downs. But the small sailing back from San Matheus had him thinking about the possibility of more than friendship, his thoughts drifting back to her every interaction with anything about the Nauts. Then her finding out she was Sea-Born.

Seas. He hated knowing the truth at times for there was no way to unknow them. If she ever asked he would never tell her, not when they were being friends again. Certainly not anything more! He was not cruel.

The young captain respected her far too much, for De Sardet did exactly what she said would and kept to her promises. The woman’s strength did not lie in physical powel but in her character, the glimpse of her heart that her companions sometimes saw. How her mask would slip when emotions ran high, curiosity and rare mischief being his favorite. Vasco wanted to see more of that instead of the worried hand that had smoothed his hair as a hot tear kissed his cheek like her lips on his forehead.

Tides take him and seaweed choke him. The royal had feelings for him, and he betted it was for a while too. The new present sitting on the nightstand by the ship in the bottle said as much. The little bit of rope with anchor charms dangling to hang up somewhere. For where she lost her words and actions coming off as awkward, she made up for with gifts or time spent with him.

And not to mention De Sardet had any out-of-town trips postponed while New Serene recovered from the coup, but he knew better, that was the official statement. Unofficially she was practically dotting on him with her morning, noon, and night drop-ins to see him. Even with the snack baring and sheepish smiles, the act was getting old for Vasco. Never had he had someone, anyone, check on him so much or cared enough to stay until he was completely comfortable. The Naut was used to a bit of pain and gritting teeth to get through it, people were there to help sure, but not dot on him like this one did. In a way he liked the feeling of being cared for, but uncomfortable and frustrated with how smothered with pampering he felt.

But how would he go about talking with the Legate? Should he ask her for a day to possibly spend some time without the others? How would he do that when he still needed to think about speaking with Cabral about a loyalty mission?

Wait… that was it! He could ask if Sylvie could go with him for the mission.

Next time the worry wart came in that night to bring up dinner Vasco would ask if she would like to go with him to speak with the Admiral. Hopefully she would be allowed to go with him during the mission. Then along their way he could throw out some hints and questions to see if she would be up for… oh seas he might as well say it. Spend time alone with him. Ask the woman out. It would be tricky since nobles in the Merchant Congregation court differently than Nauts; the main difference being the pair would be under the watchful eye of family or a chaperone. Courting for them also had expectations and certain time for everything, nothing too soon or too late. Nauts were… far more laid back.

He could see if Kurt would come too for muscle, depending on the mission.

Either way, that was the plan until a certain caramel haired woman with watery colored eyes surprised him once again later that night.

~ ~ ~

Vasco propped himself up on his pillows with an arm curled up behind his head, a book in hand as he read but not really reading anything. The lantern on the nightstand was bright to illuminate the room in rich amber hues. The small flame making him a tad hot and was hit with realization that they were approaching late spring now, he wondered what the natives wore for the hotter months. For the Naut had never seen them in anything but those heavy fur clothes and bone charms.

As for him? He was comfortable in just his breeches with the sheet around his hips, tanned skin glowing in the light.

Vasco frowned some at how pale he was getting, the constant wearing of his coat and armor covering him from the sun. Unlike on the ship where he could hand over the helm to his Second Mate while he went to work around the deck and help the crew, at least then he could escape the hot confinement of his uniform. The Sea-Horse was not a war ship or passenger ship where one had to keep to dress code at all times. Seas, the few times he saw the royals and Coin Guard spar on his deck he saw them throw their coats off. Though sailing through winter on the high sea was cold, and they were in the middle of winter then. Now? During the summer months? The captain wondered what they would have done, nobles loved their layers.

Just as he thought about it there was a knock at the door, shaking his head at the timing he bided them to enter, smiling at the woman with a tray of food.

“I brought dinner, Siora shared a clan recipe, so I am unsure what to call it besides stew.” De Sardet smiled as she sat the tray down on the nightstand.

“We’ve yet to be led astray, though their food do lack some spices to give more flavor.” He commented as he closed his book to put on the bottom shelf of the stand. Carefully taking the bowl from the woman as she handed it to him.

“That is true, however they do have herbal like contents in replacement of the spices. It’s a bit interesting, a softer tone instead of a fiery one?” He shrugged a shoulder as he tasted the stew but agreed, the natives of Teer Fradee had more herbs and soft tasting food than most countries he sailed to. Nodding in approval before he glanced over to the unusually quiet woman.

This was the second day back at her apartment, the third night she had watched over him; last night she had no problem asking how he was, offering him whatever she could. De Sardet would ask each and every time she checked in on him, so why was she wringing her hands and staring out the window? Her eyes looked worried which made him uneasy, for he could not think of anything more happening now to stress her. The big three over with, no more please.

“Is there something wrong, De Sardet?” He asked with concern, lowering his bowl to his lap. She did not speak right away, sighing as she turned to him with furrowed brows. She seemed to be biting back words until she finally spoke. Softly.

“Sylvie, please.”

He raised an eyebrow but was cut off before he could comment.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something, but unsure how to. Some diplomat I am.” Scuffing at herself with some heat and Vasco was not about to hear it, to let whatever it was eat away at her.

“You only lose words when you are emotional, at least it shows you care, and that you are human. I would be more worried if you didn’t show something from time to time.” The Captain studied her hum and half smile, it didn’t reach her eyes. He cared little for it and wanted to rectify that. “Honestly, what is wrong?”

The woman’s eyes stared down at the floor before taking a deep breath, her shoulders squaring like one would readying for battle, then looked him in the eye. Vasco was stunned for a moment, even more so when she confessed.

“I like you.” His heart leaped.

“I really like you, ok? Not just as my trusted friend who I know I would take a bullet for, but… I – you…” He saw her chest heave as emotions washed over her. “I have no damn clue what to do. Just that I felt you should know. I am so sorry if this ruins anything.”

“Stop.” Vasco blinked, sliding himself out of bed to take careful steps over to the distressed woman. Shocked as his own chest tightened, gently laying a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t need to apologize, you ruined nothing.”

“That’s good, yeah?” She laid her hand over his as she calmed down some. This was good.

“Aye, and if I am going to be honest too, I am glad you told me.” The Naut licked his lips trying to find the courage to admit to her the same feelings. “For I too, like you, Sylvie.”

“You do?” Her voice almost sounded heartbroken, facial expression downright scared, like as if she could not believe what he said. His heart hurt, not in the rejection kind of way, but in the understanding kind. She had her own demons and doubts just like him.

“Yes. Seas take me, yes. I was meaning to tell you tonight, but you went first.” Vasco gave a small chuckle which in turn made her smile. An unknown weight being lifted off his shoulders.

“I would say I’m sorry, but I learned the hard way about not acknowledging my feelings, or not admitting to them sooner. I suck at subtle hints, and most flirting goes over my head since I learned to ignore them in court.” Sylvie explained with a sad smile. “I try to show my feelings through actions, you know, I grow tired of playing the dumb court game and pretty words.”

“I know, I seen what you had to do a few times. And many times over you proved weren’t like that deep down. You don’t need to explain yourself.” He squeezed her shoulder, slowly bring up his other hand to her face. Not really touching her mark but at the same time there was no heat to it. “I take it, with us being honest and all, that you would be ok to… spend some time together?”

Her eyes teared up as she nodded vigorously, a breathless laugh escaping her. “Yes, I would like to do something like we did on the ship? To get to know each other better if that is ok?”

“Aye, we can.” Vasco smiled, his heart fluttered hard in his chest. ‘She said yes.’

They stayed like that for a few more moments before breaking apart, both of them seemingly lost for words now that relief set in while their flooded emotions drained out. However, he did eventually go back to his stew while motioning for Sylvie to sit in the chair by his desk. Amused at how she sat cross legged. It was pleasantly quiet, no rush or expectancy to speak, just a sense of being as he finished his dinner. Though this feeling was weightless and freeing, he did have some questions, no doubt like the woman across from him did too. But right now was not the time to get too deep into questions, the best thing would be to calm down and see how their first time spent together went.

Vasco had no doubts about it being fun if the night back on the ship was anything to go by, so mentioning his plans about his mission should help. Right?

“If I may ask, would you like to accompany me when I go to speak with Admiral Cabral?” The Naut sat his bowl down to fully face her. “I intend to prove to her I am a Naut without a doubt, no regrets.”

Sylvie’s face was a mix of confusion and curiosity. “When would you want to go?”

“Soon, Siora did say today was my last day on bed rest. I feel fine and would like to exercise some to build up my strength again, maybe by the end of the week we can go?”

“You are right, mister impatient.” She crossed her arms at him, a smirk playing on her lips. He rolled his eyes.

“It’s Captain, thank you.”

“Alright, Captain Impatient.” The woman chuckled. “How do you intend to prove yourself? Did the whole secret thing not prove it?”

“Yes and no.” Vasco sighed leaning back on the headboard. “In a way it did because of the show of trust, and I was honest with her; a star point for me. But no because it was not a “Loyalty Test” in of itself, I was not trusted with the mission nor was it declared a test.”

“It would have been a perfect one though.”

“Absolutely, and that is why I think she would allow you to come with me on mine.” He nodded in agreeance, that mess in San Matheus would have been a perfect test of loyalty. Maybe Cabral had a good feeling sending Sylvie? Not just because of her birth?

‘Lets not over think things Vasco.’ He thought, shaking his head to clear his mind away from darker thoughts.

“What do you think it will happen? Why me?” Uncrossing her legs with a concern voice, she slowly got up to walk over to him, looking into each other’s eyes.

“Because with you I believe I will succeed, and I would rather have you by my side. It will no doubt be dangerous, the mission could be literally anything from a simple task to a complex mystery.” Vasco held out a hand, smiling as the woman took it with a small shake. “So, by the end of the week, shall we go talk to the Admiral? Would you be ok with it? After...”

“Yes, I’m ok. Still… uncertain, confused… at who I am. But if this will help you get back to doing what you love, I will help you, my friend.” Sylvie said in a soft tone and already he could tell this budding feeling they had was being crushed on her end.

He was a fool, of course she would be withdrawing back! They had just admitted to their mutual feelings and here he was talking about a way to get back on the admiral’s good side. To reaffirm his honor and sail again. The Naut was willing to bet her doubts stemmed from those tavern songs of fickle sailors giving false promises to the lady and only to sail away the next morning. They hadn’t even started anything, and he was throwing plans of setting sail again.

Fuck. He was going to erase those doubts right now.

“Sylvie, please do not think whatever it is you are worried about. I am not leading you on, I will not hurt you like that.” Vasco rubbed her knuckles, gaining her attention. “We will have a day to ourselves, we will do this mission, and I will still be here after until we figure out what it is we have.”

Her eyes welled up but at least she was smiling.

“Ok. Thank you. I’m just not used to this, and I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, all will be ok.”

Soon after they bided the other good night when the hour grew late, both emotional exhausted. Vasco let out a content sigh, turning the oil lamp low then out for the night, not before catching one last glimpse of the two presents on the nightstand. Since the faithful day of being forced on leave, his mind cleared enough to fully relax, rolling over to drift asleep.

~ ~ ~

The next week proved to be quite the eventful one even if the excitement of the coup had calmed down tremendously.

First and foremost, he was able to get up and do things even if he dodged around Siora’s watchful eye. Vasco understood that the native was only trying to help make sure he didn’t overexert himself, a wound that should have been several weeks to fully heal was done in mere days. With the little healing magic and poultice wrap, everything had healed nicely. But with Sylvie also keeping an eye on him it was a bit irritating, though the Legate was subtle about it… or maybe it was a mix of her having feelings for him… maybe. Needless to say he was happy to be out of the apartment, walking along the portside district of the city for the first time since the beginning of it all. Many of his fellow sea brothers and sisters calling out to him in concern or patting him on the back for recusing Sea-Greed.

The Captain smiled as his heart felt lighter and the huge anchor on his shoulders lifted, ever since being forced on shore he avoid the harbor and fellow Nauts. Too upset, bitter, and confused to allow anyone to see him, a captain without a ship, a joke. Now he knew better and understood more, he wasn’t a joke, just a man who was lost and needed to find his way again. With some timely help from a powerful friend, he was able to do just that. Walking along the street being greeted by his family felt right in ways he could not describe, nor was he going to question it.

The Nauts were his family,

and the sea was his home.

But Sylvie rested in his heart.

Vasco bit back a smile, knowing deep down that they would be able to somehow work with this budding feeling despite their vastly different roles… unless… would she want to join him when this was all said and done? Join the Nauts? Could one do that in royalty? He slowed his pace down as he headed back towards the governor’s palace, meeting Sylvie as he said he would. Some sort of meeting and paperwork that would take a bit, so she let all her companions have a few hours to themselves. Not really wanting to be too far away since he still distrusted the guards, Vasco promised to check on his Guildmates and report back how they were fairing after the whole fiasco.

Now lost in thought as he daydreamed about sailing just as the sun rose with a certain woman on his ship, standing by his side. It made his heart flutter, but he dared not feed into it too much. She was the Legate to the Congregation, he was a Naut Captain; she was a fucking princess, and what was he? a Sea-Given. A man who could have been a noble but was given to the Nauts because… of her uncle. There was no way the king was going to let her walk away, not with her past.

Shit. Seas. Why did he have to crush something so happy before it could even begin? Because he was a realistic man who never let people distract him from his goals… but why not start including someone in those goals? Maybe Sylvie was the one who wouldn’t push the currents but drift with him? Maybe this could work out, even if she was not able to sail with him they could still be something? He could take his vacation time here and be with her, trust that she would wait for him as he sailed. Hell, soldiers did it all the time with their families and deployment.

Vasco stopped just shy of the first step up to the palace, not really seeing but not blind to those around him. He sighed as he pushed himself to ascend the steep incline, looking the palace guards in the eye when he pushed through the doors.

It was quiet inside the great hall, a few servants walking about either cleaning or prepping different things. A pair of guards walking up the second set of stairs to the governor’s greeting room, the Naut fought the urge to stomp his way to them. As much as Sylvie said she trusted this Major Sieglinde who was now the new Commander, Vasco did not. It would take more good actions than words to convince him the Coin Guard was turning around. So he righted himself before continuing onward.

Eventually he did get to the greeting room, making his way to his usual spot by the windows that looked out to the harbor. Noticing that neither royal were there by the chair and long table of the prince, or the guards who stood by his side, which unsettles him so soon after a tempted coup. Only time everyone was dismissed was when Prince Constantin wanted to talk to his cousin in private, which was what they must have been doing now since he could hear their muffled voices through the door where the chair and desk were. The only reason he knew it was them was because the entire room echoed when no one else was in it, and he knew Sylvie’s voice when he heard it.

Glancing about to make sure no one snuck up on him, Vasco edged closer to the door, curious as to what they were saying since he heard a deeper laugh. Briefly chastising himself for snooping but the banter between the two on the ship was amusing, this time would prove no different surely… right? The princeling must have been teasing his cousin. He casually stopped by the closest window to act like he was watching the ongoings of the city should one of them walk out. That’s when he heard a conversation he was not prepared for.

“Oh dear cousin I am only messing with you!” The prince cheerfully said, the sound of hands clapping followed. “For I have not seen you this flustered in a long while, I almost given up.”

“That makes two of us, I was fully prepared to accept my shitty cards.” Was the moody, grumble reply. Vasco could almost see the woman crossing his arms. “You know me, always being lectured about my place.”

“Stooop, cousin. Forget what my father said and courting. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to give this one a chance, whoever this man is. You haven’t batted an eyelash at anyone in court for four years.”

“With good reason.”

“I’m curious who this lucky man is!” The prince continued without missing a beat. “He should win an award. Ha ha!”

“Constantin,” there was a pause, “let’s not get our hopes up, ok? As I said, it’s new for us both, and I don’t know where it might lead. I would be a fool to…”

Another pause.

“Sylvie, you’re not a fool, never were. Those men weren’t men, they were little boys who tried to please their little toys to who they thought was a little girl, then got pissed off and threw a temper tantrum. Resulting in you getting hurt.” A more serious tone replaced the man’s pervious cheery one. “You always did take your mother’s advice too literal.”

“She always said to “hope for the best, prepare for the worse.” But when you’ve been hurt bad enough you just prepare for the worse and leave out the hope part.” Vasco’s cheat tightened at her words, her voice sounding so tired and hurt, something he never heard before. Like as if she had given up, admitted to a defeat that wasn’t meant to be.

“My dear cousin, you could not help that you did not feel right with any of them, if you were not ready for something then they should have respected that. From what you told me of this man, he sounds good for you. If you two court and it feels rushed, slow down, if not then don’t fight it. Communicate. Promise me cousin, that you’ll try for this one? Please?”

Vasco unconsciously held his breath.

“Ok, I promise. I’ll open up more…this time.” There was a high pitch noise that sounded oddly like a man squealing before a harsher female voice cut it off. “But I swear to everything holy, unholy, or the sea, that if this is a flop I am completely done with relationships!”

“Oh stop it! This calls for us to grab a bottle of …”

The voice trailed off with the sound of footsteps fading, they must have moved further from the door, unknowingly leaving a stunned Naut behind. Slowly peeling himself from the window to go sit in one of the dozens of chairs and tables by the other windows. He sat there while contemplating everything he had felt walking back from the portside and what he just heard. It seemed to him that the Legate was similar to himself.

It took years of him being consistent and focused to reach where he was now, limiting his time in the taverns drinking with friends and saving coin rather than betting. With what few friends he had and the negative relationships and flings he had, he almost became a reclusive up to the point of passing his captain’s test. Becoming gruff and no nonsense to be taken serious at such a young age for the job. Judging based on what he heard Sylvie had been very much the same, it took years of schooling to get to be legate, she too pushed aside potential suitors and he heard little by the way of friends. Not counting their oddly put together little crew.

‘She is nothing like Elise.’ He reminded himself once more when the flash of dark hair and pale skin flashed in his mind.

The noble girl he had a fling with soon after he just received his first-year sailing tattoos, barely old enough to be called a man but thought himself some hot shit with his friends. A girl no older than he, seventeen, who he saw every few months for about a week each time while sailing along the continent of Gacane. That week would have been filled with happy days spent with friends along the beach shores, where the nobles rolled their eyes from the safety of the piers while the Nauts swam and roughhoused along the sandy shores. That’s when Vasco would glance to see if his sweet Elise was walking by, then at night he would meet her till early morning when he snuck out back to the harbor. It was fun, it was thrilling, and he liked playing that game. All the Nauts knew the nobles loved their courtly layers of dress but had no problems ogling shirtless sailors. As much as the uptight high society looked down on them no one could scuff at as tanned and toned body glistened when water cascaded down their skin.

The young lean bean Nuat back then should have known better than to fall for the pretty face with a mischief smile. That girl who couldn’t take no for an answer, would only end up breaking his heart and humiliating him after six months. His few friends helping him back to port when her public shaming in a tavern went south, being laughed at and mocked for ever thinking he could be sweet on a noblewoman.

If someone was sweet on him…what would he like done to show real interest to himself?

…

‘A present! Fucking idiot!’ With that in mind he quickly got up and all but rushed out the room’s doors, taking the flight of stairs two at a time. He practically jogged to the doors leading outside startling Kurt as the man walked in. Both captains quirking a brow but said nothing as the Naut continued on like a man on a mission. He knew exactly what to get her and wanted to purchase it before the thought of anyone else having could.

