One More Adventure (Arctic)

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena Brighteyes

The soft clink of bangle bracelets accompanied Serena Brighteyes as she picked her way through the sleeping fort in the pre-dawn light. Her purple-blue eyes, so alluring in color, glowed dimly in the low light, pawsteps nearly silent. A pack across her shoulder housed her wares for the moment, bound for the docks but still making her way through the fort. The had been invited to go trading with the handsome and charming captain of the Storm Stalker, both a powerful ship and a powerful captain.

A smile smile stole at Serena's white-tattooed face as she thought of the wolf, Arctic Fang, handsome and regal in appearance with solid white fur and solid morals. Oh now she sounded like one of those maidens in her old home that twittered at the thought of one of the warriors. Family and marrige had been a priority for all females in her home and it had been a thing Serena had sought but given up on when she had left her clan for the outside world. With her unusual nature and unusual features, it was doubtful anyone would find her attractive enough to marry or love. Still...she couldn't quite figure out the look she had seen in Fang's eyes when she had spoken with him the day before.

Stomach turning, Serena paused as she reached the docks. The sea rolled gently, waves coming in a steady rhythm and burly sailors going to and fro between ships going about their daily tasks. Unlike the rest of the fort, the docks were wide awake. Bright eyed otters and steady-footed hedgehogs, balanced wildcats and strong badgers all melding together to form crews and in a way families, working easily together to prepare their ships.

Smiling, Serena slipped in among them, trying not to feel nervous about suddenly being above water. She scanned the ships, noting the names of ones she'd heard from her customers, the famed ships of the Emerald Bay Flotilla. The Midnight Moon and the Wave Stalker were both in port but the other ships she saw were marginally small trading and fishing vessels run by families of otters and crews of confident shrews and the like. Keeping well out of everyone's way, Serena made her way to the last dock and stopped, smiling slightly at the ship.

It was beautifully built, strong and noble like an old beast of legend. Sails were furled and she could hear and see crew running too and fro preparing for departure. Looking to the side of the ship, Serena smiled again. The Storm Striker.

[Arctic Fang]

Arty's Porter had gotten a late start but managed to find the femme just as she was coming out of one of the Market Shacks. He knew by Art's description that it was she. The Captain described her as rather exotic looking but still sort of tribal due to her tattoos. He relayed to the porter that she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen before and that she was to be treated with the utmost respect and tenderness.

Needless to say but the Porter ended up carrying most of her items and he was rather chatty. "I knew it was you right off Marm. You are just as Captain Fang described." He went no further with 'how' Arctic described her as he hurried over the gangplank, realizing that he probably shouldn't have said that. Quickly he tried to change the subject. "It's going to be an excellent day. There's no rain in sight Marm. I hope that you brought your sunblock. Is there anything else that you want me to go back for? I'd gladly...."

The Porter stopped in mid-sentence as Arctic Fang came on the scene. By the expression on the Porter's face Arctic could tell that he probably was saying more then he should be. The Captain's brows furrowed as he tilted his head in the direction of his cabin, his paws behind his back, standing rather tall and proud. "Take her things to the cabin that is joining mine. I don't want her below with the crew." Indeed Serena would now be treated like a queen. Her room was so very spacious. It had everything that a female would need, a nice large bathtub and sink, a fully stocked wet bar, a breath taking canopy bed with night stands on both sides, beautiful antique looking lanterns, wall sconces dotting the walls, a lush carpet with polished wooden floors beneath them, as well as a rather large walk in closet for all of her items. Indeed it was fit for a queen.

Arctic bowed his head to the femme and then swished his arm to the side, inviting her to follow the Porter as he would follow her. "Good morning M'lady. We will see you to your room and then perhaps after you freshen up we could have breakfast together on the upper deck as we set sail?" Truth be told the male 'was' trying to impress her.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena walked with the Porter, smiling subtly at his animated personality and listening to him prattle on. She didn't mind Arctic describing her, she was certain his words were kindly spoken and meant her no offense. Serena did hesitate at the gangplank, eyeing the sea warily. Her people were marginally "land lovers." Some knew how to swim and some did take to fishing but marginally they farmed or crafted, worked as stonemasons and yes, some had become very skilled thieves during times when their village had no other income. The sea was something Serena had never experienced and water had always held a frightening touch for her. She was a thick-furred animal after all and wet fur made a beast heavy, too heavy to swim and fast to sink.

