{|ACIV:BF|} Justify {|1-on-1 rp|}

She was quiet once more. Maybe she felt there wasn't much else to say. Ah Tabai didn't push her to, if she didn't want talk. It was best that way. She would come to him, or someone else, on her own accord eventually. He figured a little push would simply help.

The walk was a bit of a nice change of pace. So often, he was used to training or instructing others. While it was all important business, a break or strolling about wasn't such a bad thing.

She had sparred a nod or two his way. He hoped that she was feeling a little more comfortable now that he'd stopped prodding her so much. The playfulness of the conversation had left him feeling a little lighter.

He reached out, placing a hand at the small of her back. "You'll be alright." He reassured.

A moment later, his hand dropped back to his side. She seemed to take the time to glance around, at the different people. With the planet life and the animals, she did this with them as well. As pale as she was, it must have been strange for her. Or maybe she was simply curious.

"Just give it some time." He carried on.

It was more or less for her own benefit. Still, he held out hopes that she would remember something of the past as well. How she ended up on that island was a topic they would need to delve into. She simply need to trigger whatever memories she had lost.

----|X|----

She stared out into the fields after she had said what was on her mind. It was quiet again, not that she minded. The quiet was an alright thing, especially when she'd dealt with rather noisy people in most of her jobs.

She looked back when he patted the porch. His fingers brushed passed her arm as well. They felt rough against her skin. Given the work, she figured that would have been a given. She felt an quick eruption of butterflies in her stomach before they settled.

Eventually, she laid back down beside him, a tad closer now. She didn't so much mind that and hoped that he didn't either. He was free to say so, though something told her that wouldn't happen.

He was quiet for a bit, even after her statement. She still found he was a little odd for a farmer. She didn't see too many who dressed like that much less had tattoos. Who knew however. Manuel didn't exactly say much about where he was from.

He finally responded. She felt her face warm. Now she was glad that his face was covered by that hat. It hid her features from view.

Eventually, she cleared her throat, trying to reign herself in. "Maybe a little." She answered. "It's the hat."

In the very least, it was a recovery, a small joke to save her some face. She could be rather bashful but she didn't often feel the need to show it. Then again, in recent times, she hadn't exactly focused on a 'love life' or any infatuations. Most of that had been put behind her after the fire.

Ah Tabai didn't seem to mind that she slipped into silence every so often. At the very least it gave her time to gather her thoughts. Maybe it was the same for him, too, but without asking Kerta had no way of really knowing.

Getting back into what was essentially the heart of Tulum was a nice change of pace as well. Idle chatter reached her though some of it was foreign to her. All sorts of languages could be heard around here, after all Ah Tabai let all sorts stay to train as assassins. That alone left a nice little melting pot of cultures in one area.

Kerta blinked, glancing back Ah Tabai's way as his hand found a spot at her back. It was a brief touch, there and gone again but it was there all the same. It was comforting, however light and short it had been.

"Ah? All right," she said, sparing a nod afterwards.

Their pace hadn't broken as they'd talked, keeping a rather leisurely one going along the way. That was a bit of a change for Kerta as it was, usually she had a rather quick walk for her height. She didn't bother pointing that out though, it was nice to have walked with Ah Tabai, after all.

He still hadn't left her side just yet though Kerta wasn't about to question it. She was a little flattered that he'd chosen to spend some time with her. Still, she knew he must have had more important things to tend to...

"Ah Tabai? What if I can't remember anything...?" It wasn't that Kerta was so much afraid of that possibility merely curious.

----[x]----

It was impossible to tell what Amber thought or felt in those moments. In truth Manuel couldn't be bothered enough to sit up and find out just yet. If she had something important to share Manuel had some faith that she'd do so on her own. Until such a time then Manuel was content with how things were.

Again he heard her move, laying back down if he had to guess. Of course, he couldn't be sure, he was merely guessing from what he knew about her in general. In the quiet that followed he could hear the wind blowing by in the trees and the conversations some of the workers nearby were having. The words weren't able to be made out though he could hear the conversation all the same.

Eventually he'd spoken up about her comment prompting her to draw silent. It wasn't a long one this time around and before he knew it she was commenting on his hat. Curious, he reached up to fiddle with it, the charms hanging off the side clanking against each other.

"The hat, eh?" he echoed, "wasn't aware pirates wore hats like these. Fancy those tricornes themselves."

Briefly he lifted the hat just high enough to shoot Amber a smile. The little joke hadn't gone unnoticed though he hadn't reacted much to it. The least he could do was reassure her a bit.

Plopping his hat back into place he shifted into a more comfortable position. Soon enough he'd be feeling a little restless and would take to pacing around the farm.

She seemed to be gathering her thoughts. He left her to do as such. It would be for the best. If there was something important to bring up, he had hopes that she would do so. For the moment, it was quiet between them.

Coming to the heart of Tulum, he'd spar a nod here and there in greeting. Soon enough, he'd have to get back to some amount of work. That would give enough time for Kerta to think.

He glanced at her when she spoke up briefly. If he had to guess, she seemed to slip back into that bashful side. He didn't mind. It was rather endearing.

The question that came next wasn't one he quite expected. Still, it was a good thing that she'd brought it up. Maybe that had been bothering her for a while.

He shook his head in response. "Then we will have to simply accept that." He answered. "Don't try to force yourself to remember. We have little idea of how that might effect you."

Ah Tabai fell silent for a brief moment. He glanced her way, studying her face. While it seemed like she wasn't giving too much away, he knew better. There was some amount of worry there.

"If it comes back to you eventually, you are free to tell me. But be conscious of your health as well."

----|X|----

Amber found she rather liked laying there. As quiet as it was, it was peaceful. Far more so then what she'd seen months ago. Those were thoughts she tried to shake. Forgetting wasn't so easy, however.

She rested her hands on her stomach, shifting slightly. A light breeze brushed by. It was a bit of a relief from the heat.

He seemed to take some time to mull over her response. Eventually, the sound of those charms clinking together caught her attention. She glanced over, watching as he toyed with his hat.

"I like your hat." She responded lightly.

She always had, always thought it fit him. Maybe a tricorned one would fit him as well. It was hard to picture. She wondered if she'd see something like that on him one of these days.

Amber spared a smile back. It was a rather nice thing to see from him, even a lax one. Months ago, she wouldn't even have had the time to spar this much time much less a smile or two. She rather liked the change of pace and what she was learning about him.

She wondered if he would be laying here all day or if he'd get up and wander. Amber figured she'd follow for a while, if he'd allow it. She'd never seen the extent of his farm, after all. It wasn't as large or heavily guarded as the sugar plantation but it was obvious enough that he'd made a good living off of his coffee plantation.

It was easy to see the amount of respect that Ah Tabai had from everyone here. When he was spotted many took the time to break away from what they were doing long enough to spare a warm greeting or to smile their way. It was almost fascinating to see, actually.

Eventually their own conversation had picked back up. Truthfully there was quite a bit on Kerta's mind though a lot of it she wasn't sure was worth pointing out. Instead she tried to focus on the things that were.