~ ~ ~

Drumming his knuckles on the underside of the small box in his arms with a light bounce in his step, Vasco exited the leather store. It was a nice shop just around the harborside corner that sold mostly leather items, from boots and gloves to belts and holsters, and yes hats. It was a simple little thing, soft leather instead of hard that was matted in color to avoid a shine, the woman did not need any more of a target on her head. Literally. He dodged a horse and cart trotting by crossing the somewhat busy street heading back to Sylvie’s residence.

The Captain was extremely grateful that it was really only him and Kurt who stayed at the Legate’s place with Siora occasionally spending a few nights here or there. The Coin Guard left the barracks during the mission to find his missing recruit, the unease forcing the man to separate himself from the others and the high risk to his charge. Petrus was staying at the Theleme embassy but did meet on occasion with any assistance Sylvie might require. A new arrival from Hikmet was supposed to coming to help with the Prince’s condition, but he doubted there was anything new to ease the malichor. Both countries has their chance, and nothing seemed to work. That person would be staying at their respective embassy as well.

Which left him, a Naut who had been staying at a royal’s home since the very beginning…

Vasco wasn’t complaining, but he wondered how no one really questioned it. Did the court even suspect? Was he only just now starting to see how precarious this could be, with their feelings becoming more?

Most of the time it was no different than living with others in the bunkhouse or on board the ship, granted more private and personal space. But the captain usually did not linger around the apartment for long, opting to stay in his room. Sylvie using the quiet from the day’s work to either finish paperwork or truly relax by the fireplace. How was it that Mary the housemaid did not really know how scandalous a single woman in high society living alone with two lower class men did not spell over nasty gossip and rumors? Was it because the three of them tended to leave each other be? Seas, the first three weeks were bad enough with him visiting the brothel a few times to let off steam with either Amias’s strong definition or Hester soft curves.

If Sylvie and him became something, would they still be able to keep it down low until they were ready to publicly show it? Would she want to?

‘One step at a time, Vasco.’ He thought as he finally reached the place that occupied his mind, careful not to drop the box to unlock the door, the key easily opening it for him. The place was empty except for the faint noise from the kitchen where Mary worked away. Swiftly and quietly he took the stairs leading all the way up to Sylvie’s room and sat the box by the door. Shaking his head with a smile before turning away to make his exit like how he entered. A pair of eyes catching the tail end of his coat as the captain left.

~ ~ ~

That night when Vasco exited the washroom to head for bed, a soft hum of someone clearing their throat was heard a little ways up from him. For the first time his eyes widen as he saw a freshly washed Sylvie slowly make her way down the few steps to him. Arms crossed with wet hair in a light robe that did nothing to hide the blue satin laced chemise sitting high on her thigh that had a deep v neck. Traveling was different, she always had her breeches and lose fitted blouse on, but this? Seas take and drown him. He wasn’t any better standing there in his breeches and unbutton shirt. Thanks to small favors the smirking woman saved him from speaking first.

“I just wanted to say thank you, for the hat. It’s really beautiful and I like it.” Her voice was soft to minimize it carrying downstairs. He fought the urge to scratch the back of his head, he was not used to receiving gratitude even after weeks was fighting by her side and a quick “thanks!” being said during or after a fight. Nor was this a warm smile and nod from afar while she dealt with court issues.

“You’re welcome.” The Naut cleared his throat, hoping on all waters that she did not notice a certain part of him slightly awaken. “I’m glad, uh, it fits.”

Her light chuckle drawing his attention, Vasco was sure she could see him stiffing as she took one more step to him. Both now mere inches from each other but kept still as she raised a hand to point a finger on his chin. His confusion clear on his face only lasted a second before soft lips gently kissed his cheek. Then she was retreating back, aqua eyes never once leaving his golden ones.

“So am I, goodnight Vasco.”

He watched as her form made it’s way back up the stairs to her room, only looking back at his stunned figure still in front of his room when she went to close the door. Tentatively reaching up to touch the spot she kissed, he closed his eyes to calm down, slowly entering his room. It was going to be a long night for him.

Chapter Text

Vasco

Walking side by side with the woman he harbored feelings for felt more surreal than he thought they would be. In the beginning it was nothing more but a mere sailor following a royal through the streets with her bodyguard like an extra pair of blades and pistols. Now, well now two months have passed and here he was side by side with the Legate, and only them. Sylvie having mentioned to Kurt about it being Naut business, which was true, but there was no real reason why the man couldn’t have come along. Only that if he did then the pair would not have been able to walk so closely like they currently were.

And the Naut captain was sure that Soldier would not have appreciated him liking the view as much as he was. Briefly glancing over to the woman to his left, gesturing for her to pass if the street got too crowded for them both to walk by, or briefly doing so to ensure no one stabbed her back. Each time Vasco would unconsciously admire the view of the figure she cut as those hips swayed with each step.

Sylvie had on her normal polished but well-worn traveling black boots and belt but lacked the shin guards as well as one dagger was strapped to a thigh this time. Tan form fit trousers that went mid to high waist, tucked in was equally tan blouse under a mid-blue colored tailcoat with gold buttons and trimming. Best of all, his gifted hat resting on her head securing her hair tied half up. The blue matching her coat, the silver wave designs giving more character to the gold lace around the brim and feather that laid down against it, not a huge fluffy one that stuck out.

The Naut turned his face to smile, thinking how in the world he managed to have a royal as an ally, friend, and potentially someone more to him. And that person was wearing his gift, head held high as a soft smile played on her lips if anyone were to look Sylvie in the face. Taking note how a few children ran by; the woman taking a large side step away from them. Curious.

They stepped through the gates into the harbor, the senses of home hit Vasco full force nearly knocking him back. Breathing in deeply he continued onwards to the building they were looking for, both somewhat surprised that Admiral Cabral was already outside. If it wasn’t for the older Naut leaning against the building with her arms folded, body posed in a relaxed fashion like one would waiting on someone, he would have thought nothing of it. The tip of her tricorn nodding in their direction making him even more sure that she was indeed waiting for them.

“Did you send word beforehand?” He questioned Sylvie while they were still out of earshot.

“No, was going to check in with the assistant. If it was going to be awhile then a stroll through port?” She looked over at him with her smile still intact. “Guess we’ll have to do it another time, or after this?”

“How can I say no?” The Captain hummed as they drew closer.

The mid-morning sun cast shadows over them as they stopped before the admiral, her heavily tattooed face a friendly upbeat expression with eyes almost shining with approval. The look on him must be what she was hoping for, or somehow read him as he walked up that he was a changed man. Maybe even the easy way him and the Legate looked was a part of it. Either way, he was ready, and the older Naut must have sensed it.

“Captain Vasco, Your Excellency. Hardy winds to you both.” Cabral greeted.

“Fine day to you, Admiral.”

“Hardy winds, Admiral.”

“With how you two walked with purpose, I doubt you both came to talk to me about affectations.” The woman tone was light.

“Indeed. Vasco?” The Legate motioned to him, and he could not be any happier to finally be doing this.

“I’ve come to ask for your approval of a Loyalty Mission.” He tried to keep out any hesitance and not sound too hopeful, but seas was he excited.

“Profited from your time on land did you?”

“Aye, Admiral. I have and that’s why I came to see you, I wish to prove my salt.”

Vasco waited with baited breath as she looked him in eyes, not daring to look away in case it broke whatever spell was happening. Just as quickly as his nerves fired up they were washed with a bucket of cool water. Cabral nodded to him, then motioned for them both to follow her inside. Swiftly they made it to her office, not quite able to keep the bounce out of his step, and a small dusting of pink heated his cheeks when Sylvie quietly chuckled behind him. He playfully glared at her over his shoulder while she stuck her tongue out, once more giving him back his own nod.

Neither of them sat down since the admiral stopped by the desk’s side and quickly grabbed the paper there. Holding it up as she looked at them.

“I have a report that came in a week ago. One of our ships, Oriflamme, was lost near the island and I believe it has been washed ashore. The Nauts have lost reputation form the Bridge Alliance because of it.”

“Aye, I heard about it in passing. Many rumors surround it’s mysterious sinking.” Vasco stated as she sat the report down to cross her arms.

“The land dwellers are starting to think we are losing the sea, for this is not the first time a sinking resembling something of the like has happened. But it is the first one close enough to the island to investigate, and to restore our lost reputation. The ship wreak is stranded, unsafe to sail close due to rocky mountain edges southwest from here leading to Hikmet. Near Wenshaveye. I want you to be the one to investigate and report back.”

“At your orders and with pleasure, Admiral!” The Captain nodded with his shoulders squaring.

“I am counting on you, Vasco.” Before he could say a word more, Cabral looked right at Sylvie. Their eyes meeting in an unspoken way, somehow knowing this meant more with the Legate here. Just as he suspected and was confirmed an eyeblink later, no titles, just the younger woman’s name. Meaning it was more. “And you, Sylvie.”

“Aye, Admiral.” Her voice serious an… awed?

With nothing more to say, the pair left so Cabral could get back to her work. Sylvie walking in front of him once more as they exited the building, a smirk casted his way when she side stepped to be back on his left side.

“Well, that was fun. But now the real adventure begins.” She said nudging him, he shook his head at her far too bright eyes. How could he imagine the woman so reserved in the beginning and now there was this sudden light side he saw?

Oh, that’s right. He was a bit blind by his own inner turmoil. Now he wasn’t and felt like a fool for not seeing it earlier, how she could have lighten up his mood if he’d given her a chance before. But now was not the time to reflect on the past bitterness, he had a mission he wanted and a woman he never thought would be here with him.

And a stroll around the harbor.

“Aye, and a tour if I remember correctly.” He held out his left elbow, a grin on his face as Sylvie played along with his mock attempt to be chivalries.

“Why yes, there is.” She squeezed his arm as she hip bumped him. “By all means, Captain. If you would please be so kind as to escort a lady around.”

He laughed aloud as they walked towards the docks, avoiding the Nauts working, not wanting to be in their way. It did sadden him some not seeing the Sea-Horse there or waiting out in the water to dock but knew he would sail again. And hopefully maybe with a certain laughing Legate.

All the while unaware of a pair of stormy blue eyes watched with amusement and warmth.

~ ~ ~

“Green Blood, tell me why exactly we are out to the middle of nowhere, again. Because the last I checked this island still had it out to kill us. Or did I miss something?” Kurt sarcastic voice was heard up ahead of him as the trio hiked on.

Siora had been with them to help guide and detour any creatures, but once they reach Wenshaveye the native woman remained in the village. There were a few villagers that had come down with a nasty fever and she wanted to stay to help Catasach heal them, continuing some of her lessons. Siora gave them a pack of potions that had anything of necessity in it, then showed them the direction to go in and explained what to look for. After hiking along the path of the mountain a big open-mouthed cave that led to the rocky shores they spoke of should be there on the right. The cave was steep and advised them to be careful walking around.

During their walk Sylvie and Soldier talked in length about the failed coup, something Vasco was still sore about. But all the points she made had nothing but logic to them. Could he had warned at least her? Yes. But Vasco understood why the rest of them were not, for the Naut knew himself pretty well, he would not have been able to keep his face neutral for so long. Sylvie, however, was a trained legate that could have do so, not to mention she was in control of herself far better than most he knew. But what was done was done, and instead of betraying them Kurt righted it.

And the sailor knew they have built up so much trust that breaking or questioning it now was foolish. The Coin Guard trusted them to do something by going to them, and they showed trust to him by doing so. He could respect that.

Even though he was still sore about it.

Right now they were almost at the end of their nice hike and could see their cave entrance a few hundred feet away.

“We are on a mission to find a missing ship for Vasco.” The woman smirked to the merc to her left. “The details are a bit secretive since it’s Naut your business.”

“Hmmm.” The mentioned man grimaced with a groan, Kurt giving her an unamused huff but his deadpan look lacked heat.

“Cute, Green Blood. But whatever, I’m just here for the muscle.” More of a statement than a question since that was the only reason why the Coin Guard would be here.

“Oh stop, the charming mood and jokes is what really made us take you on an adventure.”

“I’ll believe that when pigs fly.” He retorted. “Why are you wearing your armor then? You only wear it when things-”

“Do not say dicey!” Sylvie cut him off with a pointed finger. “But for your information, I wore it because I’m not on Congregation business. No sense in wearing that stuffy coat and all those layers in this heat. I like my cooler outfit, thanks.”

Vasco shook he head as they entered the cave, seeing that Siora was right, it was pretty steep, and quite muddy from last night’s rain. “Watch your step, don’t want anyone to slip. Might not be as fun as it looks.”

“Come now, who wouldn’t what to go sledding down?” Sylvie’s joke was met with a confused brow raised, then it dawned on her that his Naut upbring meant he had no clue what she was talking about. He smirked at her shocked look and fierce apology. “I jest, calm down.”

“What sledding is, well, an activity of traveling or sliding downhill over snow on a sled. A sled could be anything that allows you to slide, from boards made a certain way to a shield.”

“That’s what happened to my shield!” Kurt exclaimed with a not all that surprised look casted the Legate’s way.

“You were never supposed to find out about it!” Sylvie jumped behind him before the merc’s smack could hit her arm.

“Children, does the youngest here need to supervise for the rest of the mission?” Vasco nudged the woman back with a laugh.

“Oh hush you’re not that much younger.” Sylvie said as she took his outstretched hand to help her down the muddy mess.

“More mature apparently.”

“Salty, I’m tons of fun and you’re no fun at all.” She brought up her hands to form a heart as she laughed at his turn to swipe at her. “I complete you.”

“That’s going to be put to a minimum while I’m here. The only thing you two are completing is this mission.” Kurt grumbled but finally step down to the bottom floor. The three grew silent as they heard the sea waves crashing in the distance in similarity to the dread they now felt wash over them. Their light banter replaced with a sort of unexplainable somber, until they rounded the corner and saw the wreaked ship.

On its side, the Oriflamme looked like a sad being with boards carved outwards like broken ribs, sails tattered feathers, the wood colorless and lifeless. There were cages scattered and equally broken, bodies of creatures and sailors who did not make it. The scene was strange and frightening; eerie because it was rare to see a Naut’s ship like this, and even more so with unknown causes. Vasco cleared his throat to rein in his emotions and get the attention of the other two.

“Well, here it is.”

“I didn’t think your ships could break like this.” Kurt voiced what everyone was thinking, a horrible awed tone.

“The engineering is remarkable, but they still can under dire situations.” Vasco grimly said. “Let’s get to it then.”

“Kurt, stay close to guard our backs while me and Sylvie check things out. Sylvie, if you don’t mind searching the…bodies for any notes, if there are personal items we can collect to try to return them. I’ll see about those cages and the ship’s condition.” He was in full captain mode now, this was the mission he was entrusted to, and he would find out what happened here. “Any questions?”

“Do you think we should go inside the ship just in case there are survivors?” Her voice was soft and unsure but a good question, nonetheless. Considering the scene before them and how many days it had been, the Naut doubted there would be, his steely shake of his head confirming what was already on their minds. Without a word more, they jumped down the small ledge to cautiously walk to the shipwreck.

Vasco walked straight for the hole in the hull, speaking aloud to himself on how the few cages around it were indeed broken in the exact same manner. This reminded him too much of the beast breaking out in Serene, had that ship not been docked and secured he had no doubts it would have ended up like this, or at the bottom of the sea. The feeling of being watched had not left since they jumped down to investigate, it made his skin prickle with goosebumps. Glancing over to where Sylvie was he saw her putting a few items in a small size sack, most likely personal belongings to give back as he predicted. Kurt stand guard not too far away allowing them to work and keep an eye on the cave’s entrance. The two men caught each other’s eye, both noticing the feeling, an unspoken agreement to stay alert.

In that instance a small noise was heard, Vasco readied his sword as he called for Sylvie. The woman already had her pistol drawn, the other dagger in a backwards hold to use her fist to steady her gun arm.

“What is it?” She questioned softly when she got to his side.

“Could have sworn I heard something.” He motioned to the stern of the ripped open hull.

“Maybe we should look for survivors.” She prompted gently. He appreciated it, her calm persuasive demeanor instead of saying “I told you so” or “see, I was right” like most would when proven right. Vasco regarded her with warm approval, then to Kurt who readied his sword but stay by the torn cages. This was Naut business and they had to do it.

Carefully he climbed onto the large boulder by the opening, grabbing a swinging rope nearby, and swung himself in and down. Landing in knee deep dirty water and wobbly boards that groaned under his weight, wincing at the noise that seemed to echo before whistling for Sylvie’s turn. The captain was quite surprised and a bit prideful of how natural she looked following in, one could have thought her…

A Naut.

Vasco smiled at his thought, she was a Naut. She gave him a confused smile of her own when she looked at him after she landed by his side. But now was not the time nor place, he waved it off and signaled for them to keep going. Once again they heard the noise, this time sounding more human. And in pain.

“Crewmember of the Oriflamme, I am Captain Vasco. We are here to help.” He announced, his voice carrying over the deafening sound of waves crashing into the ship and shore. But another noise was heard, sounding a lot like someone calling for help and where they were at. They quickly made their way through the hull’s storage, crates scattered everywhere, and debris flooded with sea water. The duo reached the door to where the sound was coming from.

Vasco turned the knob, but the door did not budge even when he shouldered into it, then both he and Sylvie tried ramming into it, nothing. That’s when she took out a tube from her pouch, a slightly glowing green substance that looked awfully like acid. A few seconds later he was proven right when the metal off the hinges and knob melted, quickly making them both dodge when the door caved in and fell with a huge box clanging to the other side. They were now able to step inside and were greeted with a gruesome sight.

Blood was everywhere, on the walls, the floor, the celling, any cargo and goods that were hulled were covered. The smell of rotten food and flesh hit them, making them cover their nose on instinct. Bodies of creatures in cages were dead as the different stages of rot took them. The stands that allowed for crates to be stored at different levels were firmly nailed in place, but no amount of ropes and nets could hold them if a ship decided to toss them about like flopping fish. Up towards the very back on one of the support beams side was a man, a very injured man who made another noise. Seas and tides, he was still alive by some miracle, or was it a curse after everything he had gone through? Vasco needn’t order Sylvie to grab a health potion and poultice, both of them working in union to reach the man’s side to give him aid.

Old blood crusted around his hairline and side of his face, a small stream of new crimson liquid ran down, the Captain could barely make out his Naut tattoos. There was a faraway stare that broke for an eyeblink before a moaned “help” escaped him. He was in a shocked state, hardly registering what was going on around him, if anything at all. Looking down he had his arms wrapped tightly to his middle, his shirt torn and dyed a multitude of dark colors, all from his wounds. Legs spread out to keep him from falling off the beam, but the trousers too were beyond recovering.

His fellow sea brother’s ragged breath drew back his attention.

“He’s barely making it, Vasco.” Sylvie said in a sad tone, her had coming up to cup his bloodied face, casting what small amount of healing she could. With the other hand she poured a little bit of the health potion over his head wounds. Gesturing for him to assist in cutting the shirt away to see he abdominal area.

“I know. We’re giving him a chance, but I don’t know if we’re helping or delaying.” He carefully cut around the man arms still tightly holding himself, praying to whatever dignity of the sea that the Naut wasn’t literally holding his innards. It was hard to tell with how much gore was on him. When Vasco threw away the shredded remains of fabric away, Sylvie nodded to him to tenderly pry the one arm away, blood began to flow heavier. She touch his abdomen as close as she could to cast more healing, the sweat on her brows starting to form, she was close to running out.

“Sylvie do not push yourself. Take one magica potion to continue, but if it’s too far gone… don’t.” The Captain did not want to sound harsh, but they were not healers, not even Sylvie with her barely learned healing could hope to mend this wound.

