[color=#ff39d6]"Be that as it may..?"[/color] Ashley prompts him to continue as she watches for Xara, blocking the stairs with her leg. Ashley knew from firsthand experience how vindictive the fairer sex could be, and wasn't prepared to believe the redhead's version of events merely because she'd amassed a crowd of "witnesses," especially since Kavius honestly didn't look that guilty to her. She supposed it was possible Kavius simply had the same mastery over his own emotions that Ashley reckoned she did hers—though, at his age, it was unlikely.

Ashley let out something like a mix between a groan and a sigh of relief. [color=#ff39d6]"That explosion was you, huh? Well, we should set sail anyway, before Redhead changes her mind."[/color] For a proper-lady-knight type, Ashley seemed surprisingly okay with this, but Kavius didn't know that Ashley had just dodged about 30 arrows.

[color=0072bc]"Does the stinkboat smell worse somehow to you now? Like some new nasty smell?"[/color]

Ashley covers her mouth, concealing a condescending smirk. [color=#ff39d6]"Kid, I'm a [i]knight[/i]. I've spent my whole life surrounded by nasty smells. The stables, dung-caked criminals with infected wounds, decaying corpses, bleach—sometimes all of the above. Compared to that, the smell of fish is—"[/color] she inhales sharply as a new smell approaches her from behind. It was the strong smell of perfume, mixed with the weaker scent of love potion and just a hint of alcohol—a combination Ashley found intimidating. She turned and was surprised to find Tonka standing there, cradling Aleria in her arm. [color=#ff39d6][i]I knew this woman was dangerous... She's like a feral beast![/i][/color]

Tonka looked down at Ashley with the same type of gaze, since she smelled just about the same to her—minus the alcohol—and no-one was getting any points for guessing who [i]she[/i] would take to a hotel, given the chance. They both stared at each other with a mix of disbelief and awe. One had ostensibly just bedded the son of a duke, and the other, a chaste maiden of the holy church. It wasn't immediately apparent which feat was more impressive, but they weren't about to talk about it with everyone else eavesdropping.

[color=#ff39d6][i]Don't ask, don't tell?[/i][/color] Ashley's face seemed to suggest.

[color=FF4E3D][i]Agreed,[/i][/color] said the nod from Tonka as she passed Ashley, carrying Aleria to her bunk.