[ That causes him to stop in his tracks to stare at her. ]
That is the kind of man you are hoping to find?
[ Surely the woman could do better than someone who stole her heart for a night then ran off. He's heard more believable lies from the lips of men and she doesn't carry herself with the air of someone gullible. ]
[ That is the trick, isn't it? No idea if a man is ever worth being near to begin with, until you were already in his bed. A woman's place was to trust. But the way she works her jaw back says that she is loathe on that point, false or not. ]
And travel with a squalling infant who cannot handle being on a ship? I would have gotten caught before I even started, let alone a day in.
It is not my place to do so. [ Not only that, it would be downright insulting if he assumed he knew who was best for her to spend the rest of her damn life with.
He shakes his head. ] You and your daughter will be given quarters. You will be restricted from anywhere that carries our cargo. If you choose, rations can be brought to your room if you do not want to eat in the galley.
[ Since he can't imagine eating with a bunch of men who have not seen a woman in god knows how long to be appealing in the least. ]
[ That makes her look up in surprise. She didn't expect that generosity, that consideration. Perhaps not to throw her into the sea, but certainly to throw her to defend herself amongst his men. She could handle them. Of course she could.
But that he would not ask her too? Either in sincerity or to her role, she sinks down in her own people's show of reverence and respect. ( and perhaps that gives away something, the motion is delicate, light, done in ease. ) ]
[ It's a familiar gesture, one he's seen many times during negotiations and meetings. Who was she truly? It was something he would need to press her about during the voyage though he doubts he's earned much in the way of truth now.
He would have to see what their travel would bring. It wasn't as if they had the space to avoid each other. ]
I would recommend you follow me to your quarters and let the burst of excitement die off. [ And give him time to speak with his crew about this change. ]
[ Ah - that was something, wasn't it? Her head bows, dutifully, gracefully. Like she wouldn't dream of doing otherwise. But it is a test, all to itself, on that reputation she has heard of. His goodness. His lack of stand on that kind of ceremony. ]
Naturally. I will try to remember it. [ Her mouth opens - pausing. ] I am Parvati. This is... this is my daughter, Devi.
[ Compared to thinking she would spend the weeks crammed in a smuggler's hold - well, it's luxury itself - even if immediately she can feel Devi grumble and mutter to herself in that whined why children are so capable of - This is not like home. But she tsks, Devi quite herself, and she turns to follow into a low bow, like this some how wasn't at all her own plan. ]
Thank you. You are too kind to us. I have nothing to give you - [ grateful, but at least that isn't faked. She had heard he wasn't cruel, but she never expected this decency. Almost, almost feels a little guilty. ]
[ He's aware he's been manipulated, but he's taking it in strides. This would easily be seen as a show of weakness to his crew. Whatever else he could do to handle this would have to wait until they had docked and even then he would rather dump her and her child off on whoever they were searching for, should they be easily found.
He waves off her words. ] All I ask is you don't disrupt my ship.
[ He had enough to deal with without stowaways throwing a wrench into things. ]
[ She bows her head, that after all, is her goal. ]
Of course, we will keep to ourselves.
[ It's then that she picks up Devi properly in her arms, scooping the girl to settle on her hip. Letting her settle against her side and giving a doting kiss. That at least, there is no faking. Even if Devi still scowled something fiercely and protectively back. ]
They will hardly know we are here, will they, Devi? [ And she nods, because well - anything her mother asked. ]
[ He's watching the pair carefully. Devi was young, but he had seen what children could be made to do with particularly ambitious adults. He would have to warn his crew to keep an eye on the pair and not underestimate a child poking around where she didn't belong. Thankfully they weren't carrying sensitive cargo, but he couldn't afford to have any pieces going missing. His father would have his head if he found out about this and it ruined the shipment.
He lets out a small sigh. ] The next meal will be served in two hours time. I trust you can wait that long?
[ She dips her head again, agreement and thanks at once. ] Of course. Will we be joining you, the men, or shall we be confined to quarters?
