Elena's P.O.V.
Today was the day I would attend the ball of Areadan, hosted by the king and queen themselves. For months have I waited for this night, trying to dwindle my impatience by running with Adam on the morning weekends, sung along Emil's melodies, laughed with Hazel, and built memories with Ethan.
I was ecstatic for today's event, and even more so when Francis promised me a gown for the memorable evening. Although I could have reused the dress from prom, I graciously accepted his proposal, curious for what he had stored.
"Oh, there you are, my child," the monk quickly waved me over, his smile blissful and warm. "We must hurry if you are to reach the ball in time."
"Francis, you should come with me," I followed him to the backstage of the great scene. "You are invited just as much as I am."
He chuckled a warm hilarity, "Yes, dear, I know. However, I am an old man now, lacking the youthful vitality I once held." His words were neither wistful nor overjoyed. They bore warmth and acceptance, a savvy that would corner someone in cogitation. "Ah, here it is."
The dress he pulled out of its hiding place captivated me, trapping my eyes in the beauty he held in his hands. It was gray as the moon, majestic and elegant. The hue altered the gown's colors from white to dark gray, changing from snow to ashes.
A thin, cape-like fabric fell from the back, similar to Anastasia's blue dress from the Disney movie. The transparent textile that went from one shoulder to the other, sewn on the heart-shaped neckline, glittered when the moonlight's beams hit it. As childish as I was, I could not help but relate it to Elsa's dress from Frozen.
"It's beautiful," I whispered and softly touched the glistening gown, afraid that any action would tear it apart.
Francis' smile scarcely reached his eyes. "The gown belonged to my daughter," his colorless orbs flickered with water as he spoke. "Though she never had the chance to wear it, I hope you wish to don this dress, my child."
He didn't have to explain. His words were enough to paint a picture.
I hugged him tightly, feeling my heart aching and thawing. "Thank you."
"Now come on, darling, we still have to get you to the castle in time." He pulled away, stroking my styled hair as he sniffled. "It also comes with a matching cloak."
***
Francis walked me to the heart of the realm, bringing me to the ball safely and happily. He quietened my jittery nerves, telling me words that would soothe me.
It was an exciting form of nervousness, yet, the fluttering made the insides of my stomach flip and turn, freeing the boisterous butterflies.
The castle was much larger than I expected, so majestic and magnificent. The immense towers were soaring, almost embracing the clouds. Never in my entire life have I ever seen such enormous constructed building.
I wonder what happened to it. Why there is nothing left of it in the modern time. Not even a trace.
My doubts that the castle would have a hard time fitting thousands of people vanished the moment I stepped inside it.
As I entered the vivid ballroom, I watched how the people walked with elegance and smiles. Everyone was dressed beautifully for the event, and the bright room was decorated immensely.
Huge chandeliers hung from the lofty roof, and below the powerful lights were several dance floors, occupied by people moving to the music. The ballroom contained delicate food and was filled with laughter and joy.
The entire scene was just stunning.
But how the heck am I going to find Ethan in all of this?
I stood on the top of the stairs, searching for the brunette. My eyes wandered to the man and woman seated on golden thrones, their elegance reflecting nobility and grace.
"The King and Queen of Areadan," I mumbled, amazed by their majestic glory. Although I did not see their features clearly, my eyes still perceived their warm smiles.
The search felt futile; it was just too many people. I wasn't sure how I would be able to find Ethan in this turmoil. An idea to use a pigeon to send him a message surfaced in my mind, but quickly drowned at the lack of realism.
And that's when I saw him. The tall idiot who was also the Prince of Areadan. He was looking around the ballroom, most likely waiting for me. Our orbs quickly found each other, caused by the touch of my gaze.
He smiled broadly and waved, making his way to the stairs as people disjoined, watching him with mindful and curious eyes.
Due to the numerous people inside a room without an air-conditioner, I quickly took off my silver-colored hood, thanking the servant who swiftly collected it while I made my way to meet the idiot of a prince.
Walking down the stairs was a challenge in itself. Though my dress was not big and puffy, the high-heels that I wore required caution.
"Elena," I heard his warm voice through the tumult.
I smiled widely when I saw him, watching how his eyes lightened up like the sun jumping to the sky. Ethan stood there, dressed like a nobility in his white and golden outfit. His styled hair was not covered by a shining crown like the ones his parents wore, but even without it, he glowed like a true royalty.
