One More Adventure (Arctic)

[Vexa Blueclaw]

At his offer to 'join him' in the sea, Serena had to laugh. Her laugh was good natured with just the right note of light embarrassment and teasing. Batting a paw at him the fem made a shooing motion. "Go on now and tend your crew you sly seadog. Get them to shore and there'll be a meal waiting. I expect clean paws."

The fem's starlit eyes twinkled with merriment as she teased him, her tone light and half laughing. She knew it bothered him that she wanted to repay him for taking her to the ports but really she insisted on it. He had not only stopped a thief for her, unintentionally but still, but he was also taking her to trade. Serena wasn't the type to take being spoiled without doing something about it. Somewhere in the back of her mind Serena knew Arctic probably did it only because he fancied her but she was alright with it. After all, she fancied him as well so it worked out well enough in her opinion. It was the least she could do to give him a nice meal and help out the cook feed all of these hungry seabeasts.

Smiling warmly to the captain, Serena set out across the deck toward the galley, ducking below decks, If anything these poor sailors could use a woman's touch in their cooking. She knew the typical diet of soldiers, warriors and sailors would be more or less the same. Knowing that and her father's common old demands for a good meal when he came back from long patrols, Serena knew it would do the crew good for her to put a paw into their meals. Also it would keep Serena out from under paw while the crew took the Storm Striker to shore and picked out a camp spot. She wasn't looking to be in the way.

Approaching the old hare cook in the galley, Serena used her usual charm and playful mixture of banter and just the right comments to worm her way into the old hare's kitchen as an aid. She let the hare boss her about and bantered with him until she was sure her help would not be turned away. There would be a hungry crew to feed tonight.

[Arctic Fang]

He knew that there was no sense in arguing with her. Once a femme got it into her mind that she was going to do something then she would do it, come hell or high water. But he wouldn't except it without a disagreeable expression on his face and a small crease in his cheek as he lifted his left lip, as if he had just tasted something horrible in his mouth. "If you insist Serena..." Before he could finish she was leaving him and so he was forced to shout. "But this is the last time!" Arctic then turned and mumbled to himself, something that only he himself would hear. "I would have been a gentle beast and kept my boxers on." He then chuckled to himself and turned his eyes toward the land again, watching as it got closer and closer.

The Captain just couldn't stand there for the rest of the day. There were things to do and plans to be made. Arctic's mind was filled with all of the possiblities... so much to do and so little time. Boldly he ushered forth orders until he felt like he would be able to relax a bit. The whole crew knew what they needed to lug on to the shore. Everything 'should' run smoothly.

They needed....
**Barrels of ale
**Barrels of wine
**Musical beasts with their instruments
**Tables
**Chairs
**Food

The firewood they would find that laying on the forest floor for and if there were anything else that they needed he would simply send the porter back to get it. It was all as simple as that.

Arc again retreated to the bow and grinned. Land was just at the right distance. The male wet his finger, stripped off his clothing, grabbed a bar of soap and then heaved himself over board. He would swim the rest of the way and at the same time give himself a nice relaxing bath. It's just what the Captain ordered.

The husky male arrived at short a little after the ship did. Arctic was greeted by the porter with a large towel, which the male wrapped around his waist. He was even more impressive when wet. Now his fur was matted to every single valley and mountain of muscle that he sported on his body.

And of course the male arrived with a rather large smile on his face. He had a wonderful swim and a relaxing bath and it looked like things were well under way here on the shore. Serena would just have to get use to him being shirtless at times if she wanted to sell her goods on his trade trips. Inwardly though he hoped that she would grow accustomed to seeing him in such a manner. Sometimes there was no other way around it.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena went on shore with the rest of the crew, helping the old hare cook move supplies. The crew handled barrels of wine and ale, crates of various food stuffs and went off in search of firewood while Serena and the old cook helped sort out a suitable campsite. The crewbeasts were good fellows, helping her out of the boat and going as far as to take anything she tried to help move. It was half irritating and half flattering. It had been a while since she'd been treated like a lady. She accepted their help with gracious thanks and set about lighting the cooking fire while the others set up chairs, tables and barrels of drink. The old hare bossed her about but there was really no use seeing as Serena knew her way around a fireside with perfect ease. Still she let him do it and didn't complain.

