Her shoulder was checked as she walked down Stumbler's Row, finally having left Fingen's. Had it been any other night, Theo might have taken a bit more of an issue with being bumped into. Perhaps she would have thrown out an expletive or even stopped the person to instill the fear of a god into them. But that wasn't first on her mind that night. She walked forward, head in the cloud and eyes not fixed on the path.

Two nights ago her world had been flipped on its head. Baethos as they knew it was confirmed to be a lie. The revolution was offering her and her friends a seat at the table, a voice in what was happening. She had already agreed to help them on at least one mission. Ava was back. She was about to unlock access to some information about where she came from. Cooker had a hiccup. And in all of that, she had not found time to process it all.

She had been given enough time to be unburdened by the brunt of responsibility, it was only fair that after all that time it would be back to haunt her.

Theo took a deep breath and closed her eyes, pausing in the middle of the road as people flowed around her.

Even with all of the other noise, what was infiltrating her mind and taking over her every thought and action was Ava. She wanted to keep her in Niveal and then take her to their island. She wanted to convince her to run away from noble life and forget everyone else. She wanted to spend so much more time with her. But none of that was feasible.

She would be forced to love Ava from a distance. But she would do so happily. And while it hadn't been officially spoken about, Theo had to assume that they were a couple, regardless of the distance. She realized how it looked, she wasn't dense or unaware of people's perceptions. They hadn't had the healthiest of departures as Theo fundamentally altered Ava's life forever. But Ava loved her, dammit. That wasn't something Theo could walk away from. If they were happy, what was the fucking harm?

And Ava had been the one leading it all. Ava had been the one to push them to where they had gotten. Ava had pressed reconciliation and forgiveness on both sides. It was Theo's turn. She was going to make sure that Ava knew where she stood and she would do it as soon as she could. She would speak the unspoken and avoid all forms of miscommunication. She had learned her lesson.

It felt like she was weaving through crowds endlessly and she would never make to Marian's. But she was going to get there. Once she did, she could change, go through the tunnels, wait outside Ava's and wait until an appropriate time had passed to ask if she was allowed in. Or, wait for Ava to step out and give a sign. If there was no signal then she would have embarrassed herself but she would deal with that if it got to that point. She had an inkling that it wouldn't come to that.

What would she wear? The thought of Ava gave brought the butterflies in her stomach to life; she wasn't sure that picking an outfit had ever made her that nervous. She had already gone through the whole process the night before but this time, she felt less confident in her abilities to choose. Maybe because she wanted to impress Ava. Make her feel special, like Theo was getting dressed up just for her. Because that would be the case.

Theo was smiling to herself at the thought of putting something together that received a compliment which inspired some extra speed in her stride. Marian's was within eye distance and soon enough she was bursting through the doors of her bustling establishment. A show was ongoing and the floor was packed. Theo didn't immediately see anyone she knew besides the staff and she was relieved to be clear of all greeting responsibilities.

That is, until she made it to the second floor. Kaia was standing over an ongoing game of Titan, a large stack of coins on the table. She motioned Theo over. Theo obliged and took a peek at the board before looking up at Kaia. She laughed to herself at the amateur moves they both had clearly made and Kaia smiled too, knowing exactly what she was thinking.

"There is someone waiting for you in your room," Kaia informed her and gave her a shrug when Theo fixed her with a stare for more information.

She nodded and turned to run up the stairs, taking them one at a time. The door was closed but not locked, Theo twisted it open and saw familiar curly hair on the other side. But it didn't belong to Ava.

The resemblance was uncanny. They had the same lips, the same jawline, the same hair texture, the same wide eyes. There were other features that made her unique – like her strawberry blonde hair– but there was no doubt that this was Ava's sister– the one Cooker hadn't stopped talking about for lengths after running away.

Mallory Vaith.

"Hello, I am Captain Theo of the Scorned Woman," Theo smiled and entered the room, "I hope you weren't waiting too long. I was told you are here for me."

"Hello," Mallory stood up from the chair she had found, "You're actually her?"

"I am. The one and only. If there is anyone else that claims they are me, then they are impersonating me and if you find anyone impersonating me, I would appreciate any information," Theo teased and held out her hand, "and you are?"

"Mallory," she shook her hand with a growing smile, "Mallory Vaith. I'm-"

"Red's sister," Theo chuckled, "I know. You are far more honest about it than your sister was."

"How do you know who I am?"

"You look like sisters. And she told me you had accompanied them so it was not hard to put together," Theo motioned for her to sit back down and Theo took a chair to sit in front of her, "I wasn't told that you were coming to visit me though."

"No one knows," Mallory sat down again, "Well, Cameron does but no one else."

"To be fully transparent, I'm in a bit of a situation with your sister regarding withholding information and secrets so I will have to tell her you came to see me."

She shrugged, "That's fine. I understand. She can't do anything to stop me so go ahead and tell her."

Theo bit her lip trying to hide a smile, Mallory was very serious. If the looks hadn't clued her in, her persistence would have.

"Stop you from doing what exactly?" Theo tilted her head.

"I want to become a pirate," Mallory crossed her arms and kept her posture straight, perfect, "I want to leave my estate and join your crew. Like my sister did. Once I get the approval from you, I may begin my preparations to run away."

"You want to join my crew?"

Mallory nodded, "Yes. Can you help me?"

"I can't help you with the logistics of that. Not unless I get the go ahead from Red but I am never one to turn away a person in need so if you find a way to me, I would have no other choice but to shelter you and consider taking you in amongst my ranks," Theo crossed one leg over the other and leaned back.

"Really?" Mallory uncrossed her arms.

"Of course," Theo nodded, "But you need to understand what this life is before you dive into it."

"What exactly do I need to know? I am a fast learner."

"Well, we spend a lot of time at sea. Your first cycles will be spent in the lower decks. You need to find a job. You need to know how to defend yourself. You need to swear yourself to secrecy about what goes on in the ship," Theo listed, explaining the process. Giving a speech similar to what she gave Ava and most that came in search of freedom.