"Good evening, Your Majesty," I spoke, taking one step at the time.
He opened his hand for me to take, his smile and eyes never stopping to gleam. "You're absolutely astoundingly gorgeous," the prince spoke with a warm tune, summoning a coy glee on my face as I scratched the back of my ear. "I wouldn't be surprised if you sweat glitter as well."
A laughter fell from my lips, living loudly and joyously. "We'll figure that out at the end of the day."
Ethan slowly led and guided me through the vivid room. My arm was resting on his elbow, holding onto him as he walked with a jovial mood. People stared, yearning to see who the prince was walking and smiling with.
However, whenever I lifted my head to meet their gazes, they quickly looked away, not wanting to be caught for peering. Though I knew they were only curious about my identity, I couldn't help but feel like their stares were judging my unfit role in the prince's life.
After all, I'm not supposed to be in the 16th century.
"Ignore them, they will soon grow tired," Ethan whispered in my ear, his calm expression giving an air of safety and relaxation. "Come on, I have a small surprise for you."
And a surprise it was, albeit not small, but a thoughtful generosity. Even Lorenzò and Conner were standing by the buffet the prince had organized, hastily finishing the last touch of Ethan's plan.
My jaw fell to the polished floors, watching the buffet with a watering mouth. The tables - yes, tables, as in plural form - contained all of the foods and delicacy that I have dreamt about. It was like I was in heaven, drowning in my favorite sweets and meals.
"You did not just get me an entire table of carrot cakes and apple pies- wait, are those pistachios?" My stomach ached to eat everything, but my mouth didn't know where to start.
"Oh, that he did," Lorenzò grinned, his words starting another one of his teases. "He went through hell and another level of hell to get every little thing perfect. Our little prÃncipe even had to beg his parents to let his request reach the poor cooks. But not without a price-"
"Thank you, Lorenzò, I think she gets it now," Ethan quickly interrupted, his ears rosy and warm.
Conner's sly smile spoke the words of continuation, "A price no one thought he would ever pay. Not even his own parents."
"What did you have to do?" I asked and looked at Ethan, curiosity painting an uncertain gleam on my lips.
"You're looking at it right now, mi señora," the curly-haired boy answered, his arm surrounding my shoulder to turn me towards the prince, his finger pointing at his friend's clothing. "Ever since Ethan was twelve years of age, his parents have tried to force him to wear. . . that." His words morphed into laughter. "We should get you some wings as well, guapo, you'll look even more angelic."
Ethan rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "Are you guys done?"
Conner smiled, dragging the brunette closer to the curly-haired boy and me. "Come on, Lorenzò, let us give Prince Ethan and Elena some time alone."
"If he makes a move, let me be the first person to- ahh!" The latino was dragged away by his ear, interrupted from finishing his sentence.
I chuckled, "You have some lovely friends, Ethanie."
"Please, by all means, take them."
We ate together, finding a table close to the buffet as we shared laughter and jokes. I felt welcomed, appreciated and grateful for Ethan's kindness and devotion. He had literally given me every favorite dish of mine, organizing and helping to prepare the meals.
And for what? To delight and surprise me.
The desserts were perhaps the ones that showed the sincerity in his actions; cheesecakes, apple and peach pies, carrot cakes, and raisin buns. He absolutely hated every single one of these sweets, yet, he had them made just for me.
"How can you choose chocolate cake over cheesecake? What are you, a mouse?" I remembered our conversation when we visited the market weeks ago, the memory of his face twisting in disgust surfaced and brought a smile to my lips. "Why would you want cheese in a cake? That's just wrong."
I rolled my orbs, "It's not made out of pure cheese, you idiot. Just taste it, it's an underrated and lovely dessert."
He cowered under my arm, creating a distance between us. "Get that poisonous thing away from me."
Although he was acting childish then, he was surely not flinching away from me now.
Ethan shook his head when I took another bite of the white-colored dessert, "You're one weird person, Ella."
"Says the guy who got a table filled with raisins and dry mangoes," I threw back, silently wanting to hug and pour him with gratitude for all the efforts he had gone through. "You didn't have to get me so much, you know."
He waved it off, taking another bite of his chocolate cake. "Don't think about it. I'm sure there are others who like the same things as you."