She waited patiently for an answer to her question. Ah Tabai seemed to need a moment to mull over whatever options he might have had in mind. Eventually though he spoke, resigned to the idea that she might be unable to remember. Kerta wasn't so sure about how to feel about it all, however. She could remember basic things, like her name and that she wasn't from these parts but trying to remember anything else was like trying to catch smoke in her hands.

Briefly she reached up to run her fingers over her forehead, as if that would somehow help. It wasn't until she dropped her hand back to her side did she say anything.

"If you say so," she relented. Still, it nagged at her that she couldn't remember anything, especially how she had gotten on that island. Something like that she should have been able to recall.

----[x]----

A slow, throaty chuckle passed Manuel's lips at the compliment. "Well, lucky for you I don't have plans to replace it any time soon," he noted lightly.

That was true enough, Manuel could be a little frugal in recent years and he didn't get rid of anything he wore unless it grew too tatty to wear. The hat was holding up quite well so there wasn't a need for a new one. Besides, he had a few stashed away in his home just in case it did get destroyed.

Whatever else was on Amber's mind was kept quiet. Perhaps she'd grown thoughtful again. From what Manuel knew of her she had her moments, often delving into thoughts others would have thought a little frivolous or ridiculous. Manuel kept that to himself, however. There wasn't a need to stifle those thoughts.

Closing his eyes he drifted off briefly. It wasn't enough so that he was unaware of his surroundings but rather so that he could at least catch some amount of rest. The day felt long to him and a few hours spent lightly dozing on his porch were just what he needed. He'd check up on his farm once it was a little cooler out.

Ah Tabai hoped that the answer helped her. Despite him expressing his thoughts, she still appeared distressed. He couldn't blame her for that much. She was in a place that was very unfamiliar to her. No memory to boot just made everything worse.

It would be a troubling situation for anyone. She seemed to be handling it well enough however. Instead of completely withdrawing, she was trying to learn. This might have distracted her thoughts for a time, he figured.

He watched as she ran her fingers over her forehead, as if that might draw out one of those lost memories. Her reply was short, as he was finding that to be the norm. It must have been frustrating, not being able to recall things as easily as before.

Ah Tabai reached out, clasping her shoulder gentle. He squeezed it briefly before his hand would call back to his side. It was a small way of comfort for the woman.

"You will be alright." He reassured again. "I have things I need to tend to. Don't hesitate to find me, if you need anything."

With that said, he started off, sparing a glance over his shoulder. Night would fall before he saw her next, when things weren't as busy and the day had cooled considerably.

----|X|----

She couldn't help but smile when he chuckled. It was a nice sound, as short as it was. She was finding she liked him. For someone who seemed to be on business all of the time, he was very lax, easy to just sit around with. She took solace in it.

"Well, that's good to know." She responded back, her tone light.

Things fell silent after that. She'd closed her eyes, dozing on and off. There were no nightmares, as light as the sleep was. She took what she could get, in the end. Even a little was better than none at all.

When early evening started to fall was when she left. She spared him a goodbye before she started back the way she'd come. The work she did would last until the sun had long since gone down. Turning in for the night would come next.

Amber wasn't sure if she'd manage much sleep. The most she could do was attempt to get some. She was coming to find it difficult late at night, after some nightmare or night terror. Even if she put that fire out of her mind during the day, it always seemed to sneak it's way back in when night fell.

A long walk always fixed it. She sat by her window, enjoying the nights cool breeze. She'd have to turn in at some point. Heaving a heavy sigh, she pushed herself away from the window before she would crawl into bed. If nothing good came of it, she'd simply start off on a walk once more.

Ah Tabai had gone off to see to his own duties leaving Kerta on her own for a time. It wasn't something that she entirely minded, there was still a lot she could sit back and observe or to even wander around some more. Time had passed rather slowly from there though and she still kept to herself, lost in thought more times than not.

Eventually the sun had sunk low below the horizon, casting Tulum in deep shadows lit up only by the moon above. Kerta had to admit that it was quite a sight out by the beach where she could catch sight of the stars and the moon reflected on the ocean's surface. This was a place she liked both day and night, the water a pretty blue during the day now even darker in color, the seaweed twisting and swaying in the current.

For now she stood knee-deep in the water, her toes buried under the sand. There were still assassins out and about, some still standing guard. As far as she knew this place was well hidden from their enemies but it was better safe than sorry. She knew that nearby were a pair that kept watch near the beaches anyways if she needed help.

Staring out at the scenery, while calming, wasn't exactly helping her find any answers, however. It was a source of confusion and when she did feel that she was closing in on any memories or answers her head began to pound immensely, quickly developing into migraines.

At the moment there was a dull throbbing developing in the back of her head, disrupting her thoughts. Frowning deeply she massaged her fingers in the spot, attempting to ease it. It would only be a temporary fix and she knew it.

----[x]----

Amber had wandered on off to her horses eventually as she'd said she had to do. That had left Manuel on his own for sometime before he'd eventually gotten up and wandered through his crops. All was as it should be, calm and running smoothly. Very few stopped to greet him though this was normal. It wasn't as if there had to be any sort of conversation among he and any of his workers for a job to be done right, especially as something as simple as raising coffee plants.

Now the moon hung up in the sky, lighting it all up so that he could see by. The night was cooler, a little chilly but the sticky air made it feel warmer than it was. At least to Manuel that's how it was. It was something he'd long since grown used to, however.

His feet took him over the worn dirt paths without much thought from him. Manuel had long since memorized the paths around his farm. The quiet was broken only by the sounds of the guards nearby and the insects that thrived around these parts. It was a usual symphony of sounds to about here.

His eyes kept an eye out for anything out of place. In a flash he would have his pistol out or even the hammer that tapped along his leg with each step. It didn't look like much but it had seen much victory out on the seas in its time.

The rest of the day had been rather busy for him. They normally were. Ah Tabai never minded this. He enjoyed his work and seeing his students progress. Some days were better than others. In the very least, the day had moved fast and uneventful.

The moon shone down gently, covering the land in a soft glow. He wandered quietly, occasionally glancing around. There were a few assassin's still out and about. Guards stood ready in case of an emergency.

He hadn't seen Kerta for a while. Word was she hadn't turned in either. He'd eventually located someone who pointed him in the direction of the beach. He couldn't help but feel a little amused. He figured she would have had enough of beaches and water after being on that island for so long.

Wandering to the beach, he greeted the two guards before he turned his attention to the water. It shown a deep blue. Kerta stood there in the knee high water, staring at the waves.

Ah Tabai approached her quietly. He tilted his head, watching as she reached for her head briefly. Was she alright? He couldn't see her expression, if pain was washed over her face or not.

"I would have believed you were tired of sights like this." He called out, catching her attention. "Are you alright?"

He was a little concerned. Given the possibility that she might remember what happened, Ah Tabai wasn't sure if she would feel pain if those moments or not. He'd rather not see her in that kind of pain if he could help it.

----|X|----

Amber wasn't sure what time she shot up from her bed. Her heart had been pounding against her chest. Covered in a cold sweat, she had laid back down for a long while, simply trying to calm herself down. She swallowed hard, biting back any sobs.

Eventually, she had risen to her feet, getting dressed again. Tying the end of her hair, she left her home. The night was cool and comfortable. It helped her calm down.