Theo knew that Ava wouldn't be too happy about Mallory's plan or Theo's willingness to hear her out but Mallory was her own person. Theo had to be supportive, sticking to her values, but also remaining neutral for Ava's sake. Deeper though, this was also her chance to make things right, to accept a Vaith. She had a chance to take someone in regardless of their name, Mallory couldn't control the family she was born into. Even if it was in conflict with what Ava wanted, she couldn't turn her back on the ship's mission either.

"How would you like a tour of the ship and then we can talk about this some more?" Theo stood up.

"You'll take me to your ship?"

"Absolutely, although I do have some business to attend to later tonight so we must be quick. But it works out, the ship is one you know well. It is one of the lightbringers the Vaiths have traveled on," Theo disclaimed, "Let's go grab some stuff for you and then we will head out. We don't want anyone knowing it's you."

"A disguise?" Mallory smiled, excitement all over her face.

"Aye," Theo chuckled, "follow me."

—-----

From the looks of it, Mallory was enjoying herself in her new clothes. She had a smile plastered on her face the entire time down to the docks. When they arrived at one of the rowboats that belonged to their crew, Theo helped her in. She began to row out to the lightbringer, anchored far out where it wouldn't risk scraping the bottom of the harbor.

Once they were a few dozen feet out, Mallory pointed to the oars, "Can I do that?"

"Sure. Fair warning, it's hard," Theo handed the oars over and Mallory attempted to row.

It was a struggle and they were not getting very far. If anything, they were drifting to the side and were reversing any progress Theo had made. After a few minutes, Mallory handed back the oars with a frown.

"I suppose maybe that is not something I will master tonight," Mallory put her hands under her legs, "You said I needed a job. What job would I have?"

"It depends on what skills you have," Theo said as she began to row once again.

Mallory shrugged a bit, "Like?"

"Anything you like? Anything you are good at?" Theo prompted.

"I like to draw. Sketch," Mallory shrugged, "um, I'm good at sewing."

"Anything that might be relevant to ship life?" she asked.

Mallory was silent. She shook her head and looked out onto the water.

"What if I can't get a job? What if I fail at everything I try?"

"We handle that if it comes to it," Theo assured, "Oi, maybe we might need a seamstress after all. We've got a lot of crew members now and work on the ship invites holes in clothes. There is no rush. Your sister didn't fit into a job right away. It took her a bit of time. Even if it seems bleak, something will stick. "

"How did she get quartermaster?"

"She was well-liked."

"I can be well-liked."

"Then you can be quartermaster," Theo laughed.

"Do you think I can do it?"

"I think anyone can," Theo chuckled, "Well, anyone that wants to can. Why that job though?"

"Quartermaster?" Mallory asked, "I'm not sure. When Avery spoke of it, it seemed fun. Is it hard?"

"It depends on who you ask. I would tell you no, one of my close friends– Xyra– would disagree with me. To each their own," Theo could see the lightbringer in the distance and the calm waters made it easy to maneuver the boat.

"I know of Xyra. I've heard stories," Mallory snapped her fingers together, "and Morgana, Tuni, Navi. A bunch of others."

"Aye," Theo laughed softly, "those are but a handful of us. If I may change the subject, why do you want to join my crew?"

"I need to leave. I can't take it anymore at Aubermasse," Mallory brought her knees closer to her and wrapped her arms around them, "I need out of noble life."

"Has that always been a thought of yours?" Theo asked, hoping to gain more insight into the woman, Ava never gave much detail about any of her siblings.

"I was quite content growing up. I am sure you know from stories but Avery was never interested in the things meant for us girls. I didn't mind it, I enjoyed it actually. Of course, I did not always like everything that was happening but I had a good and easy life. I've always known that," Mallory explained.

"What's changed?" Theo asked.

"Everything," Mallory looked down at her hands and picked at her dress, "I got married and went to live with my husband on his land. My husband's family name was unimportant compared to the greats that grace our court, but his military prowess had earned him a name. When I lived with him, it didn't come with the bells and whistles of Aubermasse or half the service. But it came with freedom."

"Where is your husband now? I'm sure he is not happy you snuck onto this trip."

"He's dead."

Theo's eyes widened a bit and she offered an apologetic smile, "Sorry."

"Don't be. It was a length ago and I never loved him. I did love what my union to him meant though. I had completed my duties to find a husband and secured an advantageous match for my family. He was off fighting most of the time, so my duties to produce him an heir was not possible. For the first time ever, I was completely unburdened and away from the watchful eyes of court. And then that was taken from me when he died," Mallory's picking at her dress got worse and she had managed to surface a loose thread.

"When he died, you were taken back home?" Theo asked.

"I was," she lightly slammed her palms against her thighs and looked up with an exasperated sigh, "and at the time, I had no right to his property or lands. So, I got fucked. I thought I was at the end of a long road I had started as a child and suddenly I was back to where I started. No freedom, no husband, and right back at court."

"That was a length ago? So, your husband was a part of the attack on Corinspe?"

Mallory nodded, "I do feel bad. He was nice enough. The little time I spent with him was decent. At the time, I was overjoyed that I did not end up with someone like the Lord my sister Griselda is in a union with. Then all of a sudden, a future where I ended up with a god-awful man was back on the table for me."

Theo took a momentary pause from the rowing to reach out and take Mallory's hand, squeezing it, "That must have been hard."

Mallory smiled a bit, "Avery being back took some of the spotlight off me. And Oceane being around really gave me a friend to lean on. It was not all bad, I recognize others are suffering."

"Doesn't mean you aren't suffering," Theo noted as she pulled her hand away, resuming the rowing.

"Right," Mallory cleared her throat, "and it will just get worse. My mother is no longer occupied with Avery and I am now the only unmarried daughter left. Which means she is trying to sell me off to the highest bidder and things have shifted since I was last looking for a union. The highest bidder is someone who can offer a lot to my father and no one that can offer him anything is good news. I need out."

"I can see why you want to leave," Theo acknowledged, "I am sure even if you find ship life difficult, it will beat what you have waiting for you at home."

"That I can agree with."