The look of grim acceptance told him she knew as much. So she popped a potion and tried again. When the woman ran out with a deep breath she motioned for him to grab the poultice.

“I just barely managed to heal some muscles deeper in, it’s literally no more than a thin layer of tissue holding him together.” She explained as she poured the health potion on the top part of his arm to seep into the wound now, wiping away the blood where she could. Soon the Naut’s breathing calmed down and his limbs went limp, at first they thought he has passed on but he let out a sigh, only knocked unconscious. The newfound freedom to work with both arms out of the way proved to be beneficial in treating the now fully open wound.

Just as Vasco feared the man was indeed gutted as was suspected and very deep from the amount of blood pooling. How in the seas was this man still here? They were able to work on stabilizing him more but in the end they had to quickly spread the poultice and wrap bandages around him. There was nothing more they could do.

“Maybe we should get Kurt, ask him to run back to the village and see if Siora or Catasach could heal him?”

“Go and tell him we found a survivor who needs immediate healing, be careful.” Tempest.

With a nodded and no hesitance, the woman made her way back to the door, then heard her splashing step fade away. Vasco mentally slapped himself at how he almost let his endearment slip out. How could he have been so careless? They were not like that! At least… not yet. After this both of them agreed for a day to spend some time together, to figure each other out. So why was he ready to blurt out a pet name so soon? Talk first, then see where they went.

As he waited he kept a calm but firm hand on his fellow sea brother, hoping he would stay passed out until a better healer arrived. Hearing hurried splashing steps Vasco quickly drew his gun.

“Sylvie?!”

“Vas!” The woman rounded the corner and climbed up to him with wide eyes, her voice worried but even. “There’s a guardian in another potion of the cave, so far it’s content in staying there so long as we don’t go near it.”

“Are you sure?” A guardian! Fuck! “What about Kurt?”

“I sent him back to the village, I didn’t spot the guardian until I saw a body in front of an alcove. Judging based off of what little clothing is left, I think it’s the captain.”

“Did it do anything? Warn you off?” Seas he hoped they weren’t going to have to fight another beast. “Was it like the one in Serene?”

“No to all three of those questions.” Sylvie gave him a frustrating look. “I don’t understand. It wasn’t aggressive, in fact it’s still as a stone. It stared at me, right at my mark. But I dared not go near incase it did do something. This is far too close to what happened in Serene.”

“We will have to find a way to check it out.” Vasco sighed.

You want to see if the captain has something on this beast? Like the other few crewmembers who scribbled something down, but the pages are delicate and unreadable from the water.” He nodded at her reasoning, seeing the point where he navigated his thoughts.

“Aye. The Admiral will want concrete proof not just deduction. I was hoping to look in the office of the captain’s quarters.”

There was a grim silence as they looked into each other’s eyes, and from the look the Naut was receiving, she had a plan he wouldn’t like.

“Vasco, I have to go back out there to stand guard.” Sylvie raised a hand to stop him from his sharp breath. “You know that when Kurt and whoever walks back onto this shoreline, they will be caught unaware. I have to warn them.”

“Don’t, please, I’ll go.” Vasco’s chest tightened. “I go, you stay.”

“It stared at my mark and stayed there, I don’t think it will do the same for you.” Her tone was soft, he could not bear the thought of her being out there alone with an unknown beast.

“Sylvie, please, I-” A hand hesitantly touched his shoulder before a firm grip replaced any uncertainty. Her eyes shone with watery unshed tears and an iron will. Oh his tempest. “This is my mission, I told you it could very well be dangerous.”

“Yes, this is your mission, and you are leading it very well.” She nodded to him with comfort. “But a captain once told me that if one needed help, it is best to set aside pride and allow help. That’s how good ship sail smoothly.”

Vasco swallowed the lump stuck in his suddenly dry throat as he closed his eyes. She was right, it was an advise he gave her when she was hurt from the slash wound from the ghost camp. The would healed nicely and left a sliver of a scar behind, but the woman was left in recovery for a few days with a few healing sessions in between. During that time she was very upset for not being able to do certain things, growing irritable and moody, pushing herself to do something when she knew she needed help.

Teamwork: it was a vital key in sailing a ship and getting the job done. It was ok the push, it was not ok to push when you were either unable or unknowledgeable. Physically unable only led to the person being frustrated and possible injured more, and the job still not getting done or not as well. Unknowledgeable could be either the same or worse, messing up and hurting someone.

He knew if the guardian did not attack and stayed there because of seeing her mark, then she would be the best candidate to try. But damn tides take him he felt useless just sitting here useless! ‘I’m also last defense my fellow Naut has.’ He sighed but reached up to put his hand on her shoulder too.

“Ok, alright. Just, please T – Sylvie, be careful.”

“I will.”

Before she could pull away Vasco quickly tightened his grip and pulled her halfway to him for a kiss on her cheek. “I mean it. Now go, I’ll be here.” With wide eyes full of emotions he no doubt showed too under stern features and furrowed brows. Then she was off, sliding back down to the watery bottom and made her way back outside. Leaving a very conflicted captain behind.

Chapter Text

Sylvie

Sylvie sat down on her bed roll as everyone unwind from the day’s traveling, all four of them sharing a bit of hard tack with Catasach and Santiago, the man they had saved from the Oriflamme wreak. The usual two day and night hike turned out to be almost four with them taking it easy for the still recovering man who was still suffering from extreme blood loss. His entire demeanor was blank, staring off into the night’s stars or the dirt road in front of him, and when not doing that his sleep was restless. No one got upset from a sleepless night or questioned him.

Catasach stayed by the Naut’s side like the professional healer he was with Siora assisting to learn. Both tried to persuade Sylvie to expand in her healing arts, but the Legate was not comfortable with the idea. Kurt often taking up the rear of the group to protect their backs as she used her sneak skills and soft tread to “scout” ahead, ensuring there wasn’t an attack to further stress Santiago or threaten Catasach. Constantin needed a healer, and they happened to be going the same way for the loyalty mission; it was a win-win. However, the other nations would not view the action as such. They would have to deal since both had their chance on the continent with no such luck.

As for Vasco? The captain hardly let his fellow sea brother out of his sight once they got back to the village. The whole time being the unnervingly focused captain that he could be which made you question if you were doing a task right. Granted, Vasco had calmed down some since the voyage, but the consistency and absolute dedication of how he worked was still there. Either writing the report on the mission, going back through the captain’s log, or checking on Santiago; it was all done with little to no breaks in between. The first two being finished within the few hours left of daylight once they got back to the village, which left him watching like a hawk over any change in the man’s condition.

It took almost a week in the village before Catasach deemed the rescued Naut healed enough to travel. Santiago’s deep tan color returning, his chestnut shoulder length hair now free of caked blood and sweat. Although, they did have to cut it to medium length due to matted tangles and trimmed away his beard to a long stubble to identify him while he was still unconscious. In all he looked a hell of lot better than a week ago and didn’t mind too much about the changes but voiced how he was unsure if he should be grateful to be alive. The events leading up to the sinking weighted heavily on him mind, and Sylvie guessed it would be sometime before he would be ready to speak about it. And maybe even longer to accept and overcome the survivor’s guilt that ate away at him. Good thing they were able to get the captain’s logbook from the Glendemen Nadaig, though she did not want to really think about that event either. Knowing how worried Vasco was and then Kurt when she warned him and Catasach when they entered the area.

She would think about it later, right now she really needed to distract a certain Naut Captain before he got smacked by a few native healers. The hovering was growing old, and they would be behind New Serene city walls by within a few hours tomorrow. Which reminded her where they were and smiled. Finishing her portion of dinner and quickly getting up before she lost her nerve to walk over to Vasco, the man looking up at her from where he sat, quietly she crouched down by him.

“Want to go for a walk?” Asking in a soft voice while the others prepared for sleep or watch. It was a long day, and no one was really up for talking or games.

Vasco glanced over to where Santiago was currently laying on his side away from the fire and the others, still as a stone. “He will be alright, Catasach and Siora are right here, and Kurt won’t let anything happen.”

“How did you know?” The Naut asked with some surprise.

“Because you’ve been like this since we saved him. You need a break, or your body is going to take one for you, and probably not when you want it to.” She slowly got up with a hand stretched out for him to take. “Let’s go for a walk, bring your sword but come. We won’t be far nor for long. Please?”

Vasco hesitated for a moment but nodded with a sigh, taking her hand to haul himself up, the pair looked over to Kurt who had by now taken note that the duo were readying to leave. Sylvie motioned for him to stay but playfully glared at the merc when he gave her a strange amused quirk of a smile. The small movement might as well have been a blessing for a proposal instead of a simple walk. Shaking his head the merc waved them away as he warned them to not go too far or be too long, both nodded but she pulled Vasco along before anything snarky could be said.

They walked for a good amount of time through the wooded area, this part of the island was not too dense, but was still something to be cautious of. It allowed room to breathe and spot things ahead of them but not by much. Normally at dusk it would be a great idea to stay near camp where the fire would deter any predators, but tonight was a full moon and shining stars. The moonlight so bright they could almost see everything like as if it were daylight. Another few minutes passed before the smell of salt in the light breeze really hit them.

“Sylvie, you took us to the beach?” Vasco’s confused tone made her smile. But she did not reply, instead the woman opted to take his hand into hers before stepping a tiny bit in front of him to “lead” him. Like as if a Naut needed leading to their home. The woods gave away to a rocky shoreline, the pair carefully stepping and hoping to the next, then down a few feet onto the sandy beach. It was then when she saw the captain’s eyes light up in recognition.

“The beach I found you at!”

“Aye, my dear captain. Now you know why I wanted to camp where we did and go for a walk.” Sylvie hummed as she leaned in to give him a small kiss on his cheek. “I hope you don’t mind if I ask you on this date? I know it’s not the most romantic during a mission, but you need the break, and we are here.” Her tone trailed off when she realized she was rambling on, but she needn’t worry since the hand still entangled with hers tightened.

“You are fine, I’m just surprised is all. This is perfect.” Vasco’s face softened, the concern lines on his face falling away along with worried brows. The man looked younger this way, and she liked how relaxed he seemed to be. “Now that we are here, what did you have in mind?”

“Swimming.” A wide smile turned into an infectious grin. “The water’s calm, the moon is full, why not?”

The man chuckled as he grinned in return, a shine in his eyes as he asked. “And do you know how us Nauts go swimming?”

“Certainly not in layers like the Nobles, far too scandalous for us to be seen in such a way!” Sylvie joked as she laughed. When she went in for a teasing kiss, a calloused hand gently caught her chin, just as she looked to his eyes in question, his lips captured hers. To was a quick but firm kiss, drowning any question she might have had and doubts on whether to take her kisses to the next step. Vasco did it without reservation.

Her heartbeat picked up as he stepped away with that same look, alight with desire but never once pushing her, only taking what she gave like she would for him. That’s when she saw him take off his hat and coat, setting them down with care before starting to strip down quite literally. Vasco’s tattoos swirled over his shoulders and down his left arm, the forearm on the right side, and some of his back and torso. Smirking over his shoulders at her when his eyes caught her in mid stare. “So, if it’s a date, are you going swimming too or just going to admire the view?”

“No no, I’ll go too. Just ahh…” Heat burned her cheeks as she drew closer to the rocks to set her boots down next to his. “There’s probably a few things that would be good to know.”

“Oh?” The hesitance in his voice was easy to spot, his concern look returning, which was not what she wanted.

“Nothing bad! I promise. Just not very many noble ladies… have, scars. They are quite shocking, so I thought you should know.” Sylvie did not meet his eyes as she struggled to slowly unbuttoned her blouse. Looking down she realized her hands were shaking a bit, she huffed as she worked through them until another strong calloused pair caught hers. This time she did meet the owner’s warm eyes, their golden color chasing away her cold deep-rooted fears.

“Those who fear the waters
should stay within the shore’s sight
those who fear the pain that love procures
should shun the flames when love endures
And both shall be safe from founder and blight.” His voice was tenderhearted, hands firm but reassuring. There was a look to him that said he was upset though he did not know what it was that hurt her. But his words, that poem.. was he?

“These weren’t out of love, Vasco.” She almost whispered.

“No, but clearly they pain you, and in return they pain me.” Vasco cupped his hand over her mark, as the other let go of her hands. She had no clue what came over her, only that one moment she was scared he might end everything, then the next words were being said in a manner sounding a lot like a love confession. To now tentatively removing her top as he slowly withdrew. Both undressed themselves since it was only their first date, but Sylvie could tell there was some built up arousal on his behalf being held back.

If she was any other woman right now, they would have more than likely be hitting the top sail right now. But she was not, and the captain was by far the most considerate and decent man she came across to want to court. Still no tingles but she now could say that she understood the butterflies, for this was the first time she’s ever felt this alive with a man. Especially when said man dropped his trousers with absolutely no hesitation or second thoughts, her cheeks burned even more.

It wasn’t like she didn’t know! She knew what a man looked like, and how…. No! she would not think back to those days. Her assassin training was not up for discussion. Not now.

“Well come then, the water awaits.” His teasing voice snapped her out of her thoughts, his smirk contagious as he took in her blushing face.

“Ok, but one more thing.” She said as she slowly tugged down her own bottoms. “The uhm, second part of the few things you should know.” She stepped out, not daring to turn in any direction, or even walk passed the confused Naut. Sighing heavily when he motioned for her to continue, she mumbled incoherently.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Vasco questioned with amusement as he stepped closer, she shuffled around him. Her back was now to the open water with no real way to sneak into it without him seeing her ass. So she blurted out as fast as she could. “The new scandalous fashion for young noble ladies are thongs.”

It was quiet for a few moments as his stunned look dragged on before Sylvie huffed and marched her way to the water, an uproarious laugh following. Stopping at ankle deep water to repeat what was asked before.

“So, if this a date, are you going swimming too or just going to admire the view?” The woman called out as Vasco stumbled to her, wheezing in laughter. Smiling at the sight even though she knew she probably shocked the captain blind, taking his hand once more to lead into the water. Once they were rib high in the cool water she floated, arms spread wide as she bent her knees, Vasco following suit as his laughter died down, mirth still there but lost for jokes.

“Such a tempest but yet no one ever knew.” He held her hand, rubbing her knuckles affectionately.

“I’m far from a storm there, Captain.” She smiled sadly.

“None of that. We’re on a mission, yes, but this is our time.” Vasco smiled. “But you are wrong, you handle the court intrigue very well. All smiles and polite words but secretly putting the nasty ones in place right under their noses.”

“Kill them with kindness, they love mistaking it for weakness.” Sylvie said but couldn’t make it out to be lighthearted. “Let’s not talk about court, please? We don’t need to deal with that during our time.”

“Of course, what would you like to talk about?” The Naut asked as he gently pulled her towards him, playfully splashing her. She chuckled a bit as she did so back.

“I had a question, but it could be a bit personal, or a sensitive topic.”

“Well this should be good, what’s your question?” Curiosity burned when he asked her this, seeing his face tilt to the side in interest. She bit her lip as heat hit her cheeks once more, it seemed this night she would blush more than she ever did.

“I, uh, was going to poke fun at you and comment how popular with the ladies you must be. But also noticed how you, may have, looked at a few quite strapping looking men too.” Sylvie saw how her around about way amused him more than she thought he would be.

“Are you sure you wish to voyage there, Tempest? You sure it wouldn’t it bother you?” The captain’s voice was husky as he continued to rub a thumb over her knuckles.

“Yes, I mean no! Ok, yes to the first. I know if you ask me about my past I would not mind, you deserve to know, and we can talk about it.” She paused with some mixed feelings. “No to the second? I’d like to think it would be no. Whoever you were with before me shouldn’t bother me, it was before me and there’s a reason you are with me now, right? But I will admit too, all of this is very new to me, I may need help working through these conversations.” She added the last bit with some embarrassment.

His smile was softer, losing the mirth and teasing. “That’s good to know, so let’s work through this as you say. Back to the topic, you would be correct, I sail both ways. Whether or not you are bothered is entirely up to you, which you say it does not.”

“It doesn’t, I promise.” The woman squeezed his hand while grabbing the other, letting him know she truly did not mind in the slightest. “May I ask why? Is it a preference? Or something you just found you like? I’m not totally sure what I’m asking, I just want to understand better.”

“You are fine, I appreciate the gesture. You can say I was a stupid mushy boy who fell for a noble girl, got heartbroken enough to not what to try dating the opposite gender again. At least for a while. A good friend of mine who served on the same ship as I helped me recover from that blow, and within a few months we tried it out. He preferred men, and I was curious. That voyage was filled with quite a few new experiences and was quite memorable.”

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that, it was wrong.” She felt her chest ached and she didn’t even know the details, but given his expression, it was bad and she felt for him. She wanted nothing more than to take away the pain.

“It was how Elise was. I had a fling with her soon after I just received my first-year sailing tattoos, barely old enough to be called a man but still thought myself some hot shit with some friends. I met girl no older than me and saw her every few months for about a week each time while sailing along the continent of Gacane. During that week it would have been filled with happy days spent with friends along the beach shores where I would glance to see if my sweet Elise was walking by to see me. Then at night I would meet her till early morning when I had to sneak out back to the harbor. It was fun, it was thrilling, and I liked playing that game.”

His face was tense with bitterness as he closed his eyes, she could only guess it was to find the right words.

“Back then I should have known better than to fall for the pretty face with a mischief smile, who teased and what I thought was playing hard to get. But in reality they were cold, her mirth was cold. That girl who couldn’t take no for an answer, would only end up breaking my heart and humiliating me after six months. She told me to meet her at a relatively nice tavern, not really one the Nauts went to, but it was not too uncommon since it was close to port and proceeded to lead me on.”

Vasco let of a breath as his face took on a miserable look, Sylvie couldn’t stay quiet any longer. “Vasco, I’m here. I understand if you don’t want to continue, I am here none the less.”

“I know, but I need to get this out. I never... talked about it.” He nodded as she gave him a reassuring smile.

“Elise publicly shamed me in that tavern, laughed at and mocked me for ever thinking I could be sweet on a noblewoman. Then told everyone how I would called her my Seashell and gave her a pearl necklace. Asked how low I must have thought of her since real noblewoman are only gifted the best. She… got a few other nobles going with jokes. My friends may have started a fight then, we eventually made it back to port. I don’t remember how but they helped me.”

She barely held back a sniffle as she looked at him with watery eyes, lost for words. Vasco gaze staring down between them, lost in a horrible memory. So she did the best thing she could think of, she quickly let go of his hands before he could look up in confusion, or seas in pain, she hugged him. Arms wrapping around his neck and head, standing up slightly to cradle him against her chest, laying her head on his.

“I’m so fucking sorry Vasco. You did not deserve that.” Her voice was soft as she stroked her thumb on his cheek, nuzzling the Naut’s hair when she felt a hot tear. Slowly Sylvie felt his arms wrap around her waist, the hitching of his breath was heard, and the woman tried not to cry to remain strong for him. To be his rock to lean on, his steady sailing ship, or safe harbor. They stayed like that for a few moments until she felt him shift a little in their embrace, arms still firmly around her though Vasco seemed to drive his head upward.

“As much as I do love this position, and would love to continue later, I kind of can’t breathe right now with a perk breast in my face.” He chuckled out patting her on the back, making her nervously laugh as she let up. They stayed like that for a few quiet moments, Sylvie playfully swaying sideways to pull him along with her, sneaking a quick kiss to his cheek. The lightness between them returning.

“It makes more sense now, why you were hesitant to warm up to me in the beginning.”