We turned our heads towards the table that was stacked with raisin buns, styled like a pyramid and untouched by the villagers. Only I had taken some to eat.
"Well, you could always take them home with you."
I had to laugh at that, finding joy in his statement.
This is so much better than prom.
Not long after we had finished eating, the orchestra began to play, creating a lovely symphony that touched every place of the ballroom. I watched people ask each other for a dance, walking to the center of the room where it was space.
Ethan coughed, catching my eyes. "Ella, would you like to, err, perhaps-"
"Soccer girl!" A light, boyish voice cried, his shout drawing attention. "Finally, I found you!"
My lips stretched into a wide smile, "Jordan, hey!" His arms were quick to wrap themselves around my waist. "It has been a long time since I last saw you. Did you practice that move I told you to?"
"Yes, would you like to see?"
Another cough left the older prince's lips, successfully capturing his little brother's brown orbs. "We are at a ball, Jordan, we can't leave, remember? Besides, you do not want to drag Elena to the garden to ruin her dress, now would you?"
The young boy was quick to realize his pledge to his parents and the fragile clothing I was wearing, "Oh. Well, would you like to dance with me then, Miss Elena?"
"Wait, hold on-"
I accepted his open hand, holding his small palm in my bigger one, "I would love to."
A laugh grew in the back of my throat when I looked back at Ethan, and I gave him a wink that matched my smile. He sighed and slumped down in his seat, defeated by his own little brother.
"Why are you so good at soccer?"
And that's how I engaged in a long and fun conversation with Ethan's brother about a hobby that we both shared.
Jordan was undoubtedly a great dancer, he even helped me improve my poor dancing skills. The more I looked at him, the more I saw the similarities of Ethan's features in his face. Their mahogany brown orbs matched, the color reflecting their wavy hair. They are undeniable beautiful and elegant-looking people.
And they're both thoughtful and gentle, equipped with a soft and careful touch towards others.
When the music ended, people departed, eagerly waiting for the orchestra to start again. I, on the other hand, was not restless for a new dance due to my aching feet.
"Thank you for the dance, Jordan, I had lots of fun." I bowed, copying others to blend into the formality. "You're a splendid dancer."
The boy grinned, "I wish I was a bit taller so you could go under my arm in that last spin - oh, wait, let me get some high-heeled shoes!" And just like his thoughts came to life, so did his idea as he ran to fulfill it.
"Elena?" A familiar voice spoke, my name filled with the tones of surprise and exhilaration.
I turned around to meet the doe-like eyes of my friend, hugging her tightly as excitement danced in my stomach of our reunion. "Aria! It's so great to see you again - oh, you look so lovely!"
She was like a flower, surrounded by a red gown that melted perfectly into her thick curves, her hair glowing like the sun in the sky.
Aria shook her head with a smile. "Not as lovely as you, Elena," her cheeks were rosy, bringing out the glee in her heart. "I'm surprised to see you here. I was worried that you wouldn't hear about the ball at all."
"Well, let's just say that a rock could not shield me away from this big event," my arm swiftly hooked around hers as we walked through the ballroom. "So, tell me, how is Daniel?"
His name was more than enough to summon a blush on her face, "He's. . . well. . . we're going to meet on the balcony soon, you could come-"
I squeezed her arm, almost squealing, "What are you doing here then? Go - chase the love of your dreams, Aria. I'll be looking forward to hearing all the details."
"Wait, just one thing; do you know who the maiden that has been seen with Prince Ethan of Areadan is?" Though her steps stagnated, her cheeks were still red like tomatoes. "Have you seen her? People can't seem to stop talking about her or figure out who she is."
Ah, just like no one could figure out the identity to Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Ariel.
"I mean," I started, finding a loophole in the truth. "I haven't seen her from the third point of view, but I'm pretty sure that she's hanging around here somewhere. Probably not with the prince at the moment, because, well, you know. . ." My wandering words would never have ended if I had not bit my tongue. "Don't you have a boyfriend to meet?"
My abrupt direction of the conversation was suddenly the only thing the blonde-haired girl could comprehend. "H-he's not my boyfriend," she stuttered out with another blush that crept up her face. "However, I do need to go. But if you're all alone, you could always-"
"Go," I urged her. "And enjoy your night with him."