The fear however, was swept off like a wave on the sand as Arctic came toward them, sending the Porter off with her belongings. Serena gave the goods to the young beast with a nod of thanks, following the Porter onto the ship. She felt sturdy under Serena's paws, sure of herself like any good ship should be and that did help Serena's nerves a little. What really helped was Arctic being barely a pace behind, confident and assured. Yes, nothing could go wrong in his little world and thus Serena would be fine.

"Thank you Captain" Serena said, giving him a soft smile as the Porter led them to her room.

She felt highly out of her element here, both physically and mentally. She worked with woven cloth, wood, metal and stone. Now here she was aboard a ship surrounded by untamed sea. Mentally, Serena was out of her element because she was suddenly being treated like some sort of duchess or queen when really she was barely a chieftain's daughter.

The room the Porter showed her too however, nearly overbalanced Serena. It looked like a place for a duchess or queen. Her eyes widened in shock and for a moment she couldn't move. Scrambling for her composure, Serena glanced at the Captain and raised a brow.

"Why Captain, if I didn't know any better I'd say you were trying to impress someone" Serena teased though she noted she still sounded a little unbalanced. "Has the lady of the fort told you to transport a noble alongside a merchant?"

[Arctic Fang]

Arctic knew that the room impressed her but he was so very nonchalant about it. He just hoped that he didn't over do it. Politely the male smiled at the femme as his eyes then scanned the room. It 'was' a rather grand room. There were so many fine things there, marble tops and fine curtains. Indeed it was fit for a queen but Arctic felt confident enough that Serena deserved 'it' and so much more.

Of course though he would coyly deny his goal of impression with a cute smirk and slightly wide shocked baby blues. "Oh... Well this room is the only room that I will have my guests stay in, especially that of such a beautiful young femme such as yourself. I'm not sure I could trust the crew if I were to put you in a room down below with them. This will be your room from the start of this adventure until the finish and I'd like to keep an eye on you M'lady." He winked at her playfully. Oh how he really loved this game as he felt that he answered her with completeness.

Arctic tried so very hard not to stare but her presence was like a magnet to his attention. Each time he would speak to her he took advantage of it and looked her straight in the eyes, hoping that this wasn't to much for her, to invasive. "And about that breakfast? Does the lady approve of the Captain's suggestion? A beautiful meal while sailing toward the sunrise? Of course if you wish to take advantage of the huge luxury tub you could freshen up. The Captain would be willing to wait." Indeed she may not have been a true blooded noble-femme but Arctic sensed something about her that placed her on a pedestal in his mind.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena smiled and wondered absently if he soiled all of his guests like this. Really coming from humble roots and living on the road for such a long time, Serena was used to the bare minimum which usually included bathing in very cold streams, foraging and sometimes going without. Now look at her, aboard a fine trading vessel in a room fit for a noble more than a merchant. It truly was a place of surprises, this fort that Serena now called home. When she had set out from home, marked for exile, never had Serena expected such a turn of events. She had gone looking for adventure and maybe love. She had expected to have to give up adventure for love or love for adventure, but now, glancing at Arctic, maybe she didn't have to trade one for the other.

"I hope you spoil all your guests thus Captain" Serena teased, again examining the fine room. The captain certainly had fine taste. Turning to him, Serena nodded her head with a coy smile. "Breakfast in such fine company would be time well spent, of course I will accept your invitation" Serena said with an affectionate smile.

Having thoroughly cleaned herself before journeying to the docks with the Porter, Serena decided to forgo a bath until later that night perhaps or maybe simply wait until the next day. As she moved to again join the captain in the doorway however, one of the tables caught Serena's eye. Turning her head, Serena felt her breath catch.