“That was some of it.” He nodded. “You said that you wouldn’t mind if I asked about your past.” Vasco’s statement pulled her attention to him, not that she could ignore him exactly when they were both holding each other. “Might I ask about yours? You seem… hesitant? I know those looks you gave aren’t pure innocent curiosity. And in between your “Legate Mask” you have some crude sense of humor that wasn’t stopped quick enough.”

“Ha, yes, I do tend to have some dirty minded jokes that slip up every once in a while.” She poked at him. “Obviously nobility looks down on those things, everything is polished to a shine, sex jokes at other’s expenses included.”

“But, why flitch every now and again?” His one hand softly rubbed over her shoulder and down to her chest, resting over her heart. Though he was not touching her suggestively, Sylvie still tensed. Eyes looking to her in concern and confusion. “Like that.”

“Consent, I take it seriously. And yes I have been sexually assaulted a few times before, totally separate occasions.” His hand then went up to trace her scar over her lips and chin. “Is that how you got this?”

“No, that was from my old dear uncle.” Sylvie couldn’t suppress the bitter bite, frowning when she saw how dark the Naut’s face went. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to down the date, I try to keep the first one light and fun. But if you truly want to know I will tell you like I promised.”

“If you are alright with it.” Vasco tucked a hair behind her ear, whether it was to comfort her or calm him she had no clue. But nodded before drawing a deep breath to tell the story.

“It’s been a little over three years now since my last failed courtship, a high-ranking noble merchant who I had befriended and soon he had asked me out. We spent a nice day talking and getting to know one another, when the sun began to set he insistent on asking permission from… Mother, Princess De Sardet… on truly courting me. I was twenty-two and thought myself grown enough to know if someone was genuine enough or not. The man wasn’t even thirty yet, well spoken, mannerly, and seemed engaging enough in conversation; why wouldn’t I see where the courtship went?” Sylvie paused to see if Vasco seemed bother by anything she said, but his encouraging gesture to continue let her know he was listening.

“Well, as you know, when I do warm up to someone and call them friend, I am a physical supporter like to give hugs and pats on the back. But that day I really wasn’t due to just meeting him, this man seemed patient enough to allow me to grow close at my own pace. Sadly, me starting the diplomatic training and other recent training did not help me recognize false love interest, his acting was exemplary. All those sweet words and his pretty face turned ugly, demanding, and unsatisfied when he thought I wasn’t moving the pace fast enough.”

“Withing a few weeks he changed and grew irritated when nothing more happened than walking with arms linked, a hug here, a squeeze to the arm there. He was always the one to push for the kiss, at first on my cheek but then trying for my lips with a hand on my chin. Everyone else thought it looked sweet, but they did not feel the grip. Kurt never said anything but after every time it happened his face would darken. During those times I would tilt my head to miss, half wanting to punch the man the way my dear master of arms taught me, but that would end badly. The king had approved of the match by then and would not appreciate me calling the courting off for a second time.”

“He was ok with someone mistreating his family?” Vasco’s question was laced with disgust.

She closed her eyes as she nodded. “There's a very good reason I declined the first arranged marriage, and very picky on who I would consider courting. Marriage is binding and not what you think it is in nobility.” Sylvie sighed. “It wasn’t that the man was unattractive, my heart just wasn’t in it, and he ignored all explanations of not being mentally, let alone physically, ready. I have no clue as to why I do not swoon and blush like the other women in court did in their courtship, only that I did not. Nor why I never felt ‘butterflies in the stomach’ or ‘tingles down there’ while kissing. Only that I did not have those feelings with the three other men before him, and I certainly did not have those feelings with him.”

“You weren’t ready, you did not warm up to him or felt comfortable.” Vasco said as he rubbed her arms. “There’s no shame in that.”

“Really glad you are nothing like that man, Vasco. I did not care for how, during our short courtship, he ended up acting like the typical snob nobleman. Anytime our arms where linked it felt like he was boasting like a bull with a prized new heifer, not proud to be with me like a couple. I never saw the appeal the other women did by being treated like that, nice smiles with clipped false words dipped in honey, not really be heard because I was now seen as ‘his woman’. Blaahhh. Two weeks in and I was already tried of the lies the man spued, but I couldn’t do anything since he was high ranking as me. It only took one more week before he got aggressive, and I acted.”

“What did you do? Break his nose for me?” The man teased and she laughed with a snort.

“I did actually.”

“Soon a kiss was forced while we were in the gardens, a hand tightening on my arm like a silent threat if I moved away while his other one grabbed me when I said no. I was not emotionally attached to give the man what he wanted, and like hell I wasn’t going to nip signs of sexual assault in the bud before it blossomed to something more. A quick strike to the throat followed by my knee to his face broke his nose when he bent over choking. Poor Kurt barely had time to react let alone ‘break up the fight’ or ‘protect me’, he was only able to take a step forward to put his bulk and armor between us. Did a good job holding back a smirk as he shook his head staring down at the bloody and gasping for breath idiot.”

“Good on you, the prick deserved it.” He hugged her tight as he kissed her forehead. “I never really understood why people would force things, even though I know why.” Vasco shook his head. “I never put up with sexual assault on my ship, nor do I tolerate rape.”

“I figured, the voyage here proved that, and I like to think your crew as a whole share similar thoughts.” Sylvie smiled patting his shoulder in comfort.

“They do, they are a good crew.” The captain looked back to her. “After you put the prick in place, what happened? You said the King approved of the match, but you broke it off in the form of his bloody nose.”

“Well, for all the training Kurt put me through, he could not protect me from the King’s wrath. That was the night I was gifted with this scar and broken nose.” The woman pointed to her face, Vasco’s eyes widen before the amber color burn with anger.

“Yes, he quite literally beat me. I was sent to my room and locked there, I tried to clean myself up as best as I could, but I was in a good amount of pain. The crows and any other palace healer were not to tend to my wounds until morning. Mother wasn’t allowed to intervene though she did argue, and Constantin dared not even breath down that hall. In the King’s own words I was to “Learn my place and contemplate my actions without help.” When morning came my nose was already doomed to have this bump and my body was already healing my lips and chin. There wasn’t much to be healed except for the bruises and aches. Constantin whisked me away and we dragged Kurt along for a run around the city, anything to keep away from the palace. Pretty sure the both of them wanted nothing more than to return the favor to the King so that is why they did what they did, anything and everything to keep ourselves away.”

“I know I want to give that bastard his own medicine. Beating his niece for defending herself from assault. Pff!” She saw him practically fuming.

“Easy there typhoon, it’s done and over with. What's in the past is in the past, no sense in being angry since we can’t change it.” Sylvie tried to sooth.

“Does not mean you have be ok with it. Accept it, fine. But never be ok with what happened to you, it was not ok!”

“Vasco, this is the same man who kidnapped my mum from her home, me from her and the Nauts, forced several noble families into giving up their children, orders torture, and masks all of these things in elegantly crafted words. Beating me or Constantin was not the worst thing, no less wrong, but he has done much more.” She gently cupped Vasco’s face, softening her face. “He is a terrible man, and that is how he stays in power. We can’t change that, but we can change in how we deal with it, how we feel. And right now I feel like we should let this topic go for tonight, put a pin in it to review later.”

He sighed heavily but agreed with her, both resting their heads on the other’s shoulder, hands lightly wandering over in serenity. Slowly she turned her head to kiss his ear, darting a tongue out to play with his earing, causing a tiny moan to escape him. She whispered.

“Love scalds us, and the sea scalds us,
For neither are free from tempest might.”

The Naut’s head popped up suddenly in surprise causing her to giggle.

“Yes, I do remember some of the poem you stated earlier.” Sylvie threw her arms around his neck as she went in for a deeper kiss. “Since we spent our Frisky First date acting more like the Serious Second should, I would love for us to do this again… but a little more of this.” She said as she grinned, using her chest to bump into his with a slight gesture for more.

“Of course you gave the dates titles. Bloody noble.” He laughed, tightening his arms around her.

“Naut true.” She said with a smirk in her tone, though given the look she was casting the man did not bite. Something unspoken passing between them as he stood up with her.

“Aye, I like the sound of that far better.”

“So do I.” She laid a hand on his chest right over his heart. Their eyes shining as they kissed once more before returning back to shore to retrieve their clothes. It was then they realized neither brought a towel to dry off which caused them to burst into laughter.

Here they were, two hopelessly in love fools in the middle of the night, in nothing but their small clothes soaking wet after taking a dip into the sea.

And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Chapter Text

Vasco

Waking up that morning in his little tent after their late-night adventure was… aching.

Not in the painful way unless he thought too much about it, which he tried not to do, but the aching to touch another that slowly got to that point. He had taken pleasure with another for the first few weeks on forced shore leave when he was lost and pissed, a little over a month passed since he started getting himself back on course, and realizing he still harbored some feelings for the woman. Now here he was daydreaming about more than just a late-night dip into the sea, the feeling of being where he belonged with someone in his arms. The feel of her lithe body against his while she cradled his head, face pressed into her pert breast.

Nope! Not going there!

Vasco bit back a frustrated groan as his ache deepened, already knowing he was going to have to quietly take care of himself if he wished to do anything today.

Despite their rather serious and upsetting talks last night, they both seemed willing to give each other a chance, and the Naut was happy that he was able to take a few steppingstones at a time. Sylvie’s story about her last ex and what the king did angered him, and he was a tad surprised she even let him touch her chin for their first official kiss. Then again he was surprised his heart was allowing a second chance to a noblewoman… but she wasn’t one, really. Her soft ‘Naut true’ made his heart flutter and skip a beat.

Vasco wanted nothing more than to try for a future with her, maybe she would find a way to make it work with him? If she had to stay on the island then he could always ask the Admiral to transfer from long haul continent voyages to the shorter ones around Teer Fradee, or one of their closer Naut islands.

But first things first, he really needed to take care of himself. Then report to the Admiral to figure things out from there.

Closing his eyes and listened intently to gauge how lively the camp was, Vasco was glad there was next to nothing being heard, and that there was a barrier however small between him and everyone else. Living close quarters in hammocks on a ship or bunkhouse taught many a Naut to keep quiet while they do their business. Breathing deeply and concentrating solely on how good it felt as his hand dipped under the bedroll covers to stroke himself. Using his thumb to massage into his aching member before pumping steadily. Biting his tongue as his cock grew hard, thumb sliding over his head just enough to really awaken everything. Within seconds he was suppressing a heaving shuttering breath when a perfect picture of Sylvie wrapped around his waist popped in his mind. Quickly he threw the cover off to roll on his side to avoid a mess, continuing to rub himself almost raw from the thought of having her to himself. Imaging her kissing his neck as nails scratched his back and sides, maybe even a playful nip here or there. His balls tightened as his climax hit him like a storm, body stiffing as his spent coated his hand and the ground.

Finally a wash of relief went through him though Vasco tried not to shake his head at how he acted very much like a rushed teen just then. It wasn’t like he brought any oil or planned on rubbing himself to completion. But next time he would just in case, if the sweet but very much interested look the Legate gave him was any indication. However, he would not push, both seemed content on taking only what the other was willing to give.

Vasco wanted to give her a lot, but she was far too respectful and kind to just take. Sylvie was a giver too once she trusted you, and he had a feeling her last ex was not the only one to betray her trust and heart. She had her demons just like he and would open up little at a time as both grew closer in their courtship.

…

Seas, next time he was going to the one to ask her out and if that was what this was, what they were doing. Nauts spent time together, yes, and had a short time of “courting” per say if they were serious and wanted to marry. But they did not have time limits or rules and Vasco was unsure if she was comfortable with the pace, if –

‘Stop. She liked your gift, she obviously likes and trusts you to spend alone time with her. Though it wasn’t sexual it was eye opening for us both. Stop worrying.’

With that thought firmly in mind he opened his eyes and clean himself up. The sounds of the others waking up outside the tent alerted him that it was time to pack up the camp once more and get going. It was going to be a long day and he would need all the energy for what was to come.

~ ~ ~

Passersby around them gave the group very odd and strange looks. Vasco could guess just how curious they all must have looked but ignored them in favor of getting Santiago to the harbor’s clinic. He wanted his fellow sea brother safe near the water and reassured this was real, that he was rescued and home, safe again. Talking about his ordeal was going to painful and more than likely reliving a nightmare, so the captain wanted to show his report and proof to give the man some time to adjust. Sylvie should be there with him since she was also there with him, and the one to make the beast calm down and back off. However, the Legate needed to be with Catasach and Siora to make sure they weren’t given any trouble on their way to the palace. Even though Kurt could very well do it, the governor was in dire need, a figurehead to see to personally, and her cousin. Adopted or no she still loved him dearly and the malichor affected her mentally and emotionally as much as Constantin.

So the plan was Vasco would go ahead and help Santiago back to port with Kurt at their backs, Sylvie would meet up shortly after she helped Catasach settle in to see if he could help Constantin. This gave the captain so time to talk to the admiral about a personal question.

On the way here the Legate asked him about his tattoos, he indulged and explained some of the basic ones, like his Sea-Given and rank. Her curiosity only confirming his feelings on wanting to navigate a future together. When Sylvie shyly asked about what his meant, the captain played it serious before giving her a smirk as he teased her about getting to know him better by other means. In which she returned with her own chuckle and innuendo of “oh, I already know” before turning slightly sad, at his questioning she answered.

“It’s just that, I know you said this wasn’t a lead on, and we could make this work, I believe we can make this work… but I… was wondering, if there was a chance I could. I don’t know, sail again? With you?” Her nervous and unsure words made his heart beat faster and chest tighten. If there was a way he would have sailed her to wherever right then.

She wanted to sail again!

She wanted to sail with him!

Did this mean?...

“Sylvie… are you asking what I think you are?” Vasco was wide eyed and almost skipping his steps. Stopping in her track to stare at him with those watery eyes forced him to grab her shoulders in shock, delicately touching them like she couldn’t be real. This couldn’t be real.

“Yes. I, I think I know who I am now. It feels right, and I want to ask if I could join the Nauts.”

His world spun but in a good way, lost for words and beyond happy. “Of course, it’s your birth right if you so choose. Admiral Cabral would agree.”

“I would like to talk to her, there are, concerns I have, and I want to ask to be sure.” Sylvie wringed her hands in worry which made him frown some.

“What do you mean?”

“The King, Vasco. I don’t what to put the Nauts in his line of fire, his wrath about this I have no doubt will be great.”

“I would like to think that there would be one hell of a fight, this time with no negotiations. If you claim your birth right, he won’t be about to do anything without endangering our agreements.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of, if it got nasty enough that the Guild would have to expose him publicly. Things would happen and I fear the nobility would have an uproar.”

“Nauts aren’t involve in the land politics.”

“No, but this involves them. Like what happened with Jonas’ parents; if the King’s crime went public I can only image how many families would rebel and try something similar. That, Vasco, is my fear. The nobility and Nauts torn apart. That I will cause a chain reaction when all I wanted was to live my life, it’s self-”

“No. Sylvie.” He curled a finger under her chin to prove his point. “Don’t say it is selfish. You are doing everything you can within your ability for the Congregation. Wanting to choose for yourself for once is not selfish when you are giving it your all and getting nothing back.”

Walking into port was bittersweet, full of energy and life to get his sea brother to the clinic and receive his loyalty tattoos; but seeing what the Admiral had to say about Sylvie joining and the concerns surrounding the King, made him sigh in frustration. It felt so right! So why did a cruel king with an iron fist have to stand in the way? Would she have to forever do the bidding of a tyrant and live miserably? Only being able to truly be herself if she stepped foot on a ship when she could? Hide their love from prying and judging noble eyes?

Who was he kidding, he was a Naut and she was forced into nobility, forced to do the job she was trained to do.

Vasco tried to hide his frown as he helped Santiago into the clinic building, sighing as they got out of the summer heat and signed the man’s name on the paper and reasons for visiting. When the attendant saw the name and cause he all but ran to fetch a healer or doctor. As much as the captain trusted his family, he was a little doubtful leaving Santiago in the care of people he did not know. He was still recovering, and the tiny trust built between them so far seemed to be the only thing hold traumatized mane together. But Vasco eased off after the attendant xmentioned how they were friends and would keep an eye on his old shipmate. He nodded and wished them well, promising to visit once things have calmed down.

Now he made his way to the Admiral’s office, surprised by the amount of people in port as he dodged a few different crews rushing to and from their ships. Good thing the office building was only a few short blocks away and Vasco ducked inside quickly, fighting back the urge to fan his coat for some relief. The captain let the assistant know that he and the Legate were back from the loyalty mission and that he had his report ready. Instead of directing him to the waiting room, she told him that Admiral Cabral was ready to see him.

Quickly he made way to her office door and knocked once, waiting until he heard the approval of entry before entering. The admiral was setting a file aside as she sipped from her canteen, waving to a seat. He sat down in the chair closest to the window.

“Drinking so soon? Didn’t think it was happy hour yet.” Vasco tried to keep a stern expression though his tone was light.

“Every hour is happy hour when you have mola ton of paperwork.” The older Naut gave him a warm smile. “But alas, no, it isn’t a drink, and considering you are back I assume you have completed the mission.”

“Aye, I have, Admiral. However, I would like to wait until Sylvie arrives to give you the full report. There is much to discuss about what happened.”

“And may I ask why she isn’t with you?” Cabral’s look could have been described as concern but also a hint of something else.

“The village of Wenshaveye had a renown healer of the island, Sylvie talked to him and asked if he could see to the Prince. She made sure he and our friend Siora had no trouble getting to the palace and introduce him to the governor. She should be here shortly, she wished to be here for the report like she was for the assignment.” Vasco explained.

“It seems to me the mission went better than expected Captain.” She nodded with approval.

“Y-yes. We have the report, but I want to tell you ahead of time, we did find one surviving crewmember.” The Admiral’s eyebrows shot up.

“Did you?”

“Aye, his name is Santiago, he is still recovering from blood loss but thanks to Sylvie’s small bit of healing and Catasach and Siora’s healing, he should make a fine recovery. The wound was severe, and he may not be able to fully work for some time. The traveling back bit was hard for him, physically and mentally.”

“I can imagine.” Cabral closed her eyes swallowing hard with sympathy. “I will see and talk to him once we are done here.”

The captain hesitated for a moment, glancing at the door like as if he expected the woman he wanted to talk about would suddenly appear. His look was not hidden and made the other question what was wrong, but nothing was, and he wanted to talk to Admiral Cabral about his concerns too.

“I have a question, but I am unsure if I should ask or wait until Sylvie gets here…”

“Vasco, ask your question.” The light command in her tone had Vasco speaking before he lost his nerve, fight back the nervousness and urge to squirm.

“I know if Nauts have a significant other they can request for voyages to be closer to the region of their loved one. And if married they could serve on the same ship though it is highly discouraged because of the dangers and all that.”

“Vasco, we both know that I already know all this. What is your question.” Cabral prompted, for she wasn’t impatient since her head was tilted curiously and amused. “It’s very rare I ever see you ramble on, and I have a very good guess to what this is.”

He sighed heavily. “I don’t know what we are, but I want to find out. I have no clue when you intend for me to set sail again, but I would ask if I could stay around the island… or maybe stay with her little crew for now. Sylvie… is lost, and trying to understand herself. I fear rougher waters are ahead and that she may drown without help.”

“I hoped you would have made some friends… but you and the Legate?” The surprise in her question was not unexpected, they were still in the early stages of navigating their stars and not many knew. But there was humor there too. “Seas take me, and seaweed choke me.”

Before anymore could be said, there was a knock on the door, three sharp taps signaling Sylvie had arrived, for Nauts only used one hard knock.

