John
"That we did Ves, that we did." *He looked at the stars and immediately felt a rush of calm, he exhaled and his muscles stopped tensing. He found respite for another day. He looked down and watched her lean against him.*

"I'll take first watch. Close your eyes and rest." *He slowly lifted her head from his side and lowered her to rest on his lap.* "Don't worry. I'll make sure you wake. And remember, you're not alone ever."

*He watched the stars reveal themselves as he felt the love of his Lord upon him. He felt the stars sing to him and the light of the slow revealing moon was heavenly to him.*

||
Christina
She sighed gently as she lay her head in Björn's lap. "Don't stay up all night. Wake me at midnight. If anything happens, I have Shrike to help me and I know he'll wake you," She murmured. Closing her eyes, Ves found herself drifting off to sleep rather quickly. 

The moon rose on the horizon, a bare sliver in the night sky. The stars were brilliant out at sea, reflecting their light in the still water. All seemed peaceful and right.

Björn had no need to wake her at midnight, as Ves' own dreams made her stir awake around that time. It took her a moment to remember where she was as she sat up slowly. "Björn?" She said quietly. "Is everything still okay?"

||
John
*Björn was enjoying the bliss and peace surrounding him with thanks to the stars he so adores. Each breath felt purifying and relaxing... He needed this. It was true that Björn enjoyed pain, he needed pain to function - even if it was just the throb of overworked muscles or a sore hand, he needed it. It made him feel alive. The spill of blood was a thrill to him, pain was a gateway drug.*

*Björn watched her wake up and rubbed her head reassuringly, his yellow-gold eye reflecting in the dark.* "I'm here Ves. All quiet here. Kip hasn't come out of his lower deck all night. Not a peep from anything actually now I mention it. And I'm sure I have both ears." *He made a small joke at his own expense.*

"The night out here Ves... Its so peaceful. It reminds me of something... But I can't remember it. Just the smell of the Night air and pure silence. Something in that was comforting." *It was true. He could see tall dark trees in his mind with a large moon, starry yet cloudless skies... And the cold chill of the wind. It almost made him forget he was surrounded in darkness. He hated the dark... It was just like a cage around his soul.*

||
Christina
Ves stretched a little, flexing her toes. "Well... That's good, right? Maybe he's just sleeping. Should we... Should we go and investigate below deck? See what he might be hiding?" Now that she was rested, Ves was in the mood for a little snooping. Maybe they could find out what Kip was up to.

She slowly climbed to her feet, tail swishing behind her. "It is quiet. Peaceful. And really dark. There are no lights out here... Only the stars and the moon. It's really beautiful." Her eyes scanned the sky above and sought out familiar constellations. It really was a gorgeous night. Turning her gaze back to Björn, she considered him for a moment.

"Do you think you can be sneaky?" She asked him with a tilt of her head. "If Kip is sleeping, we don't want to wake him." It was an honest question. She knew about his great strength, but about his stealth? Would he be able to keep up with her? Or at least be quiet enough not to disturb Kip? There was no judgment or expectation in her tone, merely curiosity. She was still learning about her lover, after all. 

||
John
"I'd love to find out. He must have something in there. Anything to tell us more of him." *He paused and followed her gaze to the heavens. He adored the sky. It was breathtaking. He needed the light of the moon on his skin, it made him feel at one with the world and at peace.*

"The only issue with here is the isolation and the lack of light." *He admitted, trying not to spoil her moment.* "I need to trust in this more. I'm just happy I share it with you." *He considered her question as he rose to his feet. He was loud, tall, large and slow in tight spaces. There was zero doubt in his mind that he lacked the ability to be stealthy. He did wish he could, but he would have to sacrifice his strength which was not an option.*

"I don't think I can Ves. Pardon me. It may be best if I stay behind, keep myself hidden and if you wish to snoop, have Shrike come back to me if anything happens, or let him defend you if needs be... I know you're strong enough." *He looked down on her, the moonlight adding highlights to his hair and made his skin even more pale and pure.*

||
Christina
She nodded her understanding. It was okay. They each had their strengths and weaknesses. Ves was small, stealthy, and weak. Björn was large, slow, and strong. They were pieces of the small puzzle and meant to fit together. Together they created a picture of balance.

"Alright. So long as you're sure you'll be okay..." She hated to leave him alone in the dark, but they needed to check on Kip. What could he be hiding? "I'll be quick," She promised as she squeezed his hand reassuringly. Then she quickly and quietly disappeared down below deck.

The silence of the sea around Björn was occasionally spoiled by the sound of splashing... Fish perhaps? Time stretched on with Ves out of sight. The splashing was strangely getting louder. More time passed... Ves was nowhere to be seen. Where was she?

The wind whispered around Björn. Then the sound of claws on wood could be heard from all around. Shadowy figures came into view, stealthily climbing over the railing of the ship. A low cackle echoed as the moon shone down and revealed a gang of Kobold. Daggers and claws and sharp fanged teeth flashed in the moonlight. 

"Björn!!" Came a cry from behind Björn as Kip shoved Ves forward. She tripped and stumbled, stopped by a sharp tug from Kip as he grabbed her arm roughly. **"Don't move, big guy. I know you're tough, but there's too many of us and we have her already."** He jerked her towards him, placing a dagger at Ves' throat. **"Don't. Move."**

||