After they returned to their room, Isabella's eagerness bubbled over. She leaned in, eyes sparkling with anticipation. “So… Why didn’t you tell me about the Inquirers before and when are we going to take the exam??” Her words rushed out, punctuated by the bounce in her step. Without hesitation, she leaped onto the bed, landing squarely on top of Aulfrick, her excitement palpable as she awaited his response.
He knew Isabella inside out and had perfectly predicted what would happen once she found out. “You're like a moth to a flame" he laughed. "You remember the part about death and dismemberment, loss of limbs?"
“I thought you said we couldn’t really die anymore. And I do remember someone saying we could heal from any wound no matter how serious.” She gazed at him with those beautiful eyes of hers before pressing the top of her head under his chin.
“We don’t die in the traditional sense, and yes we can reform anything that’s destroyed. But there is still a consequence so it’s not exactly something you should do on a regular basis.” Aulfrick kissed the top of her head before putting his arms around her. “I was planning on us traveling a few years slowly bringing up your experience before taking the exam.”
“Wouldn’t it be easier if we just got the license first and traveled after?” She snuggled up close to him. It was getting harder to keep her eyes open; she felt so comfortable in his arms.
“I suppose we could move the time table up but we would seriously need to prepare before we take the exam. There is always a significant physical component with a combat focus. And to be honest you may be forced to do things you’re not so comfortable with. As for the why, sometime these things are a lot more fun if we take them slow and enjoy life as we go along.”
“Says the man who wants to leave Spinner island the day after tomorrow”, another involuntary yawn escaping her lips. “This is perfect. I could just fall asleep like this.”
“Well, I wanted to show you Babylon city and more specifically I wanted to take us to the Babylon Tower. We only have a little bit of money and that’s where I was planning on us getting more.” Aulfrick scrunched his eyebrows deep in thought. “I suppose we can change plans a little. If you want to take the Inquirer exam first, we can stay on Spinner Island for a year to make sure your skills are up to snuff. What do you think?” His grin turned playful, “and before you get too comfortable it’s time to get up and change into your PJ’s”
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“Don’t tell me what to do, mister. I’m the boss!” Isabella's playful defiance danced in her eyes as she faked a huff. “How much money do we have left?” she asked, her movements slow and lethargic as she shuffled toward the bathroom. “But that sounds good, Hun. When should we start training?”
“We have enough for a little while, though we would probably need to get something part time. It would also be best to move inland to one of the smaller villages as that would reduce costs significantly and give us a little more space. We can start with the basics tomorrow.” Aulfrick pulling back the sheets hopping in waiting for her to finish.
Isabella woke early the next morning as she sat on the balcony enjoying the gentle sound of the ocean waves.
“Morning Miss Isabella”, Jack called up to the balcony. “The boats all ready to take us out, do you still need a few minutes to get ready?”
Isabella looked down at Jack; confusion evident on her face, “Morning Jack. I think there must have been a misunderstanding, I don’t believe we agreed on going for a boat ride this morning. Not to mention Aulfrick is still asleep.”
Jack grin widened at the beautiful woman; her hair being gently tussled with the morning breeze. “Still asleep at this hour! Don’t worry we’d be back long before he’s up anyway. It’s a perfect day and it’d be a shame to let breakfast go to waste.”
Isabella looked back towards a sleeping Aulfrick before turning back towards Jack, “I suppose a little breakfast would be fine. Although I think a trip out of the water would take longer than I’d want to stay out without talking to Aulfrick about it first.”
“Don’t worry, I promise you’re in good hands and it’d only be a quick little trip anyway. We’ll sail just into the harbor, drop anchor and eat breakfast on the boat and be back well before noon.” Jack’s grin widened ever so slightly until he heard Aulfrick’s voice.
“Morning Hun, did you sleep ok.” Aulfrick still half asleep came out as Isabella gave him a quick peck on the lips. “O hey, morning Jack”, he barely mouthed out through a yawn. “What brings you by?”
“O, I was just asking Miss Isabella about breakfast before she told me you were still asleep.”
“Morning sleepy head, Jack just invited us out for breakfast on his boat. I was debating if I should wake you or let you sleep a little longer.” Isabella’s voice was cheerful as ever.
“Sounds good, we do have a fair bit to do today so it would have to be a quick breakfast. Thanks for the invite Jack and I hope that it isn’t to rude to just dine and dash?” Jack hid his displeasure as Aulfrick continued, “Just give us half a minute to get ready.”
“Quit it, ain’t that funny.” Jack grumbled as Sam and a few of the boys were howling with laughter spilling their drinks everywhere.
“I’m sorry Jack but could you go over that bit about how you cooked the both of them breakfast on your boat, I don’t think I fully took in all of it.” Another roar of laughter went round as tears streamed down Sam’s eyes.
Olic the youngest member of the group interjected, “What I want to know is, how exactly you ended up in the water again? You were going to use the boom to accidently knock him off the boat and then what happened??”
“Shut yer yap, your barely able to shave let alone flap those gums”, Jack snapped; his face ever reddening.
“Ok, enough. Jack face it, we are all cheering for you but it looks like that lass ain’t ever going to be yours at this rate.” Sam looked at his friend placing a hand on his shoulder trying to comfort him as he always did. “What about Sally? She likes you; has ever since we’ve been kids.”
“Sally has no front teeth, a crooked nose and a lazy eye. I’d rather sleep with a donkey than suffer a night with… Anyway, the answer is no. I have an idea and I need you lads to help.”
Jack put his hand around Olic as he leaned in. “He wants to leave the island, I’d say we help him.”