She wandered down familiar paths quietly. She never had much reason to fear the night here. Most people left others be. The pirates were the biggest call of concern but it seemed they hadn't moved inland yet.

Amber found herself wandering toward Manuel's farm. Briefly, she wondered if this was a good idea. Guards would be patrolling the area. She debated going back once or twice. After a while, she simply kept going on, hoping for the best.

If anything, it gave her time to clear her head. She listened to the insects, glanced at the sky filled with stars. She took solace in these little things.

A sigh passed her lips. At least it hadn't been as bad as the others. There was still a chance she could manage some sleep that night, if she cleared her head.

It was quiet, the waves lapping up on shore and on her legs the loudest sound to reach her ears. Occasionally some of the nightlife critters could be heard but they weren't often. It was a place for Kerta to come at least to try to sort her thoughts out. It wasn't always a successful endeavor though.

Kerta blinked as a voice reached her. Her heart leaped a little as she recognized it as Ah Tabai's. She shoved that thought aside as she turned to blink at him, hand still hovering at her neck.

"Eh?" She shook her head, a little caught off guard. She hadn't exactly been expecting to be approached out here. "Yeah, it's nothing." At that she let her hand fall back to her side.

She shifted, her toes digging further into the sand. She quite liked the feel of it, always kind of had. It was a passing thought at the moment, there and gone. Instead she was more curious as to why Ah Tabai had come to find her again. At least, that's how it looked.

"Do you need anything?" she wondered.

----[x]----

Aimless wandering, just as he always took to at this time of night when sleep eluded him. That nap from earlier had ruined his sleeping schedule, that was for sure. Manuel would have to take care to correct that in the coming days. There was no sense in letting it stay like this unless he had to after all.

It wasn't until he heard voices ahead did his attention stray from any of his wandering thoughts. A couple of his guards, that was for sure, demanding that someone state their business around the farm at night. Eyebrow raised, Manuel headed in the direction the voices came from and sure enough he was greeted by the sight of two of his guards, muskets raised at a familiar woman.

"We won't ask you again-"

"Easy now," Manuel called, striding forward. He raised a hand to placate his guards, confusion apparent on what he could make of their faces. "That one's allowed around here. No harm done."

Still confused the guards at least lowered their weapons, sparing an apology to Manuel and then to Amber before heading back to their posts. Manuel shook his head, turning to the woman in question. "Quite a time to be wandering, wouldn't you say?"

Ah Tabai waited at the shore, watching her for a long moment. She took her time turning to him. Her hand fell back to her side afterward. Whatever pain that had been there must have subsided.

She looked confused for a long moment. He chuckled, though he doubted she could hear that much. The waves were rather loud, though a comforting sound. Perhaps that's why she was here.

"Well, at least you can take solace in these things." He answered.

Really, he figured she'd have been sick of the sight of so much water. Instead, she was here, seeming to take comfort in it. Whatever worked for her in the end was for the best. She needed to take comfort in something.

Eventually, she asked if he needed anything. Ah Tabai offered a smile. That seemed to be a common question with him. Perhaps it was for others as well.

"No," he answered. "I was merely concerned. You hadn't turned in. I figured you might be wandering about."

Despite nothing happening often so close, animals didn't stray simply because they settled there. If she wasn't careful, she could easily be picked off. Ah Tabai wanted to avoid that.

"I hope you're alright?" He pressed. "You look as if something was bothering you."

----|X|----

She had walked a little while longer before she was stopped. Amber had tensed when the two guards raised their muskets. There was no reasoning with them either, even when she'd mentioned she'd been here earlier.

She shuffled, wrapping her arms around herself, debating on the best option here. Amber had held out some hope that she could simply go about wandering. It seemed that wouldn't be the case.

It wasn't a moment later did a voice call out. She was able to release a sigh, recognize it. Manuel placated the two guards. They were clearly confused but offered an apology.

"Thank you," She said, letting her hand fall back to her sides.

It wasn't long before he picked up idle conversation. In truth, he was correct. Most wouldn't have been wandering around this late. She never had wandered this far, knowing the guard patrolled so often.

"Truth be told." She agreed, sparing a smile. "I couldn't sleep. I take it you couldn't either?"

If anything, she could wander around her for a while. If he didn't need to be anywhere, she'd stick with him for a while. Maybe that would help clear her head a little more.

Kerta hummed in answer, pushing her bangs out of her face. They fell right back into place a moment later, not that she really minded. It was just a habit she had, doing it without thinking much of it. "Something like that," she said.

Carefully she picked her way back to the shore after that, mindful not to get caught up in the patches of seaweed. The air nipped at her wet shins, feeling colder than it was. It was easier to ignore with the sticky humidity though.

She probably should have been sick of it all, to be honest but Kerta found she liked the sights. It had been about the only thing she'd been able to take any sort of comfort in on that island at least. Kerta was willing to chalk that up to why she found it so comforting now. It made sense to her in any case.

Ah Tabai smiled again, an expression she quite liked on him. It was just something else she kept to herself, however. It was a concern he voiced instead of actually seeking her out for any one thing. Kerta returned the smile, glad to know that she wasn't just some afterthought.

"I tend to stay near those on guard," she said, glancing towards the nearest pair. At least this late at night she did.

Kerta blinked at the question she got in return. Her hand found its way to that spot again, the one that throbbed for the moment. She had to hope that it wouldn't be one that lasted for long. There had been a few that were so bad they kept her up all night.

"It's just a headache, that's all," she answered.

----[x]----

Manuel spared a nod to her thanks. It was the least he could do for her thought he did have to wonder why she thought it was safe to be wandering about here like that in the night. He might have known she wasn't up to anything but the guards would not. It was a reckless decision by all rights.

"Something like that," he said in return, "though next time do try to send me a bit of warning if you plan on wandering in the middle of the night. My guards are quite fussy if you will."

Nonetheless he gestured for her to follow at his side. At least this way any other of his guards would not be willing to start anything with her. It was safer this way for Amber.

Manuel started them off then, keeping a leisurely pace. There was no need to rush things, not when there wasn't anything to rush to. It was merely time to enjoy a good walk and that was that. A bit of conversation would be much appreciated, however.

"Any reason you've strayed into my farm again today?" he wondered, his voice light. "Seems an odd hour to pay a visit."

She took her time before she picked her way back to shore. If there was any hint of pain or discomfort, he'd be sure to escort her home. For the moment, he kept a close watch on her. He wouldn't jump the gun yet but a watchful eye made a world of difference.

Kerta's answer was simple before she drew silent again. He didn't ask. She withdrew into her thoughts quite a bit. Ah Tabai wasn't bothered. For some, that was the best thing they could do. It helped them manage.

In the very least, she'd managed a smile in return. She didn't offer too many of them, he'd noticed. Ah Tabai didn't ask why. It might have been difficult for her to express such emotions after the months of isolation.

She replied simply, nodding toward the guards. That was a good practice to take to, given she didn't know much of their ways just yet. She wouldn't be able to defend herself so easily but others could.

"Good," He answered with a nod. "I'd rather hear that you're taking some precautions. You seem the thoughtful type. That will give me a little less to worry over."

He waited, head tilted slightly, as she took to touching the spot that seemed to be bothering her. When she answered, Ah Tabai could only offer a hum.

