(Untitled)

[usethecompany]

For all that he was removed from England, from the war, from battles at sea and prisons on land, Archie couldn't quite find the peace that seemed to prevalent here. Of course, peace could only last for so long, even in a place such as this, but most things were out of his hands, and it would do Archie no good to dwell on them

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[anneotherboleyn]

"I'm surprised to find a real pier in this place," Anne said with smooth curiosity. "For an island, we've a shocking lack of naval superiority." She folded her hands in front of her skirts, looking out at the picturesque view.

"I wish I knew as much about setting that sort of thing up as my daughter does." The B glimmered at her throat, but for all she knew, he was American, or a damned Spaniard.

[usethecompany]

Archied started a bit at the sound of the woman's voice - not out of surprise, but the familiarity of it. She sounded every bit the sort of noble Englishwoman that made Archie just a bit homesick.

"There isn't much use for it, ma'am," he said, getting to his feet. "Not when we can't sail far, anyway."

[anneotherboleyn]

"That would be too easy, wouldn't it?" Anne shook her head ruefully, her gaze pointed at the horizon. "All the same, it has been such a long while since I've been on a ship that I would find it to be enjoyable. Not since my return from France..."

If she did not count those hours spent on the river.

[usethecompany]

For all that Archie enjoyed his stay here on Tabula Rasa, the familiarities of home were still welcome. Besides, he enjoyed helping others when he could.

"Well, ma'am, I don't know if a few miles out is any consolation, but perhaps I could talk to Caspian for you? He's captain of the Dawn Treader, and we make regular trips to the second isle out there."

[anneotherboleyn]

"I've heard it's quite dangerous there," Anne said. She smiled, confident and clear. "Besides, I've also heard that most men consider it back luck to have a woman onboard. I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable."

Looking at him sideways, she asked, "Do you believe women are bad luck?"

[usethecompany]

"Not at all," Archie replied. It heartened him to hear old superstitions he'd though left behind. None of which he'd truly believed in, but it was a comfort nonetheless. "We've a few women on the ship's crew, as a matter of fact."

[anneotherboleyn]

"Oh?" She was pleasantly surprised to hear it. "And what is your name, sailor? I'm rather remiss in waiting so long to ask, but I think you might forgive me."