“You may enter, Sylvie.” And in walked the woman they were just talking about, all smiles and seemingly bright. The introductions must have gone as planned or even smoother if she was this happy.

“I apologize for the wait.” She sat down in the other chair, Cabral waved away her worries.

“Quite alright and understandable, now I do believe we have a report to get to and then I have a sailor to check on.”

Sylvie gave Vasco a raised eyebrow in question.

“I did not report without you, only informed about a survivor.” He smiled at her, patting her arm. “I wouldn’t leave you out.”

“Well then,” she sat down the chair next to him as she addressed the admiral, “in regard to the mission you entrusted Captain Vasco with. We are here to give our conclusions.”

“I’m listening.” Admiral Cabral folded her hands neatly on top of the desk, her undivided attention on the pair.

“We examined the surrounding area and the ship itself, the creature they carried managed to free itself. It was enormous enough to make a hole in the hull which caused the sinking. We thought there were no survivors until we heard Santiago’s distress noise. All others are dead.” He explained as he gave her the report and captain’s water stained journal.

“Alas, I was expecting all to be presumed dead. May the sea be the others shroud and we shall not forget them. It will be unlikely that Santiago will speak of the matter anytime soon, did you find anything for proof?”

“The Captain’s journal tells the tale of the ship from departure to sinking.”

“Thank you Vasco. It seem the potions the Alliance use have failed, and in turn failed us. Rest assured we will not be transporting anymore of those creatures, they are simply too dangerous for our ships. Our honor is safe, and reputation restored thanks to you. You have proven your loyalty and regained my trust.” Cabral’s tone grew fond, and she looked as though some sort of stress was lifted from her shoulders. There was a certain warmth and pride filling his chest. “What you have achieved for us all deserves to be apart of your history, Vasco.”

“I am most grateful to you, Admiral.” Vasco smiled but glanced to Sylvie. Her smile was bright with eyes shining, patting his arm with affection. His smiled shifted to something more… nervous. A quickly concealed expression to hide his unidentifiable feelings, which did not go unnoticed by both women, but he quickly spoke before any questions were made. “But I would like to request something.”

“A request? Speak, Captain.” He swallowed his nerves and spoke with confidence, knowing in his heart this was right.

“As you know, Sylvie is Sea-Born despite being taken from us.” He began, while the Admiral’s facial features were stern, they were also curious and then her eyes widen slightly. The two Nauts sharing a look. “I know you sent me on this assignment to reflect on my own actions, but…” He turned to Sylvie then, risking a glance to the woman who held his heart, her eyes wide with wonder.

“I believe you were also hoping I could convince the Legate to join. She proved to be invaluable and respectful to the Nauts, even during high risk or secretive missions. She has helped the Guild and our sea siblings in ways we could not. Perhaps it is time we officially acknowledge my… friend’s birth right?”

“If Sylvie wills it then I would be glad to a member to our family.” They looked over to the woman who was overcome with emotions.

“I would be honored, Admiral.” Sylvie said with awe in her voice before looking scared all the sudden. “But the King, he wont let me go that easy. I couldn’t possibly bring that much trouble to you all. His wrath is great, and the Guild already had to put up a fight once.”

Vasco put a hand on her arm in comfort, her hand reaching for his in return as she wiped unshed tears with her free one. Cabral’s deep breath could be hear as she cleared her throat.

“If you want to join then he will not be able to touch you. I know Mildred McCoy and he was there the day you were taken, not as Guildleader but a captain then. If he knew you wanted to join he would fight for you to return, but already as a Naut? The King would not dare try anything.”

“Are your sure, Admiral? I know a lot had to of happened that day.” Sylvie asked with hesitation but the squeeze on his hand was encouraging, she wanted to join but was fearful of the King.

“I am.” Both gave her a moment to calm down and collect herself, her sniffles lessening after a few moments. The young woman’s head nodding in determination before she looked at Cabral, still full of emotions and hope.

“I want to, I want to return home.” Vasco’s heart soared and could not suppress the catch of his breath nor the look of admiration. The woman he... was sunk for, was truly going to be a Naut, they could actually try for a future! He raised their joined hands to kiss her knuckles as the Admiral spoke once more.

“Then I welcome you home and amongst your own, Sylvie. I will send someone to tell the tattooist he will be receiving you both, check in within an hour. Also, Captain Vasco, come see me on Tuesday at ten hundred; Sylvie, send me a message when you are free so we may discuss things further. I have time on Thursday and Friday. Otherwise you both are free.” The Admiral bid them as they got up to leave then, the room swirling with emotions as they all nodded and said a few last minute thank-yous.

They stepped outside and were hit with the heat once more, but neither cared as they started walking back to Sylvie’s apartment. In this moment Vasco realized they were still holding hands, their arms swaying with each step they took. Every once in a while they laughed as they dodged around people in the busy port and carts going to and fro the main street. The captain saw many do a double take as the duo walked on, the grin hidden by his hat’s shadow might as well been permanent at this point. And from the few glimpses he saw the legate was trying without much effort to hide her own.

Knowing it would be a good few minutes before they reached their destination, Vasco could not help but wonder about something.

“Sylvie, I’ve a question if I may?” He asked jiggling their hands.

“Ask away.”

“I understand the fear you have because of the King, and I know the nobility will talk after you get your tattoo… but what of your cousin? How will you tell him?” He was genuinely curious what the young governor would think. “In the beginning he seemed to be the carefree type and quite the troublemaker. I doubt he would be too upset with this?”

“I talked to Constantin about a great many of things, rest assured not the secrets.” Sylvie teased with a small hip bump. “But it was him who told me a short time ago to open up, and well, give someone a chance.” She took a deep breath. “As for the tattoo… I may have asked what his opinion was before going down to the harbor. He, he doesn’t believe he will be cured in time, and is understandably upset, but he does want me to be happy.”

Vasco held her tightly to him as she kept her composure while they were out in public. The Prince’s reasoning was sound even if it was under sad circumstances.

“I am sorry.”

“It’s ok. Con is at least supportive and won’t mind in the slightest if I have a tattoo to show for my family of the sea. And I just can’t bring myself to care for the nobility and their rumors.” Sylvie brought up their hands to rest his against her heart. “But I want to be there for Constantin, he is sick, and I cannot abandon him now.”

Vasco stopped them just before the d’Orsay square, hugging the corner to stay out of the busy street and rushing people. He looked her in her eyes before softly smiling as he held her shoulders.

“Sylvie, you do not have to live like us to apart of us, and I am willing to bet the meeting Cabral would like to have with you is to talk about this. Calm your sea.” The Naut gave her a quick kiss, not caring in the slightest about being out in the open where everyone could see.

The woman hummed with a smile, nodding as she gestured for them to continue on. They easily made the home stretch to the building, Sylvie unlocking the door to enter. The smell of fresh bread and cookies filled the apartment, Mary’s humming could be heard from the kitchen where the delicious mouthwatering food was. The legate quickly announcing their arrival to the housemaid before making her way to the stairs, pausing at the foot of them with an expression Vasco was now all too familiar with. It was the look she gave when she finally remembered something and would blurt it out before she forgot again. It amused him to no end since no one knew what the woman would say next, but usually it turned out hilarious.

“I’m going to go wash up some before we head back to port. There’s also a small thing I would like to talk to you about, but I’m sure you can’t wait to clean off too. Would you like to possibly go for lunch?”

“Sylvie, if you are asking me out again I’m going to have to decline.” The captain gave her a smirk at her slightly put off look, slowly making his way back to her side. He stepped up to her to wrap his arms around her and gave a mock sigh. “For I have already made plans to take this tempest of a woman, who has completely sunk me, out to our Naut tavern. If she would be ok with that.” He rocked them side to side nuzzling her neck.

“Someone is in a really good mood, and playful.” She teased him.

“Can you blame a man? When he was careened he felt as if his life was drowning and slipping from his grasp. Now? It feels as though he is regaining it all back, and more.” Vasco said the last part with fondness, holding her back to see her answer. “So? May I take you out for lunch before our ink date?”

“Aye, we shall.” A smack to his rear startled him as Sylvie laughed her way up the stairs, the sound making him smile as well. Only then did he noticed the kitchen door was wide open and their whole interaction was seen by Mary. The Naut straightened up as he caught then maid’s eye, but he needn’t say anything, the older woman waving him off. Though her expression was carefully neutral, Vasco did not care for it. He nodded once in acknowledgment as he started up the stairs, there were more important matters to attend to than worry over a maid’s approval.

~ ~ ~

“Captain! It’s good to see you!” A very surprised and excited Jonas greeted them as they walked into the Naut tavern, The Right Hook. The young man was seated with a few others of similar age towards the front of the place, some of the Sea-Horse crew overheard the joyous cabin boy and yelled their own hailing. Luaro and Flavia walking over to talk to him as Sylvie excused herself to find a table for them, smiling in reassurance. The tables were filling fast with Nauts coming in for lunch and they wanted to snag a table before they were all gone.

Vasco knew she would not prod him into walking along, if anything she would have pushed him into spending time with his family had he tried to follow. It warmed his heart to have someone so understanding.

“Good day, I see everyone is in port.” Vasco tired to keep his tone neutral, seeing the people he still considered his crew and family was bittersweet.

“Aye, and to be honest Cap’n, it was quite a shock seeing you grounded. We all wondered why.” Luaro said with concern, the others matching his worried look, the captain rested a hand on the older man’s shoulder.

“Alas Luaro, the Admiral’s decision is as mysterious as the Luminous, impenetrable…” He did not want to explain why he was force on shore nor did he want to lie, so truthful but invasive it was.

“That’s true, but the crossing went so well! Even the royals seemed happy.”

“Aye they did.” Flavia piped up wrapping an arm around her fellow crewmate’s shoulders, giving the few others a raised eyebrow. “Which leads to another question!” The woman pointed over to where Sylvie sat at, a table off to the side of the bar towards the wall. “Is that who I think it is?”

Vasco grinned, knowing exactly why they were all openly staring between him and the Legate. For the woman came with him in simple white blouse and tan trousers, though the attire was still far nicer than any Naut’s aside from Captains and higher ups. And his gifted hat sitting nicely on top, gold feather bouncing with every bob of her head. Friendly enough to wave down a waitress that seemed confused why a casually dressed upper class was dinning in a Naut tavern and wasn’t making a scene. After a few moments of all of them staring at Sylvie was returned with a wide smile as she nodding towards them.

“Yes, it is, and I’m surprised you all are so shocked. Was in not she who asked to swap the deck at one point?” Vasco ribbed the crew a bit.

“It was, but we all thought she was just bored, or doing it for shits and giggles.” Luaro said still stunned but then remembered who he was admitting this to and who it was about. “Not that we’re complaining! Her Excellency did help out and it was all in good humor!”

“At ease.” The Captain waved off everyone’s confused or worried looks. “Sylvie is not offended nor am I, in fact she shares the mutual humor of the irony. Now, why don’t we all go get some drinks and maybe say hello instead of gawking?”

Vasco clapped a few of the men on the back as he made his way over to the woman sitting at the table patently waiting in an amused manner. More than a few other Nuats in the tavern looked their way and hushed as he walked by, but he wasn’t bothered by them, none of the words whispered were hateful, only curious and harmless speculation at most. Jonas, Flavia, and Luaro followed closely behind chatting away to greet the royal. Their newest edition to the last voyage was Martim, a young gunner who was rarely seen on deck and stuck quite literally to his guns, seemed torn between sitting back down or tagging along.

He was a quiet lad who rarely showed any emotions outside of being content, never was angry or yelled, never got nasty with his fellow shipmates. The young man was easy natured but reserved, only engaging conversation when someone talked to him first. His chin length curly black hair and dusting goatee, Martim’s facial tattoos showed a Sea-Born with first year sailing experience; identical to Flavia’s but Vasco knew both of them had more years under their belts. His shirt and trousers were stained with gunpower and oil to the point no amount of scrubbing would help.

The captain was willing to bet that if he could get Sylvie to talk to the lad about cannons they would be the fastest of friends. The woman was fascinated about cannons and the comparison to guns.

So, one the other three Nauts were done greeting and laughing off their surprise, Vasco waved Martim over to introduce the two as they all sat down. Hiding a smirk as he introduced them and much to his amusement, they were swept up in talk about their favorite weapons. The young gunner pulling up a chair to sit between Flavia and Sylvie, shaking his head as he leaned back in his chair on her other side. A lesser man might have been a tad jealous or more reserved about their potential love talking to another let alone being the one to start the conversation. Vasco was not insecure about their growing relationship, he knew the laid back Legate had eyes only for him and would not intentionally flirt.

He says that only because they both knew Sylvie’s rather dry and dirty minded humor may accidently be taken for something more than it was.

“I prefer the high sea.” Flavia’s statement snapped him out of his musing, his sea sibling taking a drink from her flagon.

“I’m not going to complain, sailing small rounds to keep busy. At least we’re in port often for drinks!” Luaro laughed raising his with mirth, though the whole conversation confused him.

“Being on solid ground for too long aways made me feel a little too anchored. The island is beautiful, natives friendly enough, but off the coast is truly home.” Her words made everyone nod in agreement and it hit Vasco hard with longing, he even saw Sylvie bow her head when she thought no one was looking. Yet again she must of somehow knew he what he was feeling and caught his eye, her soft smile easing some of the ache away like lapping shore waves.

“Ahh that is true, it’s not a nice as our isle, but it’s better than some. At least we can breathe here.”

“What is your isle like?” Sylvie asked, that curious tone and look of wonderment she got anytime something caught her attention, but her voice reminded everyone at the table that there was an outsider here. The four other Nauts looked to each other in silent question on how they would answer before glancing to him.

“Did I cross a line?” Vasco did not care for the fret that replaced her excitement, nor was she an outsider any longer. Something that everyone in port would know about in the short hours to come, might as well tell his shipmates.

“No, Sylvie. Speaking about our isle to any outsider is kind of an unspoken taboo, off limits to non-Nuats so to speak. When asked we usually answer vaguely like how clear the water is, the cooler breeze, more ships then can be imagined, that sort of thing.” The captain explained, laying a hand over hers on the table next their shared appetizer plate. If the mood wasn’t so serious with the need to make the woman feel included and understand she would be welcomed, Vasco would have laughed at the stunned wide eyes, brows meeting hairlines, and dropped jaws.

“But you are not an outsider, and you should know about your people.” He smiled, only looking away once she accepted his words with a nod squeeze of his hand.

It was quiet with the tavern as background noise while the pair let the four occupants collect themselves or waited for the dam to break. Funnily enough it was Jonas who spoke up for the first time that broke the silence.

“Captain, Your Excellency, what did we miss?” The cabin boy was far too sweet and polite to laugh at the irony of the situation. So with great effort he began to explain the key parts of his time while on forced shore leave, in which he reevaluated and found himself again. How he could not have done it without the help of said woman sitting by his side and with Sylvie’s permission pointed out key points of their building relationship.

“Never thought I’d see the day you were sunk, Cap’n. You are a special one.” Flavia’s last words were pointed to a slightly blushing Sylvie.

“Guess you can say that about me too.”

“But what does this have to do with her knowing about her people? That would mean she’s a Naut… or marrying… Surely you’re yanking our ropes? No offense but I don’t get it.” Luaro asked but all Vasco could do was look to the woman in question, it was her story to tell.

“Marriage is a bit too early, we’re just barely figuring ourselves out.” She bit the inside of her cheek, glancing at him before speaking again. Looking each in the eyes as she did. “But, you would be correct on the first…umm. I’m a Naut.” At this point she was practically squirming in her chair, everyone could tell angst eating away at her. When no one started yelling or accusing, which the captain knew they wouldn’t, she continued. “I was born on one of your ships but raised a noble. Guess everyone can tell where this is going with the mark on my face.”

Sylvie’s dry joke was met with mixed emotions around the table, amusement was not one of them. It was Martim who spoke up and moved the conversation to a happier topic.

“Well, it’s a complicated and obviously personal matter, so why don’t we raise a drink to our new sister of the sea?” They grinned and knocked their flagons together, Vasco and Sylvie’s weren’t full of alcohol since they had an ink appointment, but they still toasted with them. And as each minute passed her posture relaxed as acceptance filled her being.

Chapter Text

Sylvie

As the evening grew closer and the heat of the day gradually receded, Sylvie sat in her chair by the a few feet away from the tattooist. It was quite the experience seeing her love with his eyes closed and head leaned back in his chair. The only thing indicating any emotion was his clenched hands on armrest, otherwise Vasco looked relaxed. The artist, Bert, answered all her questions since the captain was not allowed to talk due to the tattoo being done on his cheek.

The process was a technic called “stick and poke” originating from their eastern Naut family, the other being called the “bamboo” method. There were a few other ways depending on what country one lived in in the east like any other part of the world, but all were respected tradition with cultural stories surrounding them. The tools used were long along gifts from the Eastern Guild for the North Guild, though their tattoos were very different from the Nauts here.

After a good hour and forty minutes of nonstop needle and ink on skin, Vasco’s tattoo was finished, complete was a grinning puffy cheeked captain. His eyes shining with pride and joy as they landed on her. Bert handed him a small mirror for the man to see the newly inked skin.

“Well I feel more Naut than ever! What do you think?” Vasco asked as he stepped away from the chair towards her, the artist now cleaning his small table and setting up new kit.

“I believe I am at loss for words.” She smiled as she slyly got up to pressed her hands on his chest, whispering words only for him. “But I can, however, show my appreciation. Yes?” She got up on her tip toes to kiss him, mirth sparkling in her watery eyes. “Now it’s my turn, my Typhoon.”

“Such a teasing tempest you are.” The Captain’s voice was low, huffing playfully at her as they switched places. The artist now ready to start her session.

“Now for your turn. If I remember correctly, Admiral Cabral said you could pick either tattoo you wanted. Which do you want; Sea-Born or Sea-Given?” Bert’s face portrayed nothing while he asked, but the sting in her heart at having to choose was a deep one. Sylvie felt that it was wrong to take only one. So the sting faded quickly as she remembered Cabral’s words half an hour earlier.

‘If you feel this strongly and think you can handle the questions and hardship that is sure to follow with such a choice, then I don’t see why not. I will, however, notify Guildleader Mildred, some may not take too kindly even though you have every right to tell your story…’

The decision was easy.

“Both if you would please.”

Both men’s reaction was that of shock and confusion, but where Bert looked slightly curious, Vasco’s became hard to read as his hand settled on hers. It seemed as though a thousand words were left unspoken, his mind racing with thoughts, but only a twitch of his muscles betrayed his silence. After a few moment the captain nodded before he asked. “If I may, why both?”

“It feels wrong to choose when I am technically both; a Sea-Born but was taken away from my family, yet Sea-Given because I will be learning like those few who volunteered to join the Guild. It doesn’t feel right to claim my birth, nor do I feel less if I have the Given tattoos, but it doesn’t tell my full story.” Sylvie smiled, raising a hand to his lower cheek, mindful of his sore skin. “A certain Naut Captain once told me that the tattoos were one’s story, and each had a different one to tell. Here’s mine to match my mark.” She touched her birth mark, the mark that made her on ol menawi even if she still had a hard time accepting it.

A tear fell from his eye, racing down his cheek right over the new tattoo and onto her thumb.

“You are something else, Tempest.” Vasco turned his head to kiss her wrist before taking it to hold. “Best let the poor artist get started then.”

“Now captain, no tears or you ruin the work.” Bert huffed with a smile to lighten up the mood. “But as you wish, milady.”