"If that gets any worse, let me know." He answered. "Perhaps we can find something to help it."

He wasn't sure if it had something to do with her memories or not. If it had, he'd keep an eye out. He had little idea of how it would effect her physically. In the very least, being prepared would do them all some good.

Ah Tabai motioned next before he started forward, along the beach. "I take it your day went well?" He inquired a moment after. A lighter topic might do her some good.

----|X|----

He at least didn't appear troubled for having to intervene. Some might have viewed it as waste of their time. She was rather glad she'd found the opposite in him. She was finding the opposite in a lot of what he did, actually.

She folded her hands, sparing a nod in response. "Of course," She answered briefly.

Amber knew she should have. It was a rather reckless idea to have come this far in the first place. Having debated turning around several times, it she simply didn't listen to what her head had told her. At least no trouble was caused, in the end.

He started them off then, at a slow pace. There wasn't anywhere they really had to be, after all. A stroll would do her good, even if it was a late one. At times, it was all she really needed.

Eventually, he spoke up again. The question was light, even playful. She found her face warming a little despite her efforts. Why did she wander out here? It seemed to be odd for two people who were really just getting to know each other. They'd only really spoken in passing and even that was short.

She brushed her bangs from her forehead, trying to figure out what to say. It took a few moments to gather her thoughts.

"I guess I didn't really have a destination," She answered. She rubbed her arm bashfully. "I didn't really expect to see you out and about but...you're rather easy to be with."

Amber found herself rather bashful to admit that. Still, she was finding it was very true. He rather was easy to be around. She simply hadn't realized how easy until today.

Kerta couldn't begin to figure out what might be on Ah Tabai's mind. It might have been best that way though she couldn't say for sure about that. Kerta tried not to dwell on it though she was curious of Ah Tabai in a whole. She didn't know a lot about him, really. She could only figure that he preferred it that way given his line of 'work'.

Her thoughts broke as Ah Tabai spoke again, pleased with the fact that she was at least being cautious. Kerta figured it was a no-brainer but then who was she to judge? Not everyone found themselves in a situation quite like hers as far as she knew.

"Well, at least there's some good to come out of that," she said lightly, glad that she was at least less of a burden than she could have been.

She wasn't sure how to feel about mentioning the headache. It was just that, a headache, she'd had them often enough before not to worry about it much. At least, Kerta told herself that. She didn't want to think about how trying to recall anything more substantial than dregs caused it to flare into life. The throbbing hadn't lessened any but it hadn't been getting worse yet either. Kerta considered that a blessing of sorts, massaging the area before she let her hand drop.

"I'll keep that in mind," Kerta promised.

Ah Tabai gestured for her to follow, starting down the beach. He kept out of reach of the waves lapping up on shore, his feet digging into the sand and leaving impressions for the time being. Kerta's own footprints were washed away by the waves almost as soon as they were made as she followed at his side.

"It... It went," she said, "not much to say about it beyond that."

----[x]----

Manuel spared Amber a look, studying her. With the way she clasped her hands behind her like that he wasn't so sure she understood the severity of the situation. If he hadn't come up she could have been in a worse off position. He didn't hire his guards willy-nilly. No, they were all well-trained and ready to kill anyone who didn't belong if they saw fit to.

He shook his head. If she didn't understand that then there was little he could do about that matter beyond his warning. In time he would see what might happen.

His question was easily answered, his eyebrow raising in response. She just wandered here? Even more dangerous. Just because she was a woman didn't mean the guards would have let her go. There were women who took to piracy and other criminal behavior as well, after all. Manuel heaved a sigh, shaking his head at that.

"I would not advise wandering into the area like that so late at night, Amber," he advised one last time. If Manuel had to admit it he would have been rather sad to see something happen to her, after all. He would try to avoid that scenario if he could but Amber had to do her part as well. "You're lucky I was out and about."

A shake of the head followed after. There was no need to continue on with this line of thought, either she would understand or she would not.

"Ah, but no destination, hmm?" he wondered, rubbing his chin. The stubble there was prickly. "Seems a good way to get lost in the dark."

Her words came a little lighter next. It took a little weight of his shoulders. For a long while, he did worry about her health, mentally and physically. With no memory and no knowledge of this place, she would no doubt feel some form of sadness settle in her. For now, that didn't seem to be the case.

That raised another concern of her memories. If she did remember them, how would she feel? It was hard to say. She couldn't recall her life before that island and before this.

The thought was shoved aside. Ah Tabai would mull over it another time. For the moment, it seemed like she was studying him, waiting on him to speak up. She was observant, that much was a given.

"Give yourself some credit!" He joked in return. "Most are not so observant or cautious when they believe they don't need to be. Let their guard down too quickly."

Whatever was on her mind about the headaches was left unsaid. He didn't push for answers either. These kinds of things could cause her to withdrawal. If anything, he would prefer she speak up on her own, if she could.

It wasn't long before they were walking along the beach. It was a sight to appreciate, the moon shining down, casting light on the water. He often forgot it was there, so caught up in training and the like.

"Well, sounds as if nothing too exciting happened!" He responded, motioning toward her. "And here I'd hoped that you'd gone off and had some wild adventure."

Of course, it was a bit of a joke to lighten up the mood. An 'adventure' around here could lead to death as it was. Until she came to him with an answer about what she wanted to do, she wouldn't be doing much beyond idle exploring.

----|X|----

Amber twisted her hair in between her palms. Her decision wasn't the best one and she knew it. The walk really had been aimless. Despite her intentions to turn around, that hadn't happened. She didn't bring it up. No point in arguing when it was her mistake.

"I understand," she answered. "It won't happen again."

It was the best she could give. In time, maybe she'd simply wander to the stables if she couldn't sleep. The horses didn't care and it wasn't as if there was anyone patrolling the area. She was rather comforted by those animals anyways.

She felt a little awkward now, toying with her hair. It had been a bad decision. Instead of clearing her head, she'd only brought on more to think about. These were thoughts she did try to push aside. If she didn't sleep at some point, her work would suffer tomorrow.

Amber didn't mind the lull between the conversation. A few moments later, he was speaking again. Was that strange, to have no where to wander to? She admitted, she'd withdrawn from most people since the fire, so she avoided too many areas that were populated. She'd just take to walking where there weren't many people at all.

"I've taken to this for a while now." She answered. "I know most paths back home and nothing really has happened in recent months, not to say that it can't. It just helps me clear my head, is all."

She couldn't even recall if Manuel had been around before or after the fire. If that was the case, this was going to raise questions. He seemed a patient type though, willing to allow her to speak on her own accord. If that was the case, she was more than happy about it.

It had taken him a moment or so to answer her, perhaps lost in his thoughts for a brief time. She waited patiently, unwilling to distract him from whatever thoughts he had. For all Kerta knew they might have been important. Eventually he did speak up, however,

The light tone of voice was rather playful, a sort of thing she hadn't expected of Ah Tabai. Kerta had pegged him as a more serious type of person, perhaps she'd been a little wrong on that count. She found it a little hard to respond to the joke, however. She was just being cautious was all, if only because she knew very few here on top of everything else.

"I think I can manage that," she finally said, keeping a bump in her voice.