"And if you decide that you hate ship life, you can always settle on the new island. We have recently found a place that we are hoping to make safe and bountiful for generations to come. We will need plenty of people to help with that," Theo offered, trying to lighten the mood.

"What would I help with?"

"Well, you've been educated by the best tutors in Baethos, right? You can teach writing, mathematics, or reading. You can see if you are any good at tending to fields. Perhaps organizing activities for the community. Overseeing the water supply. It depends on what you like, same as on the ship," Theo listed.

"I hope you are not overpromising," Mallory narrowed her eyes, "are you sure I will be allowed on the crew?"

"No, anything can happen. You are a Vaith after all, not everyone is alright with your last name. You could be voted down from joining the crew, but I've never seen that happen. Even if that happens, you would be allowed on the island. You would just need to come to terms with the fact that some people might not want to be around you.The only reason you wouldn't be allowed to stay is if you do something egregious but you don't strike me as the type to harm anyone just for fun," Theo laughed.

Mallory shook her head with a wide grin, "I can promise I won't hurt anyone."

"Then I can guarantee you will have a place to stay if you run away."

"What if my sister tells you that you cannot take me in?" Mallory pressed

"I love your sister but she has no jurisdiction in telling me what I can and cannot do, and even if she wasn't telling and she was asking nicely, I have to stick to the rules of my ship and allow you a chance," Theo assured her.

"You love my sister?" Mallory crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

"I do," Theo admitted, it had slipped but there was no use denying the obvious.

"Well, I'm sure you'd love her a little less if you knew how much of an asshole she's been to me," Mallory bit, almost taking out her frustration on Theo.

"I know. She told me that she hasn't really been too fair to you as of late."

Mallory's shoulders softened and she nodded her head a bit, "I'm glad she can admit that. She refused to do it last time we spoke about it."

"I would say us pirates take the blame for making her so stubborn but she was like that before she happened upon our ship," Theo chuckled a bit, "Would you say you are similar in that way?"

"I have my moments," Mallory admitted with a laugh, her expression melting back into a friendly one, "You've asked me more questions than my sister ever really has at once, so, thank you."

"No problem. I'm happy to get to know a potential crew member."

"Not potential, future," Mallory corrected, "Cooker is here, right?"

Theo laughed at the abrupt change of subject.

"Avery said she was here," Mallory explained.

"She is here. Somewhere among the streets of Niveals, most likely still at the political house– Fingen's," Theo said.

"Is Cooker at Fingen's often?"

"Aye. Why do you ask?"

"You said it was a political house and Cooker was always quite political. Even as children," Mallory smiled.

"How so?"

"When the boys wouldn't let us play with them, she would get upset. When her brothers got to do something she thought was fun but she was held back, she would get upset. When our mothers would make us do our lessons, she would get upset," Mallory laughed, "she spent a lot of time upset."

"I'm not sure anything has changed. Has she always been loud-mouthed about her gripes?" Theo teased her friend.

Mallory nodded, "She was a very vocal person when angry."

Theo rowed them right to the side of the ship, "I know that first hand. Most of the time, the yelling is directed at me."

She secured them to the side and climbed up the ladder, then held her hand out to help guide Mallory up onto the deck. She didn't need much direction before she was climbing up and quickly after, Theo was pulling her up over the side of the ship and onto solid ground. Mallory's foot caught on the edge of the railing, and she tumbled forward.

Theo had seen it happening and she was diving in to catch her before she could hit the ground. Mallory was safe in her arms and Theo righted her. As she pulled away, she could see the blush that had spread over Mallory's cheeks and Theo couldn't stop a lone laugh.

"I get why my sister likes you," Mallory stated.

Theo laughed harder that time, "I'm going to have to report that you are flirting too."

Mallory stammered for a second and her face slowly turned red. She laughed and covered her mouth, looking away slightly, "I'm sorry."

"I'm messing with you," Theo teased and started walking toward the lower decks, "we'll start where you'll likely be sleeping once you come on board as a recruit."

Mallory followed and for the first time in the journey, they were quiet. Theo launched into a small tour once they came to the first point of interest but Mallory didn't ask any questions. It was Theo talking at her as they winded through the bowels of the ship. Eventually, they came upon the cabins and Theo grabbed a lantern from the wall to light their path.

It must have cast an odd shadow on her face because it prompted Mallory's first question since being on the ship.

"What happened to your eye? How'd you get the scar?"

"Your brother, actually. Ulises. Right before Red returned home."

"Oh," Mallory replied and the silence that followed was heavy, uncomfortable, "I'm sorry."

"It's alright. Sorry for getting your brother taken away from his family."

"No one liked him anyway and his children are better off without him. He was a cruel father to them."

"I never knew that."

"I have all the information on my family that my sister probably lacks. All she can say about us is that we are shit people and we suck, but I can tell you the details."

"You were already offered a place to stay here, you don't need to convince me any further," Theo assured her and hid her smile, Mallory was amusing and Ava would hate to know how similar they were.

Theo continued the rest of the tour in the same one-way guided walkthrough that had carried them through the lower decks. Once it was over, Theo stationed them on the deck near the main mast.

"Any other questions? I'm sure you have many."

"No," Mallory looked around the deck, "nothing seems out of the ordinary."

"Not a single thing you want to know?"

"Baths?" Mallory asked.

Theo shrugged a bit, "Not available in the way you are probably thinking. Depends on our journey too. If shit gets really rank, we anchor and let everyone swim in the ocean."

Mallory frowned and her brow wobbled between surprised and concerned, "Maybe I can live with that."

"Some people cannot, and that is alright," Theo assured, "ship life is not the only way."

"My sister was alright with that?"

"She was."

"She loves baths," Mallory recalled.

"I've heard," Theo laughed, "she made do without them."

She paused for a moment, in an internal battle Theo was not privy to.

"I might not want to be on the ship," Mallory admitted, "I promise it's not only the baths. I've never been good at sea."

Theo laughed, patting her on the shoulder as she began to lead them toward the side of the ship, "That is no problem. There will be space for you anywhere you want to be. But I do need to ask something of you."

