Click finished checking the sails and worked his way down the rigging back on deck. He made sure the belaying pins were safely secured and continued his menial inspection towards the bow of the ship. After awhile he stopped and leaned against the railing, peering down to the waves below. It had been a long time since he worked as a simple deckhand. Years ago, and even then his skills elevated him quickly. Sorry Ryo, looks like I'm going to be delayed again. I owe the Silver Dragon my life, even if the gods weren't watching, I could not simply abandon that debt to her.

Mist sprayed him as the ship broke through a small wave, the mist felt good against his exposed skin. He'd taken his coat off as the wounds on his back were still too tender to touch, a small reminder of her cold demeanor. Yet there was also mercy, he'd seen it when Alvaro bowed to her and again when she offered him his life. He had kept to himself since joining her crew, hesitant if her mercy was only to be shown once. He didn't wish to die at the moment in any way, least of all with his throat slit because of an ill placed remark. He’d come much too far to die when he was so close to his goal. Still she intrigued him, he couldn't get the small smirk she'd given him out of his head. He looked up and noticed a deckhand resting against the railing as well curiously eyeing the tattoo on his arm. “It is a bear, have you ever seen one?”

The young man shook his head and stepped closer to him. “No, but I've 'eard of 'em. Why a bear?”. He looked over the tattoos, intrigued by all the different designs. “I never seen tattoos like yours before.”

“Aye, I doubt you would have. They are from a land of ice and snow. The bear is for my test of courage and my passage into manhood.” He turned to better speak with the man, “Some brave the winter winds, some swim through frozen seas, me… I killed a bear and made a coat out of it,” he laughed.

The man's eyes grew wide, but he laughed. “Takes a bear to kill one. What about 'em other tattoos? They special too?”

“They are all special to me. I'll make you a deal, answer a couple questions for me, I'll tell you all about my tattoos and the Vikings who gave me them.” Click raised his eyebrows expectantly.

“Vikings, you say?” The man leaned closer, lowering his voice. “You mean the people from across the Atlantic? I come from London, I've 'eard of the Northmen.” He squinted at Click a moment then smiled, showing dirty, yellow teeth. “Alright. You 'ave a deal. Name's Conall, by the way. Conall Dobson.”

Click paused for a moment at the mention of London. The man was from his own backyard, what a small world, he thought to himself. He extended his hand and gave the man a firm handshake. “Conall Dobson from London, you can call me Aegir. Tell me, how long have you sailed with Captain Yasashi? What do you know about her?”

Conall chuckled and glanced back to the Captain, who was standing beside Jones at the helm. “Over five years, I’d reckon. But if you're looking to find the truth among the rumors, then good luck. There's no one on this ship that she trusts more than 'er first mate, Jones, and I doubt even 'im knows ‘er full story.”

“Interesting…” Click wasn't as obvious with his glance as Conall was, but he turned so he could see her. “She does seem to have quite the reputation. Are there any particularly, interesting tales of the notorious Silver Dragon?”

“Aye, that there is. I've 'eard many things, some I know are true, things I've seen ‘er do myself. Other things, I still question. There's a reason she's known in these waters, and not just because she's a woman. I've 'eard not a single man that ‘as tried to touch ‘er ‘as lived to tell about it.” Conall nodded his head slightly, pointing Aegir's attention to the knife at her side. “And not just 'er, but if she ‘ears of any man that 'as forced 'imself on a woman, she uses that knife to… well, let's just say she takes their, erm… dignity before killing them.” He gave him a solemn look. “... And that, Aegir, is no rumor.”

A slight unease ran up Click’s spine for a moment as he looked at the dagger. He didn’t doubt the man, a woman on board a pirate ship, a very beautiful woman, and a captain no less. What hardships must she have endured to get to where she is now. No wonder she seemed so ruthless, she had to be, no one would take her seriously if she wasn’t. However, it wasn’t as though Click would ever give her reason to use the knife on him. “I’ll keep that in mind, I’d prefer not to witness it for myself. Though I don’t believe I’ll be getting close enough to be in reach of the dagger anytime soon, think I’ll keep my distance.”

