One More Adventure (Arctic)

[Arctic Fang]

Arc laughed as he picked one of his canines with a claw. "Well you could pretend that I am one of your young ones that you would teach." That was a far stretch for the imagination but he so wanted to learn how to dance. One wouldn't know it but when he was younger he was much shy to get up and dance. He was more the type that would sit on the side lines and watch, not that he had much of a cub-hood to begin with.

Needless to say but the Captain was floored inwardly and blushed outwardly when she stated so bluntly that the male that she wanted to be paired with would be someone like him. Why him? He didn't think that he was such an interesting fellow. This would be an interesting question to ask. Softly he cleared his throat after choking a bit on his wine. "Why someone like me? I'm afraid that I'm not very interesting. I'm even more afraid that my time away from the fort would only hurt any pending relationship. The last thing that I would want to do would be to lead a femme on and then have to leave her to go on a trade." He didn't really think about the fact that the female sold things that she made. Really it would be the perfect pairing but he was far to modest to admit that right now. After all they had just met the night before.

Arctic didn't wish to bombard her with questions but he just couldn't help it. Before she could answer his first one(s) he lit into her with another. The idea of courting was becoming very interesting to the male. "How long in your tribe do you court before you marry?" Arc also slurped of the shrimp. He to found that the cuisine was different here but he also found that he liked it very much. He'd be dining on seafood more often then not since he was likely going to be out on trade missions for the fort many months out of the seasons.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena had a hard time trying to imagine Arctic was one of the rough little rascals she used to try to help teach. Of course they didn't teach brutes to dance unless it was a courting dance or a paired dance between a husband and wife during the seasonal holidays. Usually a male only knew his courting and wedding dances as well as perhaps a single dance for the seasons. It was strange to hear that Arctic was interested in such petty things as dancing. Shaking her head in wonder of the big male, she was slightly surprised when he asked why someone like him would be desirable to a fae. She raised a brow and cast him a disbelieving look. Apparently he didn't ponder much on what values were important to the female gender. Oh boy, he needed an education.

"You have morals, captain. Many males in my tribe had no qualms about striking their wife if they were unhappy or drunk. If something went wrong the fem was to make it better and if...endurance made it better, that was what was allowed. You don't chase me for my tribe's reputation or for the simple fact I am a fae and different. There is intelligence and integrity in you captain, something highly desired even if you spend months at sea. Whomever you take as a wife would be well assured you are faithful."

Serena sampled the shrimp, not used to such strange looking things being considered food. The various fish she had seen for sale in the fort were not difficult to imagine as being a good meal but she had seen shrimp in the fish markets a few days ago and distinctly thought of large insects. It turned out they tasted better than they looked which Serena was grateful for. The thought of eating insects from the sea was far from tempting.

The question about courtship however made Serena blush furiously and duck her head, a habit when she was embarrassed. "Oh..well...courtship was..seldom before marriages. It..wasn't uncommon for faes to not formally meet their husband until the ceremony."

It was primal and a cruel thing, Serena knew this but it was true. Some families kept courtships between a pair like her eldest sister had but it was not always so. A friend of Serena's had been kept in the dark about whom she was to merry until the night before and then forbidden to meet him until the ceremony. Serena never understood why.

"It wasn't uncommon for us to have met last night and married this very morning" Serena explained, not quite meeting his eyes, thoroughly embarrassed.

[Arctic Fang]

He didn't like to boast about himself but Serena did bring to light all of his good qualities. "Well yes I would be faithful and my wife would be treated like a queen. I guess you could say that I really appreciate the femme for being... well the femme. I appreciate all of her delicate lines and her feminine ways." A small chuckle left his lips and he leaned forward again. His voice was now but a husky whisper. "The way that they blush when I say something that flusters them." Widely he grins, displaying to her his best smile, his white fangs very impressive and warrior like. "But seriously... I would love for 'you' to 'teach' me the mating dance. You did say that there was a mating dance right?" Oh how he was enjoying this conversation. Perhaps he was even saying things that would cause her to blush. The reaction on her face was quickly becoming one of his favorite expressions that Serena's unique face made.

Arctic stood and then moved to her side of the table where he sat and then began to cut a piece of strawberry pie for her, licking his fingers after he delicately placed it on her plate and then pawing it to her. "Here... You might like this. The food will surely take some getting use to here but I am sure that your taste buds will adjust accordingly." He licked his lips and then just simply stared at her kindly. What he may have wanted to see was her smile or to watch her eat. Really anything that she did intrigued him about her.