"Anything."

Theo stopped and stood in front of her, "I just want to ask you to be aware of the consequences of your actions. Your sister, Oceane, and maybe even Cameron could be held responsible for helping you leave. I'm not saying don't leave, I'm just saying be careful."

"I'm not telling anyone about my plan," Mallory nodded, "do you think that's enough?"

"I can't say. Maybe it's better to involve others so they can help while making it look like it was all you," Theo offered.

"I'll think about it. But, I need to know some of your logistics so I can plan my escape in the best way possible. I am not aiming to leave before Niveal. I want to leave closer to Aubermasse. I feel like there is less time to get caught if I leave closer to home. My father will be preoccupied with Avery and not with finding me. If I leave now, the estate will have too much time on their hands to come looking," Mallory explained her logic as she walked toward the edge, to climb down into the rowboat but quickly backed up, "someone's coming up."

Theo helped pull her out of the way and they waited for the incoming traffic to pass. A bag came sailing through the air and plopped onto the deck. Theo knew who it would be before they jumped the railing.

Cooker followed soon after her bag and her two feet landed with a loud thud on the wood. She grabbed her bag first before turning to her audience. The bag was promptly dropped as Cooker laughed, walking forward. Theo hid a smile as she bit her lip, Mallory had no idea who was in front of her.

"No fucking way," Cooker shook her head, "you've barely changed."

Mallory gasped as she realized who was before her, "Carrie?"

"It's just Cooker, now," Cooker stood in front of her with a smile, the only time Theo had ever seen someone call her Carrie without Cooker going feral.

"Oh fuck," Mallory said and Theo swore she was choking up but she couldn't confirm that fact because Mallory lept forward and pulled Cooker into a hug, shielding her face "you look so different. I didn't recognize you. I'm sorry."

Theo could see the childish joy in Cooker's face, her eyes squeezed shut and all her teeth showing. She was smiling as she squeezed Mallory back.

Theo cleared her throat and Mallory gasped again, pulling away and turning around, "Captain, I apologize. I'm being rude."

"No, please. You should have your reunion without me interrupting," Theo began backing away toward the rowboats, "perhaps Cooker can provide some insight into our schedule once we leave Niveal. Maybe you may also share some of your plans and get some solid advice on it from someone who doesn't have an obligation to report what I know."

"Plans for what?" Cooker looked between the two but Theo just shrugged and began to back away, climbing down the ladder.

———-------

When she entered the tunnels that night, it was without a guard escorting her. She checked with the Mithren guard posted at the entrance behind Marian's and he didn't seem to have instructions stopping her from entering. So she did. There were a lot of people inside. It didn't seem to be business-related either. The ages, backgrounds, and states of dress varied greatly but there was nothing but a jovial mood in the air.

No shipments passed her by and she wondered if there was some unspoken rule with the Mithren and the residents of Niveal? She had been there both in the daytime and early to mid-evening before and it was not that packed. It was the last night of the cycle, which was often an excuse for partying. Were the tunnels opened to locals just that night? Is that why she hadn't needed an escort?

But then, she would have clearly heard about it in all her lengths in Niveal.

Theo thought of the possibilities the whole way there. Letting the hypotheticals of what was special about that night and those people float across her head. It proved a good distraction and the whole walk to the inn, she hadn't worried about what would be waiting for her when she arrived. When she happened upon her destination, she almost missed it. Her sights had been trained on a trio, a group of friends perhaps, and Theo was intently trying to listen to see if anything clued her into what was happening.

She didn't miss her stop solely because she saw a familiar face. The guard that was positioned outside of the inn entrance was the same one that had been there the past few times. Another question, what hours were these poor men working? Would Ava know? If she did, it really wouldn't be the most lucrative conversation. There were much better, much more relevant things to still talk about.

One night and one morning together had not been enough to even scratch the surface of their time apart. Theo longed for more. Endless nights together would still not be enough. And in comparison to infinity, a few nights seemed agonizingly short. Luckily, Ava had felt a similar urgency because the familiar guard held out an envelope for her. Theo took it, the envelope was red as was the stationary inside.

She unfolded it and scanned the note.

'Don't knock. Just come in.'

"Cheers, thanks," Theo held up the card, "I can go in. Need to read it?"

He shook his head wordlessly and opened for her. Theo stepped in and waited at the bottom of the stairs to keep an ear out for any indication of people waiting or socializing upstairs. When a few moments of silence passed she slowly made her way up and it wasn't until she could peek over the stairs to see the empty room that she picked up a normal pace the rest of the way into Ava's chambers.

At first glance, the room was abandoned when she entered. But sunken in between a mound of decorative pillows was Ava. Her face was covered but it was clear that she was asleep. Theo had kept her waiting and even though she knew it was right to take Mallory to the ship and show her around, she regretted the time it took away from what she really wanted.

Theo locked the door behind her and then took off her jacket, laying it at the foot of the bed before making her way to the headboard. She took off most of the pillows and slowly revealed Ava's peaceful face. Her eyes were shut, her mouth slightly ajar, and her hand half on her forehead, slipping off.

Theo climbed into bed, hovering over Ava and reaching over to scoop an arm under Ava. She pressed her face to Ava's exposed neck. Theo had considered letting the lethargy from a long sun overtake her and just cuddle up next to Ava to sleep. But it would have been a disservice to both of them if she did that.

It had yet to be said but neither of them had any intention to sleep much. Theo hadn't even thought she would get another moment with Ava. Now that she was lucky enough to have one last night together, it would not be wasted on dozing off.

"Exal," Theo murmured and further enveloped Ava in her arms, resting her head on Ava's chest, "I missed you."

She rolled off Ava when the woman wiggled under her. Still, she kept an arm over her stomach as she laid on her side.

"I'm sorry that things got heated at Fingen's," Theo leaned forward and kissed Ava's clothed ribs, "But people are talking. Word is going around that Vaith's and pirates continue to feud."

