Thomas snorted at Jax’s quip about the [i]Skate’s[/i] justification for jealousy. “Aye, indeed she may.” His eyes drifted up towards Antonia who was making her way down the rigging, seemingly on a mark to intercept the busy First Mate. A smile creased the corners of his eyes. “Verily, she might feel the need to toss me to the sharks after last night.” 

He opened his arms to the sea-artist just as the man began his course change. “She’ll forgive me,” Thomas said, kicking at the worn wood of the deck as if challenging the [i]Dusk Skate[/i] to do otherwise. “This fine lady knows she will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m sure you can attest to such, eh?”

“As for unrequited interest, it’s a tale I think every man has known at least once in his life.” Thomas gave Jax a friendly, if questioning gaze. The man had been more forthcoming with his company in the past hours and days then Thomas had yet seen, and the pirate captain wondered just what had prompted such a change. Thomas’ eyes drifted towards where the First Mate stood across the deck, and narrowed as his mind ticked like clockwork. 

The thought of Jax chasing after the affections of Nicolette was an innocently pleasant exercise for Thomas. With the First Mate, Thomas had perhaps glimpsed through the woman’s veil, be he certainly had never pierced it. The mysterious and capricious woman was an enigma, and if anyone could plot her course, Jax seemed like a man eccentrically gifted enough to do so. 

“This woman whose gaze you seek…” Thomas said, casting a sideways glance to Jax. He paused, thinking to inquire after the identity of the man’s desires. Instead Thomas merely smiled. “Forgive me,” he said. “I will not pry. Perhaps at a later time, and accompanied by a tankard of kill devil, we can more justly trade truths about the fairer sex?” 

Thomas fell silent as Jax went about his work to reorient the [i]Skate[/i] onto its new course. He knew the man would answer when he could, and so Thomas left his proposition hanging in the warm sea air.

Thomas turned his attention to the crew as the worked the halyards and blocks to reorient the sails for the new course. Nicolette directed the men in their work with efficient and consummate skill, and Thomas afforded himself a slight smile. There was something of primal gratification in watching a ship under sail respond to the will of those that worked her. Thomas felt the urge to leave the aft castle and jump into the rigging with his men to toil and haul at the lines, but he forced the thought from his mind. 

As the ship fell at last into its tack, and the sailors began to climb down from the stations for a much deserved break, Thomas looked back to Jax. 

“Do you ever miss it?” Thomas said, “The work in the rigging I mean? I'll admit that I often do.”