As he waited though he would strike up more things to talk about. "I have another question for you. Let's just say that a male does become interested in you. Now we know that things are not done here like they are in your tribe and I really don't think that you want them to be done like that anyway. Would you want to get to know that male before he asks you to court him or would the courting period constitute the 'getting-to-know-you' time? And also... What if you didn't like the male that asks you to court him?" Arty bit his bottom lip curiously.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena spluttered in surprise, nearly falling out of her chair when Arctic mentioned learning the mating dance. Her face heated up so fast Serena was certain her blue and white markings were turning red and pink. The mating dance was, well, almost sacred and extremely...intimate...to teach someone without courting and mating was...well it not only defeated the purpose but it was extremely inappropriate. It took all of Serena's willpower not to let her jaw hang open in sheer shock at the request as Arctic moved toward her. Her face flushed hotter the closer he got and she couldn't quite make eye contact. Oh she felt like a lovesick maiden! Her heart was hammering in her chest with a mix of surprise and she nearly missed his last remark, asking about courtship and the like.

Ignoring the strawberry pie, Serena scrambled for a coherent answer. It came out half coherent but better than she'd expected.

"Well, um...I..."

Ok maybe not so coherent. Clearing her throat, Serena tried again.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you captain but I won't be able to teach you that...particular dance. It's um, well, extremely intimate and...not...appropriate for teaching."

Better than before. Still not quite her best.

"As for..marriage and courting, well I...I don't know. It depends, I suppose."

Still getting better. Ok she needed space.

Slipping from her seat with fluid grace, Serena slipped past Arctic to stand on the deck, still flushed and thoroughly flustered. Even when males had flirted with her in her tribe, never before had Serena been so flushed and flustered. She considered herself to have great control unlike some of her twittering friends and sisters but, well, something about this striking white-furred captain just brought out the worst in her.

"Surely your...well...you have some other ideas than the rusty traditions of a backwards tribe" Serena said, trying to get him off the track he was on so she could stop blushing.

[Arctic Fang]

After her awkward explanation of the 'mating dance' Arctic's blue eyes widened as wide as the sea. He had no idea that this particular dance was such an intimate one. "Oh... OH! It's that kind of dance! I'm sorry... I didn't realize..." He to blushed but not as badly as Serena. Really it was an honest mistake. Arctic began to laugh. He got up and followed her to where she was standing, near the railing. "I'm sorry Serena. I hope that I didn't offend you. But perhaps you can teach me 'some' sort of dance that would help me perform my mating dance one day. You see... I have two left paws and you seem so graceful." He was trying to make this better!

Arctic left her only for a second so as to retrieve her wine. Perhaps a drink would help. He gave it to her and then took her other paw. "I merely wanted to learn from you. The last thing that I want is for you to feel uncomfortable around me. Forgive me please due to my ignorance. I know nothing of your traditions. It's just that your tribe... you... interest me... more then I am use to." The male kissed the back of her paw. He didn't know if this would make it worse or better but he already seemed to be sunk into the mire up to his neck. At least now though he 'has' learned something. There 'were' parts of her traditions that he liked.

Arctic took a step back to give her some room to breath. Inwardly he was kicking and beating himself up. What stupid things to say! He should have thought things through before asking her such intimate questions. And he sort of just told her a white lie! Really he was a very graceful male. He was light on his footpaws and great control of his bodily movements. But he had to say something! Arc scratched the back of his neck and then moved to the railing, looking over and wanting nothing more then to jump over board. Surely she would think that he's a total idiot now. 'This' was why he liked to be alone.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena would have laughed had she not been so preoccupied with being thoroughly embarrassed. Of course she didn't expect Arctic to know such intimate things about traditions from a tribe he didn't even know. The mating dance was explained mother to daughter, father to son. As with most dances in her tribe, the female led because mating was considered to be a thing of choice. Sometimes mating dances weren't done until several months after the ceremonies to bind a fem and male. It was like making up for the lack of courtship time. Either way, she couldn't expect a sea captain to know such things about her tribe. They were small, recluse and seldom shared with outsiders. It was expected for him not to know.

Taking the drink from the ivory captain, she sipped it carefully once, twice and then placed the glass delicately on the table. She tried to ignore the flutter in her heart when Arctic kissed her paw. His apology was sound and she offered a gently encouraging smile to let him know he was forgiven.

"You've given no offense captain, you merely surprised me" Serena assured.

Touching his forearm to get him to look at her, Serena stepped back from the rail and table to give herself a bit of room.

"The dances look better with more dancers but I will do what I can" Serena said with a smile.