Finally, Ava began to stir. She turned on her side, facing Theo, but her eyes were closed and her mouth was drawn into a deep-set frown. She buried her face in her pillow and Theo could only see the corner of a scrunched eyebrow.

"I also apologize for being late," Theo whispered and leaned forward, placing a few kisses down her cheekbone, "but I'm yours now for as long as you'll have me."

"What took you so long?!" Ava lashed out, reaching out to push anything that she could hook onto which happened to be Theo's shoulder. Her eyes were still shut but her face had emerged from the pillow.

Theo allowed the punishment for her actions, "I was busy doing captain things."

"You couldn't abandon your duties for one night?" Ava finally opened one eye and then closed it, "come closer."

Theo laughed and inched closer, pulling Ava against her chest.

"What were you doing?"

"I was touring the ship with your sister," Theo confessed and Ava looked up at her, opening both eyes at the revelation, "she came to me. I told her I would have to tell you she came. I think she used the tunnels to get to Marian's."

"What did she want?"

"To visit me and tour the facilities before running away," Theo sat up, knowing the news would cause Ava to wake up.

She shot up, "She said that to you?"

"She did."

Ava got out of bed and walked to her bags. She pulled something out that Theo couldn't see so she stood up, walking over. Ava had pulled out a quill, ink, and paper. She was looking over the paper, quill bouncing in her fingers.

Theo walked behind her and announced her presence with a soft whisper of her name. Then, she put her hands on Ava's shoulder and pulled her away from the table slightly, turning her around to face each other, "What's the matter?"

"What is the matter?" Ava scoffed and pointed toward the other room, even though Mallory was not in there, "My sister is trying to run away. I need to get ahead of it. I can't have that happen, it would fuck everything up for me."

"This isn't about you though," Theo cautioned and the words hit Ava hard. Her face morphed from panic and frustration to guilt. Theo dropped her hands from Ava's shoulders and reached down to take her hand, "This is about Mallory, her life, and her choice to leave."

Ava pulled her hand away, tucking it under her arms as she crossed them. Her frown returned but it wasn't as perturbed as before. She was instead distraught, high-strung. She shook her head, "How do I reconcile that this is what she wants and what I can't have happen?"

"I don't have the answer to that," Theo admitted, "but the more you try and stop it, the riskier it will be for her to leave. And I do not get the impression that she is willing to not take the risk, no matter how much you've driven up the price she must pay."

Every sentence that left Theo's mouth drove Ava further into distress. It couldn't have helped that a few minutes before that, she had been deep in sleep.

"He's going to pin it on me. He's going to blame me and I didn't even do anything!" Ava threw her quill onto the table and walked away, toward the couches, "Theo, you shouldn't have encouraged her!"

Ava yelled in her direction before forcefully sitting on the couch, dramatically burying her face between her knees and bringing her arms to hug around her face so Theo couldn't see anything.

Theo began to walk closer to her, tentatively, "I asked her to consider the consequences before leaving if she does decide to."

Ava didn't move.

"I am unsure how she will manage it but she seemed to be receptive to the piece of feedback. It seems like she will try and minimize the fallback on you," Theo tried to reason with her.

"You know anything else about her plan?" Ava asked, barely peeking up from the fortress she had created with her body.

"Nothing. I told her that what she told me would come to you and that I couldn't help her much but if she happened upon my ship, then I would take her in," Theo continued to approach when she was not met with protests from Ava, "she did say she wouldn't be making her moves until after Niveal."

Ava finally looked all the way up but her face was sour, with narrowed eyes and pursed lips, "You encouraged her."

"No. She sought me out and I told her what I would have told anyone, but– contrary to your accusations– I was a lot less encouraging than I would have been toward anyone else. For your sake, might I add," Theo teased, recognizing that she couldn't take Ava's attitude too seriously.

"Why can't you forsake everything you believe in and support me instead?" Ava asked and Theo felt like only a part of her was kidding.

"Wish I could," Theo finally made her way to the couch, sitting right next to Ava and pulling her in under her arm, "Are you going to try and stop her?"

"Of course I am," Ava barely hesitated before the decision was made.

Theo laughed at the intensity in Ava's tone and rubbed her hand along Ava's arm, trying to soothe her, "What exactly are you worried about?"

"My father will blame it on me and I will lose his trust. He won't believe that I haven't been involved in helping her leave and that will just make it harder for me to move forward with my father past a tentative alliance," Ava explained.

Theo acknowledged her comments with a hum and paused for a moment to digest. She took a deep breath in and shrugged, "Want my view on the matter?"

"Will it guide me to the right answer?" Ava looked over and rested her head back against Theo's shoulder, "and by the right answer, I mean will your view tell me to sabotage my sister?"

"It will not."

"Then maybe I don't want to hear whatever it is you have to say," Ava turned her head away and although her face was serious, Theo could tell that her true frustrations had faded.

"And maybe, you are being too harsh on your father," Theo said and Ava peeled away from her.

"Oh no," Ava gasped and faced Theo, reaching out to cup her cheeks between her hands, "oh no! Riva, I don't know what to do. Help me. Your most prized follower has been possessed."

"Fuck off," Theo laughed and grabbed Ava's wrists, gently taking them off her face, "you make fun of me but maybe I'm right and you are saying that your father is going to react in a way that might be different to what actually happens."

"I'm not making fun of you. I'm just surprised you are giving Lord Umbar Vaith the benefit of the doubt," Ava continued to tease, curling up against the arm of the couch to be able to get a good view of Theo.

Theo scooted closer and leaned back against the couch, spreading her arms over the top of it, "From the little you've told me about him, he sounds like he can be inspired by fits of logic."

"So, you are saying if I tell him that it wasn't me he might believe me?"

"Mallory hinted at the fact that she's thought of what she is going to tell your father. Sounds like she's going out of her way to make sure no one knows it," Theo analyzed, doing her best to try and help Ava see the possibilities instead of just one path, "even if he doesn't believe you, it is just one of his daughters and if my math is right, you've got a lot more women in the family than men. If you had to help anyone run away, I'm sure he would prefer to be Mallory, not one of your younger brothers."

"How kind of you to imply my sister is worthless."