Together they had settled on searching a fine stew with unleavened flatbreads, crushed herbs baked into the bread. Serena baked the flat bread on hot stones in the fire while the old hare set up a cauldron for a nice hearty stew. Serena managed to sneak a few herbs into the broth as the old hare was busy chopping carrots and the like. Her herbs complete, Serena helped peel potatoes, ignoring the sly and firtatious looks from the crew. They seemed surprised and pleased to have a woman helping with the cooking. Fresh shrimp fished that morning were added to the stew with a few hot spices from the south to add a bit of heat for the otterbeasts in the crew.

When the food was done, Serena helped the old hare cook to hand out steaming bowls of stew with the seasoned flat breads. As she moved among the Storm Striker's crew, Serena looked around for Arctic, a bowl in her hands. Spotting the captain coming toward them with a towel about his waist and the porter trotting along at his side, Serena smiled and walked over.

"Ah there you are! Come and eat before your crew gobble it down" Serena said with a warm smile, offering him the bowel and decidedly ignoring the fact he was again shirtless. "You too, go along, I'll take care of your captain" Serena said to the porter, shooing him off toward the fire to get his meal. "Would you prefer ale or wine this evening good captain?" Serena asked, still lightly playful and easy, looking him in the face and refusing to let her eyes wonder.

[Arctic Fang]

Arctic seemed like a wolf-god that was washed ashore and his gait was unmatched by another. The porter helped him and fussed over him as if he were a king until Serena showed up. It was then that he was shooed away. Arc nodded to the male, a sure sign that it was fine and that he could go join the others in the merry making. The male was pleased that she seemed a bit more at ease with his attire but he really would have liked to get dressed before he ate. Still though he tied the towel tight around his hips and took her offering of food. He did look rather silly sitting at the campfire with just a towel on but what the heck... It was a party. Was it not?

The male strutted his stuff, though he was really a modest sort of beast. He knew, however, that he needed to impress Serena. For some reason he felt a strong urge to attract her attention before another set their sights upon her. In truth he would be devastated already if he wasn't able to at least begin to court her. But all in time, though it didn't stop him from being very anxious about it.

She asked him what drink he wanted. His muzzle opened to answer her but then he seemed to change his mind. "I would like a nice cold dark ale and perhaps a shot of something a bit stronger?" Just then his eyes shot open and he quickly grabbed her by the arm and pulled her nearer to him. "Ohhhh no. You're not going to wait on me. You come sit next to me and I'll get it later." His free paw held her arm but soon made its encased way down to her paw where his fingers interlocked with hers. He certainly hoped that she felt comfortable enough holding paws. He supposed that she would pull free if she did not.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Of course back home Serena had been used to waiting on her father and any of his friends that came to their home. She and her sisters had it down to a science as to what most males liked. They liked hard liquors when their days had gone poorly or when they were hurting but went for ales when the times were good and it was meant to be a night for laughter. They liked hot spice after months of the mundane but liked common dishes after long patrols when homemade food was impossible to get. Serena wasn't surprised at the call for an ale, a shot stronger would be no trouble. She had seen a suspicious looking silver flask being passed around as she'd handed out bowls of stew and had an inkling the crew wouldn't deny their captain.

Before Serena could assure Arctic that she had been waiting on males for a long time and it was no trouble, he was holding her paw making her blush lightly and smile. Nonetheless he was standing there in a towel and needed to cover himself up before he went to dine with the crew. Knowing he wouldn't let her serve him, Serena decided to try a different tact to let her slip away and do just that.

Leaning forward, Serena pressed a small kiss to Arctic's cheek. "Nonetheless captain" Serena murmured in his ear, "you need to get dressed. Go on, I won't be long." Touching her nose lightly to his cheek, Serena smiled and slipped her paw out of his grip.

It wasn't that she didn't like him holding her paw but he did need to get dressed. Getting his ale would be a simple chance for him to do just that before he ended up driving her either insane or into heat. Whichever came first. She really hoped it wasn't the second one. That would simply be embarrassing.

[Arctic Fang]

Sternly he looked at her. Mentally and facially he was giving her a piece of his mind. NO female of his was going to be waiting on every beast paw and footpaw. But wait... Technically she wasn't his... yet. He smiled at the notion but allowed her to leave his side, especially because she just made his mind and heart go crazy with that little kiss upon his cheek.