She stood, arms raised and wrists crossed, ankles also crossed as though waiting for an invisible band to start. A heartbeat she waited before coming to life with movement. She half turned to the left and then a turn and a half to the right, moving her arms, footpaws tapping lightly on the wood as she moved. The movements were fluid and easy, a movement of arms and legs, graceful turns and hand movements. Serena knew the dance was better with more dancers and proper dancing scarves but she managed well enough. She had danced once before in public, desperate for money with nothing to sell and had been told she was a true beauty in motion.

Letting her eyes closed, Serena heard in her ears the music of her tribe, beating drums and bells of various sorts. Her footpaws created the beat, bangles on her wrists jingling with her motion and the reason for the skirts becoming apparent as they moved in time with her, swishing and swaying with each turn and step.

The beating in her mind became louder and with a final hit the drum, Serena froze in the ending pose. Her left arm was raised as though to touch the sky, right arm out as though offering someone something, right foot in front of the left. Slowly, Serena opened her eyes and smiled.

[Arctic Fang]

Arctic could feel the wall around himself go up. Inwardly he was still cursing himself for being so silly. He allowed the fluttering that Serena offered to his heart just take him away. He let his guard down and asked questions that were just way to personal. This was why the male liked spending time alone in his cabin and even when he was at the tavern getting drunk he kept to himself. But the smile that she offered him and the touch of her paw instantly pulled the wall down. He turned to look at her and his countenance brightened immediately.

And especially did he smile when she began to dance....

Arc's eyes were intent in watching her though he made it a point to glare at any of the crew that would even slow down to catch a glance. Instantly they would go back to work, not wanting to get on the Captain's bad side. They could tell that he was taking quite the liking to the female that seemed to sweep so suddenly into his life.

Every move, every twist and turn the arctic wolf watched. Even her skirt seemed to capture his attention. It was like watching the waves of the sea. She was his personal dancer and Arctic was clearly enjoying every moment of it.

Serena moved in such a manner that he could actually hear the music in his own mind. His heart was actually pounding like the beat of the drums. It was quite invigorating to say the least. It was something that the male brute had never felt before. He knew that it was the femme that made him feel this way.

And then it ended. When the fae opened her eyes it was like the sun's rays were instantly upon him. A smile then radiated from his white features and especially so as he stepped forward to take her paw. He would now prove that he really wasn't as clumsy as he made himself out to be. Gracefully he spun her around until she was cuddle in his arms, her back against his chest as he whispered in her conical ear. "I still want you to teach me some of your moves. Perhaps tonight when we get to the deserted island?" He held her there until she answered him. His touch was so very gentle, kind and 'very' loving.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Taking the white brute's paw, Serena moved easily as he spun her around. The motion on both parts was fluid and easy as though they'd done it a million times. When the motion stopped, Serena found herself with her back against Arctic's chest, his muzzle resting on her shoulder and his arms around her in what felt like a lover's embrace. It was pleasant, slightly surprising but pleasant nonetheless. Arctic was warm and solid with quite an inviting smell. At that moment, Serena could see what some couples learned to not mind the minimal courting time. It wasn't always necessary.

Resisting the urge to giggle like a lovesick maiden, Serena leaned against Arctic's chest with a coy smile.

"Which dance would you like to learn?" Serena asked with the perfect amount of innocence and playfulness.

Of course the tribal fem knew which dance he was interested in, the only one he had asked her about. It seemed Arctic had enjoyed her dance, perhaps a little too much. She had felt the vibrations of footpaws through the deck of the Storm Striker and hadn't failed to notice how pawsteps faltered while she had danced only to pick up quickly again. She knew it was Arctic keeping his crew in check. The thought made her smile and feel cared for and protected.

"Whatever one you want, I'd be glad to teach" Serena told the captain with a smile, perfectly content.

It was strange how suddenly content someone could be. The day before she had been content and quiet but lonely. She wasn't lonely anymore but quite content. Maybe things were looking up after all and exile wasn't as bad as everyone made it sound.

[Arctic Fang]

Arctic was perfectly comfortable in the position of holding her. He knew this because as he now sat in the chair next to her the feeling kept playing over and over in his brain like a video. It was hard to shake. "Well..." He leaned over and put his strong forearms on the table and looked at her. "Given the fact that I have no clue about your dances I think that it's best that you pick one to teach me. How does that sound?" His chest vibrated loudly in a laugh as his broad shoulders shook with joy. He knew better then to say anymore about the dances of her tribe. Arty wanted to keep his footpaw out of his mouth and the safest way was to let her decide.

