Eron and John spent the day together doing miscellaneous activities in the morning. John wasn't really needed but they had enjoyed each other's company so much they didn't find it necessary to part ways. After a stimulating lunch conversation, they decided to go to the training grounds. He had bet he could take her on, so they made plans to spar for a couple hours. He had almost bested her, but he was not quite good enough.

"Best out of five?" John collapsed laying on the ground. His breathing was shallow with sweat dripping down his face.

"If we continue anymore, I'm afraid you'll never make it to where you need to get to." Eron wiped her brow and held out a hand to help him up.

Grasping her hand, he groaned as she helped him up. "You are probably right." Eron smacked him on the back laughing, and he turned to face her.

John and Eron were facing each other and standing uncomfortably close. His heartrate was elevated from them exercise and his breath was short. Eron looked up at him with her own breath caught in her throat. She scratched the back of her neck as she turned away. "I could use a nap." John now smiling agreed with her and they headed back to the inn

When they finally got back to the inn Rick's panicked self-bombarded them with questions and worry. "Where have you guys been? I looked all over for you. I thought something bad happened." He walked in a circle around them. "Hmm unharmed, what's going on between the two of you?" He shook his finger at them.

"Should I break your finger? Or should I ask for room money for John over here." She gave him silent berating stare.

Quickly shoving his hands in his pockets changing his demeanor. "Oh, looks like we all had a good time today. Would you like something to eat?" Rick tried to lead them to the tables.

Eron ignored him and walked up to the innkeeper, "do you have a spare room available?"

"Sorry, after the last two ships docked, we have no vacancies." He said going about his customers.

"Fine, John you will bunk with me tonight." Eron said hoping to avoid being woken up early on her second day inland.

"Why him?" Rick glared at John. "I've known you longer!"

"Exactly, I know your sleeping habits, and quite frankly I have enjoyed my time with our new 'mate, he doesn't nag." She turned on her heels and headed for her room, John following close behind.

"Thank you, I don't think I could sleep in the same room as him." John patted her shoulder.

"Listen, I let you stay with me to piss Rick off, but if you so much as touch me without my permission one more time I'll feed you to the sharks, or leave you stranded somewhere. Do I make myself clear?" She stood still next to him; his touch sent signals places she didn't need right now. Not when they would be sleeping in the same room together.

John slowly removed his hand from her shoulder and felt his body go numb. "Yes, Captain!" Remembering the warning Rick had given him yesterday.

"Now let's get ready for bed." She said shedding her outer layers when they got to the room. "They gave us a spare cot and blanket for you to use."

"Thank you." John whispered.

"This is going to be one long trip if you get upset over every threat and order I give you. It's best if you heed my warnings and learn from them rather than sulking about it." Eron climbed into bed and turned her back to John.

"Yes sir." There were times he did wonder if this tiny man really was a captain of a ship, but then there were times he felt intimidated from the look in his eyes.

Inland day 2

John was the first to wake up. He saw his new captain sleeping on his stomach with one foot inside the covers and one foot out. He had both arms sprawled forward under his pillow and his head tilted towards the door. John chuckled at the beastly snoring coming from the tiny thing.

John crouched down with his face close to hers. "For being a boy, you seem to be missing an Adam's apple. " He whispered moving her shortened hair away. Eron stirred causing John to quickly back away and exit into the hallway.

Creak-click

Startled by the noise Eron tried to quickly get up but instead rolled off the bed when her foot caught on the blanket. "Hello, who's there?" She said trying to get back on her feet with dignity.

As she scanned the room, she realized it was empty. She figured John must have just left and that was what woke her up. She could feel her whole body relax from finally being alone. No stress no worry she could take her time in getting dressing and putting everything where it needed to be. Shortly after she was dressed her stomach rumbled reminding her, she didn't eat dinner last night, and the smell of breakfast poured into the room.

Following the smell, she spotted the boys, and slid on the bench across from them. She joined in, eating their morning feast. "Last day boys, do what you need to do and don't forget to be there at sunrise tomorrow, we need to catch the tides. There will be heavy winds tomorrow." Eron was back to her nagging self.

"Rick what are your plans?" John asked while watching Eron.

"I need a bath." He smelled inside his shirt and made a face.

"You said it." John pinched his nose in teasing.

"What about you John?" Eron asked meeting his eyes with hers.

"I'll be doing whatever you are doing." John gave a deceiving smile. It was a little different than the previous ones he has flashed her before.

"Oh no, you had Captain all yesterday and all night you need to share him." Rick pouted.

"You are such a baby Rick, no one would ever know that you are wanted just about everywhere." Eron laughed tossing light food at him.

"Hey, I will always have your back Cap' and as long as no one tries to fucking harm you I'll play nice." Rick was sharpening his knife that came out of nowhere.

"Where did that come from" John looked puzzled.

"Oh, that's Rick for you, this is a side you will see out at sea. Rick is known for being my ass-kisser but the second we are out on that water he is one brutal son-of-a-bitch." She slapped across the table at Rick's hand. "Put it away."

"Does everyone have duel personalities?" John laughed.

Eron laughed with him and went on explaining "Just about. We are all a family."

"Well, most of us." Rick interrupted Eron gesturing to John. He was feeling slightly like an abandoned puppy with John around.

"What is the plan boss?" John was eager to change the topic.

"Sex, booze, and gambling." Rick smiled putting his knife away. "So if you will excuse me I need to go bathe."

"Pardon him the only direction his blood flows on land is down." John nodded in agreement. "Well, if you are following me today let's go." Eron moved to the outside of the table she used the bench to bend over to fasten her shoes.

John watched as she bent over and secured her shoe buckles. His face crooked into a smile. I see your game, sweetheart. There is no way you can pass as a man. You may have all these idiots fooled but you can't fool a pirate. Especially when I have been looking for you for quite some time Miss. Eron Von Schneider.