Lost in her work, lost in the roll of the ship and the tickling fingers of breeze across her skin, Nicki kept herself too busy to ponder much on her folly. The boy was squared away and though she had no more answers than before she was not brave enough to seek them out from the captain who didn’t see fit to keep her abreast of crew changes. It was fine, it was well and good, she had enough on her hands. Hung over men and high spirits made for a need for a firm hand. But they were nearing open waters and with that her work and her need to maintain a firm grip would lessen and then thinking could begin again.

That was not what she wanted, not at all. She would need to find something to do to keep herself occupied lest she drift into contemplation. The answer came in words whispered as softly as a breeze. She most certainly did not jump. A first mate did not Jump, no matter that a voice came where there should be none, no matter that it hissed across her skin like a promise of trouble. No, for certain Nicki did not jump or let out a soft gasp. No she simply turned and with a golden eyebrow arching wryly assessed the upside down woman who hung from the ropes who requested her time. 

What on earth could this be about? She wondered to herself as she considered the request, a moment of her time. Aye she had some to spare and had been looking for distraction from thoughts likely to go sour. But the question was would that moment distract or further muddy things? She had enough mud in the works with Monsieur Jax around, she did not need more. And this woman had been there to witness her shameful flight. But certainly even so unconventional a woman as she wouldn’t be so uncouth as to bluntly mention such a shameful thing? Nicki had serious doubts about the wisdom of granting this woman her time, but even so she cautiously nodded her head, her expression the smooth, unmovable mask she donned when inside she was in turmoil. Which was to say the mask she wore all the time.

“I do indeed have a moment to spare. What is it you want of me?”