She smiled, "Thank you, Elena. I hope to see you soon again."
I watched her body melt into the crowd, looking at her with a long altruistic and happy gaze. A gleam hugged my lips, filling my belly with a warmth for her fresh life.
"Who was that?"
My head turned around to meet his curious eyes, "A friend. Good thing that she's gone now, I don't want her to see me with you."
Ethan rolled his orbs, "You know, most people want to be seen around me."
I gave him a witty smile, amused by the reaction of my comment. Building another remark to throw at him, I quickly dismissed it as an agonizing pain crawled up my feet again. "Stand still," I told the prince, holding onto him.
"I thought you said you hated high-heels?" Ethan spoke, his arm supporting my elbow.
"Oh, I do, believe me."
He began to drag me, forcing me to follow, "Come on, I have some shoes you can borrow."
And just like that, he gave me a pair of flat shoes of his. You should think that our feet would be in different shapes, but funny enough, the size difference isn't that far apart.
"Either you have big feet or I'm the deformed one," the brunette held my high-heels, summoning a heavy laughter from my throat.
A smile grew as a result of the hilarity value, "Look, they're playing again." My head nodded towards the orchestra putting music in the air again, giving life to the instruments. I did a deep bow, finding his mahogany-brown eyes, "Would you like to dance, Your Highness?"
"Oh, I thought you would never ask," his teeth shone in a gleam, holding my hand gently as he pulled us towards the dance floor.
The crowd disconnected, shaping a deserted path for us to walk. It's weird to have so many eyes on you, feeling their gazes touching every flaw and confidence. Everything felt so bizarre, almost surreal. It was as if I was reading a fairy tale that came into existence.
Ethan seemed to be immune to the attention. But there was this one thing that I found funny about him; no matter how large of an assembly surrounds him, anxiousness did not seed his body the same way I did.
Here he looks so confident and relaxed, but the moment he wishes to share a word out of his comfort zone with me, he has trouble steadying his voice.
"There is something I need to tell you," my words were low enough for only Ethan to hear. "I don't really know how to dance. So far improvising has fooled everyone."
The tall boy laughed, the warmth of his gleam fanning my skin, "Hold my hand and we'll fool them together." Unforeseen, Ethan gave a thumbs up to the orchestra, and soon enough, the ensemble changed the tune.
It was a familiar melody, a music that I knew too well. Ed Sheeran's famous Photograph.
"How did you-"
He placed his palm on my back, giving a coy smile, "Francis was quite the helping hand."
And suddenly it felt like we were in the theater, surrounded by the music of life and warmth. All the seasons fell in one place, hugging the air around us. A feeling danced from the bottom of my stomach and to the top of my chest, tickling my insides.
The joviality was almost overwhelming. Something stirred in me, a euphoric tune that unruly woke the lost feelings. For the first time ever, I felt sound.
With the bustle warming my body, I danced to the well-known rhythm of the melody with Ethan in my soul. He pulled me away from him, moved me closer to his frame, spun me around, and drew me into a perfect dance.
Although we were not the only pair on the floor, people seemed to find interest in watching us. When I let my eyes wander to the ocean of public, I saw Conner eating and waving like a child after I caught his eyes.
I smiled, but it was Lorenzò who managed to knock out a laughter from both Ethan and me when he passed us with his dancing partner; "Hey, what's up?"
So abrupt and short, yet, it fueled the conversation I had with the brunette.
"He's very smooth, I'll let him have that," His Highness commented, still laughing.
Time is an illusion when you're surrounded by a bliss. I don't know how many times the melody was repeated nor did I know how long I danced with the prince. What I did comprehend at the moment of enchantment, was that all good things come to an end, no matter how much you wish it would last forever.
"Your Majesty," a foreign voice spoke, drawing our attention to the elegant-dressed knight with a sword on his hip. "The Queen and King of Areadan wish to see you."
"Someone's in trouble," I whispered and nudged Ethan, finding amusement to see him rolling his eyes.
He sighed, "I'll be right back-"
"Actually," the knight continued, "They wish to see your lady friend as well."
And that's when I felt the anxiety kicking in. I didn't have any problems meeting his parents; in fact, I was great with parents. My nervousness thrived because of their titles.