Once he got to the campfire, which was already glowing with some nice hot embers at the bottom, his porter was waiting with a nice clean set of clothing for him, something that was nice and cool and comfortable. Arctic then retreated into a tent and then reemerged as a new wolf, his blue orbs already searching for Serena. What a love sick pup he was already becoming!

Arc sat, feeling confident enough that she was safe among his crew. He just hoped that she was smart enough to not wander off. After all this was an 'uncharted' island and he has yet to have the time to explore it. With that thought in mind he stood from his log seat and began to scan the area for her. Part of him was becoming panicked. So this was what caring about someone felt like.

Porter saw by the look on his face that he was concerned. Immediately he assured him that he would set out to find the beautiful Serena. This did not comfort him and even though he did not move from his spot he did not sit back down either. She knew that he was here and here was where she would come back to him, he thought.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

The crew were good beasts and though she knew very few of them, Serena harbored no fear of them. She made her way to the ale barrels and took an empty tankard offered to her by the hedgehog in charge of the ship's stocks. Nodding her thanks, Serena poured a generous drink for the ship captain and then looked around at the crewbeasts eating, laughing and overall being silly all around her. They were a rowdy bunch but marginally harmless, Serena was quite sure. Spotting the silver flask she had seen earlier, Serena made her way over to the otter holding it and leaned close to his ear to be heard over the din of merry crewfolk. The otter smiled and relinquished the flask. Serena added a light dash to the captain's ale and returned the flask.

Straightening up, Serena picked her way easily through the crew toward the tent she had glimpsed Arctic heading toward. Waylaid by a few beasts commenting on her cooking, Serena thanked them and continued on her way. Someone had reached for her skirt but Serena slapped their wrist sharply before they could so much as touch her, shooting a warning glare at the beast. They didn't know she carried a dagger with her. Not to mention she was quite skilled with it.

Spotting Arctic standing next to a table and chair looking like someone had just tried to steal his tail, Serena raised a brow curiously. Placing his ale on the table, the fem glanced around for whatever had caused the ivory captain's sudden unease.

"Something wrong captain? Nothing's here besides the crew, relax."

Smiling reassuringly, not seeing that she was the one that had made Arctic anxious, she found a stool and seated herself neatly, brushing wrinkles and sand from her skirts. It was times like this she wished for a loom to weave but it was aboard the ship with the rest of her belongings.

From the small bag on her hip, Serena pulled a small piece of wood she had snatched from the firewood pile earlier that evening and slipped the dagger she wore from a sheath under her skirts. Examining the blade carefully, Serena began to carve absentmindedly before looking back at Arctic.

"What was it that made you look like a thief had just snuck in and took your tail captain? No one else seemed unnerved."

[Arctic Fang]

Arctic seemed to be holding his breath and he didn't leave it out until his blue cisterns caught sight of the femme. In truth there 'could' be hostiles in the area, not that he's seen any in the last five times that he visited the island but still... there could be.

"Something wrong captain? Nothing's here besides the crew, relax." The male simply ignored her question and just shot her a little smirk. It was cute how she was concerned about his emotions. He then sat and began to slurp at his soup but not before taking the ale from her delicate paws and then thanking her whole heartedly.

Arty then cocked his head as he observed her take the dagger out from beneath her skirt; obviously it was fastened to her leg. He couldn't help but too long to sneak a peek as he threw her a knowing raise of his one eyebrow. He wondered what else she had hidden under there. Silently he smiled at the thought. At times he deeply amused himself.

Again she asked. "What was it that made you look like a thief had just snuck in and took your tail captain? No one else seemed unnerved." He sighed but he still wasn't willing to reveal the fact that it was her that was his concern. Slyly he would get around her inquiry. "The crew has the luxury of having nothing on their minds right now. I'm the Captain and therefore I have plenty of things on my mind." He gave her a wink and hoped that she would let the subject rest.

His meal came to an end and so did almost all of his drink. The coldness as it rushed down his throat like a river felt oh so refreshing but then again conversation with Serena also felt just as invigorating. "Tell me... Serena. What are you carving there? You are always busy with your paws." He smiled at her as he watched her work, from time to time watching as the sun was almost completely dipped into the sea.

Soon would be time for the real festivities to start...

