I look Herger in the eye as he recognizes me approaching. He shifts his gaze toward my swarthy new friend and I see a wee bit of annoyance flicker over his eyes. I KNOW it is not because of me.

I make introductions more easily than my emotions should have allowed. Sinan looks a mite confused but he and Herger dicker over the price of passage. Hergs hesitates when he realizes Sinan is including me in the fare, and I cross my arms defiantly as Herger sighs loudly. I don't care, he can be mad at me, but I am still going along.
Both men posture as I grab my belongings and hustle on board even before the haggling is done. I will be damned if I will be forced to sleep on deck in the weather so I make myself a shelter near the bow so I can attempt to stay dryer than the men forced to row.

After getting my furs arranged and the rest of my gear stowed, I walk out on the main deck and stand near Sinan, watching Herger under my eyelashes. He is busy stowing provisions and I can't help but enjoy watching him work. He is too beautiful by far, what the hell am I doing here? This is a stupid idea, I realize too late as he casts off as I am thinking about re-packing all my stuff and running off. NO, that would show me as the coward I am. This is not going to be fun and he will make it as hard on me as he can, just to prove to me that I am wrong. I sit on my furs and shuffle through my stuff attempting to look calm, but I can sense his eyes on me, and Sinan's as well. Oh Odin, what have I gotten myself into?