The walk was well appreciated, staying along the shore and able to glance at the waves from time to time. Having some company was something Kerta quite liked as well. It was a good distraction from the thoughts about her throbbing head or why she'd been on that island. There was only so much she could think about before she hit dead ends or her the throbbing escalated to migraines.

Her gaze strayed back to Ah Tabai as the conversation struck back up. There he was, joking again. It was still strange to hear if she was honest. Still...

A flicker of a smile was there and gone from Kerta's lips. It almost seemed like he was trying... trying to do what? She wouldn't have thought Ah Tabai would need to really try anything in idle conversation. Even so, there it was.

"It sounds to me like you just like to hear a story or two," she pointed out.

----[x]----

Amber had grown quiet, perhaps well aware of the seriousness of the situation now. At least Manuel figured she was able to learn from this experience. He couldn't always be up wandering the farm's pathways in the night on the off chance she was stopped by the guards yet again. Some of them had quite a temper to boot... He left that unmentioned for now.

Their pace was a leisurely one though Amber didn't seem to mind. Perhaps she was thinking things over or trying to sort her thoughts out altogether. Manuel left her to it for several minutes before he spoke up and drove the conversation forward yet again. He found he didn’t mind when it was Amber.

She took to talking well enough, perhaps glad for the distraction. He listened attentively, mulling over what he was told. Had she always been like this? Manuel found that he wasn’t entirely sure. If it wasn’t than something might have happened over the course of his stay away from home.

“I see,” he said carefully, “I take it you steered clear of plantations and farms then.”

If nothing else the guards were more lenient around town where it was better lit at night. Not everyone went to bed at night in a town like the one nearby in any rate, not when it was growing. More and more visitors came, after all. At least it kept their little home prosperous.

If Amber felt she needed to explain further than he would listen but Manuel wasn’t about to pry. Instead he kept silent on the matter, merely leading them down one path and then another.

Ah Tabai cast a glance over her once in a while. There was an almost puzzled look crossing her face at points. He couldn't help but chuckle. As serious as he could be, he rather hoped to lighten up her mood a little. There seemed to be something or other on her mind. How could there not be? The least he could offer was a distraction.

If anything, she seemed to appreciate it. She looked far calmer now, strolling along the beach as they were. He took some solace in that. Despite how much he showed, he did worry a little about the woman.

"I'm sure," Was his simple reply.

Her words always seemed to be short and to the point. Ah Tabai knew that might have been so because of the isolation for all those months. Briefly, he wondered if she'd ever break that habit.

His thoughts were broken when she spoke up again. Her tone was light, in a bit of a teasing manner. Ah Tabai shot her a small smile in return.

"Am I really so easy to read?" He inquired lightly. "Ah, but yes, I do enjoy a tale or two."

It was true enough. That's what had first caught his interest about her. A story, how she'd ended up on that island. With no memory of how or why she was there, Ah Tabai was left with a mystery. Maybe that's what drew him to her, kept him watching over Kerta. He was unable to deny that he was taking great steps in making sure she was comfortable and safe.

He motioned to her next, catching her attention. "And what about yourself, hmm?" He inquired. "Do you enjoy stories?"

----|X|----

Amber finally let her hands drop back to her sides. It helped, maybe more so than he was probably aware. Amber couldn't be sure. Manuel was the patient type so perhaps he was observant as well. She wouldn't put it passed him.

For the moment, she tried to enjoy the night air and sounds. She was never fond of the dark. The moon provided enough light tonight to make it bearable. She didn't admit it out loud but she felt safer with him walking beside her as well.

When he spoke up, his answer was a simple one. It seemed he wasn't aware of her nightly wanderings. Maybe he really hadn't been around during the fires. She couldn't recall.

"Most of the time, yes." She answered. "If I find I'm wandering too close, I normally turn around."

She would have here as well, if her legs listened to what her brain was telling her to do. The guards patrolled all kinds of areas, after all. She knew better.

There was another brief lull in conversation. Manuel neither asking nor demanded any other answers. It seemed more like he simply waited quietly. She appreciated that fact. That left if up to her about how much information to actually give.

"I've been having nightmares the passed few months." She finally said. "Rather bad ones and that makes it hard to sleep. So I took up walking instead of sitting at home, waiting for those thoughts to pass."

In the very least, that would give him an answer or two. She'd been tired all that afternoon as well. No doubt, that had risen questions, even if he never voiced him. Amber was finding she liked that about him. Most would have done the opposite.

More and more Kerta was finding that she was curious of what was on Ah Tabai's mind. Someone who was the mentor to the assassins must have had a lot on his mind. Still, he seemed to keep them to himself for the time being. Perhaps there was a reason for that, Kerta wouldn't pry for it.

If she had to guess he seemed to enjoy speaking with her, even if it had only been for a couple of times now. That thought was something that left her with a warm feeling in her chest. Kerta didn't bother to voice it, however, no need to go make things awkward now.

She couldn't help herself when Ah Tabai spoke up, she tossed an amused look his way, however subdued it was. Being back with people, and so many on top of that, was a strange endeavor after having only herself for what must have been close to a year. It was a pleasant sort of strange, however, one that filled Kerta with relief when she thought back to those months.

"Just this once, maybe," she answered. Really, Kerta had only been guessing at that. Still, she'd learned something new about him in the long run.

Kerta blinked, turning to him as he gestured towards her yet again. He wasn't too animated though he did seem to have a habit of speaking with his hands when he brought up a new topic or spoke to someone new.

Sparing a nod she said "I can get behind a good story."

----[x]----

It took Amber a moment or two to actually say anything. Manuel wasn't sure why nor did he figure it was any of his business to ask. For all hew knew she might have been composing herself after the run in with his guards.

Around them the usual sounds reached his ears–the insects, the rustling of the plants and the occasional voice. All was calm around here. Manuel was thankful for that, not exactly up for the idea of having to get up in arms tonight.

Eventually Amber's voice came in to the mix, drawing his attention back to the matter at hand. He raised an eyebrow at this newest piece of information. If that was the case she must have been drawn so far into herself that she hadn't noticed. Or perhaps she had and hadn't turned back. Manuel wasn't sure which was the likely case.

"Seems a good practice to take to," he said.

The news of these night terrors of hers was new. Again his eyebrow rose, Manuel wouldn't have been surprised if it had disappeared up into his hairline at this rate. It seemed Amber was full of information. He was never quite sure as to why people so willingly gave up such information so easily to boot. It wasn't like they were entirely close, after all.

"I see," he murmured. Manuel reached out patting her head. "I don't know about all this secret sharing of yours, however," he carried on.

She seemed lost in thought for a bit. Ah Tabai left it uninterrupted. She must have had a lot on it. She had little to no memory, after all. Kerta might not show any trouble expression at the moment but who knew? She could have had a lot more on her mind than anyone was aware of.

Soon enough, however, a bit of amusement danced on her expression. Whatever it was she was thinking of was left unsaid. Still, she shared a pleasant expression with him. That was something.

He offered a short chuckle in reply to her words, as simple as they'd been. Ah Tabai figured in time, she might have more to say. For now, he did enjoy what he got out of her.