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Having already snacked lightly on flat bread, Serena was lacking any real appetite, still slightly ruffled from the ship. She was quite honestly glad to be on solid land again though she had been lucky enough not to get seriously seasick. Deciding not to peruse Arctic's unease, Serena focused on the wood and dagger in her paws. The last thing she needed was to accidentally cut herself. Heaven knew that would send Arctic into a fullblown hysteria.

In honesty her paws were plenty tough since she'd often cut, burned or poked herself with various things while learning under her mother's wing. Sewing needles were still seldom her friends but she had gotten better at avoiding hot metal when she made jewelery or cooked and Serena hadn't cut herself carving since she'd been quite young. She was known for having steady hands, a desired trait in her village. Had she stayed in her tribe, many had claimed Serena to be a nearly perfect bride and wife, skilled, steady-pawed, gentle with little ones and a graceful dancer. She had been quiet and obedient in her father's house but what made her leave it all had been her desire for actual love.

Several minutes later, Arctic startled Serena from her thoughts, asking what she was making. Looking up, in surprise, Serena looked back at the wood and chuckled. It seemed her subconscious had known what it was doing while the rest of her mind was busy with idle thoughts. The carving was starting to lengthen and take shape as a dagger handle. Maybe not a dagger, a fancy kitchen knife perhaps, too light and small to be for a proper dagger.

"Well it seems I've been making a handle of some sort. A throwing knife or maybe just a kitchen knife" Serena said idly, turning the carving over in her paws as though it had just landed here and she'd never seen it before.

Noting his comment about keeping her paws busy, Serena chuckled and smiled at the curious captain. "Well, when you've got nothing to do for hours but kneel by a fire and listen to your father get drunk with his companions, you tend to develop habits. My eldest sister would sew, my younger sister would hum songs to herself and I would carve or weave on a loom when my mother wasn't using it."

[Arctic Fang]

The sun was going down further and further by the minute and every beast noticed it. Arc could tell because the hooting and hollering was getting louder and louder. He assumed because it was more fun at night to watch the fire and then add drinks to the mix and you got yourself a regular party. The Captain didn't mind because it gave his crew and himself time to wind down. Some sat quietly and told tales, some sat and thought about their families back home and others chose to drink themselves into happiness and serenity.

Arctic was happy just sitting there watching Serena as she carved at the piece of wood. He nodded when he could clearly see that it indeed did look like a knife handle. Gruffly he voice his opinion and gave her some much needed praise. "Well you do beautiful work and it looks good so far. I'm just sorry that you've had to endure so many trials in your life. I just hope that things will change for the better for you now." Silently he vowed to himself that 'he' would help her make that happen.

The male wolf looked up and then nodded at the band. And the music began which made Arty smile. He knew, or he sensed, that it would make Serena happy to hear the music. "You are invited to come with me as often as you wish as long as I know, or at least think, that there will be no danger for you aboard the ship. And... If any of the crew get out of line I'll expect you to tell me. Most are family beasts but some are single and longing for female companionship." Yes making plans to see more of was a good idea in Arctic's book.

In the meantime the music was slow and soothing. It was always good to start out with slow songs and then work up to the more jovial ones. At least that's they way the Captain liked it. "Will you please excuse me? I'm going to get more to drink. I'll bring you back a nice blush wine spritzer." He got up and then touched her shoulder. As he walked away his paw followed the line of her shoulder and then to the back of her neck where he squeezed softly before releasing.

As he was gone the music was becoming a bit more intense in it's tune. Arc was laughing when he came back, mostly due to the antics of his men and some parts of a story that he caught on the way back. By the time he got to Serena he was on his third drink and feeling pretty darn good. He still delicately pawed her wine to her though and really he wasn't gone that long. Arc would never leave her alone to long. He knew better then that. "Her you go Serena. Are you enjoying yourself so far?" The sun was now completely gone, as was any trace of its rays. Indeed it was now night time. The forest around them pitch black.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena smiled and shook her head lightly as the ivory captain walked away to get her and himself a drink. She let him go but was thoroughly astounded at his take on the role of a fem. He thought her trials had been hard? Oh no. She had been glad to tend to her father and uncles. Nights by the fireside had never been too trying. She and her sisters would appraise one another's work, offer advice and once she had even helped her youngest sister to complete the beading on the wedding gown for their eldest sister. Tending children and housework wasn't something Serena dreaded. It was just part of life. It was expected and something Serena took a certain satisfaction in, being able to make life just a little easier for those that protected her because she had little skill with a blade or bow.