On the table there were three carved figures for decoration, carved from dark wood by fine, patient hands. One was a wolf looking up to the sky, cloak about his shoulders. The second, slightly shorter, was a badger, blade in hand like a blacksmith examining his work. Finally, the last figure was a mouse with an open scroll in its hands dressed in a simple habit. Serena smiled to the figures. She didn't need to see the insignia on the bottom of each one to know where they came from.

"Unusual to see the gifts of my people" she commented. "They are friend totems, gifts exchanged between friends. It appears someone decided they were not worth keeping though they are seldom given to outsiders." Serena nodded to the mouse and badger carvings. "Gifts to outside friends. Each one is a reprisentation of the maker's perception of their friend."

Leaning closer to the wolf totem, Serena carefully picked it up, examining the face. She was only mildly surprised to find the fine etchings of tattoo marks. It seemed someone had broken the law and given a friend's totem to one of the exiled, perhaps before they left.

[Arctic Fang]

Arctic smiled when she commented about him spoiling all of his guests like this. He shook his head. His morals wouldn't allow him to lie. Arctic stepped closer to her and lowered his voice to a whisper, knowing that the walls sometimes had ears. "No... I do not and the Captain that decorated this room was me." He then stepped passed her and then turned upon the balls of his back footpaws. "It's nice to be able to spend someone else's money. Brooke granted me all of the funds that I needed to do what I wished with the Storm Striker." His laugh was hearty. "And I'm glad that you decided to accept my invitation."

Arctic stood stark still then. He could tell that something caught her attention. Yes he heard the breath that was caught in her lungs. Arc even noted how her chest did not release the air until she started to speak. He felt a strong urge to respond to what she was saying. "I came across this piece in a bin of various items that I traded some ale for. I thought it to be a beautifully crafted piece and so I thought that this room was the perfect place to display it. It's your if you want it." He prayed to the Gods that he wasn't offending her by offering it to her. Her culture, he sensed, was steeped in tradition and the last thing that he wanted was to offend her.

He placed a soft paw on her lithesome shoulder and looked at her kindly. His eyes wanted her to know that he was sincere in his gift offering but then his voice spoke it as well. "If it does not offend your culture and if you really like the piece you can have it." The male wolf could tell that the carving brought special meaning to her heart and so he pushed it near to her chest as a sweet gesture. It seems that there may be times that the femme wore her heart on her sleeve.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena took the piece when Arctic offered it to her, stroking the woodwork carefully. Turning it upside down, she glanced at the carving in the base. An old family seal she vaugely remembered but no one important enough to jump out in her mind. Moving to the table, Serena placed the carving where it had once sat, smiling fondly at it. Whoever had carved it had been very much like her. They had broken many traditions, gifting to one of the exiled, befriending a mouse and badger. Yes, whoever had carved it was one of a kind and obviously not shy about their unusualness. It was refreshing to see. Looking over at Arctic, Serena smiled.

"This piece was meant to be seen. Though the carvings are usually private and not meant to be traded, something tells me the one who carved this would not mind. I already have a carving of my own though it is far from finished, to keep one not made by my own hand or gifted to me wouldn't be right."

Serena rested her paw on Arctic's arm and smiled knowingly. What she wouldn't tell him was that the carving she was making was in fact meant to be gifted to him. It was vastly unfinished but Serena had only just begun. Friendship carvings were meant to take a while to make because the maker had to reflect on the one they were making the carving for, create symbols and find the right representation of their desired person. Thus far, Serena had a rough outline of it in her mind, she simply needed the right pose.

"Come Captain, I believe you owe me breakfast and I would hate to deprive the crew of your fine company while boring you with my peoples' old pieces of wood" Serena bid, smiling and taking his hand.

Though the room was grand, Serena did have a fondness for fresh air and openness. Being back on the deck would be more comfortable, regardless of the rolling sea that made her nervous. Still, the ship felt sturdy enough below her footpaws so, that encouraged Serena a bit. They would be leaving the dock soon which was when Serena did plan on hiding away in her graciously given quarters. Accepting as she was, her nerves were still there.