“Now I am going to tell you want to expect and talk to you as we go, ok? Now, which side will be which?”

“My right side Born, left is Given, thank you.” Sylvie nodded as she relaxed. She leaned back when the man was done explaining the process and what to feel, closing her eyes as the man used his thumb and pointer finger to stretch the surface of the skin a tad to draw on the guidelines. Outwardly she looked calm and collected, her and Vasco’s holding hands and rubbing each other’s knuckles, but her mind was equally racing.

Once the needle started pricking her chin, the woman had no doubt about her choice made.

“Admiral, if you may have a moment?” Sylvie asked as she jogged to the office building, having caught the older Naut leaving. Most likely heading to wherever after work to relax after a hard day working. The look of confusion was not lost as Cabral turned to her, giving her full attention.

“Sylvie, what is it?” The younger woman worried her lip before she could catch herself.

“I had a few questions, no worries I am not backing down on the tattoo.” She tried to give the Admiral a reassuring smile. “I-I was wondering about the file and what little-”

“Sylvie, I am going to have to stop you right there. I cannot tell you the information until you are of high enough rank, you know this.” Her eyes were stern but not unkind, a hint of a smile and tilt of her head indicating they both knew of Vasco’s file. And what must have been a typical uneasy quietness soon followed by an upset sailor full of questions and challenge on why; was met with equal calm.

“I know, Admiral Cabral, but that wasn’t quite what I was going for. I was wondering about the name I had to been given. Sea-Givens get a name, Sea-Borns born on the ship do to. What was my Naut name?”

“That I can help you with, though I did not take part in those expeditions, but what little is on the file that is there. Might I ask why you wish to know?” Surprise filled her tone.

“I wish to use that name when I fully return home, when I abdicate from my position. Also, if I happen to be doing any more Naut missions in the future that is similar to Vasco’s loyalty one; it would be easier to separate the Legate De Sardet and Naut me. Using my first name is fine and all, but it is still a Congregation name, and I now know it’s double meaning.” The last part was sadden; for she had no clue if her adopted mother named her “Sylvie” as a small kindness to feel connected to both heritage and life lived, or if it was another twisted mind game.

She just didn’t know anymore, but she did know how she felt by the salt water, and she would go to it.

The older Naut smiled as she looked at Sylvie with something akin to warm respect. “And once again Vasco’s words speaks true of you, time and time again you have shown you are an invaluable ally and respectful. Very well. Your name is Marina, in our language, Nautical, it means ‘from the sea.’”

“Don’t tell me it hurts that bad.” Vasco’s voice cut through her memory, if it wasn’t for the tattoo being done on her chin she would have smiled. Sylvie opened her eyes to gaze lovingly at the man beside her, squeezing his hand and jiggling it a bit.

“Are you alright there?” Bert asked as he let up so she could speak.

“Yes, I am doing great. Just a lot of emotions and got caught up in a memory.” She reassured the two men.

“Hopefully a good one yes?” Her love asked.

“Yes. Definitely a good one, and I can’t wait to tell you. but let’s finish our tattoo first.

“Alright, milady, we are halfway through now. No different than the first half but I will warn you that the Given’s tattoo at the top will be a shocker. That tiny bit on the lip will sting worst than everything else. Ready?”

“Yes.” Sylvie leaned her head back once more, closing her eyes to get lost in another memory of how honored her felted to have this done.

 Sylvie shook as she stared at the Nadaiga taking up most of the entrance of the mout ot the cave off to her right. The beast was not as enormous as the one that burst from the ship in Serene, but it looked every bit as deadly. It’s strange slug like body that sat up and had literal with arms complete with razor sharp claws. The top part of the neck had some sort of spiked shell protecting the head, but the truly terrifying part was the tentacles that had sparks dancing up and down the length of them. And while she had no clue where it’s eyes were, Sylvie knew that the beast was staring right at her, watching her every move.

All she knew was that she needed to keep herself between it and the ship, if for some reason it came down to a fight the woman would give it her all to protect the man she grown fond of, and his – their fellow sea brother. But thankfully she did not have long to wait, and she heard Kurt make his way towards the ledge, softly she whistled to catch his attention, pointing out what was merely a hundred feet in front of them. The merc’s eyes widen for split seconded before looking back at Siora to warm her, her eyes going wide as well as she covered her mouth with her hands.

Slowly the islander made her way to Sylvie’s side, the beast suddenly hissed loudly but made no move, shock and awe written on her features. “It is a Nadagia Glendemen, the sea version of it’s inland cousin. Why he has not attacked is very… I am at loss of words. Did you bond with the sand here, ol on menawi?”

“No, Siora, it seems content to stay there so long as I don’t approach the cave. However, we have a slight problem.”

“What is it?”

“That right there would be the Captain, and it looks as though that is his journal next to him. I need to get to it.” Sylvie gave a grim look to her friend, not knowing exactly how to go about this situation, no good feeling came about it.

“It will not let you near it unless you bond with the land around it, there is not other way. To not do so would start a needless fight.” The edge in Siora’s voice made her bristle but as quick as it came it vanished, because Sylvie understood. Here she was, two and a half months in after setting foot on Teer Fradee, still struggling with the fact she was lied to about her birth, full of hate for the child abuse she went through, and fearful after discovering how close the Guardians and island natives where.

She would not give her blood unless she absolutely had to, she did not want to bond.

“Please follow me to the ship,” Sylvie looked over to Siora with sorrow, “there’s a sailor who is in dire need of healing.”

It did not take long, Kurt staying near the ledge where the entrance was since no one had a clue if the Nadaiga would “spook” if he moved. Meanwhile she helped the native swing in and onto the ship, it was difficult but manageable. Even though she had already seen horrors of the inside of the ship, poor Siora was doing her best to not gag at the sight and smells. When they were finally able to get to where Vasco was she helped them both climb up to the men. What seemed liked hours was no more than ten minutes, and the injured man was breathing steadier and looked less on death’s doorstep.

A sharp sting brought her back once more, but Sylvie did not flinch or grimace, only squeezing her love’s hand as he chuckled. She could faintly sense his presence as Vasco leaned towards her, lips on her temple

She stepped between the beast – Nadagia – and her little group, Vasco torn between going to her side and staying with his unconscious sea sibling. Siora keeping a sharp eye on her as Sylvie stood tall in the same spot, Kurt motioning for the three to make their way as quick as they can to him. When they did the Coin Guard helped them hoist up the injured Naut, it was a task none too easy with a five foot ledge and however many pounds the man weighed.

But the woman only had half an eye on what they were doing, more focused on the creature that fidgeted in the cave. ‘If only I could get that journal.’ Sylvie thought as she eyed the fallen captain, knowing it was a bad idea to try without considering help, or what her not-quite-but-maybe significant other. So she stayed until they had the man up on safe grounds, once that was done she looked over with questioning eyes. Siora grabbed Vasco’s arm once his eyes went wide with realization, the native woman whispering something to him; from the looks of it she was telling him the same thing said to herself. No one but Sylvie stood a chance of approaching, but she really wasn’t in the mind to bond with the land and be one step closer to becoming one of these guardians.

The look in the Naut’s eyes almost did her in, almost reeled herself back to their side.

They needed the journal.

With one final glace at the Glendemen she bowed her head and took careful steps forward. Every little noise seemed louder in her ears, the shift of the creature making her flinch, one foot slowly followed another. Steady breath to keep her heartbeat calm, eyes still casted down. ‘Halfway to the goal now, just a little farther.’

Soon she was crouching down picking up the waterlogged and old blood crusted book, Sylvie protectively held it to her chest as she crawled back. Not once did she dare look up or turn her back, following the hurried whispers from her companions. When Sylvie turned around she was stopped by a wall of leather, hands and her shoulders as amber eyes bore into her..

“Don’t… don’t do that again. That was far too risky… you could have been killed.” Was it just her or did she hear his tone falter?

“I won’t. I promise.” Sylvie quietly made out, what more they wanted to say was interrupted by the other two motioning for them to get moving. No one really wanted to stay in the cave any longer than they wanted to.

“And there we are, freshly done and ready to show off.” Bert said with a wide smile, handing her the same mirror he had handed Vasco. The newly inked design was beautifully done, the color of turquoise to match her mark in any case she received rankings that went close to them. It swirls and flow fit naturally and seemed as though they were meant to be there all along. Where Vasco had the top of his mouth tattoo, she did not. Sylvie looked over to her… ‘by the seas what do I call him? They weren’t lovers, but they were slowly courting.’ Either way the man had been quiet as she gently touched the skin around her new tattoo and seemed overflowing with barely concealed emotions.

“Well, what do you think? I feel more Naut now.” Her rephrasing of words kicked him into moving, bring her up to stand with him to kiss her. It was full of heat but light since everything was tender.

“Beautiful, the color fits you well.” He chuckled. “We are ink siblings now!”

…

“Uhh, Vasco.” She put her hands on his sides to look playfully stern at him. “If we are to…court? We are so not using that term.”

A brief flicker of confusion fell across his face till what he said dawned on him.

“Oh.”

Sylvie giggled as the tattoo artist bellowed out a laugh, quickly congratulating them both and shooing them out. Both walking hand in hand as they exited, walking from the back of the building where some of the other loading docks were, along the side to front so they could get to the main street. As they did so a few Nauts greeted them and did a double, squinting to see if their eyes were seeing right. She did have to give some credit, the sun had went down and her tattoos were a lighter color.

Speaking of which, as they neared the gate into the city; she could spot a certain Coin Guard waiting prop up again the wall.

“I may have sent a runner that told him an estimation of how long it might take.” Vasco hummed as they waved at the man walking to them with interest and a shake of his head.

“Well, well, Green Blood. You will stir up the nobility with that.” Kurt huffed out with a quirk of a smile. “Let me see.” His eyes widen some. “You have half of each?”

“Yes, it felt like the right thing to do.” They walked along the mostly calm street back to her apartment. A few lantern carriages being pulled as men used long poles to light the oil lamps on the street poles for the night. A few when nod their greetings as they passed by.

“That will raise many questions, but I know you know this already, right?”

“Do you have to ask? We both know how much she over thinks, Solider.” Sylvie shouldered the Naut Captain with a smirk, knowing she couldn’t deny it even if she wanted to.

“No, but tomorrow’s ball will be interesting for sure.” At Vasco’s exclamation of “ball” and her wince the merc gave a dry laugh. “What? She did tell you?”

“I was waiting to ask him, Kurt.”

“Oh no! Petrus is going; Aphra may be there, but who knows since the experiments she’s doing are complicated and she’s close to… something; Siora wants to, show strength of her people; so that laves your dear Sailor.”

“I don’t even know the first thing about a damn ball! You sure it’s not the one you play in the street with?” The Naut on her right maneuvered over closer to her to glare at Kurt.

“Positive.” Said man on her left did the same.

“See? I didn’t even know the difference.”

“Are you two done? I need space please.” Sylvie wiggled her way out of their line of banter fire. She sighed turning to Vasco as they continued walking. “I was going to ask you while I told you what I was tearing up about over dinner.”

“I… would like to talk about it.”

“I know.”

The rest of their walk was peaceful, the quiet that surrounded them was not uncomfortable as they neared the ugly green door. Something she had been wanting to repaint but never remembered to ask about it being done. Stepping up the few steps to unlock the door the smell of dinner filling the house greeted them. It was then she and Vasco were reminded that they had not eaten since lunch almost five hours ago, and that was a small appetizer. The men removed their coats and hats as Sylvie trotted ahead in the kitchen to see what smelled so good. Mary beamed up at her as she sat down the cheese puffs on the counter.

For the moment it seemed as though everything was peaceful and right, puzzle pieces coming together fitting just right. She would not ruin this moment with talk of stuffy nobility and their balls, no, she would wait till after dinner.

~ ~ ~

Vasco

Dinner went by rather quick, both captain and newly joined Naut ate much and laughed with Kurt on any funny subject. Mary was mostly working around the kitchen putting food away for later or cleaning, but Sylvie would not let the housemaid work too hard since there was no reason to be in a hurry. And as per usual, the royal – could they really say that? – would tell her to take some of the leftovers for her family. Not that the woman underpaid her staff, but it was something she seemed to feel was right about. Vasco would not complain or stop her, there were few nobles like the one currently shooing away her master of arms to go get some sleep.

Glancing at his pocket watch, it was a tad pass nine, not too late, but today was quite long. And it seemed as though tomorrow was going to be quite busy. So he lounged on the couch by the unlit fireplace as he waited, leaning his head back to rest his eyes. Within a few moments he could hear her light steps draw near, she must have been trying to make some noise to keep from startling him.

“Well,” Sylvie started with a small chuckle as she dimmed down the oil lamp on the side table, “we finally have a minute to ourselves.”

“Aye, we do. So, what did you want to talk about first?” Vasco questioned as he stretched out his legs, propping one up on the coffee table. Without even meaning to the captain put an arm on the back of the couch, a silent invitation for her to sit close if she chose to. It was something that felt natural, but he took no offense when Sylvie gently sat down by his hand, putting hers over it. He would not push.

“Well, I have some good news, I want to start with that. Then I wanted to ask you about us, what we are, or what to call this. Because it may have something to do with the ball tomorrow, which was what I was trying to ask all day.” She smiled. “I totally understand if you do not wish to go, you are not forced to.”

“As much as I was ribbing Kurt, and I know I will be a tad uncomfortable, I will go. But let’s hear the good news first.” Vasco nudged her, curious as to what she had to say.

“Well, as you know, I did leave your side during your session for a second. It was to ask Admiral Cabral about something, it felt important.” The only time she would sail around a topic was when she was unsure about something. But in those cases Sylvie was nervous, here she was beaming. So he remained silent to urge her to continue. “After helping you discover your origins, I knew there had to be a file on me too, no matter how sparse it would be. So, I asked her what my name was the Nauts gave me.”

He felt his stare grow intense as he sucked in a breath, her body seemed to buzz with each word.

“My name is Marina.” If possible the smile on her face grew wide as watery eyes shone with much emotion. The name was beautiful, and he sat himself up some to encourage her to come closer so he could take her into his arms. She did so with no hesitation, both fully facing each other. It reminded Vasco of their swim and how close they had been then, eyes soft as hands left comforting touches.

“Do you know what it means?” The captain asked quietly.

“Cabral said that in your Nautical language it meant “of the sea.””

“Aye, it does. And I think it is perfect.” He rested their foreheads together. “For someone I wish to court.”

Her eyes teared up, letting out a shaky breath before she kissed him tenderly. Their hands rubbing over each other’s back, side of their heads, cheek, or in his case an arm coming around her middle back to brace them. Deeping their embrace. It was not heated but it still felt something warm and soothing over his skin. They broke apart after a few more moments to catch their breath, settling down into a more comfortable position. Vasco resting back as she sat beside him, head and hand on his shoulder as she leaned on him.

“Now I am assuming comes the fun part: the ball?” He chuckled. “Since we established the second item on the docket without trying to.”

“Ahh, yes. The horrendous thing us nobles must attend to but make it look like we are enjoying it. It’s truly a nightmare.”

Sylvie swatted him playfully when he gave a mocking horrified look.

“No, truly. It is.”

Chapter Text

First thing; when Sylvie said that getting ready for the ball would be tedious, she really wasn’t kidding. He knew that his everyday coat and tricorn would not do even if the worn hat was a sign of experience for Captains, but it was not in new condition expected of nobility. When he had went down to the harbor to collect his more formal outfit for special events he was shooed away in similar fashion the Legate did Kurt the previous night. It was then said man came walk up to him to drag Vasco to one of the tailor shops, only then realizing the woman must have put in the order in advance.

It almost took everything not to fuss like a cabin boy and fight the merc, though the outfit picked was quite handsome, even if it was all fabric that he wasn’t used to.

Vasco looked once more in the circle mirror over the dresser that had been bought to replace the other one. It amused him how the guest room was slowly transforming from ridged nobility to a more sailor theme. At least if there were any snoopers they couldn’t scream scandal so loud. Which made him wonder how they would work things out when things picked up in their courtship. Right now, however, he was mostly focused on smoothing out his cream color shirt as he put on the black vest with gold buttons and wave designs, adjusting the shirt collar. It complemented the Naut blue coat with identical gold buttons on the cuff and waves around the shoulders down to the chest. His black iron pressed trousers and polished boots made everything else stand out.

And by some miracle the tricorn to go with it all was simple yet took nothing away, flat ebony with golden embroidery. The brim was not quite as wide as what the captain was used to, but he had a feeling Sylvie had a hand in helping make matters easier.

Second thing; when she said that there was going to be snobby men and women alike looking down their noses and elegantly insult you, she wasn’t joking. Only arriving a few minutes ago and Vasco already overheard none too quiet whispers and glares. It was old and worn out words that he heard so much for so long hat he ignored them, but what got on his nerves was how they were starting gossip and rumors about untrue things.

“Look, isn’t that the Naut ambassador in Lady De Sardet’s entourage?”

“Indeed, how mystifying might I say.” One snickered purposely before she covered it. “I hear her entourage travel much. I even saw the Lady disembarked off a ship not too long ago.”

“Oh I do hope nothing has happened. Explaining that to one’s future betrothed.”

“It does raise many questions, doesn’t it?”

Vasco continued to look more interested in the appetizer table than the rude older women talking like so about their Legate. Which lead to the third thing Sylvie warned him about; there would be talks of marriage and matching like as if they were all show cattle than people. The man wanted to fume but was surprisingly save from him barking at idiots so soon by the Bishop.

“Come, my child, lets see ourselves to greet the Prince and Governor, the Legates cousin. He would love to see us, wouldn’t he?” Petrus said in that cultivating low baritone voice. His words ringed a tad louder for the gossiping group of women to hear, making them fall silent as the two men moved on. They made their way towards the stairs leading up from the first floor greeting room to the Governor’s room on the second floor. Only once they were on the landing of the stairs did the older man turn to Vasco as he breathed in a sigh.

“I am not good at dealing with crap nobility likes to bring, only enough for sailing my ship. Even then, my ship was cargo and occasionally some merchants.” The captain admitted with a grim look. “She is their Legate, how can they cast judgment when they don’t know her personally? Says about their character.”

“As it may be, it is how the politics of this world works. I am sure your higher ups in the Nauts work similar, but not quite so profligate.”

“Aye, doesn’t make it any less tolerable. Lady De Sardet has done much for all involved, no excuse be disrespecting her so.”

“Especially within ear shot of someone in her entourage.” Petrus hummed. “Which was why I stepped in, I figured you doing so would have been less subtle my son.”

“Can say that.” He chuckled as they continued on, walking up the last few steps to the double doors. “And then we would all hear it for a good while on how we were down one companion, all because he couldn’t play nice while she was away.”

“Certainly.” The older man said before dropping his tone low so only they could hear. “It would have been disheartening to see her without a dance partner.”

“I have no idea what you are meaning.” Vasco’s face grew stony, slowing his walk as they neared the Governor’s long table. The table having replaced the desk to sit both the Prince and his cousin for the evening, along with a few other long tables around the outer edge of the room with refreshments for the dancers.

“I’m sure you don’t. Like how you don’t know about the kiss in the street? Come now.” The Bishop glanced at him with a knowing look. “And I did noticed a certain new addition to her countenance last evening.”

“And how would you know any of this?” He tried not to grind his teeth at the poking.

“It is very hard not to when the main street does go by the Theleme embassy.”

“And your point? Why would you care?” Thankfully the Prince was occupied with speaking to some other noble, the Naut doubted his face was masking his expression.