"You know I don't think that, I am just saying your father might. Plus, you are not just in a tentative alliance with him. You are his heir. And if it takes you a bit longer to gain back his trust, I think that is worth it to see your sister free. "

"What if I lose his trust and haven't gained it back in time to execute a crucial move for the revolution?" Ava challenged.

"Even if we get started right this sun, I don't foresee it taking less than a length or two to actually be able to utilize you to make any decisive moves," Theo crossed her arms, her brow furrowing in thought, "The revolution's numbers are low right now, I think. And even if they were significantly bolstered, this will take time. And you have proved that you can get close to him quickly. You were named his heir within the length. You will be ready when it's time to make critical decisions."

"And what if I need to do something in the meantime to help speed the process along? I won't be able to either because I won't have that power or because he is watching me too closely," Ava shot back, not letting Theo have an easy go at advising, "is one person worth risking a whole revolution for?"

Theo just shrugged a shoulder and took a sharp breath of air. She wouldn't be there to guide Ava or interject her opinion. Perhaps the best advice had been given and she needed to let Ava come to her own conclusions.

"That's for you to decide."

"Fuck your cryptic shit, Theo, do you think one person is worth a revolution?"

"She loves you. And she cares about you and your opinion. The rest of your family may be questionable in their relation to you but that is your sister. I wouldn't think about it like that. I wouldn't think of it like one person versus a revolution. Personal matters always come into play. It will always matter. She isn't just one person," Theo got it off her chest and Ava didn't answer, she just averted her gaze, "the revolution needing something is a hypothetical. Your father being angry enough for you to be pushed out is a hypothetical. Every scenario that you've given for your opposition is a hypothetical. If she stays, your sister having to enter into yet another union, that she doesn't want, is inevitable. Her being wed to a man that is as good and as absent as her last husband is not going to be her reality. Her future being miserable, that is almost a guarantee if she stays."

"Seems like you really took a liking to her," Ava rolled her eyes a bit, "you've really got a penchant for Vaiths, huh?"

Theo reached out and wrapped her hand around Ava's ankle, pulling one of her feet out and laying it across her lap. Ava followed suit and put her other foot across Theo's lap and Theo took the chance to dig her thumbs into the arch of Ava's foot.

"I think that you need to relax a little bit," Theo chuckled, "because it seemed like you were dangerously close to accusing me of having a thing for your sister."

"I hate you advising me, you know," Ava dug her free heel into Theo's thigh and she couldn't help but laugh at Ava for using everything in her arsenal to hurt Theo, "yestersun's comment about how your advice was the only one I could trust has been rescinded."

"When you are through with your tantrum, let me know," Theo dropped what she had been doing and relaxed against the couch, "if I'm anything like this when I get snippy, I owe a lot of people apologies."

Theo knew she was being testy, a smirk lurking on her face without even meaning for it. Ava was staring daggers at Theo but she was about to break. The slightest twitch at the edge of her lips was visible. She rolled her eyes and looked away before finally letting herself laugh.

"I'll leave Mallory be," Ava finally gave in, "I have to. I took Cameron from her. That would have been her only chance at a life she would have been somewhat okay with."

"I'm sorry I forced you into that decision," Theo teased.

Ava chuckled, "I would have come to the conclusion anyway but with a lot more bitterness toward her in the meantime."

Ava took a moment for the realization to settle in before she was pushing herself onto her knees and crawled over to Theo. Sitting in her lap and kissing her face everywhere she could, "I'm sorry for being a pain."

Theo caught her face between her hands and pressed their lips together, mumbling, "I enjoy it. You know that."

"All too well," Ava pulled away with a smile.

They both paused, caught up in each other. If they hadn't exchanged the words the night before, Ava's eyes alone would tell Theo that she loved her. But the smile faded and was replaced with sad eyes staring back at her.

"We're here for a few more suns. Apparently, the ship is taking longer than anticipated to repair," Ava took a piece of Theo's hair between her fingers and curled it around her finger, frowning. Her thoughts were elsewhere and she dropped her hand to Theo's chest, "I don't know that I can see you after tonight."

"I know," Theo picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles, "Vivexa already gave me the whole lecture. You must be on the streets of Niveal and showing face, fooling the big man in the big estate back home."

"Vivexa?" Ava asked, "you spoke to her? When?"

"She didn't tell you?"

Ava shook her head.

"I got to speak with her for a few minutes after you were escorted out of Fingen's," Theo recapped, "she let me know then that I would be able to come over but that she wouldn't allow it any other night."

"Allow it?" Ava scoffed, "well, fuck that. You can be here every night."

"As much as I would love nothing more, we shouldn't piss Viv off," Theo chuckled, "also, sounds like this was a decision you made on your own without consulting with her. So your reasoning still stands."

"Fight harder to be with me," Ava pouted but Theo knew it was a joke.

"I am fighting my hardest to curb wanting to blow everything up just to be with you," Theo admitted and stood up, carrying Ava with her to the bed and laying them down, "our patience will pay off, I think."

"Fine. Once again, you are right. Like always," Ava grumbled and wrapped her legs around Theo.

"I like being right, always," Theo laughed and held herself up, bending down to place a kiss to her shoulder. "So, what are we doing on our last night together?"

"Wrong," Ava shook her head and put her fingers to Theo's lips, "Last night together for now."

"For now," Theo mumbled and the finger was removed. Ava also unwrapped her legs from around Theo and she was allowed to lay on her side, draping her arm around Ava's midsection, "maybe we should start our night with establishing what's between us. Maybe we can put a name to whatever is unspoken?"

"Why do you want to have a serious conversation right now?"

"That's rich coming from you, my Lady," Theo laughed and shrugged, "I want to establish whatever this is now so I have the rest of the night knowing that you are mine."

Ava laughed, "I really do not understand what is left to be said."

Theo sat up, clicking her tongue to the roof of her mouth, dumbfounded at the way things had flipped, "That you are my partner. That we are going to wait for each other. That we will not be sharing a metaphorical bed with anyone else."