"Well, I suppose I'll make due working on that." He answered lightly. "You're far too sharp already.

There was a brief lull in conversation. He took the time to appreciate the sound around them. He'd heard them many times throughout his life but they always left a calming effect. Eventually, she answered his question however, drawing his attention away from the sounds.

He spared a smile and a nod. "Good to know," He answered, a slight lightness in his tone. "Perhaps you'll humor me one day and listen to the stories of my people."

The offer was there, if anything. Ah Tabai often liked to speak of the tragic past and his people. It was a wonder some didn't brush him off, as often as he spoke of them. Kerta might be a little new to the history however. He found himself a little anxious to share, given due time.

----|X|----

She was glad that he didn't push for too many answers. The occasional observation or the like was all she received. Amber found herself oddly comforted by that. Most weren't so polite about the happenings. Some still spoke of it, even if they thought she wasn't listening.

The sounds that reached her in the night was a comfort as well. They typically where. She even liked the sound of the rain, when they got it. They were all distractions.

She glanced up at him, studying his expression in the low light. It was difficult to see, that wide hat still settled on his head. It shadowed his expression rather well.

"When I'm paying mind, it is." She answered.

Amber wasn't sure what he thought of the confession. He reached out, patting her head. His hand was warm, though it didn't linger long. Only when it was fall back to his side did he speak up again. Amber shrugged.

"It's better than you thinking I'm just...odd." She answered.

Wandering around like this in the dead of night? It surprised her that many hadn't stopped and asked her at this point, especially when she left for less lit areas.

Ah Tabai seemed at ease with the way the conversation was going. Kerta was a little glad about that, perhaps even a little proud about it. She wasn't exactly one for long talks anymore though maybe in time that would change again.

"Am I?" she wondered, looking a bit thoughtful. Her observational skills had been something that had been improved in the last few months. They had to be for her to survive.

There had been a pause between talk then. Kerta merely listened to the sounds of the waves lapping up around her ankles and to the nightlife around them. Occasionally she could hear a pair of assassins speaking to one another as they stood guard, keeping each other company through the night.

Eventually the topic of stories came about. He seemed pleased by the fact that Kerta enjoyed a story or two if she had the time for them. There was a smile on his face again though they were never very big they were there all the same. Kerta quite liked his smiles, having seen so little of them.

"I'd like that," Kerta said.

If nothing else she'd get to spend more time with him, hopefully when other important tasks had been seen to. Kerta still worried that she was kind of in the way or taking up too much of his time today even when he'd been the one to seek her out both times. Yet again she toyed with the idea of wanting to become an assassin though she said nothing about that thought just yet.

----[x]----

They'd continued on down the dirt paths with no interruptions. His guards carried on with their patrols as they should. Manuel still kept on eye out for any slackers. He wasn't about to tolerate any of that business on his farm, even if it was a relatively peaceful life he lived.

He hummed shortly, nodding his head in answer to Amber's words. Manuel said nothing more on that matter, however. It wasn't his business what she did, after all, except for when it was on his farm. Though he was curious as to why she hadn't been paying any attention tonight he kept that thought to himself.

Manuel gave a wave of his hand, dismissing her comment. Why she put so much stock into his words were beyond his knowledge. If she liked what she did or thought then that was her business and no one else's.

"You put too much stock in a simple coffee farmer's thoughts," he said simply.

Whatever she was doing on her walks out in the dark wasn't his business so long as he wasn't causing problems on his farm. With that thought he put it out of his mind, merely taking in the sounds of the nightlife. It was a peaceful time, that was for sure. Rarely did Manuel find any problems about the area.

Kerta seemed to relax a little more. She seemed a little at ease around him now. He hoped that would continue. There was no need to be apprehensive about this. He only wanted to help, after all.

He glanced at her expression. A chuckle escaped him as she spoke. The words were short and simple. He didn't mind. Ah Tabai was finding himself rather pleased with how the conversations were going.

"Of course," He answered in return. "You had to be, to have survived so long."

She might have been aware of that. If she was, she didn't speak up about it. Ah Tabai shoved it into the back of his head. It wasn't an important detail as it was.

He spared a smile her way when she accepted his offer. It was a simple one but maybe it would give her something to look forward to. There wasn't much, he was finding, for her to do until she made her decision.

"Well, I am certainly pleased to hear it." He answered. "I have quite a few to tell."

----|X|----

Amber liked the sounds at night. The only other thing she preferred was the sounds of birds during the day. Watching them brought her a little comfort. It always had. She often hoped that she could keep one of those birds.

He hummed slightly in response to her words. She didn't mind. He shared this silence rather often. Amber liked it though. He didn't push for conversation and she didn't feel a need to either.

A lazy wave of his hand eventually followed before he spoke. She sent him a small smile though, said nothing of it. He rather viewed himself as something simple. Amber wouldn't mention that she was more than happy to hear what he had to say.

Eventually, she pushed it into the back of her head. Another thought passed her mind, something a little easier to take about. Idly, she glanced about.

"What's the ocean like, Manuel?" She inquired. "I've never been on a ship before."

Kerta ducked her head a little, glancing over at Ah Tabai through her hair. He'd taken to laughing, a soft sort of sound but a laugh that fit him well. He wasn't a loud sort of person, she'd found. Even how he dressed was design so that he could easily slip in and out of areas if he had to, blending into the woodwork as best he could.

She wouldn't have put it that way. If she could help it she didn't like talking about those months, they hadn't exactly been pleasant. Kerta was still trying to get some weight back onto her after losing much of it in that time.

It was a relief when the topic had changed to stories he might share later down the road. Her head lifted a little higher again and she even took to pushing her bangs out of her face. If Ah Tabai noticed, and Kerta had no doubts that he had, he didn't say anything about it. Kerta took solace in that, the last thing she needed was being told about how awkward she must have looked or acted.

"It would be a nice change of pace in my day," she admitted, a little fond of the idea already.

The sand in between her toes did little to bother her as they walked, if it really got annoyed she'd stop long enough to brush as much of it off as she could. It felt like that would ruin the moment, whatever there was there to ruin, and Kerta would rather not hold up their walk because of it. So, she ignored it as best she could, instead making pains to stay where the waves could lap over her feet as they walked.

They continued in this vein, the silence settling between them once more. Her thoughts began to turn to other topics until settling eventually on the assassin brotherhood. It wasn't the first time that day that it crossed her mind though in truth Kerta still had little knowledge about it in a whole.

"Ah Tabai?" she ventured tentatively, "could you tell me more about the assassins?"

----[x]----

Amber's gaze seemed to drift every which way. Perhaps she was merely on the look out for any nighttime creatures that might lurk in his coffee plants. Manuel knew the place well enough that if there were any they'd be nearer to the edge of his property, hidden away from where most of them were. He said nothing of the sort, however, perhaps Amber was merely growing bored, after all.

He continued to lead them along the worn paths, careful of anything they might trip over. The last thing he needed was Amber possibly tripping and harming herself when it could have been avoided. It was a long way to her home and having to escort her back if she was hurt would be a hassle that neither would end up happy about.