"Ethan, what do I do? Do I bow? Do I curtsy? I don't know any courtesies," I whispered apprehensively, looking at his tensed state as we were nearing the destination the knight was leading us to.
Why is he so nervous? I'm the one who's going to meet the king and queen without any knowledge of the social code in this society.
"Don't worry about that, I'll help you; just follow my lead and you'll be fine," Ethan gently squeezed the hand I hooked around his elbow, his smile just as restless as mine.
Well, at least we're in the same boat.
After walking through a maze of corridors, we finally reached the room where the two most powerful people in the realm were seated on thrones. Paintings hung on the red walls, giving a vibe of beauty and grandeur.
A narrow table of food was in the center of the room, giving a luscious scent of warmth and tranquility. However, it was the two adults' laughter that filled the atmosphere with joy.
Ethan curtsied when their eyes fell on us, which I was swift to mirror, following the way he bent his knees. His parents gave him a befuddled look, disorientated by the way he addressed them.
He curtsied when he should have bowed, it hit me, He was not kidding when he said he was going to help me.
"Son, what are you doing?" The king spoke, his blue eyes dipped in bewilderment.
Ethan shrugged his shoulders, giving them an innocent smile, "Nothing. I just wanted to try something new."
His parents shared a gaze, looking at each other as if they were trying to figure out whose genes the queer actions came from.
"Well, nothing wrong with variety," the gracious woman spoke, her voice sounding like a warm summer wind. Then her brown eyes met mine, bright as the gleam that reflected her beautiful features.
Wrinkles surrounded her eyes and lips, displaying the years of joy and life. Her bister brown and gray hair were in a braid, falling down her back along with her royal blue gown.
"It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty," I bowed my head, feeling conflicted about what I should do and not do. My heart was running, galloping like a wild horse without a destination in hand.
"Please, the honor is on my side, Lady. . ."
"Elena," I filled in. "It's Elena, Your Highness."
"Ah, finally we can meet the girl that has captured our son's mind," the king rose from his throne, looking like a majestic royal with his blue clothing matching his wife's dress. He had a chestnut-colored beard that was spiced with a silver hue, which also mirrored the wavy hair on his head. Without acknowledging his son, he hugged me, "Call me Cornelius, Lady Elena. I wish no courtesies between us. Besides, Ethan broke them a long time ago."
A laugh left my lips whereas the prince sighed, "Oh, come on, it's been five years already, can't we let it die already?"
When the queen rose, Ethan quickly held her hand as he helped her down the few steps. "No," she answered his question, ignoring him while enfolding me in an embrace. "Name me Noor, dearie. Formality is not expected from my son's lady and close friends."
"You know, Elena and I should actually go now-"
His father swiftly interrupted, "I am certain you two have some time to share."
And time did we share. They were kind and gentle, successfully entertaining me with stories about Ethan's fresh years, not acknowledging their son's protests and red embarrassment.
The more time we spent, the slower I could feel my heart go. It made me realize that King Cornelius and Queen Noor were, despite their powerful titles, normal parents.
I enjoyed the moment with them, finding multiply familiarities that Ethan had inherited from them - both personality and appearance wise.
". . .And so I told him not to open the cage," the queen spoke, telling one of the many tales of Ethan's mischief. "That was a great mistake of mine. This rascal let out thousands of rats, endangering the castle in a rat-invasion."
"It was also the last time the Queen of Veoris visited us," the king added, his laughter joining his wife's loud gleam. "Oh, do you remember, Ethan? How you also had to capture all of the rats?"
The boy sighed, tired of the constant teasing, "Yes, father, I remember - believe me or not, but I remember."
His reaction was amusing, and I found myself thinking how great it must be to have such amazing relationship with parents.
It must feel so good to have a family, to feel like you matter to them, the bitter thought bit me, filling my mind with unwanted feelings.
But then I realized: I do have a family. Francis and Hazel. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips. Emil and Carl. And now Ethan.
The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.
"I think it is enough for storytelling today," the queen spoke, standing up as she gave her husband a helping hand. "Perchance we should let them go and enjoy the rest of the night?"
King Cornelius smiled, "I suppose we should leave them to be."
After thanking them for inviting me to dinner and bidding my goodbye, I left the room with Ethan leading me through the castle.
"You have lovely parents," I spoke when we entered the ballroom, finding how his eyes brightened at my statement. "You are lucky to have them - just as lucky as they are to have you."
