Melite stood at the far edge of the wooden pier, arms folded, the morning sunlight catching gently in her dark hair. The sea whispered softly around her, lapping at weathered beams and pilings as though sharing some distant secret. Beside her, Fedlimid waited, silent and calm, though his heart beat faster with every breath. He had known battle and bloodshed, yet standing this close to Melite filled him with a nervous warmth he found difficult to name.
She turned to glance at him, the sea reflected clearly in her eyes. "You're quiet, Fed. Anything wrong?"
He shook his head slowly, forcing a calm he didn't fully feel. "Nothing at all. Just thinking about how we'll handle these pirates."
Melite smiled softly, the corners of her lips lifting with a gentle reassurance. "We'll manage, as always."