[Arctic Fang]

The male's blue eyes closed for a second and then he nodded. He understood why she wouldn't accept the carving and it didn't offend him that she wouldn't take it. It would stay here in this room, not that many beasts would ever see it but it was still safe here at least. "That is fine and I understand. Still though, it is here if you ever want to gaze upon it. I know that even seeing something with one's eyes can bring comfort from the past." With that said the male moved toward the door.

It was then that the femme took his paw. He smiled thinking that she may feel that comfortable being in his presence. This in itself made him feel good. Not to many beasts found his company comforting. He himself was a creature that wasn't all that social. Rarely did he see another in their true form and as genuine as Serena. He was simply content entertaining himself or being entertained by nature.

But her paw in his felt oh so good. He knew that she didn't realize how special that small touch was. Yes he longed for female companionship just as strongly as another male but he was determined to keep his moral standards and again there has yet to be a female that captured his attention... until now. Arctic squeezed her paw, but not to firmly as he led her to the upper deck.

Arctic took a deep breath and then reluctantly let go of her paw. He moved a nearby table to the spot that he wanted and then informed his Porter of specific instructions. The day was just beginning and it was already proving to be wonderful. Arctic reached out a paw and when she would take it he would tenderly pull her to her seat where she would be waited on like a queen. Indeed he found that he loved spoiling her, even if she wasn't his to do so.

He then sat as their table was set and fresh port was brought out for him to sample. It was a deep red raspberry and it tasted so delicious, just like juice. He hoped that Serena drank but if she didn't he would pour her a glass of water with lemon instead. After such was accomplished he leaned back and sipped of his glass as he looked out to the sunrise. It's newborn rays simply lit up the area like an amber rainbow. "So tell me Serena... Are you nervous?" He grinned over at her.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena allowed herself to be led to the deck again, breathing in the smell of the sea. She tried not to look disappointed when Arctic let go of her. Instead she watched the horizon as the captain gave his orders to the Porter that had brought her to the dock. The last thing she wanted was to be in the way so, she wandered a bit toward as others moved above and below decks, checking supplies and cargo. The hum of work songs and rough voices of the sailors was both soothing and lightly amusing to Serena. She smiled as she watched a pair of squirrels navigate a large crate toward the cargo holds with the watchful eye of a hare on them.

Arctic again called her attention when he offered his hand to her, orders given and the Porter off to do whatever it was he had instructed. Serena took his offered hand and followed him toward a table set up so they would be able to watch the sun rise. Already it was creeping toward the horizon, almost as though hesitant or perhaps too sleepy to rise quickly. She tried not to blush when he offered her a seat as though he were the escort to a queen but took her seat and looked out to the horizon.

"Nervous? Of course" Serena admitted, taking the glass of brandy he offered. Unlike some females, Serena had a fine palate for good drinks and it seemed Arctic stocked the best. "My people were always working with gems or metal, weaving cloth and the like, not many of us ever got to go out on ships or boats when we were young. I accompanied my father fishing perhaps once." Serena chuckled at the memory. She had spent most of it making sure her father kept his temper in her mother's stead. "How did you come to be a sailor?" Serena asked. He seemed to have the air of a self-reliant northerner but here was, captaining a ship. Serena couldn't help but be curious about why and how.

Most of the captains Serena had ever heard of in old stories had been otters, wildcats and mice. To find a captain of the wolven kind was certainly unusual but it simply made Arctic all the more special. He stood apart from the norm just as Serena stood from the norm of not only her people but others around her simply through physical appearance.

[Arctic Fang]

Arctic chuckled when she said that she wasn't nervous. Oh how brave she was! His blue pools watched as she brought the port glass to her lips. Oh how he wished to be the rim of 'that' glass. Arctic shook his head. Being around her did strange things to his thinking. He would have to try and concentrate on other things rather then her angelic face or her divine figure or how one glance from her makes him want to melt into a muddle on the floor. But he had to be strong! He had morals and standards to uphold!