Though he was curious for more and he knew all crews could be chatty, he didn’t think it wise or right to ask too many questions about his new captain so soon. Conall was friendly enough, but others might be more inclined to find a reason for his quick release. He cast a glance to the man whose nose he’d broken only a few days before. “Conall, you said you’ve heard tales of the northmen? I hope you wouldn’t mind, I’m curious what they say of my brethren.”

***

“A lot on your mind, Captain?” Jones asked, pulling Kaida away from her thoughts. She had been absently watching the crew on deck, going about their daily tasks. It was nothing new, but the last several days were different for Kaida. The crew was always excited to welcome more people into the fold, but admittedly Click’s arrival had left her on edge. She had hardly spoken to him, only given him orders in passing, but she watched him carefully as he went about his duties. Kaida acknowledged Jones with a nod.

“Mmm. What do you think about our new crew members?” She asked, watching Click speak with Dobson, who was known for his loose lips.

“The men like them. They do their work with no complaint and do it well.” He looked over to her. “You been watching them carefully, what do you think about them?”

Kaida tapped a finger to her chin and thought over her words carefully. “I do like Alvaro, he’s already proven himself a loyal man… Aegir is…”

“Different?” Jones mused.

“I don’t know if that would be the first word I’d use to describe him.” Her eyes fell over Click’s arms and chest; his tattoos were unlike any she had seen before, but it was clear they held importance to him.

Jones followed her eyes. “... I’ve heard whispers from the men about him. About where he’s come from and what he’s done. He’s a Northman, from across the Atlantic.”

Kaida hid a knowing smile. “I’m sure he’s well accomplished, Jones, but you and I both know that there is a thin line between truth and tall tales.” What kind of secrets are you keeping, Click?

“Aye, that be true. I wonder what he’s heard about you.”

Kaida didn’t respond, but only smiled at Jones. She had been keeping her distance from Click since she had ordered the lashings, but now her curiosity was getting the best of her. “Jones, have someone else take over Aegir’s duties right now and have him come see me. I want to see if I can discover where that line lies.”

A wider smile grew on Jones’ face and he nodded. “Aye, Captain.”

***

“Well yes, yes that bit is true but we don’t rush into battle naked. That would just be asking for trouble, but I do know some berserkers who do that… it’s terrifying honestly, but you always have an easy target.” Click and Conall laughed together, “but typically in a raid you aren’t expecting much of a fight, you go in fast, light, and unexpected. In a true battle you wouldn’t find many Vikings out of hardened leathers. Although Valhalla does not call the cautious, It sings the praises of only the mightiest of legends. I was present when Harald Hardrada sent a lone berserker to hold the bridge in York. You should know the place if you’re from london, might have even heard the story. The lone viking who held the bridge of Stamford against the English army. Valhalla itself shook with cheers as that man fell, the gods themselves sang his praise.” Click shook his head smiling, remembering the day well, he looked up to see Jones approaching them and straightened up with Conall.

“Sounds as though you’ve had quite the adventures,”Jones said pleasantly. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt you from reliving those memories. You could entertain the crew all day with your stories.”

Click nodded to him, “Aye, I suppose I could, I’d offer you to join us, though I don’t believe I’m going to get the chance to continue my stories at the moment?”

“The Captain would like a word with you. Maybe you can entertain her with your stories,” Jones said with a wink while walking away.

That same uneasy feeling crawled up his spine again as he looked to the Captain now watching him closely. “Hey Conall, you think that was a good wink or…?”

“In regards to the Captain, it’s ‘ard to tell,” Conall said with the same look of unease. “She doesn’t often spend much time talking to crew members alone.”

Click nodded, “Best not keep her waiting then. Pleasure to meet you Conall, if you’ll excuse me.” He gave Conall a firm handshake and made his way up the stairs to the helm where Captain Yasashi still stood. He approached her and stood at attention, “You wanted to see me Captain?”

“I did,” Kaida said cooly, making it a point to look him in the eyes. Though it had been so long since she had seen Click, she had to admit that the years had been kind to him physically; the boy that she knew was now a man. He held himself confidently and was every bit as handsome as she remembered. "You seem to be getting along well here, the men find you fascinating. How have you been adjusting to your new station?"

