Both the shaman and the druid settled into the longboat as it cast off toward the ship. One of those intense glazes of contemplation covered the druid's eyes, considering what he may, or must, say to the captain as they boarded. While the youthful elf was respectable, carrying idle conversation with Aelena and himself, when he would respond, he was respectful, obviously not believing what he'd said earlier about them not being lovers. This also meant that he would, inevitably, inform the captain of their status. Instinctively, when that soft, melodic laugh of Aelena's drifted to the elf's ears his head turned, and once more he was filled with love for this female. He cringed with the thought of keeping their love secret, wanting nothing more than to climb to the crow's nest and shout to the crew and the ocean how much he loved Aelena, but he knew it could jeopardize their mission.<br/><br/>The thumping rap of the longboat against the side of the ship jarred the druid from his contemplations and quandaries. The crew of the longboat began to ascend, one by one. The elf was last, holding the longboat steady. Iylldrraen realized then that even this climb to the ship would determine how the relationship between Aelena and himself was viewed, being that the youthful elf was watching intently. So many times people believe they are not tested by their goal until they are actually involved with it, but it is the journey to the goal where they are tested. Naturally, he wanted Aelena to go first, but that show of protection, primarily of her virtue, would be perceived as a sign of passion, not that her robes would reveal anything during the climb, but it was the principle. So, reluctantly, and with a hesitant look to his lover, he began to climb first, leaving Aelena to follow.<br/><br/>The first few rungs a steady growl of frustration emanated from the druid, one that his shaman could likely hear. He silenced himself close to the top, declining the assistance of the crewmen and hoisting himself over and onto the deck. Once more he almost revealed his relationship by forcing the crewmen aside, denying them the ability to help his lover, but he restrained himself. As the draenei rose over the railing and onto deck, her presence brought smiles to the crew, but she would see that look of frustration in her lovers' eyes.<br/><br/>The druid was denied his time to brood as the captain, a burly, stout fellow, as tall as Iylldrraen, striding over to the two. He was a human, blazing auburn mane wildly whipping in the breeze, contrary to his short mustache and goatee, which appeared to have been growing for half a year at most. His skin was probably once light, but now carried a remarkably attractive tanned hue. Thunder clapped with every one of his footfalls, though despite this intimidating appearance, that beaming smile and those tender hazel eyes told the druid that this was a fellow that could manufacture compassion if it was possible. The captain halted a few feet before the two, looking them over slowly, nodding his approval.<br/><br/>“I am Captain Tarmok, and I welcome both of you aboard the Valiant, and might I say, I did not expect the Enclave to send me lovers as well...” Iylldrraen was quick to cut the captain short, one of his few moments of immaturity. “Captain, with all due respect, we are simply friends.” The captain paused, mouth still opened, and glared at the druid. He then took a large step forward and looked down, glancing from Aelena, to Iylldrraen, and back. He then looked up into the druids eyes and smirked. “No? Then why are you in a defensive posture in front of her? Friends stand as equals next to each other, relaxed; you are tense. Do not lie to me, elf, not on my ship.” Iylldrraen was a druid, a feral druid, both bear and wild cat, about as stubborn as they could be, and he conceded and stepped back. The captain reached out then, gently taking Aelena's hand and placing it in Iylldrraen's. “You didn't let me finish: I am pleased that you two were sent.” He looked around, motioning to his crew. “All those that you see have lovers in Hillsbrad, and those that are married have children, all waiting for them. I am pleased because you two know how much it would hurt to lose the other, so I have faith you will fight hard to prevent any of us from suffering such anguish.” With that Captain Tarmok turned and motioned for the crew to get underway and cast off.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>