“My child, I do not mind. It is… something else to see one find their home again.” Vasco’s head snapped to the man but was waved off before he could question any further. “It is not that difficult to puzzle together. A newborn around the palace in which I was stationed at, with a birthmark oddly similar to the natives of the island, and the only way that could happen is by ship?”

His heart sank; as much as he wanted to be angry at yet another person knowing Sylvie’s story and not tell her, he couldn’t. It was… words couldn’t describe it and Vasco was glad she wanted to sail again. He would love nothing more than to whisk her away from here.

“I did not tell you this to upset, merely so you understand. I am here on Teer Fradee to help in any way I can after all, not so unlike her?”

“Then tell this to her, she’s had enough people know more about her than she does.”

With that Vasco left the Bishop to pay the Prince his visit, he was already parched from the dancing of words, and the night was still young. He was more content waiting by the table near the window, the view of the darkening city with the harbor just beyond the rooftops. The last rays of sunset being swallowed up as dusk settled in. A few of the windows were cracked open to let in air to circulate the room, but it was in vain since the sea wind was calm and the dead of summer was on.

He mused himself as he saw Aphra walk in to greet a few of her colleges on the other side of the room, her outfit was that of upper class in Al Saad but not quite as one would with nobility per say. It was a two piece; puff shoulders for the crop top, and loose trouser design with an outer layer ground length skirt, complete with extremely high heeled shoes. Vasco honestly wonder how the scholar walked in those. He hope Sylvie wasn’t in something like that.

The woman was intelligent and could talk rifles with him all day, but the few times they did speak when visiting the palace the Captain was put off but her lack of emotion so to speak.

The Bridge Alliance was not known for being sympathetic, quite often the Nauts were looked at like things of study recently and it always unnerved him. Aphra did not have that look, but when it came to talks about compromising with the natives, there was always this… blank look. Like when Sylvie would try to use her diplomatic training and sway someone through emotions and pulling heart strings, she might as well have poked a wall. Though in the scholar’s eyes there was some curiosity, so maybe she wasn’t all that harden like her fellows? Not yet a least?

Whereas Aphra ran on logic and science, Siora was all emotion and senses. The two women having clashed horribly when they first met, it was an interesting day for all in the palaces greeting room. Both had good points, but neither could compromise due to respect, love, passion, and pride for one’s own people. Which was why it was amazing how Sylvie seemed to be the best of both. For the Legate made decisions based on logic but when a situation required it she did allow her feelings to show and compromise. It was this balancing that made Vasco respect her more.

Speaking of the tempest. He could see her finally entering with a quite wide eyed and curious Siora behind her.

Siora’s dress was beautifully done, and dark midnight blue one shoulder dress with an A-line design, without the crinoline that made the skirts puffy. On the shoulder there was fur and leather strips, and a leather waist corset that didn’t look restricting. Completed with an earthy color shawl wrapped around her frame flowing with each step. In all it was eye catching and symbolized her people with grace. Vasco wondered what other type of dresses the islanders wore since this was the first time he’s ever seen any wear one.

So caught up in his admiration of the unique and one of a kind dress, he missed a sly figure slide up to his side. A woman’s voice teasing him.

“Distracted are we?” The captain was proud to admit he didn’t startle too terribly, tensing slightly. “Calm my dear Captain, it is a really pretty dress.”

“Aye, it is. Was wondering how her clan made it.” Vasco cleared he throat, grabbing two drinks from the passing waiter. Tall wine glasses with something fruity and sparkly, not his type of drink but it’ll have to do. He handed one to Sylvie as she smiled at him, tapping her glass to his quickly before he could do anything. Too caught up in staring at her tattoo that he still couldn’t believe was real, and at a ball showing it off no less.

“It was fun helping her get ready for the ball, tis why I am a tad late. No trouble so far right? Everything bright and shiny with rainbows?” He chuckled at that, both knowing it was the opposite. “Come now, let me go say hi to by dear cousin and then we can dance, or relieve the dessert table of its chocolate cookies.”

Sylvie snagged his arm as they finished their drinks, setting them down on the empty plater the waiter brought over. Her steps making sharp clicks that surprised him. ‘How was she able to sneak up on me?’ Following after her to go greet her cousin, Vasco was for the third time mesmerized by a dress.

The dark blue and rich gold matched his coat like as if they were meant to be… now that he thought about it, they did match! The top part around the bust was three levels of gold embroidered waves, then a faded one wrapping around her waist. The fluff of the dress did not start at the hips like the other women but lower, mid-thigh, allowing a better view… of her decently round rear. He almost grew warm in the face considering she was the only one wearing such a snug fitting dress, the night was bound to get interesting for sure. However, it did seem that a shoulder-less dress was the new style for younger noblewomen much to the dismay and disapproving parents.

The captain didn’t mind, he liked Sylvie’s rather toned shoulders and popping back muscles. Wait… where were her scars?

“… make a sea pun but I fear I would blunder.” Constantin’s voice cut through with cheer as a hand was gently placed on Vasco’s shoulder, an amusing but questioning look on his face. Well now there was no getting around him being caught staring like a fish out of water.

“Apologies, I meant no offense. Only good thoughts on such a unique and pretty dress.” He cut off the last word a tad too short, his breath hitching when he looked at Sylvie and saw white pearls noticeable through locks of hair pulled back. Hoping he didn’t blunder too terribly in front of the Prince and few nosey nobles, but the woman’s reassuring smile was all he needed.

“Oh none of that, Captain Vasco! You speak the truth, it is a new trend for next year, so I hear, and Her Excellency agreed to be the first to try it on and give feedback. Nothing but the best for my lucky star. Wouldn’t you agree?” Though the man’s voice was bubbly with a smile, his eyes where almost calculating. Especially when they flickered between the two. ‘What could that mean?’

“Yes, Your Highness.” He didn’t know what else to say; how could he disagree?

Just then the music picked up and people were applauding as they laughed, a few couples being dragged to dance, Sylvie chuckled but made no move to join in.

“Remember this one Con? Lady Lillyhill had one too many drinks and spun too fast, landing on her rear.”

“Ahh yes. She deserved it after saying such a mean thing to you. Hoped her scandalously raised dress revealing she wore no stockings, showing her legs, was enough to hush her. Sure enough she kept quite after that.” Constantin joked, but he seemed off, more mocking than what Vasco remembered. The woman beside him noticed too but tried to steer the conversation to something happier.

“Why don’t you go dance? You seem to be feeling better with the medicine Catasach is giving you.”

“No, no. No dancing for me, I have a few other lords and ladies to meet. A table of appetizers are also calling my name, maybe even some more sparkling wine they are serving.” The prince laughed off, waving her away. “How about you go dance for me? Shock the stuffy older nobles with your fitted dress?”

“You are terrible, cousin.” Sylvie smiled as she started walking away, catching Vasco’s eye in silent question to follow her, he did so without much prompting. Something was clearly going on between the two cousins, and they knew it too. The pair walked over to the dessert table and picked up a small saucer each to place their bite size treats. The Captain may have swiped a few more cookies, eventually pausing by the window out of the way to snack.

“I am glad Catasach is here too,” the woman suddenly said, “Siora is doing so well but I feared her being alone.”

“The little she-wolf, that Kurt likes to tease her with, can handle herself. I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to try anything.” Vasco said motioning to the crowed room before them.

“Oh no, I know she can, and it would cause too much attention for someone to do something. I meant that she would feel lonely, a stranger here with no one to lean on.”

“She has you, as do we all.”

“I may have their looks, but I was raised vastly different. I know nothing of their ways, life, culture; I’m learning but I don’t wish to bond with the land. Not when I hear the call of the sea far stronger.” Sylvie explained with sorrow in her voice before clearing her throat, mask firmly in place. “But enough of that. I must go speak with Aphra and then see Catasach and Siora… then mingle. Ugh.”

“My, my. So busy, one might think you were readying to go out in the morning tide.” He teased.

“Don’t tempt me, Admiral Cabral just might have a stowaway tomorrow.” They chuckled before the Legate made a small nod with her head. “It was good speaking with you, Captain. I have rounds to make.” She added lower with a wink. “Try not to cause too much trouble.”

With that Vasco was left to his own devices, he really meant it when he said she was what they had. The painful distancing everyone was from the other was noticeable.

Looking back on the memories of their small crew in comparison to now, Sylvie was the ropes that tied them all together. She was the one who balanced them all since everyone was in the group and helping for their own reasons. Yes it was for a common goal, whatever that was, but still separate reasoning keeping them there. If it wasn’t for the Legate compromising or helping opposing sides see a middle ground, they would not have stayed for as long as they have. Vasco knew for a fact that if she hadn’t helped him or respected the Nauts he would not have stayed for long. Now here he was, status restored and could sail right now if he wanted to, but he didn’t. He wanted to stay and see where their story led.

But that was the finny thing wasn’t it? He knew where it could lead, a future already being thought on, and even though they haven’t said out loud yet, he could not wait for that day.

So, for a few hours into the evening he wandered about the room bored out of his mind, talking with Siora for a moment, and then a small distraction in the form of nosey ladies asking for stories. Which would have been fine if they kept it at the stories part in stead of coyly asking about the Guild’s secrets. Vasco shook his head slightly, he wasn’t too sure about them playfully touching his arm either. After a while he then went downstairs again to see if he could spot Kurt. While the Naut Captain could understand the tension and tolerance of the three upstairs, he liked to think he and the merc were slowly getting on better terms now. It’s only been a few weeks since the coup, but it seemed as though the Coin Guard was cleaning up and trying to right their wrongs. But right now the only guards he’s been spotting were palace and a few royal guards. Where was Solider?

He passed by a few more nobles who gave him mixed looks and whispers that followed in his wake. Every once and again he heard the belittling remarks made towards his person, and each time he bit his lip from chewing them off. How could these people think that just him being here had somehow cheapened the ball? Vasco appreciated some of the dresses worn and the styles some men had, but he was not interested in any of them. How the fuck could he be a “Naut Whore” if he’s only been with five people in his life? Seas, he didn’t even sleep with one of them. He looked a bit, sure, but at least he wasn’t off in some corner arranging contracted marriages like some of the fathers were doing. Or the mothers speaking about one’s child like they weren’t good enough for so-and-so therefore they had to settle or so-and-so. Or messing around with one of the nobles somewhere before sneaking back.

Shameful. Vasco wasn’t about to jump into bed with any of them, so it didn’t matter.

In fact it mattered little, they would never know him and he was happy with that, the only person he cared to hear the opinion of was his tempest of a woman. Whose bodyguard he was looking to badger. Ahh there his was, a dozen or so feet away from Sylvie… and looking out of place with his armor amongst silk and satin.

Vasco smirked, he knew exactly what to say.

The Coin Guard was in a weird mix of uniform and armor, almost like his regular blue-silver gambeson he wore. This one, however, was midnight with a dark gold almost amber trimming, the metal just as dark. The weirdest thing was seeing he man without his huge great sword or hat, with his trimmed haircut he almost looked like an entirely different man. As much as Vasco hated walking around the stuffy nobles and dressed in an equally stuffy outfit, the opportunity was too good to pass up. The Naut quickly adopted his sailor’s walk, that had begun to wane since being on land for so long, to annoy the merc even more. Smirking when he saw when the other man noticed him snice the scowl was a dead giveaway.

“So, you look…” Putting a finger to his chin in mocking thought.

“Don’t, Sailor.” Kurt growled out but it sounded more like a dreaded grumble.

“Now hold up, I’m merely thinking the right word for this.”

“Hurry it up so I have something better.” The man stepped to the side, the Naut followed. Funnily enough Sylvie hadn’t seen him slink up to the bodyguard; Vasco wouldn’t complain since this gave him free rein to poke at Kurt. “I got it! Distinctive. You look quite distinctive for a ball.”

“Is that really the best you have to offer?” The raise eyebrow said more than the tone did as he folded his arms.

“Well, I could say peculiar, but that would be rude since you’re not strange or unusual, Soldier.”

“Says your face.” There was the banter Vasco was waiting for! He grinned.

“I say my face speaks fine. I still have a hat at least.”

“Really cute coming from a Captain not wearing his actual tricorn.” Kurt shook his head but now he was hiding the quirk of a smile instead of scowling. “What are you really doing here bugging me?”

“Got bored upstairs and I rather not listen to any noble shit.” The Naut said bluntly, the other wouldn’t mind and it was easier than filtering one’s words. “How’s things down here?”

He was met with a snort. “Not that much of a difference, only changed levels and scenery. What was said that got you all worked up?”

“Rather not say, they’re not worth my time.” Both men grew quiet as a few nobles walked by, Vasco step to the other’s side to speak lower, hoping to be more private.

“And what is worth your time?” The Naut could care less for the knowing smirk casted his way. “A certain woman in a certain dress whose name or title I shall not mention?”

“Ha. Ha. Very funny.” Now he was being laughed at.

“What? It is funny. I’ve been walking around the perimeter and watching her back like I always do at these sort of things. And what do I notice?” Kurt nudged him. “What do I notice? You.”

“Yes, me. And tell me, just how interesting am I? I thought your door didn’t swing that way, I’m flattered I’m your type.” It was his turn to smirk now though it didn’t last for long.

“No, just interesting how you looked quite lost up there while she was mingling with the others. Then how she made her way down here, not even fifteen minutes passed before you did too.” The guard shook his head cutting his protest off. “You have it bad and don’t even realize it, do you? The few gossiping I’ve heard wasn’t all from her dress, Sailor.”

“You take stock in rumors, Kurt? I didn’t know you had it in you.” He sooo did not come over to get needled, he wanted to do the needling dammit!

“Dodging the point man.” The merc shook his head. “Why don’t you go and pick out something for her to munch on? It’s been a bit.”

“You just want to get rid of me, fine. I shall recue the blushing Legate.” Vasco joked with an eye roll. Both knew she was no blushing girl nor did she need rescuing, but Sylive was a tad red in the face from the warm room and constant talking. The Naut walked over to the small refreshment table, grabbing a plate to put a few strawberries and grapes on it, along with fruit from the island. Carefully tucking it close to his person to avoid someone bumping into it, he made his way over to where Sylvie was with an older man currently lecturing on about something. Could not have been too important with the carefully neutral expression she wore that bordered on falling asleep. He politely excused himself and told the nobleman that the Lady Legate was needed and proceed to lead her off to a more secluded aera to breath, but the man insisted on having the last word.

“Please think on it, the arrangement would prove most beneficial to both our houses.” The dark hair man said. The overly oiled, slicked back hair that match his lecherous look; his stance was aggressive with hands either stroking his short beard or playing with the chain of his pocket watch. Vasco did not care much for this man speaking like so.

“Once again I must decline, if you believe my cousin, Prince Constantin d’Orsay, will over countermand my decision. Then by all means, please speak with him.” The woman turned to walk with him but the man spoke up once more. This time Vasco did not hide his dislike or glaring.

“Maybe I should have gone to His Highness first, he is technically the man of the house here on Tir Fradi.” He huffed before looking down at the Naut, then turning he gaze back to the tightly controlled woman. “And I can see your steadfastness has strayed from the Congregation’s best interest.”

“And what would that be? Good sir.” The captain bit out, Sylvie’s hand resting on his elbow, a gentle reminder of where they were and who’s fight it was. Sadly, he knew this was something she would have to deal with, like if roles were reversed and he had to deal with a snort nosed Naut going after him. Didn’t make listening to this any better.

“Stay out of this, it is already questionable why the Legate of all people in the Merchant Congregation would dare mar themselves so. Who is she loyal to? What statement is she making? She-”

“Can speak for herself.” Sylvie snapped out. “It is truly none of your business. I know my loyalties, and my duty; I perform them every day. My answer is no, and I will not be questioned a moment longer. We are done here.” Then she was looking to him silently pleading to leave. Silently she followed him up the stairs to the second floor, ducking behind a group that was near the door saying their goodnights, and slipped through the glass doors out onto the balcony. Catching their breath once they stopped.

“Well, that was quite interesting to say the least.” Vasco said, lost for words to describe what he just saw and heard.

“Did you really just say “Lady Legate?” Sylvie chuckled. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before and judging by his face neither has he.”

“Well, the more he knows.” He laughed handing her the plate of goods. “Need a boost? I know after hearing that I sure do. Prick.”

“Yes, I was starting to grow irritable. One thing I have about these later balls is that there’s no dinning. People get hungry regardless of class thank you.” She bit into a strawberry, the soft moan escaping her went straight to his loins. Vasco shifted to try and ease the sudden tension.

“Seems that you wont have to tolerate any more idiots for the night, they’re starting to leave.” The captain pointed out as a few more people left. “So, now we have the rest of the night to ourselves.”

“We do.” A yawn cracked her jaw, watery eyes wavering a bit before she smiled at him. “Thank you, Vasco. For being here, at the ball, it meant a lot to me. You didn’t have to but you came.”

He swallowed the lump in his throat, not really sure what to so except that he didn’t see her do the one thig she said they could do.

“Sylvie,” it was weird not calling her by her name all night, “would…” his eyes darted around to make sure no one would interrupt them. When he looked back at her, he had her full attention, plate set aside on the stone railing of the balcony.

“Yes? What’s wrong?” Worry filled her person as she drew herself up, which wasn’t at all what he wanted. So in a smooth motion Vasco stepped back one step and slightly bowed, one hand behind his back as the other reach forward. All elegant like how the other men did it during the ball. Sylvie’s eyes going wide even before he was able to say the words.

“Nothing wrong. Would you have this dance with me?” Keeping his body still even though he was shaking with unknow and mixed feelings alike. The unshed tears in her eyes as she held her hand to take his, slowly, hesitantly accepting. It was heartfelt and Vasco was glad he waited until this moment the ask her.

No words were needed as the two slowly danced to the sound of a sleeping city, twinkling stars, and calm sea waters in the distance. They stepped in tantum, resting their foreheads together, the captain unconsciously humming a soft tune. Some sea shanty he heard from his youth about love or romance, something of the sort, that fit this instant. Vasco paused them for a second to gesture for a twirl, the woman giggling under her breath as she wore a large smile. It was perfect. They were perfect.

Dancing together with the flow of ocean waves.

Chapter Text

Vasco

Weeks rolled by as Vasco stayed along Sylvie’s side, traveling to both Hikmet and San Matheus with the rest of the land crew to solve problems, helping nearby villages, and little errands alike for both. It did and didn’t make much sense to the Naut; on one hand he knew everything Sylvie was doing helped boost relations with the Congregation as a middle ground, but on the other it seemed as though all these problems could be dealt with if the governor’s own people put more effort into trying.

Not to mention the looks the Legate was now getting, it unnerved Vasco when she spoke with Governor Burhan.

When greeting the man there was a slight pause and softly spoken “how curious” before quickly recovering with a loud welcoming. As she explained some findings along with Aphra, it was like as if the man was not really listening, just hearing her out as he stared right at her tattoo. Sylvie did a great job hiding it, but he could now see her little quirks while dealing with court matters. For this instance, she held her hands behind her back, feet firm, her undivided attention given; but she twiddled her thumbs the entire time. The captain did not know the scholar too well to judge how she was reacting but given her darting eyes he knew even she was puzzled by this interaction.

While they traveled by caravan and camped in relatively safe spots, the team let the actual paid guards keep watch. Usually there were three to five carts with various people traveling from city to city. Sylvie would speak with any that were fellow countrymen, whether that was merchants or commoners alike, the woman wanted to know how everyone was doing under her cousin’s rule. Asking questions and answering concerns; doing what she did best.