Arctic then waved his paw and let out a shrill whistle. He was finished with the food as he was sure that Serena was. All that would be left on the table was some wine and water with lemon. Arc took a deep breath and then listened to what she had to say. His mind couldn't help but to wonder what would happen next. Despite what her tribal beliefs were he was quite reserved when it came to the art of courting. He never had the training from his father and very little was told to him about this by his mother, mostly because he was away from her for most of his cub-hood. Needless to say... it's a miracle that Arctic turned out as well as he has.

The male leaned on the cleaned off table, propping his head up with his paw as he looked at the femme. He wondered what she was thinking. Maybe he should give her some room and some time to think about such a large turn of events in her life.

Arctic then stretched, his broad chest very impressive. "Well Serena I need to get some work done. Feel free to roam about the ship or take a nap if you want to. If you need anything, anything at all, please ask one of the crew and they will direct you to me. But I can assure you that I won't be that hard to find. We have a long day of sailing ahead of us." The Captain stood and gave the femme a slight head bow and then was off to do what Captains do. He left her to her own devices.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena nodded, allowing to be given the decision of what to teach Arctic. At least he wasn't going to try to assume anything more from her tribe which was a relief. Though he never offended her, sometimes his assumptions were quite embarrassing for both of them. She watched as one of the crewbeasts came and cleared away the uneaten food and remainder of their drinks. Rising to her paws as the captain departed, Serena looked out to the sea. The Storm Striker would be leaving port and some little instinct told Serena she didn't want to be on deck when that happened. Being on a stationary boat was strange enough. When it was moving out to sea? Well, Serena didn't quite have her sealegs yet and already her stomach turned at the thought.

Nodding to an otter she passed, Serena headed below decks to the room Arctic had graciously given her. Pushing open the door the blue-grey fem stepped inside and lit one of the lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Putting the shudder over the lantern to dim the light, Serena shed the bangles from her wrists and perched on the edge of the bed and laid down, closing her eyes as the Storm Striker came to life, heading out to sea.

When Serena did decide to move sometime later after dozing lightly for a while, she sat up and reached for her bag of goods beside the bed. Pulling out a piece of wood, Serena eyed it carefully. It was pale wood, bleached but still with plenty of good texture. Around the top there were carvings and nitches from a knife blade. Rummaging in the bag again, Serena pulled out an old carving knife and settled back on the bed to carve in peace. If they reached their destination early she knew Arctic or someone would come to find her. Carving would help keep her mind off the unnatural swaying of the ship as it moved in the water in any case.

[Arctic Fang]

Truthfully Arctic hated to leave her side but there 'was' work that needed to be tended to and only he could do it. As the male went to work he occasionally glanced at her as she headed toward her cabin, the very place that he thought that she would go. Indeed he knew right where to find her now.

It was odd though, not seeing her all day long. Perhaps she was more exhausted then she thought. The sun was now settling down into the horizon, assuming it's resting place until dawn. Arctic now had his shirt off and was heaving some heavy rope onto the deck of the ship. They had worked hard for the day, performing everything from fishing to mending a sail that had ripped during a prevailing shifting wind. Yes Arty would need a bath before leaving the ship.

The Captain would now send the porter down to inform Serena that they would be birthing at the island within the hour. It would give her time to freshen up and prepare, doing things that only the femme gender did. Arctic would continue to work right up until he could take time to take a dip into the sea. It was a quick way to bathe, as long as he took a bar of soap with him, which he would.

Once and if Serena came up to the deck of the ship she would witness his massive muscular frame. Arty was a modest sort of creature though. He wasn't the type to show off or flaunt his body but he sure was something to look at. The male gave little thought to his condition if she 'were' to show up. He was a paws on kind of Captain, the type that wouldn't just stand there and shout out orders for the others to follow. Arctic would work right along with them. He figures that this would be the best way to earn the respect from the crew.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena's carving was interrupted at a knock on the door. Not quite trusting her sealegs quite yet and having developed a bit of a fluttery stomach around noon, Serena simply beckoned her visitor to enter. It turned out to be the porter that had first guided her to the dock. He ducked his head politely, telling her they would be reaching the islands within the hour. Serena thanked him and sent him on his way. Picking up her bag, Serena tucked away the semi-finished carving and the knife before sweeping the shavings into her palms and into a waste basket she had found beside the bed.

Unfolding herself from her comfortable position on the bed, Serena set about cleaning herself up before going above deck. She was a bit wobbly because of the sea's movement but she managed well enough for a fem from a non-seafaring people.

Crossing the room, Serena filled a basin with the tub's faucet and took a cloth. She used it to clean her face, paws and arms of any dust from her afternoon of carving. Once marking sure her attire was clean and presentable, Serena slid her bangles back on and picked through her pack. Finding a set of three silver hoop earrings, each slightly smaller than the last, Serena fit them into her left ear. Giving herself a final once over, the fem tucked her back safely under the bed where no one would discover the carving and deadened the lamp.