Conversation.... Yes that was the key. Arctic cleared his throat and then began to play with the rim of his own glass with his finger, making that soft high pitched noise with it. "Well I wish that I could say that my reasons for becoming a ship captain weren't entirely unselfish ones but you see... When I was a pup I was abducted by a male wolf. His goal was to keep a prophecy from coming true in my tribe. You see I was to be destined to be the King of my tribe, the head guardian of the land. I guess he thought that he could thwart the efforts of the divine ones because eventually I did become the leader." He chuckled dryly because even though his enemy did fail his tribe eventually became annihilated anyway. "But in the end my tribe was attacked and destroyed. I never felt like a king anyway. I always resisted the idea of being something that a whole nation looked up to, not that I didn't play the part very well. At any rate I decided to leave and to strike out on my own and the occupation of being the Storm Striker Captain will help me along in my efforts to find my enemy and perhaps even my father." He then smiled at her. His story wasn't a sob story and it really didn't upset him. The only thing that he wanted to do was to uphold the law of his past tribe. But Arctic made it sound all very nonchalant.

Soon appetizers were being brought to them. Arctic simply smiled and then held out his paw, indicating to the femme that she should eat. But mere bodily actions were simply not enough for him. He had to speak to her, to uphold his side of the conversation, which didn't seem to be lacking. "Please eat. There's plenty more coming." Art himself refrained from eating until the female dug in.

In the meantime though he eagerly continued their conversation. "So that's my story... pretty short and sweet... and boring. What about you? What brings a single beautiful wolf to a fort all by her lonesome?" Oh yes he was 'so' very eager to get to know more things about this intriguing female that, through very odd circumstances, seemed to capture his immediate attention.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena listened as Arctic recited his tale. It didn't seem to upset him much though it was a dark tale to tell. Kidnapping and the lot were never good ways to start out life but, it seemed he had come to terms with it well enough. She played the part of the quiet listener as fems in her tribe where taught. They were to be seen, be skillful but not be heard unless spoken to. They supported their mates, raised the family and acted as providers and creators while their mates were the protectors and givers. It really was a mundane life to live but it was one Serena had been prepared for before being offered freedom. With Arctic telling his tale however, Serena found she had little trouble listening in following along. She was only mildly surprised to find that he was from a tribe as well. Most wolves chose to live in tribes and then a few would break away to live in the forts or wander around as nameless warriors or bandits. In some ways, the future was easily predictable that way.

The food offered was light fruits and an array of other small bits to tempt the pallet. Smiling at his gracious invitation, Serena survayed him for a moment as he asked her how she had come to the fort. It was an honest question and one she could easily answer but, explaining it would be somewhat difficult because her tribe had been so deeply rooted in tradition and how things were meant to be.

"My tribe was, as I'm sure you can tell, very traditional. The fems tended the pups and crafted, mended tunics and were seen but not heard. I was raised and taught to be such, be a mother and caretaker, craft and mend, weave and dance but not to speak or be anything but supporting of my husband and family. In my tribe though, young wolves were offered the chance to leave and become one of the exiled." Serena absentmindedly brushed a paw against her cheek, looking out at the horizon. "I chose to leave. They gave me the marks of exile and sent me away with nothing but my own skills. I could never go back and if I met someone from my village they would attack me as an enemy."

It was a gold thing but very true. Serena had accepted it but it still saddened her heart to know even her own loving mother would turn her away as soon as glance at her.

"Villages around my own didn't like my people. They thought us savage thieves and gypsies, meant to take their children and their money. My exile markings made them more suspicious and they would often attack me when I tried to trade or even pass through. I had to learn quickly to defend myself and had to travel south to where no one knew of my home. I began to carve and weave and would sell what I made until I came to the Fort. I had heard trade was good and the people fair. Since I couldn't go home, I figured I would try to make do with what was given to me."

Serena spoke calmly, passively about the life she had led. In some ways she missed the simplicity of what her role would have been, had she stayed in her home. She would probably be married off by now. She had been considered a beauty by many in her village. Quite possibly Serena would also have a baby on her hip and perhaps a second on the way. Growing up the way she had, Serena had come to look forward to motherhood and marrige to a strong warrior that would treat her well as long as she provided for him. Now she saw warrior fems and faes fight alongside the men and it boggled her mind but brightened her hopes for the life she could lead though she was skilled only with a dagger. This world offered more than her village had.