"All of those things were quite obvious to me. I confessed my love to you last night," Ava laughed and sat up too.

"None of that was obvious to me," Theo replied.

"You didn't think my admission of love was the start of whatever this is between us?"

"Did you still love me while at Aubermasse?" Theo asked.

"What?" Ava tilted her head, confused, "I suppose so. I don't think that ever went away."

"And yet you still slept with Viv," Theo said with a shrug, "so you cannot fault me for assuming that things still needed to be explicitly stated."

Ava narrowed her eyes, "For not blaming me for my choices, you sure like to bring this up often."

"I am not blaming you. You have to understand, Red, I cannot shake the jealousy and it bothers me but not enough to throw it back at you. This isn't what I'm trying to do," Theo answered, not trying to bring them into a fight, "I am just saying that I am trying to use past experiences to guide my actions. In this case, I thought we needed to be unambiguous about what is between us."

"So, if I am to use past experience to guide my actions, should I expressly have to ask you to not fuck Navi if she and Xyra break up again?" Ava asked.

Theo scoffed before laughing, "Are you serious, Ava?"

Ava raised an eyebrow at the name, it having been a long time since she had heard it. She crossed her arms.

"If you are using my mistakes to set guidelines for our future, I can bring up yours," Ava pushed, "why did you do that?"

"I wasn't thinking straight. Lust. Hormones. I don't have excuses but I know I shouldn't have done that. And I wouldn't do it ever again,"

"It's no different than Viv and I."

"Fine, great. I appreciate the explanation and I trust you. I don't think that you will sleep with Viv if we are together. I never did. I was just answering why I didn't think your admission of love was explicit enough for me," Theo explained, and dragged her closer, having unconsciously drifted apart, "I wasn't trying to make you feel bad, I was trying to avoid a miscommunication or blunder."

"I love you, Theo," Ava searched her face, her initial defensiveness subdued, "to me that meant that it is only you that I want. I'm sorry about Viv. I know it's not easy for your stark possessiveness to have to live with the knowledge that we were together but that was in the past."

Ava was teasing and Theo rolled her eyes, pulling her onto her lap, "What have you done to me, Avery Vaith? Jealousy is a monster."

"I'm sorry I've corrupted you," Ava laughed as Theo buried her head in Ava's chest.

"Red, I'm sorry that my words implied I didn't trust you. Or that I made you feel like you were at fault for your choices. You did what you did, there is no morality or lack of morality involved. I know that you were in a unique situation and even though you held love for me in your heart, I can't hold that against you."

"You make it impossible to fight with you," Ava teased and pulled Theo's face out of it's place to look at her.

"You want to fight?"

"No. But I am now used to it. It's all I do at Aubermasse. It's unnerving to have things settled so quickly," she admitted.

"Well, not everything is settled. I still need to hear you admit what we are," Theo pinched her thigh.

"You are my- what did Tuni call Morgana? You are my plattu and I am yours."

"Not even close," Theo shook her head with a smile, "it's anahar ."

"Anahar," Ava snapped her fingers together in recognition, "it practically means wife in Dovish, yeah? And that is what we will be. Practically wives."

"First, it doesn't. It means life partner," Theo leaned forward for a peck and Ava granted it, "second off, that sounded an awful lot like a proposal for a union. Or at the very least, that you are alright with being in a union with me."

"Don't be so dated, Captain, we can be practically wives and not be in a union together," Ava tutted and brought her in for another kiss, "but I suppose you are right. It is too soon to be talking about life partnerships and unions."

"I never said that, I was just clarifying what I heard," Theo teased and pulled her closer as Ava let out a yelp, their knees overlapping, "I will be whatever you want me to be for you as long as it means I'm yours and you are mine."

"Then you are my anahar and I am yours," Ava shrugged, "is that good enough for you? Are you satisfied with your ownership over me?"

"Absolutely," Theo played along and reached down to squeeze Ava's upper thigh, "but seriously, I didn't let Viv know this was serious and I will try not to tell anyone. Only to those that matter. This is best kept a secret."

"That's scandalous, I like it," Ava chuckled, "you going to tell Xyra and Cooker?"

"I have to," Theo nodded, "no more lying."

"Good," Ava nodded, "I am going to tell Cameron. And O. And my sister."

"I will let the officers know," Theo tilted her head, "eventually."

Ava laughed, "Can we have fun now?"

Theo stood up and walked to the drawer with dragon's breath and opened it, "What do you have in mind? Order us a bunch of food with your unlimited power and gold? "

"Or we can go out together. Just us. Party around Niveal," Ava tested, a knowing smile playing at her lips.

Theo paused, not reaching inside the drawer, "You sure that's a good idea? Aren't you afraid your father will find out?"

"No. We take the tunnels, I use a disguise, I will bring the letter from the Mithren around so we can enter anywhere we please," Ava slid down to the edge of the bed and reached out to pull Theo over by her shirt, "it will be an adventure."

"I feel like I shouldn't be allowing this," Theo smiled and allowed herself to be pulled in between Ava's legs, looking down at her, "but we would blend in with the commotion that is going on in the tunnels tonight."

Her eyes light up, shoulders perking up, "You will indulge me?"

"I will," she nodded, "I'm going as is. I'll lose the hat to avoid too many looks, "You, on the other hand, should wear what you did to Fingen's to avoid attention."

"That's a bit drab. I have a better idea," Ava pushed Theo away and stood up, walking to the trunk that was brought off the ship for her, "went I went out earlier remember I said that we were going to go by the fashion district?"

"I do," Theo followed her.

"I got myself something to wear if I wanted to sneak out. It was mainly for me to take back with me so I can attempt to slimy about Aubermasse but I can make use of it now," Ava held up an assortment of clothes and accessories, "think this will be up to Captain Theo's standards? I won't embarrass you if we are seen together?"

"I can't pass judgment without seeing it on," Theo shrugged and found a chair to sit on, "Go on. Get dressed. Show me."

Ava dropped her clothes over her trunk and reached up to her dressing gown, slowly pulling the first button apart. She stared at Theo, aware of her effect, as she bunched up her dress to pull it over her head. She had paused and Theo raised an eyebrow, motioning for her to continue her process.