Stepping out of her room, Serena made her way to the deck. The crew was well at work, hussling and bussling about like a hive of busy bees. Serena did her best to keep out of their way though she did nearly loose her footing once but was steadied by the paw of a handsome if not burly sea otter. Nodding her thanks, Serena made her way to the railing, holding it tightly for balance as she watched the island come into view and the sun sinking lower and lower into the waters on the western horizon.

She had not seen Arctic when she'd come up but she simply assumed he was off doing whatever it was a captain did aboard a trading vessel. What Serena did notice was that the crew kept respectful distances and nodded politely or smiled, a strange knowing look in their eyes. This truly was an unusual ship.

[Arctic Fang]

Serena may have not noticed him but he sure did notice her. He smiled from ear to ear, finished what he was doing and then shouted a few more instructions to the crew. At the moment that he was finished the crow-master shouted out... "LAND HOOOOOO CAPTAIN FANG!" The Captain took a moment to look up at him as he grabbed his shirt and held it in paw, the sun still giving him something to slightly squint about.

Arctic, still smiling, jaunted across the deck and to the bow of the ship. Yep! There it was! It was the deserted island that he was telling Serena about, the same one that they would take an evening to enjoy a campfire, some relaxation, some good food and drink. This was going to be fun!

"Head for that island mate!" This was his next order that was directed toward the helm's beast. Arctic was now practically jumping out of his skin, completely forgetting about his shirt but longing to show Serena the land that was dead ahead. His paw went out, palm up, as he lifted his arm as an invitation to the femme. "Come Serena! Look at the island that we will be making birth at. Isn't she a beauty?" His eyes darted from the island and then back to her.

The old maps that were in his cabin held true. Arctic was instructed to keep supreme records of the lands and sea as he made his adventures via the trading business. He would do this mostly in the evening after the activity of the ship would die down. The male would also look over the list of items that Brooke specifically wanted him to get and commit them to memory, even though he would still carry the parchment in his pocket. Some items were for the fort while others were for her personal use.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

The cry of the crow master startled Serena from her horizon gazing. Looking up toward the crow's nest, the fem perked her ears, letting her blue-purple eyes searching the deck for the ivory furred captain she knew was there. For a moment he was just a blur of movement, hopping over the deck, sidestepping crew members until he was very near where she stood near the front of the ship. Smiling at his happiness, Serena suppressed a quiet giggle. He looked like a pup that had just been given candied chestnuts before dinner. Folding her arms over her flat stomach, Serena regarded the captain as he looked toward the land. It was the first time she noticed he was shirtless...and very good looking that way.

Blushing furiously, Serena tried to look away but he made it difficult when he offered her his paw. Hesitating just a moment, Serena unfolded her arms and took his offered paw. Letting him pull her toward him, Serena looked out to the island so she wouldn't be caught staring too obviously at his well exposed form. She considered offering him a shirt just to keep her own mind clean but...well he was a working captain, it wouldn't last long. Plus she kinda liked it even though in her tribe it was nearly taboo, just nearly.

"It looks lovely" Serena said, nodding to the island with a coy smile, glancing at him. "I see you've been busy this afternoon captain, I hope you've kept yourself well."

Winking subtly, Serena slipped from the ivory male's grip with the ease and grace of a dancer, twirling neatly out of his arms to the deck. Her bangles jingled, silver earrings catching the dying sunlight and skirts swishing. She had a coy smile on her face, playful and mischievous. She was in the mood to tease.

"There's a cook aboard yes? Perhaps I could help with the evening meal" Serena offered casually.

[Arctic Fang]

Arctic suddenly noted the odd vibes that were coming from Serena and how she seemed to blush and then barely could look at him. Clearly she was a little embarrassed due to his presence clothing situation. It 'was' probably hard for a chaste female to 'not' look and to keep her mind clean when she was forced to look at the very hard body of a well built male. And he 'was' very well built.

As soon as she danced out of his grip it hit him. "Oh! I'm not... Here... Lemme... Get this on." Arctic fumbled with his shirt, twisting and turning inside out and then back again until he was finally able to get it on, not without making his headfur even more messy. Then he giggled. "There... That's better. As soon as we get to shore I'm going to be jumping into the sea with a bar of soap. I suppose that you wouldn't care to join me?" He giggled loudly.

Soon after he addressed her quickly about her inquiry to assist with the food. "I would rather you not help but if you insist I won't stop you." After all if he had the means of doting over her then that's what he wanted to do. Then again he understood that she was a paws-on type of femme.