Smiling softly, Serena looked back over at Arctic. "Somedays I miss being the quiet provider I would have been. Others, I am glad it's a life I did not choose."

[Arctic Fang]

It was comforting to know that the femme was from a tribe as well even though her tribe seemed to be from the cave beast days. Arctic actually felt his chest constrict a bit as she spoke of how the fems in her tribe would be seen and not heard. Arc came from a place where the female gender would rule just as often as the male, being just as power if not more so, and so this concept was hard for him to grasp, let alone think about treating his wife in such a manner.

In between their lovely conversation food was brought. It was sort of an appetizer of things to come. Arctic began to eat as he listened to her story. At the end he just shook his head. "You know the fems being so subjective may have seemed right seasons ago but this is a land of progress. It may have been fine for the female's to cultivate respect for the male that 'deserved' it but it's just not right to crush another creatures spirit like that." Art paused and looked up at her, nipping off a piece of bread with his front teeth. "Of course I know that such teachings is probably embedded in you but I hope that I can 'earn' your respect rather then demand it because of tradition." The male smiled at her, hoping that he didn't offend her.

More food and drink was brought. With a wave of his paw the large white wolf indicated that it was enough. "I see your tribe's traditions as a divider of families. It's just not right." His chest ached for her. To think that she could never see her family again because she wanted to travel was to sad. Arctic needed to change the subject but not before a final thought from him. "You can be assured that you will never get treated in that manner by me and when you are with me I would do my best to protect you from those who would wish to bring you harm." Yes he was a warrior and a very good fighter. Not only did he have the body for it but he also had the mind.

Arctic leaned back and looked upon her fondly. "There is to much sadness in your life Serena. This trip will be good for you I think." His smile grew wider. "And even though your markings are meant to be that of the exiled I think that they are beautiful." Indeed they made her look very unique to the male. As a matter of fact he had a hard time 'not' looking at her. That should say something. Yes it spoke volumes. "Besides... You could still be a quiet provider and have deep respect for you husband. You work is beautiful and you could use that to lend to the finances of your family. There's nothing wrong with the wife helping out." He now leaned forward. "You can still have what your heart desires... You'll see."

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Arctic's words were kindly spoken and Serena knew he meant to soothe her aches from home but she could only smile softly, sampling a bit of the bread brought to them. Yes, her tribe had been old fashioned but...there had never been discontent. Even Serena had never been fully unhappy with her life. She had wanted to travel, yes, but if her father had said no she would have stayed and been happy enough being the provider and caretaker while her husband was the fighter and warrior. Serena was not a beast of war but a beast of the home. She learned the common fixes for ailments, knew how to sew, cook and dance. It was just a way of life that Serena had been prepared for, not a bad one but just a role, her niche.

Chuckling softly, Serena put a paw on Arctic's arm with a warm smile. "The life my mother and sisters led was not a bad one, it was what we were meant for. If I had not been able to leave I would have been happy enough. It's nice to see the world and see that the life I was taught for isn't the only one but...I'm lonelier than I ever was at home."

Arctic's company was very much appreciated but Serena knew what she wanted and needed. Not all marriages in her tribe had been horrible mismatches or forced. Her mother had loved her father despite his gruffness and had been happy to tend and provide for him at home. Her father had always fought to protect the honor of his daughters and been on the look out for good matches. When her sister had fallen in love, her father had allowed the marriage.

Shaking her head a little, Serena sipped a bit of her drink. "But these thoughts are depressing ones indeed captain, I'm sure you look for more lively company." Her eyes shimmered with amusement as she lowered her glass. "Perhaps tonight if the crew wouldn't mind I could show you that not all things from my tribe are backwards and made of stone or wood. We were taught to dance. Might do the crew good to have a little entertainment?"

Dances had been common in Serena's tribe. After long hunts or good harvests, there had always been lively bonfires and dancing with feasts that went on all through the day and night. The fems always danced with their husbands and together for the entertainment of the males. They never thought it degrading and it was their main outlet for expression. Serena could remember dancing with her father and then dancing with the mothers and maidens of the tribe until her feet hurt too badly to walk the next day though she never regretted it.