Eventually she'd spoken, drawing his attention back to her more fully. It was an odd topic, one she certainly hadn't brought up before. It was no secret that she grew ill out on the waves, the last he'd seen her in a small rowboat of her own accord she'd turned quite an alarming shade of green. She hadn't exactly been pleased at Manuel's teasing about it at the time.

"The ocean, hmm?" he echoed, his hand rubbing over his chin. He thought about it for a moment, trying to think of the best way to phrase things for her. It wasn't like she'd been able to get a feel for the waves without growing sick so he'd have to put it into perspective for her. Besides it wasn't as if she'd gone far out from the island as far as he was aware.

"It's quite wide and open, a man could lose himself merely staring out at water in all directions," Manuel began, picking his words carefully, "still, it is quite breathtaking. Get a lovely sunset out on that water and the view is something to see."

There was a pause–how else could he explain?–and he glanced towards Amber. She seemed to be trying to envision it, perhaps from what she saw at the shore she was able to come up with some idea of what he was talking about. That would be good if she could, Manuel was finding it difficult to explain further.

She ducked her head and part of him hoped that he didn't offend her. She had been on that island for many months and it was probably a sensitive subject. That was a kind of solitude that no one truly wanted, forced out there with no memory.

Ah Tabai could only imagine what that was like. True, he had suffered loss and the sorrow that loss had brought but Kerta's case was different. No doubt that would leave some sensitivities on her part as well. He would tread carefully about it.

The change of subject seemed to help and she lifted her head again. He spared a small smile, glad to see it. Honestly, he didn't want to offend her or have her draw away from him. He was making a little progress with her after all.

She seemed to like the idea and Ah Tabai wouldn't deny that much. Reaching out to her like this might make her open up a little more. Kerta was somewhat of an observer. She liked to watch but didn't speak up. He could imagine that got boring once in a while.

"Then that is what we will do, my lady." he answered, sparing a nod.

They fell silent after that so he listened to the sounds of the waves, something he took a little solace in. It wasn't truly silent, night creatures making several noises nearby.

Eventually, she broke the silence between them. Ah Tabai's gaze drifted to her. Tipping his head back slightly, he hummed in thought. She was curious about the Brotherhood than? It certainly took her some time to ask about it though, she wasn't chatty.

"I can," he confirmed, watching her expression. "What is it you want to know?"

That would give him an idea of where to start. Neither seemed to have any intent to head back or get some sleep. He figured he could spare some explanation if she was willing to listen.

----|X|----

Amber was careful where she stepped out here. She didn't know the trails too well and the light of the moon was the only thing providing light for them. She didn't know his land well and never needed to. The only time she wandered up here was to drop off something for him and then she went home.

There wasn't much reason to stick to that anymore. She didn't have a lot to return to, only work and then returning to the small house she boarded in. She was grateful for that much though. In hindsight, things could have been a lot worse. If she let herself admit it, she was warming a little to Manuel as well.

She waited patiently for him to answer her question. It was no secret that she got ill and quite easily out on simple row boats. She never had it in her to set foot on a ship either. He took his time perhaps trying to find the right words to describe the open water.

When he did speak, she listened intently and tried to imagine it. She only saw so far from shore. Being on open water and standing on shore were completely different things. Still, she did her best to imagine what that was like.

"It sounds very pretty," she answered lightly, a little bit of bump in her tone. "I don't think I could stand it though. Being on open water that long, I mean...not because I get violently ill."

At the time, she hadn't been happy about his teasing but now, she could spare an amused smile. In the end, it probably was pretty amusing especially for someone who was more than used to the waves rocking the boat.

It was a little odd to have something to look forward to, something planned with someone else, in any case. The change of pace was something that left Kerta a little antsy to hear the first story he might tell though Ah Tabai wasn’t one to be rushed. At least, that was the way Kerta saw it, besides he would share when he felt he needed to.

“I look forward to it,” she said, sparing him a small smile as she did.

Kerta found herself admiring the brief moment in which he’d smiled back. It wasn’t something she saw often, but then he was often busy when she did see him from afar. It gave him a more gentle look, a softer look to his gaze when he smiled. It was a look Kerta quite liked though she said nothing on the matter.

The silence that fell between them gave Kerta time to listen to the nightlife sounds around them yet again. They had grown normal for her though when she’d first heard them all it had left her with a sense of unease, she had no basis for knowing what was dangerous or just a harmless sound. Now she had little problems and took solace in many of them, most especially the lapping of the water on the shore.

Despite all of that, however, a nagging curiosity had welled up over the few minutes that passed. She had been with the assassins for so long and yet knew very little about them other than the basics. While she’d been told several times over that she could become one if she so wished Kerta felt it wasn’t right to make a decision without more information.

“Well,” she started, sounding as if she were taking great care in picking her words, “a little of everything, I suppose. I can’t say that I know much about your brotherhood.”

It was an honest answer, the information she did have she gleaned from listening in on the others talking. Being honest about it would be the best way to start, after all.

----[x]----

Occasionally Amber’s pace would slow, picking around this or that in their path though she was quick to catch back up to his side. It was a pattern that she was beginning to pick up. Manuel said nothing about it, saw no need to, it was merely a thing he’d taken to noticing along their walk.

Eventually the talk of being out on the ocean had come to fruition. Amber waited patiently while Manuel had taken to racking his brain for a proper answer. Even when he had come up with an answer it didn’t sound like much to paint a good picture of it though Amber didn’t seem to mind. Perhaps it was enough for her, who had never seen it before like he had.

He spared a nod in response, recalling the many sunsets and sunrises he’d witnessed out on the sea. To say they were pretty was an understatement, that was for sure. There was a brief pause afterwards before Amber spoke again, beating him to the punch.

A chuckle slipped past his lips and a shake of the head followed after. “Ah, you make it sound like some punishment!” he cried in good humor, “it is not so bad, so long as the ship stays stocked and no... unforeseen... dangers arise.”

Storms and pirates were always a threat out there at sea. Once a pirate himself Manuel was more than able to take care of himself though that didn’t mean tides couldn’t be turned if the rest of the crew he was with were weak and unable to fight. It was always a worry that hung over his head, no one wanted to face a watery grave.

“Perhaps you have a few fears about the ocean, hmm?” he teased a little lightly, “why else be so vehement against sailing for so long?”

Kerta looked a little excited, if he picked out her expression carefully enough. Even in the darkness, the moons light was just enough so he could see her. Something new in her routine no doubt lifted her spirits.

She smiled after she spoke up, a bit of a rare sight. Even the small ones seemed a little more forced than genuine. Ah Tabai felt relief that she could still manage such little things. Alone as long as she was, he wouldn't have blamed her if she couldn't connect as well. She had shown great improvement in the past few weeks.

"I am sure," he said gently.

He couldn't deny that she probably was feeling a little lightness in these new events. Something to change her day would help her branch out later. That was his hope, at least.

The silence was brief as he waited for her to reply. Ah Tabai was already going over possible answers in his head. There was a lot to learn about in the brotherhood and no way he could explain it all in one night. If she was truly curious about it, perhaps she would come to learn more with the other assassin's.

When her answer came, Ah Tabai spared a nod in response. There were no specifics, she simply wanted to know a little bit of everything. Her words rang true, there wasn't much she knew here.