Picking up the wood and dagger again, Serena whittled away a little more of the wood, forming a fine etching in the handle. She barely noticed the time it took for Arctic to return though she could tell at least one drink had been finished during his absence. There was a glaze beginning in his eyes but it wasn't anything near as bad as what she'd seen in cruel raging drunks before which was good to know. Still, the fem treaded with caution nonetheless.

"I'm doing well captain" Serena assured him, taking the wine and sipping delicately before resting the glass back on the tabletop.

Rising from her seat, Serena flashed a "come and get me smile" and made her way toward the campfire where the music was picking up beat. Almost instantly an otter offered his paw for a dance. Serena smiled and took it, letting him spin her about and moved easily through the crew as she began to pass from otter to hare, hare to hedgehog and hedgehog to another wolf. She would take a turn with each before passing paws. remembering fondly the seasonal dances in her tribe. A single dance had always been for maidens to be passed among potential suitors and this reminded her faintly of just such a thing.

[Arctic Fang]

At first Arctic thought that it was cute that the other crew members wanted to dance with Serena and he didn't even mind it so much until the male wolf decided to take his turn. This was when the hair stood up on the back of his neck and he felt right then and there that they were surely knocking on death's door. Arctic got a glint in his eyes that flashed a sign of danger and it quickly passed on to the rest of the crew. Very quickly as a matter of fact. They all knew that he fancied Serena.

Porter saw the male's expression change and so he decided to intercede. Port was about the only beast that could talk to Arctic when he got in one of those moods, though his mood had never been quite like this one. Jealousy was indeed a green eyed monster. Soon the male was calm. Yes he understood that they crew was just having a bit of fun... but let one of them cross the line to far and surely no beast would hold him back from chopping their head off.

Arctic's grim glances turned into smiles. He knew that he was being a bit overly protective. His crew would learn as well how far to push him or what line they should 'never' cross over. For now they were all safe. Arc began to tap his footpaw. He wanted a turn with Serena but he was so nervous about dancing with her. Mainly he was afraid of muffing it up or stepping on her footpaws or something.

He allowed some time to pass and slowly he made his way through the crowd, pawing off his drink as he got closer to the dancing femme. Arty would catch her right at the pivotal moment, when she was in a spin and she would turn right into his arms. The band already knew to slow the music down to a slow dance. And that's just what happened. All of a sudden the large arctic wolf was there and allowing her to spin in his open arms until he slowly closed them, feeling her body getting closer and closer to his. Then he would whisper the question. "May I have this dance?" He would use his low husky voice, the tone that sounded so very alluring and yet so sensually appealing.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Of course Serena hadn't intentionally gone to make Arctic mad but she was tired of sitting still. After spending most of the day in bed getting used to the constant motion of the ship, Serena was ready to dance and the crewbeasts of the Storm Striker were talented enough dancers. The wolf Serena danced with was a handsome grey-furred fellow with lovely eyes and a charming smile. Serena danced easily with him before moving to the arms of another otter, slightly taller than the first with more grey in his fur. Perhaps an elder crew member that led her into a lively two step which she followed with a laugh and smile.

A hedgehog in Serena's peripheral vision seemed to move forward for a second dance but as Serena began a turn toward him, different arms caught her turn. Instead of the shorter status of a hedgehog, Serena found herself dancing in the muscular arms of a particular sea captain. Smiling, Serena moved easily to dance with him.

"Of course captain. I will always save a dance for you" Serena replied with a sweet smile, slowing her steps to match the slower music.

Whatever jealousy she had felt him giving off in practically palpable waves from his little corner would have to end however if he wanted Serena to linger. When it came to dancing, Serena preferred dancing in groups, with others like her mother, sisters, aunts and other family. When that didn't happen or couldn't happen, Serena rather enjoyed being turned and passed easily from beast to beast so long as they kept their hands where they were meant to be for the dance. She was used to dances being social things, meant for partners to be passed and changed, a different partner for each song or turn depending on the song and occasion.

Nonetheless, Serena didn't turn out of Arctic's arms but let him lead around the fire. She knew the crew was watching but kept her attention on Arctic. Coyly she raised a brow. "Setting an example for your crew, captain?" Serena asked in a whisper.

