The Siren's Call
~Prologue~

“Freesail is an open harbor, all who sail the seas can find a safe haven here. From the common sailor to runaways. Even the King's navy send men to keep an eye on the bandits and thieves who might be lurking here.” She smiled knowingly to herself as she took another large gulp of ale. Surely a strapping young gent such as him would not know of any such thing. “It just so happens that the captain of my particular ship decided to dock here to stock up on supplies.” She disappointingly looked down at the nearly empty mug in her paw. “So what about yourself? What business would you be having here in Freesail?”

The white wolf smiled softly and spoke. “Keeping an eye on the bandits and thieves.”

Marine froze, the merry drunk feeling she had suddenly gone. All of her senses went on high alert as her mind began to race. 'Play it low key,' she told herself. She was always able to rely on her natural charm in tight situations. If that didn't work, things might have to get violent. With her eyes fixed on the bubbling amber drink settling in the bottom of her mug she pursed her lips and feigned a blush. “Forgive me, I was not intending to pry.”

The wolf smiled, looking slightly confused by her statement. “No need for an apology, my lady. It's only fair. After all, I did ask first.”

Marine nodded and knocked back the last of her drink. Setting her glass on the faded bar top she stood smiling sidelong at the wolf. “I do believe it is time for this lady to retire.”

The wolf turned in his stool to face her. “Shall I escort you back to your vessel?”

She giggled, as she mused about what a good lad he was- naïve but good. “There'd be no need for that. You do us all a favor and watch out for those vigilantes.” She fought the urge to laugh. 

“Then at least do me the honor of telling me your name?” He asked smoothly with a small confident smile on his face. It was as if he knew he would get his answer. The smile grew into a smirk as he watched the tabby mull his question around in her head. 

If she had been in her right mind she wouldn't have given it. A part of her knew that, but an even bigger part was hazily drunk, and wondering where the harm in it would be. It was just her name after all. A name that nearly every sailor in port knew. If the scallywags knew what was good for them they'd know to keep quiet if this gent came to call. After all, tonight was the only night they'd be staying in port. She would be long gone before he would think to find her. She smiled and nodded to the wolf, the motion eking to a bow. “Marine.” 

Turning on her heel she hurriedly stepped out the open door of the tavern. Heaving a sigh of relief she stormed back to the docks in the direction her ship was docked. She cursed her luck under her breath the whole way.

Settling in her hammock, now in her long chemise, Marine silently ridiculed herself for getting so inebriated around a king's spy. Such a fine looking gentleman would have to be in service of the king, or a noble himself. It was foolish of her to not notice. She remembered the words of her captain earlier that night before she had disembarked from The Siren. “Don't get in any trouble.” She “humphed.” So much for not getting into trouble. She rolled on her side to get more comfortable, trying to settle her mind for sleep. At least they would be leaving early in the morning. Hopefully there would be no trouble out on the open sea.