Captain's Quarters

Pirate aesthetic

Aeric Tanner let his gaze darken with the mention of more attackers but she could see that it wasn’t at her. He made this clear by casting it immediatly to the far wall and then to another. His form tensed as his jaw set and a familiar thin line struck out across his cheek. At first, his only response was to let a low note play through him. In a beat, he shifted his weight and tightened a fist. “Seven fuckin’ hells, I can’t fuckin’ step away without these arseholes comin’ for ya. I thought we dealt with em’ back there but clearly, more need to be fuckin’ shot.” He turned and drew a heavy breath to still the churning waters. The fist at his side relaxed and he eased down a notch. “Are you alright?” Concern forced his gaze back to her then.

Hana Komainu shifted the moment she caught the tense in his jaw.  The groan of protesting leather as his fist clenched had her brows knitting softly together; she had thought Averill’s response, and admission of worry, cutting.  Yet, it paled far in comparison to Aeric’s, and she felt it deep within her; her heart responded at once.  All she wanted then was to soothe the Captain, even as he eased and released himself of some tension.  Hana stepped with his turn and paced forward, closing what little space had separated them.  A warm palm pressed to his cheek as she reached for him, but she did not cradle his face as had been her first reaction.  Her right hand was far more careful and swept to his neck.  "I am alright.“  Touch and tone both tried to assuage him as she reclaimed his slate gaze.  "He left me a bit out of my mind, but he didn’t harm me.  And I know who it is now.”

Aeric Tanner exhaled the moment she touched him and both arms came to wrap around her form. Without hesitation, without holding back, he scooped her up off her feet into his hold and nudged his brow to hers. Using that gentle motion, he sought to turn her head to allow affections to plant to her cheek and then against the side of her jaw before he buried his face to her shoulder. Heat rolled out with another exhale and he spoke in softer tones. “I am sorry I wasn’t there to protect you but gods above am I glad to see you unharmed, for the most part.”

Hana Komainu ’s breath caught in her chest as her feet left the grain below.  She was swallowed by his embrace, and she sank into him with little thought.  Her eyes closed to his gentle affections, each and every one further stealing what little breath she already had, and her fingers brushed affectionately at his cheek before he buried himself in her shoulder.  Her arms enveloped him, cradling his head to her, and she finally found air; though it wavered at her lips.  "You needn’t be sorry. You can’t always be there,“ she whispered, softly, as she placed her lips to his temple.  Fingers brushing his hair, Hana slowly let her arms fall from where she held him.  She gently urged him back to her with a sweep of her fingers at his cheek, and she dipped her head to sweetly press her lips to his.  "I’m glad you’re back.”  Her lips were a whisper at his as her eyes fluttered open to meet his, and her heart startlingly leapt in her chest.  "I’ve missed you.“  The words that had carried in her for suns, unspoken and hidden, were out in a single, thoughtless breath.

“Ye know, I like t’think I lead an interestin’ life.”

The voice poured like fine gravel spilled out against the air, smooth but for the faint grainy tenor that held fast. A hand clad with aged leather and stitches worn enough to be frayed in a few spots slowly turned a coin against the table.

It was old wood, splintered in some places and chipped in others. There was an ale stain against the corner, and more than a few memories of mugs scattered around it. Crumbs dusted a few spots. Mementos.

“Travel ‘round th’world..meetin’ interestin’ folk. Runnin’ th’deck’o’that ship ye see out there. Real quick-like she is, real beaut. I ain’t no cap’n, though. That’s Tanner’s job. I keep th’boys in line, move th’cargo needs movin’. Get t’yell th’lot clean out their skin most nights. Give em a good rise, keeps ‘em on their toes.”