His warm orbs gazed my face for a while, though I did not look at him, I could feel his smile widening and melting to my words. "Was that a compliment? Did the big, scary, mean Elena just compliment me?"
I pushed him away. "Oh, leave me be."
The music was still living when we returned, and although neither of us asked for a dance, we did not hesitate to walk to the dance floor and carry on where we left.
"You know," I started as he spun me around, my hair and dress flying after. "Why is it that only girls are getting the most difficult moves? Did no one think whether or not a guy would like to be spun around? Or that everyone can become nauseous after being spun and spun for hours?"
Ethan laughed, his gleam ringing in my ears like a warm tune. "Well, I think it has something to do with the height," he pulled me close, his hand on my back to steady my swaying. "Though I would love to be spun around."
My face broke into a whimsical grin, "Let's do it then, Your Majesty. Give me your hand and trust, and I shall try not to drop you."
Despite the lack of assurance in my words, the brunette did not miss a heartbeat to take my palm, "Oh, this is going to be a dance I will never forget."
And he was right. The waltz was frivolous and comical, and it lived its own life. Our laughter entwined in the atmosphere, growing louder as a failed spin almost made us fall. It was far from a graceful dance, neither of us stepped to the rhythm nor did we try to synchronize with the other dancing pairs.
But it was fun and relaxing, just what we both needed after today's event.
"I have one last thing to show you," Ethan excitedly whispered, his smile never leaving his face. "Come on."
He led me out of the ballroom, out of the castle and to the garden, never losing the grip on my hand. The cold breeze ran under my thin dress, creeping up on my naked skin and summoning goosebumps. Instead of feeling frigid of the weather's breath, I felt more comforted and cozy.
What can I say? My Nordic genes are powerful.
"Here," Ethan spoke with a gentle voice, his words carried by the night's soft winds.
In the center of the tall labyrinthine bushes stood a majestic fountain. It shone like a star in the universe, like a diamond in the sky. Lights surrounded the statue that cried water, torches and small candles shaped a gorgeous and wonderful sight.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" The prince asked, standing in the middle of it all.
I took slow, careful steps, decreasing the distance between the boy and the fountain, "It's stunning," my words were soft, barely a whisper.
He sat down next to me, his elbows leaning on the fountain's outer circle that surrounded the water like a necklace. "Thank you," my eyes met his euphoric-filled orbs. "Thank you for coming, Ella. You made this night perfect in every way. Somehow, you have made time stop and run at the same time."
A smile took over my face and I scratched the back of my ear shyly, "It's funny how you're the one thanking me when I should be the one showering you with gratitude. As cheesy and unoriginal as it sounds; you've made this night like a dream. Never did I ever think that I would go home with my stalker."
His laughter rang in the air, finding my statement amusing rather than annoying. "I'm glad you fell into those pile of rocks," he sat closer, leaning in with his sweet scent. "Or else I don't think I would have met you."
Another gleam came to life, loud and clear like bells on a wedding day. I shuffled closer, welcoming his warmth as I put my head on his shoulder, meeting his beautiful eyes. "Me too."
Ethan made me feel the same way music does; safe, free, contented, uplifted, and never alone.
But most of all, he made me feel warm; from the bottom of my heart, spreading all over my body, I felt nothing but a glow.
I wanted to embrace this moment, treasure it and never let it go. A tranquility of peace lay like a blanket in the air, keeping us collected and united with a fire that burned the somberness to cordial ashes.
It was perfect. There were no other words to describe it.
Unfortunately and unwittingly, we were not the only people who found this moment perfect. Although the eyes dripping with venom and heinous wishes watched us viciously, it did not break the safety glass surrounding Ethan and me.
"There's no one around, Captain. Are ye sure ye don't want to blow the man down now?"
"Nay. Let him spend the night with the lass. It will hurt the rapscallion more when the time comes. Trust ye me, I know the scourge of the seven seas. The bilge rat will feel the heft."
"When is the best time to batten down the hatches, Cap?"
"The day before thunder strikes, when we plunder the lass he holds so dearly. A good shark bait she will be, aye. We will move handsomely and give no quarter, ye hear me?"
"Aye, Captain."
It's strange how a moment can be so powerful, yet, expose us to such vulnerability.