"I believe I can help you with that," he answered, sparing her a glance. "If I might offer you a chance to train and become an assassin yourself. You will learn all you wish to know and much more."

That was something she could in the very least sit on and think about. She would not only learn the combat she was observing but the information she sought as well. Ah Tabai could see an anxiousness in her. Perhaps a positive answer would come to him. He held out hope she might accept.

----|X|----

Amber cupped her hands behind her back, finding herself rather enjoying the nighttime. Normally after her night terrors, all she really felt was overwhelmed or stressed. Talking with Manuel put those thoughts into the back of her head. Maybe thinking about what he told her of the ocean later on would help too.

He nodded at her words and she wondered if she could really ever envision what he saw out there. What he saw must have been pretty breathtaking. She wasn't sure if she could really appreciate it unless she saw it herself.

She glanced up at him, a smile tugging at her lips, when he chuckled. It was a deep sound, somehow gentle. She grinned and listened to him carry on. Despite not being out there, she knew there were many threats to the sea. It worries her sometimes when people left here.

"It is not so bad when you're not throwing up off the side of the ship either," she jested in response. "But you seem to like being out there."

Amber wouldn't say it but it surprised her a little when he came back home. A part of her had always expected him to simply not return, head out to sea and stay there. She didn't know a lot about him. Maybe there was a time he was on the sea quite a bit. She could only assume.

His prods continued though, she didn't mind it. He hit a little on the mark as well. Open water was a bit of a scary thing, though nothing like that compared to fire to her. The fears were so small when she was on shore.

"Maybe there are a few," she admitted to him, the grin still in place. "You're not afraid of all that open water?"

It was difficult to pick what to ask about first. There was so much she didn’t know and some things she only had pieces of information to. Eventually Kerta just settled on generalizing, allowing Ah Tabai to pick. He nodded, a slow, rather deliberate motion, perhaps mulling over his answer.

Kerta waited patiently, eager for an answer but not willing to rush him for one. No one liked being pushed to do something quickly, after all. When he did speak up on the matter it wasn’t quite what she’d expected though she listened all the same.

There was that offer again, the one to join the brotherhood if she so wished to. Kerta still was unsure on the matter, a part of her was eager to jump at it, to give it a try, but there was something holding her back. If she had to admit it she was a little anxious about it in a whole. Kerta shook the thought away.

“Maybe,” she relented eventually, “if you’ll let me think it over first.”

She had little doubt that he would allow it. There was one or two who had joined in Kerta’s time in Tulum and he’d given them plenty of time to decide on it. She still felt it was necessary to say that she needed to mull it over a little longer, even if the idea wasn’t a foreign one to her.

There was a moment in which Kerta paused in their walk to toe a seashell out of the sound. It gave her something to do, a distraction from the worries on her mind. The shell was a plan thing, perhaps a pale pink if there’d been enough light to see by, though Kerta spared it little other thought before she nudged it into the water, watching as it rocked this way and that.

----[x]----

Manuel eventually slowed his pace, up ahead his home was there as if it were beckoning him in from the humid night. Amber would eventually need to head back to her home as well though Manuel would have to escort her back off of the farm to make sure none of his guards would cause her trouble. When he thought that he really wished, once more, that Amber would have expressed an interest before hand at walking around his farm at night.

From the corner of his eye he could spot her watching him, however brief it was, before she’d turned back to face the path. She was still so very unfamiliar with the dips and hills along them that even Manuel was able to see it in her gait.

“Yes, I suppose it would be,” he admitted, a smile tugging at his lips, “I must thank my lucky stars that I do not grow ill out on sea.”

There was a lapse in conversation and from what he could see of her face in the moonlight she looked thoughtful. Perhaps he’d unintentionally hit the nail on that taunt. Amber seemed like a cautious person and while Manuel had once figured that that was no way to live he wouldn’t begrudge her that.

He shook his head when she finally did speak. Of course she was curious of how he could handle being out on the ship, perhaps she had a little respect for those who could do what she could not stomach. Manuel certainly did though he never mentioned it.

“There is little to fear when you know what you are capable of and are doing,” Manuel explained, “the only things to fear are bad weather and other men on the sea.”

Kerta seemed anxious to hear of what he had to say. She spent so much time watching those around her that it didn't surprise him. Whatever held her back he couldn't really say. It was as if her hesitance was tied to her memory and that left her uncertain.

He didn't admit it out loud but those times of discomfort when she seemed to recall something worried him. For the moment, they might have just been small pains she brushed off. If they continued like that he had little to worry over. Those moments, however brief they were, could grow worse. He made note to have some keep an eye on her when he could not do it himself.

He was drawn away from his thoughts when she finally replied. Once again, she answered the same as before. He could give her all the time she needed to think it through. There was no need to rush her on this. Giving her some time to sort herself out came first and foremost.

"Of course," he replied. "Take all the time you need, my lady."

He watched her briefly as she tended to a shell in the sand. She picked through them a lot, he'd noticed, as if she'd never seen them before. The thought was there and gone as he spared a glance around.

"Perhaps we should head back," he suggested. "It is getting late and you need to rest. Tomorrow, I will take some time to tell you stories and perhaps answer some questions in more detail."

That would give her something more to look forward to and give him time to sort out what to tell her. Despite her anxiousness to do something new, she might shy away from being an assassin when she started to learn a few things. Ah Tabai knew not everyone was cut out for this life.

That was a thought for another time, when he could brood on his own. Only when Kerta had made her decision would he escort her back the way they had come.

He held out some hope she could sleep through the night. Ah Tabai was finding he heard more and more about her nightly strolls. She would wear herself down if she didn't find time to rest.

He shook it out of his head. Forcing those worries onto her might cause her to pull away. For the time being, they would remain with him.

----|X|----

Amber lifted her head, spotting his home nearby. She never had intentions to come this far or in this direction. She simply let her feet take her wherever she could go. A frown tugged at her lips. She shouldn't have come all the way out here and bothered him. It was something she would worry about later. He wasn't chasing her out of her, after all, though he probably didn't care too much for finding her out here so late.

Those were thoughts she shoved aside for the time being. Putting too much stock into it now, when she was already having trouble sleeping, wouldn't help her.

Instead, she spared a smile to what he said. She could his own, however small it might have been. Maybe it was a little wider than she thought. It was hard to tell in what little light shown down on them.

"You have some good stars, than," she responded lightly. "I was not so blessed."

In the short lapse, she heard an owl hoot in the distance before quieting down again. She scanned the trees, hoping to spot it, but wherever the bird was, it had hidden itself well. She was a little disappointed, unable to see it.

He only took a moment to answer her next question and that was enough to understand what he'd meant. He was accustom to the sea and sailing whereas she was not. She would naturally fear being out there.

"I suppose that would make sense," she answered, shifting her weight a little. "Then I won't worry about you so much."

The words were short ones but held truth. That was a funny thing to her. She barely knew him or others that left here but she worried about them all the same. It might have been in the back of her head but it was still there.

"I think I should start heading back," she brought up after another beat. No one would worry about these late night strolls but she needed to try and get some sleep. She didn't want to linger any further either. It felt more like she was imposing on him.

She knew he would escort her to at least the edge of his farm. From there she would head home on her own, try to get some rest before the sun rose.

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