"Just wanted to see if you were even paying attention," Ava said with a chuckle as she slipped the rest of the dress over the top of her head.

"I'm not missing a second of it," Theo said, making true to her promise. Her eyes took in all of Ava. There was nothing under her dress and she stood still for a second, letting Theo get her fix.

Theo relaxed back against the chair, letting nothing but Ava capture her attention. She turned her back to Theo.

It wasn't the first time she had seen Ava naked, nor naked from afar. But this was the first time she could sit back and admire her since reuniting. She was quiet, facing away, and focused on getting dressed and Theo took full advantage of her position. She raked her eyes over Ava's body, taking inventory of all the dips, marks, and curves along her back. It wasn't sexual in the least, it was intimate though and Theo couldn't help but continue to think how lucky she had been to find Ava. She avoided thoughts of how stupid she had been to let her go.

In taking stock of the woman in front of her, she noticed how much the silhouette of Ava's body had shrunk; her frame noticeably smaller. It hadn't been apparent before but the more Theo watched, the less she could shake the growing anger in her stomach. Ava had often divulged to Theo the restrictive nature of her mother when it came to food and she had noticed firsthand the liberty and freedom that Ava had felt when she arrived on the ship and was told there was no limit to what she could eat, or how often she could eat. Besides when they were rationing, Ava had always taken advantage of that freedom.

Theo hadn't seen Ava without clothes on when she first arrived on the ship, but she was afraid that it was not much different than how she looked now. Of course, Ava still looked healthy enough. And their meals together had proved that Ava's mother had still not succeeded in poisoning Ava's mind against food. But the rage still burned inside her gut and she couldn't help herself from standing up and walking over to Ava, wrapping her arms around the now semi-clothed woman.

Ava laughed a bit, "You are interrupting me."

Theo just squeezed her tighter and put her chin on her shoulder. Normally, she would have never even thought twice about commenting on someone's body, it was off-limits. But this wasn't just anyone and Theo was worried.

"Exal, are you getting enough to eat at home?"

"You see what my mother has done to me?" Ava sighed and let herself relax against Theo.

She was grateful that Ava was immediately open about the matter, if it were her, it would take a lot more prying.

"I have and I'll kill her for it if I ever see her," Theo commented, it wasn't a joke. Theo didn't often kill women but she would make an exception.

"Her mother did it to her mother her and her mother to her," Ava shrugged a bit, "maybe she can live, hm? Considering the context of her upbringing."

"Fine," Theo pulled away and stood in front of her, continuing to watch her dress, "I will refrain from penalizing her too harshly. But, on a serious note, Red, are you alright?"

"I have Arnelo, Mallory, Oceane, and Viv always on standby sneaking me food," Ava assured with a small laugh, "I do not want for much when I'm at the estate. And soon enough, I will be allowed to eat whatever I please."

"Oh? Do you have a plan for that?"

"Don't need one. I have been sold off to a husband, I need not worry about my appearance much until after I am through my childbearing stage," Ava explained, "right now, I must make sure to indulge in sweets and meat to grow my tits and hips to provide so I may provide a hospitable body for a child. Don't you know? Cake and steak grow strong heirs."

Theo laughed, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall next to the trunk, "No, I was unaware that the secret to healthy babes was simply more meat and pastries. I will spread the word to all the healers around these parts."

Ava laughed along and walked forward, still without all her clothes on, wrapping her arms around Theo's shoulders. "Thank you for caring. It's actually very sweet, and it melts my heart, but I don't want you to worry."

"I will worry no longer. I'm sorry for having to ruin the mood," Theo leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Ava's lips. It was impossible not to go back in for another but she pushed Ava away by the hips, "Go. We have a big night ahead of us."

"I want to give you a big reveal. Turn around," Ava requested and Theo obliged, knowing she would be facing a wall if she did.

She put her hands in her pocket, waiting without complaint. The shuffling of feet away from her was heard for just a moment before she was given permission to peek.

"Okay!" Ava announced and Theo felt a smile break across her face at just her voice, she hadn't even turned around.

When she did, it took her a moment to catch up to the sight in front of her. It was someone completely unfamiliar. She was face to face with a townsperson from South Elox. Ava donned a long sleeve, billowing top, flowing pants– or skirt– she couldn't tell. It was a short brown wig but it was tucked into a bandana, just how Ava used to wear her hair around the ship. Theo couldn't find the words. She hadn't ever admitted it but she always found it entertaining when Ava had to disguise herself in some way. It was a different person but Ava always managed to shine through easily.

"How do I look?" Ava prompted.

Theo pushed herself forward like a magnet being pulled in and she couldn't resist having her hands all over Ava. She wrapped her arms around Ava once she was close enough then spun them around for a moment before setting her down, "You look incredible."

"It isn't too much?"

"No, I think you look like you are ready for a good night in Niveal. You'll blend right in," Theo took a look at her from up close, shaking her head, "How have you pulled off every hair color you've tried?"

"Not black. You haven't seen me in a black wig but it does not look good," Ava laughed, putting her hand over Theo's chest and smiling at her, "I'm ready."

"Where should we go first? Any preferences, my Lady?"

"I have no preferences. Tonight you are taking the lead," Ava assigned the task, "Treat this as if I were some girl you were trying to impress when you were younger."

"I didn't do much of that when I was younger, or really ever," Theo admitted, ruining whatever illusion' Ava had of her, "I had no downtime, and if I did it certainly wasn't enough to seek and maintain a relationship with anyone. So, I also had no girl I wanted to impress. Even when I wanted that, no one I liked felt the same way. A miserable pubescent experience. Eventually, when I got old enough I only really had time for a quick round."

Ava had the audacity to laugh at her childhood memories, "Then pretend, Where would you have gone if you wanted to take the person on your arm to all the exclusive Captain Theo spots?"

"I think I have a few ideas," Theo held out her hand, "do you trust me?"

"Just enough," Ava teased, taking her hand and interlocking their fingers.