[ She would not blame him if he kept them in here for the rest of the journey. They were both a threat, if in different ways. A woman on an all male crew always drew unwanted problems, and a child was nothing but mischief. Nothing that would help an otherwise smooth voyage. Not attention truthfully she wants, either. ]
I doubt you want to be with my men. [ There were some days even David did not want to be with his men. Oh how different matters would be if he had handpicked his crew instead of left to the whims of his father's budget. ]
Your quarters for now. It will be safer as news of you being on board spreads. [ It would take time for that to be normalized. ]
[ She hovers there, of being a woman used to being at the beck and call of the cruelties of men. But then - he already did not seem to fall for such put on airs, so instead, she nods, accepting it. ]
Will we be permitted come morning to walk on deck?
[ In the end, she had been shut in the dark with Devi in a small space for a day already. A walk in the light would be nice - but she was also aware it would be pushing her bounds if she asked for any more than that. ]
[ She nods, her head lower in the expression of thanks, but after a moment - her eyes rise even if the rest of her does not. Looking at him directly, quick and bright. ]
You are welcome to join us, if your duties permit you to do so.
[ He hesitates there, studying her carefully. It would be wise to get to know their stowaways better, to start to discern the truth of her story from the lies. With some reluctance, he nods. ]
If I am able, your guard will escort you to my quarters.
[ Where they would have far more privacy to talk than in the middle of his ship. ]
[ She lowers her eyes again, a smooth dip of her head. ]
I am your pleasure.
[ And with that she turns to walk further into the room. Following after where Devi had made herself comfortable, as children even as serious as she was, were won't to do. ]
[ A... strange choice of wrods, but he lets her and Devi leave without further comment.
He returns to his work and it's during the next call for food that he's taking his meal in his the main workspace of his cabin. There was always far too much to do and with the stowaways on board, he had to admit concern. No loud ruckus had been heard, no reports of anyone attempting to bother them. He could only hope those remained true.
He does have the trusted man sent to watch them extend an invitation for them to take their food in his quarters if they so chose. It would be a show that he took their wellbeing seriously and would not force them to be stashed away for the rest of their voyage, as he's sure much of his crew would prefer. ]
[ She had done her part to further discourage their attention from her and her 'daughter'. The unmistakably thrown knife that hits it aim that she jokingly demonstrates to her guard does half the work for her for the most part.
The rest she keeps to herself, Devi was a brave girl and loyal. Determined to never cause her any undue frustration. But she was still a ten-year-old girl. So they contented themselves in games, mild lessons of a homeland now long behind them and when it's brought to her: water that she scrubs Devi first like only someone that had a mother could be so flatly determined about.
It's after that when she founds herself given an invitation to join the Captain, that she goes about preparing herself for being in his company. Not that there is so much she can do. Scrubs herself the same, fix her hair back, set all her clothes neatly. They might be out on a voyage and she might be hiding who she was but that wasn't an excuse to be utterly degenerate. Besides, if she was to be a woman at his mercy then she had best do what she said - and attempt to please him some.
For that point alone: she leaves Devi back in the care of their keeper before she follows is lead up to where David is and enters to his company with another bow of greeting. ] Thank you for the invitation.
[ He's not sure what he expects when she arrives. His gaze is glued to his papers when she enters. David finishes scribbling down a bit of information before letting his pen rest on the table. She's found a way to clean herself, he can tell that much, and he hopes it's helped to make her feel more comfortable in the awkward situation they've all found themselves in.
With a wave of his hand, he motions for her to take a seat before he does the same. ]
I thought it best to learn more of our guest. As you can imagine, we don't typically have extras on our logs.
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That is the kind of man you are hoping to find?
[ Surely the woman could do better than someone who stole her heart for a night then ran off. He's heard more believable lies from the lips of men and she doesn't carry herself with the air of someone gullible. ]
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Not to make the same mistake again, I assure you. But my daughter deserves to meet her father at least once.
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[ Not someone who cowardly ran away. Though-- ] You waited this long to seek him out?
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[ That is the trick, isn't it? No idea if a man is ever worth being near to begin with, until you were already in his bed. A woman's place was to trust. But the way she works her jaw back says that she is loathe on that point, false or not. ]
And travel with a squalling infant who cannot handle being on a ship? I would have gotten caught before I even started, let alone a day in.
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He shakes his head. ] You and your daughter will be given quarters. You will be restricted from anywhere that carries our cargo. If you choose, rations can be brought to your room if you do not want to eat in the galley.