Click raised an eyebrow but didn’t turn his gaze from hers. “It’s a step up from prisoner,” He gave a small smirk. “And I think they find my tattoos more interesting than I.”

“Do you not find yourself interesting?” She mused, feeling a slight smile grow on the corner of her mouth.

“A bear to me is as interesting as a flamingo is to you. I’m interesting because I am from the north, while you are intere-” He quickly cut himself short and eyed her cautiously, not fond of the idea of overstepping her leniency with him.

“Am I interesting to you because I’m a woman in a position reserved for men? Or because I too am from an unfamiliar place? Or perhaps for other reasons…” She said, finishing the last thought softly.

Click blushed slightly and averted his gaze, “Being a woman and Japanese are only two reasons...I do not hold the same superstitious beliefs most sailors do.”

Kaida let slip a genuine smile, grateful his attention was elsewhere. “That’s refreshing to hear.... You didn’t answer my question, however. I’m sure there’s more to you than just being from the North… but perhaps you don’t know the answer to my question yet.” She eyed him curiously for a moment. “Though you could answer this one- The Caribbean is not a part of the world that my people have really ventured. How did you know that I was specifically Japanese?”

He gave a small sigh, “You are not the first Japanese Captain I have had the pleasure of sailing with. Once upon a time I sailed these seas as the helmsman on a Japanese merchant ship. Though I’m sure by now the Captain’s long since returned home...Not the most interesting start to a tale is it? Especially for the man from the North.” He looked out to the horizon lost in thought.

At the mention of her uncle, Kaida’s heart ached and she instead focus on Click as he stared out onto the sea. A wistful expression seemed to cloud his face, making him seem more open and youthful and Kaida was reminded once again of the boy she cared so much for. Though he had aged, in that moment, she could have easily imagined them together on her uncle’s ship, talking about the next great adventure they would have. Looking at him now, it appeared as though Click was able to make his wish for adventure a reality. She thought of the pain she had inflicted upon him days ago and her eyes dropped to the floor in shame. I don’t mean to hurt you, Click.

“Many extraordinary tales have ordinary beginnings,” she said softly. “... I can tell when a person has spent most of their life on a ship, Aegir. Did you like being the helmsman?”

Click smiled and turned back to her, catching the last remnants of her smile before her lips returned to the flat line, masking her remaining emotions. “Behind the wheel is where I belong on a ship. I have sailed through the fiercest storms and across featureless sea… Truth be told I’m wasted on menial deck hand chores. Navigating is my gift and you won’t find any better than I… If you gave me a chance to prove myself able to take the wheel, Captain Yasashi, you would not regret it.” He glanced down to the blade on her hip, “and you will have another reason not to use the whip, or that dagger of yours on me.”

Kaida raised an eyebrow at him. “You speak openly for a man who was punished for your boldness hardly a week ago.” She glanced down at her knife. “And I expect to never use this on you, regardless if you were at the wheel or not.”

“Your expectations are well placed Captain, some men have a little more decency than others, I’m simply attached to...certain bits, and whether I use them or not, I’d like to keep them.” He bit the inside of his cheek and bowed his head slightly. “Forgive my boldness, I meant no disrespect. Being bold has earned me as much respect as it has punishment I’m afraid.”

“I assumed as much,” Kaida chuckled, amused at how he seemed to get nervous at the topic. Curiosity prompted her to ask another question. She had so much to learn about what had happened to him in the last seven years, and she had the perfect leverage to ask. “Are you always this nervous around women when discussing such things? You strike me as a man who would be comfortable in many aspects of your life…” She smirked at him.

Click raised his eyebrows in surprise, he wasn’t expecting the conversation to go that way, he certainly wasn’t expecting her to tease him. “I’m very comfortable, I simply…” He struggled for a moment finding words, he wasn’t used to being nervous, especially around women. He’d been around plenty, he’d had many make passes at him but he’d never gotten flustered over it. “No, I’m not usually nervous...if you must know, I’ve had many offers, but a powdered face and rosy cheeks don’t much interest me. Tease me all you want, but I’d prefer to be with one special woman over several I’d simply leave in the morning.” He blushed again, for some reason his nervousness was making him divulge far more than he normally would have. He cleared his throat and crossed his arms over his chest, suddenly eager to change the subject again.