Later during those trips she would check on their crew to make sure they too were alright, it was tiresome at times but they all knew it was because she cared for each. Aphra was her ally even if the two haven’t warmed up enough to become friends, the captain knew the all-time professional mask and bunt facts was a bit off putting; but maybe in time they would since Sylvie was true too? Siora he knew she cared for because she was truly curious and highly respectful of her culture and people, but the shock and denial still ran strong which started causing a rift between the two. Petrus seemed to be the hovering almost grandfatherly type, but Sylvie had no real clue why and was a bit apprehensive since she knew of his sly ways. Kurt was like the big brother she never had, Constantin was younger than her by two years, and it was refreshing for her to following someone else every once in a while. Usually during Coin Guard related missions or training with the merc.

As for him? Vasco was just glad she would step a tiny bit closer with her head bent a little more towards him when speaking. Her whole demeanor soften and the quirk of her lips where the others couldn’t see. Every few nights she would dare sit closer to him by the fire when everyone else was asleep, leaning against his shoulder and talking. Sometimes it was good things like the sea, his ship, favorite food; sometimes more serious like their political views or pasts. At first this confused Vasco since most would not talk so soon about such sensitive topics, but Sylvie stated how she saw no reason to prolong it, and then find out after a while that the person you really liked and grew fond of wasn’t compatible with you. “Why waste each other’s time and get hurt because you didn’t speak on the important matters?”

The captain couldn’t argue with that. Only thing he did want to argue on was them not laying together. Vasco wanted to hold her and actually sleep with the woman he was sunk for, but he respected and knew her reasons for taking this slow. He also suspected that maybe this was her first relationship where she was able to truly be herself, to choose for herself. So, they continued onward to the next city and spent nights together by the fire and stargazing.

San Matheus was only marginally better when they arrived a few weeks later. Vasco was sure at one point an overzealous Ordo Luminas was going to cry, or scream, heresy.

The Mother Cardinal was gracious enough to ignore the new edition to Sylvie but the brother next to her looked ready to say something. Oh how he wished but knew better, it would strain the situation even more. But no one stopped him from glaring back. This time the Legate did not fidget and Petrus’ calming aura and deep tone kept everyone’s eye mostly on him while they reported some findings. There was also some matters the Mother would like the Legate to look into since it involved the Congregation. So, it looked as though they were staying in the city for a week or so.

Then she was off to go through the Trail of the Water to find this cure for the malichor, something that only she allowed him and Kurt to know once Siora told her about these trials. It would be long and full of testing situations, but the captain had faith in her. Sylvie was a strong one.

~ ~ ~

It was late as Vasco laid back against the pillows and read a few lines in his poem book, freshly washed and relaxed. His hair still damp and more than likely wetting the pillows, but that was fine. Here in the Congregation embassy they were protected by sturdy walls and locked doors, they could unwind and relax fully. It was only him, Kurt, and of course Sylvie. The lantern light dimmed as it flickered before brightening again, all was quiet as the Naut hummed to himself with content. Then a light knock on the door drew his attention, stating that it was unlocked.

Vasco would have been more curious as to who it was but Kurt’s snoring was still faintly heard in the other room, which left none other than the Legate. Sure enough a head poked in with a smile as she side stepped in, gently closing the door. The captain marked his spot before closing his book.

“Now if I recall correctly, this seem familiar.”

“Yes, but this time you aren’t hurt.” She stayed standing by the door as if waiting for an invitation which he respected but also thought a tad too formal. Especially given that she was wearing that thin lacy blue chemise again, silver robe or no he couldn’t deny the alluring effect it had on him.

“Come,” he patted the beside, “you can sit. Unless there’s something I’m missing?” Vasco couldn’t figure out why she was nailed to the spot staring at – oh. He looked down to see her line on sight, grinning. “Come on now, lass, you saw my tattoos when we went swimming.”

Sylvie cleared her throat before stepping over to him, sitting down where he patted earlier. “Yes, I did. However, there are two editions I did not see then and I do now.”

“Oh? Tell me, what are they?” He knew very well what she was referring to but liked teasing it out of her. She raised a hand as if to touch him but those eyes looked for permission, allowing him to decide. So Vasco took her hand in his and guided it to his chest, then slowly over to one pierced nipple with silver bars. Sylvie’s hand felt light, delicate, and cool against his bare skin; where other women and men in the past would then playfully grope or pinch to excite him, she didn’t. Never once doing more than what he gave.

Though the small thumb that went over the bar and then nipple was a tad arousing, letting out a deep breath. The hand withdrew from his, leaving the space suddenly empty and cold.

“I didn’t mean for it to hurt. I’m sorry.” Turquoise eyes looked in concern as she hesitated on what to do.

“It did not hurt, I liked it Sylvie. Please.” Taking this courtship slow would be torturous but he knew it would be worth it in the end. To have someone to trust and in turn trust him fully, both respect each other’s boundaries and consent. But torturous none the less to not be able to show her how much he appreciated it. Eyes soften as they retook their place on his chest once more.

They stayed like that for a bit before Vasco tenderly held both her hands to him, trying to silently show her it was ok to touch. With one hand the captain reached up to cup her mark, thumbing it before his fingers glided over to the tattoo. It was soft now, the healing and flaking all done, leaving perfectly smooth lines. Her head dipped down to kiss his wrist.

“I still feel honored and excited to have this.”

“Imagine getting higher in ranks and the swirls touched your mark, flowing into the other.” He drew her down to kiss her, hands now firmly on his chest for support as she leaned in to meet his lips. Her thumbs now teasing his nipples more as he wrapped his other arm around her waist to keep the woman from slipping off the bed. They didn’t go any farther which was fine with Vasco, but he would need to see to himself after or he might grow a tad frustrated. That was, if Sylvie left, given how late it was when she entered and the concern look before he doubted this was the intention. Sitting here kissing and lightly caressing. No, that was something on her mind and then his piercing distracted her.

Carefully withdrawing to tilt her head away, the captain asked her what had been on her mind, not really taking the woman’s brushing off and mumble of “it wasn’t important.”

“Yes, it was, or you would not have knocked on my door at this hour. We are courting yes?”

“Well, yes.” Answering confusingly with pinched brows.

“Then talk to me. What had you up?” The biting of her lip did nothing to distract him from the darted look at his own chin tattoo. ‘Surely it’s not anything about being Given or Born… right?’

He waited patently for Sylvie to gather her thoughts, when she did she looked at him as she touched his chin.

“How… how do you ignore or deal with the whispers, snide remarks, the looks, given?” The woman drew a deep breath. “It was bad enough if the comments made were towards my mark; “cursed or cured” or “sinful” depending on who you talked to. But now it’s like they can’t stop making up these outrageous stories.”

“Like how we are the cause of the malichor through our magic? Don’t believe for a second I missed how Bishop Domitius looked at you, or how intense Burhan was. I have a feeling what they could have been thinking.” Vasco harshly snorted.

“Again, I do not regret this decision at all… it just upsets me that after all I have done and continue to do, is now being questioned once more. I know my loyalties, I know myself, and I know where my loyalties lie within myself.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “But it still hurts. They will challenge Constantin I am sure, might even give Admiral Cabral some trouble.”

“You are one of us, Sylvie. All you have to do is say the word, pack a duffel, and we will set sail. To hell with what the court thinks.” The captain promised, wiping the tear away. They were quiet for a few moments until her warm smile return.

“Marina.” She kissed him. “I would like to be called by my Nautical name when in private or on Naut missions for the Admiral. For now until I can sail and go by it permanently.”

“As you wish. Marina.” He kissed back hugging her, before he knew it a yawn cracked his jaw.

“I should let you sleep. We have to be up early in the morning and part ways.” She said as she moved to get up, but Vasco caught her hand.

“Stay.” Eyes widen at his request. “It will be almost two weeks before we see each other, I would like you to stay. Nothing will happen, just sleep.” He patted the bed again as he shifted, hand still on hers as he waited for her answer. Hoping the woman would say yes, wanting nothing more than to have her warm body pressed against his, to hold her. Slowly her shoulders relaxed once more and she sat back down. Both pushing the covers down to allow her in, then throwing it over themselves as they found a comfortable position. Both laying on their sides facing one another, her legs playfully nudging his. Vasco chuckled as he scooted closer, reaching out to tuck a hair strand behind her ear.

“Sleep. Forget everyone else, forget what they said. Just me and you, here and safe.” Her kissed his hand sleepily.

“Thankyou, Vasco.”

He watched as she slowly fell asleep, breathing deeply, face slack and peaceful. The captain yawned once more before following suit, letting the dreams take him.

Chapter Text

Vasco
 He reflected how peaceful they were when they had woken up, it was nothing like how poetry portraited as. This elegant and starry thing as both were wrapped in an embrace waking up with batting eyelashes, quite the opposite really. Messy hair with limbs tangled, an accidental push here or groan there, but it was real. All of his other bed partners either slipped out or would just go about readying themselves for the day, there wasn’t any waking up turning to the person beside you with a groggy smile. Nor was there a long body wreaking stretch before getting up on elbows to lean over and teasingly kiss him.
It was nice, sweet, different. 
Vasco quite liked it and preferred it over the lonely hammock he now had for the last night on Sea-Greed.
 Vasco had no clue what the routine trips or schedules looked like but it was a welcome relief when the Naut saw Captain Diago at the harbor office. The man congratulated him on his loyalty tattoo and commented how he looked better than before, he grinned and said how he felt better too. When asked if the Sea-Greed was heading back to New Serene he was given a departure time for the following morning. That was when Vasco asked if he could sail with them, handing the captain his Naut chip and showed the signed papers for passage.
The chip was a palm size thin wooden piece decorated with the Nauts symbol and colors, these were only assigned to certain members of the Guild and had to have the appropriate paperwork. Usually that consisted of a short paragraph giving permission to use the chip with dates and limited number of uses that would be checked and tallied in ink by the ship’s captain per voyage. At the bottom would be the Admiral’s and Nauts signature. It was a way for the Naut to request passage without having to worry about last minute fees and worry over making the crew, but they would essentially be volunteering since they were not technically apart of the crew nor a guest. It was a fair tradeoff; no fees and passage but no pay and had to contribute. 
It was not fool proof and one did have to give at least a day’s notice, but it did come in handy in certain situations, like important messengers needing to make deliveries to different higher ups. Or in Vasco’s case, a Captain who has proven his loyalty but had no ship and needed a lift. The chip helped calm any suspicions on why someone with his tattoo status was seeking passage and working around the ship. 
So here he was laying in his temporary hammock swaying with the ship wide awake in the middle of the night. Sights and feelings he dearly missed but knew he would rather not sail until his tempest of a woman could too. Everyone else was out cold while he thought back a few mornings before, knowing that the bed that awaited him back at the apartment wouldn’t be any better. Equally cold and even lonelier since neither Sylvie or Kurt would be there. The Naut sighed as he finally pushed himself up to shove his feet into boots and pulled on his shirt, half ass tying his hair back before making his way through the maze of halls and stairs, eventually making his way on deck.
The few on watch greeted him as they softly talked amongst themselves, not minding one bit as he walked up to the poop deck. 
 Leaning against the rail taking a deep breath as he looked to the stars above, memories he had push down threaten to surface. To break through the water and rear its ugly head, reminding Vasco what could have been. But, if it wasn’t for that night he would not have known how much a certain Legate cared. The hot tear that hit his cheek, waking him just enough to see her retreating form laying down on the floor. He swallowed thickly, but coughed out the remainder of his emotions when he heard a pair of boots approaching.
“It is mighty late to be out and about if not on watch.” Captain Diago commented as he leaned on the rail next to him. Scratching at his short beard that almost covered his tattoos, neck length wavey-curly dark brown hair that had some gray starting to show tucked back into his tricorn. Dressed like how any captain would be except for the coat, the mid-summer night far too hot to be layered up. His vest open to allow air in. The man had to be in his later thirty’s if pushing forty. 
“Aye, it is. Just getting fresh air and clearing my head is all.” Vasco’s reply was more at ease than he felt. 
It was quiet for a moment before the other man nodded.
“I hear you on that. But, lad, what are you really doing out here? I’m not Sens, I will not poke my nose in places and piss people off. But you look lost mate.” The older captain pulled out a pipe to ready a smoke, adding the tobacco while walking over to the lamp close to them, using a spill to light the pipe. When he came back he offered to Vasco which appreciated the gesture and took a puff. 
“Been a long while since I smoked, almost forgot.” 
“Been on shore too long.” The joke and friendly pat on the shoulder did nothing to help relieve the tension that had been unknowingly building on the young captain’s shoulders. He handed the pipe back without a word, his face grim. “I jest, poor taste, but a jest none the less.”
“No less right either, just hard truth to chew.” Vasco leaned forward on the rail while the other leaned back on it with ankles crossed, a hard and concentrating look on the man’s face.
“Then why not sail again? Rumor round port in New Serene says you are back on the admiral’s good graces. You could sail again.” Diago shrugged a shoulder waving out to the sea before them. 
“Could I?” He asked himself softly, thinking only he could hear.
“Vasco,” he looked over to his fellow sea brother, “you can, and still be with the Legate.” His eyes widen some but all that did was make the other chuckle. “Lad you can take on shorter voyages or even the round-the-island trips to see her more often. Most married captains do or if they have a crew where the majority of them are anchored.”
“We – how? How did – do you know? About us?” Vasco blinked. “We aren’t exactly being public about it.”
Diago smiled but it was genuine, not mocking like how he expected. “Rumor has it you two were walking hand in hand leaving the harbor one day. Saw both of you with my own eyes walking a bit closer than friends with wide smiles… and maybe a certain tattoo artist happen to be a good friend of mine and couldn’t help but tell me how sweet you two were, over one too many pints.” 
“I’m going to strangle Bert.” He huffed with clenched fists that only made Diago laugh. 
“No worries man, I don’t care. And to be honest I had my suspicions before then, say, like the night you were shot and said Legate slept on my damn floor to be by you.” The captain shook his head. “Only the ones who care deeply do that, and not just the friend type.”
“What does it matter to you? This isn’t your problem. “Vasco didn’t mean for it to sound so bite-y as he turned to fully face the other, both men looking at each other with serious expressions. 
“You look lost, you could sail but don’t even if the shore leave bothers you; don’t say it doesn’t because I’ve watched you for three days now. Heard you were one to bark out orders and snark at stupidity yet you haven’t aboard my ship. I have seen how that woman looks at you and you her; you care, she cares. You’ll not find me being among the ones rolling their eyes in port or whispering behind your back. But I can’t help but wonder what it is that has you down casted.”
He was stunned, rendered speechless by his sea brother’s speech. He knew the man was a respectable one, quieter than most other captains and not one to poke his nose into things. His crew respected him even if they did not know much about him personally, but professionally, how he sailed, without a doubt he was a good man. Sometimes overly protective and cynical of newcomers but good. Vasco never heard of him really taking the time to talk and be there for anyone on a personal level, opting to let the person handle their affairs on their own. Being there in case a crewmember needed him yes, but not going out of his way. So why was he now?
He swallowed before taking a small leap.
“I don’t like the feeling I am getting about reaching New Serene. And, if I am to be completely honest, I did not like the feeling of boarding to go to said city.” Both were quiet for a few moments, one listening as the other worked through their turmoil, ship killer worthy of feelings. 
“You think something will happen once you get to New Serene. What would it be?” Diago asked quietly, puffing more from his pipe.
“I don’t know.” Was all he could say, the feeling felt akin to having a rip current in his stomach. Staring out into the darken sea knowing it held no answers to his inner torment, both men just taking the moment as it were, calm and peaceful. If only he knew what was to come within a few weeks’ time.

~ ~ ~

Vasco was walking back to port to have breakfast with his fellow Nauts, the last week going by terribly slow and dull. With no one at the apartment to really talk to or any task for the day to accompany, all he really had done was get much needed laundry and some sparring practice in. It was now approaching day nine since parting from Sylvie’s side, and if he had to guess it would be another three-ish maybe four days more until she and Kurt came walking back through those main gates. So while the captain waited he went every morning dockside to grab some breakfast. Sometimes chatting with his old crew until they left, a captain here and there, or in this case being invited by Admiral Cabral to meet with her. 
It was just past sunrise so the city was mostly quiet except for the harbor where ships were loading and unloading, making port and departing alike. A sad ping hit him as he spotted the Sea-Horse sailing just around the bend of the island edge. A sad smile on his face as he hopped up on the small stairs leading up to the restaurant, using the rail to hoist himself up like as if it was the rigging. Quickly ducking in the door to meet the hostess to let her know he had arrived and was with the admiral. The woman led him to the booth by the window overlooking the docks, Vasco swiping his hat off as he sat down, placing it by the older Naut’s. 
“I see you’ve made it, and here I was thinking you would be late.” Cabral smiled as she handed him the menu she was looking at. 
“Why would you think that? I am always on time.” He glanced down to see what he wanted.
“It’s just been you for the past week or so from what I hear, figured you took some down time to yourself.”
“And grow idle? Never. I have to be doing something or else I’m sure I would lose my mind.” Vasco chuckled. 
“Or you will find trouble.” She took the menu back once he handed it to her.
“In my defense, the trouble finds me. I merely try to entertain myself and mind my own, I can’t help it if something happens along the way.” The captain shrugged but knew it was an ongoing joke from when he was on his first shore leave as Captain. That month had been interesting to say the lease. Cabral shook her head as the waitress came over to take their orders, the curly red haired woman all smiles as she wrote down on a small pad before telling them there will be appetizers out soon. Both Nauts waited in comfortable silence as she came back with a few plates and napkins for the platter of croissants, muffins, and jam. Then came their drinks, mugs full of rich coffee. 
The admiral was quiet still when the waitress left, but this time it seemed off, like something was weighing on her mind. When Vasco asked if she was ok, the other Naut waved him off telling him it could wait until the food was out. This caused a small stir in his stomach, he did not like putting off what seemed to be a serious conversation ahead. But wait he did, until their food arrived some minutes later, taking a few bites from his pancakes. After a few moments later Cabral sighed with a knowing look when his staring persisted. 
“Alright, it is nothing bad. But before you start worrying about future decisions I want you to know this is an offer, and to either let it happen or not. If it doesn't feel right then do not worry.” She started, pointing a motherly like finger at him. Nodding slowly Vasco took in what she said. “I extend an offer to you, Captain Vasco, to possibly train for the position of Fleet Commander. His eyes widen. “It is a possibility, but only if you feel you can handle it.” 
Vasco sat back in his chair with a hand rubbing his chin in shock and thought. “Something happened to Commander Mathis?”
“Nothing of the sort,” Cabral shook her head, “just stepping down after nearly 15 years. There’s no openings for Admiral, or else he would take that to give his joints a rest from the harsh sea.”
“Aye, I understand.” Commander Mathis was pushing fifty-six, while that is not too old of an age to be at sea, from the rumor trickling down his right knee had been giving him grief as of late. Some of the crow faced docs think it has something to do with his injury as a child that never was looked at, and the Naut’s healers have done the best they could. “But, Admiral… I would be honored, but…”
“You cannot bare to leave the shore’s sight until your lovely legate joins you.” Cabral smiled softly. “You are not the first to fall in love with a non-Naut, Vasco.”
“I know, just never thought someone could love more than the sea, or as much.” He looked down at his plate with mixed emotions.
“Which is why I am offering, and it will be open when you return. For now be with your legate, representing the Nauts and all.” She chuckled as she dug back into her breakfast. The air around them having grown lighter yet heavier at the same time. The younger Naut lost in thought and already thinking the pros and cons of the decision to stay or leave.