Well, She Didn't Say No

As awkward as it was, I am glad we talked. Thalia appreciated the seashell necklace and was happy I didn't keep my feelings to myself. When she hugged me, I felt myself melt into her arms. All of my defenses let down. No one else in the night but the two of us. I didn't want to let her go. I needed to take a walk when we parted. Mostly, because I didn't want to walk into the tavern together and potentially embarrass her. The others might not understand what is going on between us.
 
I walked for what felt like hours. If anyone saw me, I never noticed. I was preoccupied replaying the scene over and over in my mind. At some point, I realized I was smiling. I was happy for the first time in a long time. Everything I had been through since the earthquake took me seemed less daunting with Thalia in my life. She has a way about her that makes me nearly forget all the troubles we are facing. It's as if she was everything I was searching for when I made the decision to leave my home and family in Ramshackle for a life at sea.
 
When I stopped thinking and assessed my whereabouts, I was on shore near the Koa-toa cave where I first met Thalia. From there I watched the ocean, my first love, in the moonlight. The waves were calm, almost beckoning to me. I remembered when she joined us. Thalia swam into the cave on her own as if the sea was giving her to me. That sounds crazy. Really crazy. Time to go back and sleep I thought. I stood for another moment with the waves at my feet. I whispered thank you. The sea gave me the freedom to find my own way in the world and, someday, I might return to her. But, for now, I will explore this new relationship.
 
I returned to my room and Thalia was waiting for me. She asked if we could continue to talk in my room. I was nervous. Did she realize this wouldn't work and she just wanted to stay friends? No, she simply asked to take it slow. I'm sure I gave an obvious sigh of relief at her words. I am more than happy to honor her request. I've never been in love with someone else before. I told her that I didn't want her to feel any pressure to return my affections. I care more for her feelings than my own. A kiss on her hand as we said goodnight and I was alone again. This time the bed called to me. Rest. I will need rest for what is to come.
 
Time to get serious. The real work starts tomorrow. Azzalog, you're next.