She knew it was true, even if he denied it. She knew he liked her. Serena liked him too but the jealousy would have to end or at least be controlled. Perhaps time would tell. He would learn to trust her in the arms of another while music played.

[Arctic Fang]

Arctic wore a rather serious look on his face as he stared down and into the eyes of the one that seemed to be capturing his heart, mind and very soul. He knew then and there that she felt so very good in his arms and that feelings were developing, at least on his end. With this female, the one that seemed so different then any that he's ever met, seemed harder to understand. Perhaps the difference was why he liked her so much. She was exotic and unique. Arc rejoiced in their variation but at the same time, whether he knew it or not, he would have to make 'some' changes. Serena would also learn that there were some things that Arctic would never change.

Their dance was controlled and precise but still free. His paw moved around her body, all in the safe places, but she would know that it wasn't another one of the crew members touching her. He chuckled when she asked him if he was setting an example for his crew. Arty could take that comment in so many ways but he thought that he would respond in a rather coy and flirting way. "My crew should know not to touch you this way." At that moment his paws slipped up her waist to her back and then back down again as he smiled at her.

Reluctantly he slowly twirled her out of his arms and then back again. Arctic was sure to instruct the musicians to play a completely whole slow song so that he could talk to Serena for a bit. "And Serena... Please stop calling me Captain. Call me Arctic." His heart was now beating in his chest. He just couldn't believe how incredible she felt in his arms. Oh sure there were things that he needed to adjust about himself, like the jealousy thing, but he still needed to learn her ways and the traditions that seemed to instilled in her existence.

Arctic took the chance and twirled her again but this time twice. The revolution was quite fast and it caused her to be thrust back into his embrace. He chuckled softly, hoping that she was enjoying herself but at the same time not wanting to keep her all to himself for to long. "Teach me some moves Serena. I want to dance with you like your heart wants and desires. I wish to please you." For the first time in is life he forgot everything about himself and what he wanted to do and only wanted to concentrate on her.

[Vexa Blueclaw]

Serena's heart fluttered like a trapped butterfly in her chest as Arctic held her. He kept his paws in the right places, not trying to grope or holding her clumsily like an inexperienced dancer. Also the fem noticed that she didn't mind when he did take a bit more liberty than the other crewbeasts had. It didn't offend or surprise her at all. Instead she smiled gently and twirled gently, in time with the slow music being played. She knew she should be self-conscious of the rest of the crew watching them but, oddly it was hard to remember that they even existed. Instead her attention was focused entirely on Arctic.

His request made her smile lightly and she nodded, accepting that she wouldn't call him captain anymore, at least unless the situation called for it. She knew Arctic was probably not shy about his crew knowing that she was most likely his but, there were other people Serena had in her life and she wasn't sure what they should know.

Pushing the thoughts of the cavalry out of her mind, Serena turned again, twice this time and faster. She let the momentum of her last turn carry her back into Arctic's arms rather than into the paws of another crew beast.

Leaning forward to whisper in his ear, Serena said "Life is a dance, sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. You don't know all the moves, just learn them as you go."

Pecking his cheek lightly, Serena smiled and slipped, a bit reluctantly, out of Arctic's arms and nodded to the band of beasts playing the slow song as it wound down. The beat picked up, tambourines coming in this time, the beat steady and lively like an excited heartbeat. Serena moved in a slow twirl and took the paw of an otter, the elder otter she had danced with and snatched a green sash he wore from his right shoulder to left hip. The sash came loose and Serena wielded it like a dancing scarf since it was roughly the same length, moving with it like it was her partner, using it to accent the spins and hand movements of a tribal celebration dance.

As she danced around the fire, eyes and markings reflecting the dancing flames, she seemed to take a mysterious look, embers twirling in the air around her. Her pawsteps were quick and precise and anybeast there could see that with more fems to follow Serena's steps the dance would be an amazing sight.

The music changed, the beat and tempo shifting slightly as Serena came around the fire toward Arctic. Other beasts had started, drunkenly and clumsily, following her steps and didn't notice her approach the captain. With the green sash she had snagged, Serena looped it around Arctic's neck, leading him into the fray of moving beasts and laughing. Dancing just out of his reach again, Serena smiled.

"Sometimes you just have to watch and learn."