[Arctic Fang]

Arctic appreciated her view and feelings regarding her traditions, though in his heart still he felt that they were a bit strangling. He kept these thoughts to himself though, except for one more remark. "I'm sure that this life will help you to do all that you want and more. The fort has everything that the outside world can offer. There are fun forages for food and for herbs. We have an infirmary if you wish to practice your healing skills. We have horses here and a training ground where you can be taught how to fight. There is a tavern in case you want to learn how to make ale or food. There is so much here. And I must admit that it is a close-knit group, though I have yet to experience that because I am more of a loner. I'm just sorry that you have to miss your family so. Perhaps you will meet a young beast that will tickle your fancy. And please don't fret. You are far from depressing." Arctic chuckled. He felt like more then just a young beast. It was almost like he had lived another life and came back all the more wiser. His eyes shimmered when he looked up at her for a reaction. But perhaps he reacted more when she put her paw on his arm. Maybe she would opt not to do that if she knew what it did to him but he placed his paw over her smaller one anyway and smiled.

The arctic wolf then nodded at her next suggestion. "Oh yes! That sounds wonderful. We have a stray tropical island that we can make a pit stop at before we hit our first trade-land. A nice campfire sounds nice and relaxing, as does watching you dance. But I hope that it's not to exotic. I would hate to have to bop a few of my crew in the head for looking at you in a wrong manner. But perhaps you can teach me how to do this dance?" His blue orbs couldn't help but to wave over her frame. To see the way that she moves in her dance would be most delightful to him. Arc swallowed hard and then wished to change the subject. He couldn't think about her in that manner for to long.

The male took his paw off of hers and reached for his drink, which he drank of drastically, perhaps to calm his animalistic desires. Oh yes he still had them. They did fight inwardly with his morals from time to time. "Let me ask you Serena and please tell me if I am getting to personal. What do you want to do with your life here at the Fort? Is marriage a very high priority on your list and if so what do you look for in a potential mate... since you will now have the right to choose for yourself? And does choosing for yourself, instead of your father doing so for you, make you nervous?" So many questions in one breath but this female that sat before him was so very interesting to him.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena laughed lightly at his comment on the dances. The dances from her tribe could range from exotic to humble, victory dances to mating dances and others for various celebrations. Still, the mental image of Arctic stalking behind his crew, ready to clean their clocks was a rather amusing one. Serena was glad for his protecitveness but any crew of his was surely sensible enough to know better. The dance Serena was contemplating was actually a modest one, better done with music and more dancers but, Serena would make due with what she had. At the moment that was only herself. The dance was a harvest dance for the autumn that fems of her tribe learned from their mother. They could only dance it with the other fems when they had mastered the steps. As for teaching Arctic how to dance? Oh Serena had to stop from giggling at the idea.

"I don't think I could teach you very well captain" Serena commented. "I've never taught a male to dance. I've only helped little ones learn before and only once. Mostly dances were learned through the mother."

Pausing to nibble on a bit of seafood brought for their meal, lightly flavored to go along with the theme of a tropical breakfast. It was quite tasteful, much different than anything Serena had tried before. She was used to hearty morning stews or seasoned flatbreads with flavored butters and jams depending on what was in season. The change up was pleasant, much like meeting Arctic.

Turning her attention back to the Storm Striker's captain, Serena perked her ears at his rush of questions. She was thoroughly surprised but not surprised at the same time. She hadn't missed his glances though she'd tried not to send too many of her own. Of course she had guessed he probably had a gang of admirers already but perhaps not if he was asking such things. Smoothing a paw over her skirts, Serena contemplated her answer for a long moment.

"I do plan to merry someday should someone offer" Serena said at last. "As I've said, I was taught to be a caretaker and I've always had a soft heart for younglings. I am nervous now that the choice is my own. My father paired my sisters with good warriors, males that would care for them regardless of love but now I have only one chance to make the right choices. If I'm to be totally honest captain, the male I seek to pair with is..well...very much like you."

Serena ducked her head a little shyly, flushing under her fur at the admission.