Kaida gave him a satisfied smirk and laughed. “You’re very open with your escapades, Skeppare Aegir… or lack of escapades, I should say.” She looked out over the edge of the ship so that he didn’t feel she was teasing him too much by watching his face grow red. “I won’t tease you about it any further. You’ve been very honest with me, which I appreciate.” She glanced back to him, hoping she hadn’t dropped her guard too much, but she wanted to know him better; to go back to how comfortable they were with each other when they were kids. Click seemed genuine in what he said. In fact, she had never yet seen an instance where he had shown any guile. You still have so much integrity… “Well I would hate to see good skills go to waste… but I have skilled sailors on my ship, so tell me Aegir, why should I allow you to stand at the helm?”

Click was too caught off guard by her laugh to really respond properly. He knew his face was red, he just hoped she’d keep thinking it was from teasing him. It took him a second before he responded, “I hope you don’t mind me being blunt once more. I’m sure your helmsman has already mentioned this to you, but something’s messing with your rudder, might’ve happened when you sailed through the debris of the ship. Its dragging your ship and if it snags, could rip your rudder off. Even fully laden, we should be getting another two knots at least with this wind, and her turns should be quicker. With every new current and wave the ship seems to fight to keep a true heading. If the rudder is cleared, the ship pointed more to a south by southeast heading and the sails trimmed I could get her another three to four knots... Just wanted to make sure you were aware Captain.”

“Impressive insight,” she said. “That has not been brought to my attention.” She wasn't surprised that Click had noticed, and she wanted to give him a chance to prove himself. Now would be the perfect opportunity to do so. “Why don't you prove to me that you are a man of your word? If I stop the ship and you take care of it, you can man the helm.”

Clicks eyes lit up and his smile returned. “Aye, aye Captain. I’ll have her ready to sail again shortly.” He didn’t wait for her order to drop anchor, he nodded his head respectfully to her before grabbing a length of rope from the stern and looping it around the railing. Once it was tied off he wrapped the other end around his arm and leapt off the deck to the shimmering water below. The boat was being slowed enough he didn’t need to worry about how hard it pulled him, only about losing the rope. He was jerked forward lightly as the rope was pulled taught and began dragging him along at a leisurely pace. It was actually quite enjoyable, the water was warm and almost crystal clear, he half hoped they’d take their time dropping anchor.

Kaida watched Click from the edge of the ship, hands placed behind her back, admittedly impressed by how forthright he was in fulfilling the allotted task. Many of the crew members were watching from the side as well,talking amongst themselves, speaking in awed whispers. Jones approached Kaida, standing beside her and peering out over the water.

“He’s a peculiar one, isn’t he?” Jones asked, carefully watching for Kaida’s expression.

“That he is…” Kaida said, eyes transfixed on the water.

“May I be frank, Captain?”

“You usually are.”

Jones laughed softly before continuing. “You’re not usually this quick to assigning a new deckhand such a task. You’re putting a lot of trust into Aegir by giving him a chance at the helm.”

“Mmm, I’ll admit that I am,” Kaida agreed. “But he intrigues me… and this is the first time that we’ve had a former captain onboard. He carries himself differently. I want to see what he has to offer.” She looked over at Jones expectantly. “Do you trust me to do the right thing with him?”

“Of course, Captain. You’re good at reading people… though he is still bit of a mystery.”

“That’s partially what makes him so intriguing.”

“The men have been saying some things about him. I don’t know what is true and what is just talk, however.”

“Oh? Jones, you’re too skilled at getting information,” she smiled at him. “What are they saying?”

“They say he’s the same Northmen that has been talked about on these waters. Aegir the Drowned, some say.”

Kaida nodded. “I remember the story…”

“Seeing him now, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of those tales turn out to be true.”

Kaida turned and walked down to meet the rest of the crew on the deck, Jones following after her. Peculiar indeed. “Jones,” she said, turning back to him. “After Aegir is back on deck and dried off, send him to my quarters. I want to go over the particulars of his new position.”