[ Since he can't imagine eating with a bunch of men who have not seen a woman in god knows how long to be appealing in the least. ]
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But that he would not ask her too? Either in sincerity or to her role, she sinks down in her own people's show of reverence and respect. ( and perhaps that gives away something, the motion is delicate, light, done in ease. ) ]
Thank you.
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He would have to see what their travel would bring. It wasn't as if they had the space to avoid each other. ]
I would recommend you follow me to your quarters and let the burst of excitement die off. [ And give him time to speak with his crew about this change. ]
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As you wish, my lord, I am at your pleasure.
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Captain will do fine here. [ Any other title that got tacked onto his name was only useful on dry land. ]
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Naturally. I will try to remember it. [ Her mouth opens - pausing. ] I am Parvati. This is... this is my daughter, Devi.
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He stops as they reach a small cabin some ways down the hall from his own quarters. ]
I can't offer you better accommodations than this, Ms. Parvati. [ That they even had a small, personal room available was a miracle. ]
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Thank you. You are too kind to us. I have nothing to give you - [ grateful, but at least that isn't faked. She had heard he wasn't cruel, but she never expected this decency. Almost, almost feels a little guilty. ]
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He waves off her words. ] All I ask is you don't disrupt my ship.
[ He had enough to deal with without stowaways throwing a wrench into things. ]
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Of course, we will keep to ourselves.
[ It's then that she picks up Devi properly in her arms, scooping the girl to settle on her hip. Letting her settle against her side and giving a doting kiss. That at least, there is no faking. Even if Devi still scowled something fiercely and protectively back. ]
They will hardly know we are here, will they, Devi? [ And she nods, because well - anything her mother asked. ]
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He lets out a small sigh. ] The next meal will be served in two hours time. I trust you can wait that long?
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[ She would not blame him if he kept them in here for the rest of the journey. They were both a threat, if in different ways. A woman on an all male crew always drew unwanted problems, and a child was nothing but mischief. Nothing that would help an otherwise smooth voyage. Not attention truthfully she wants, either. ]
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Your quarters for now. It will be safer as news of you being on board spreads. [ It would take time for that to be normalized. ]
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Will we be permitted come morning to walk on deck?
[ In the end, she had been shut in the dark with Devi in a small space for a day already. A walk in the light would be nice - but she was also aware it would be pushing her bounds if she asked for any more than that. ]
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Under supervision, [ he decides. ] I will handpick your guard and have them bring your breakfast.
[ There had to be someone on his crew that was trustworthy that he could spare. ]
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You are welcome to join us, if your duties permit you to do so.
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If I am able, your guard will escort you to my quarters.
[ Where they would have far more privacy to talk than in the middle of his ship. ]
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I am your pleasure.
[ And with that she turns to walk further into the room. Following after where Devi had made herself comfortable, as children even as serious as she was, were won't to do. ]
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He returns to his work and it's during the next call for food that he's taking his meal in his the main workspace of his cabin. There was always far too much to do and with the stowaways on board, he had to admit concern. No loud ruckus had been heard, no reports of anyone attempting to bother them. He could only hope those remained true.
He does have the trusted man sent to watch them extend an invitation for them to take their food in his quarters if they so chose. It would be a show that he took their wellbeing seriously and would not force them to be stashed away for the rest of their voyage, as he's sure much of his crew would prefer. ]
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The rest she keeps to herself, Devi was a brave girl and loyal. Determined to never cause her any undue frustration. But she was still a ten-year-old girl. So they contented themselves in games, mild lessons of a homeland now long behind them and when it's brought to her: water that she scrubs Devi first like only someone that had a mother could be so flatly determined about.
It's after that when she founds herself given an invitation to join the Captain, that she goes about preparing herself for being in his company. Not that there is so much she can do. Scrubs herself the same, fix her hair back, set all her clothes neatly. They might be out on a voyage and she might be hiding who she was but that wasn't an excuse to be utterly degenerate. Besides, if she was to be a woman at his mercy then she had best do what she said - and attempt to please him some.
For that point alone: she leaves Devi back in the care of their keeper before she follows is lead up to where David is and enters to his company with another bow of greeting. ] Thank you for the invitation.
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With a wave of his hand, he motions for her to take a seat before he does the same. ]
I thought it best to learn more of our guest. As you can imagine, we don't typically have extras on our logs.
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