" I.. I guess we're even now huh?" Anya broke the silence and attempts a weak smile, trying to brush her tears aside. " Thanks.. for being here." She was still badly shaken, but has regained her composure somewhat. " You okay?" Dimitri broke off from his thoughts once again. " Just give me a little more time" Anya answered back. " I'll be okay after a while."
"Okay then...wait here. I'll be right back." He gave her another hug and went back below deck. Anya watched Dimitri as he disappeared down the stairs. She turned and stared blankly into the now calm seas, blackened by the night. Was it just a nightmare? It was so real, all those people...she is convinced that she had seen them before, why did they give her such a strong sense of familiarity? Perhaps this was something she may never get to know ...
"Ah-choo!" Anya gave a little sneeze and sniffled. Only now did she realize that she was completely soaked to the bone and freezing in the chilly air. She twisted her hair and pajamas dry, sat down on the damp floorboards and hugged her knees to try to get some warmth. She felt something warm suddenly cover her. Dimitri had returned with some thick blankets. " Here you go. Better now ?" Dimitri asks as he threw a blanket around himself , and proceeded to sit next to Anya. She nodded her head in response. " How's Pooka and Valdimir?" "The mutt's fallen asleep after I put him next to Valdimir.. I think he knows that you are alright. As for him, he didn't even stir an inch during the storm! And I thought I was a sound sleeper!" Both started to laugh .
" haha ha.. ahem..errm... Well I can see you're alright now, had me worried there for a minute..."
" Why Dimitri! I didn't know you cared!" Anya laughed back using her polished 'royal' tone of voice.
" Of course your Grace, we couldn't possibly let anything happen to you!" Dimitri mimicked back.
Laughter broke out again.
Dimitri looked at Anya and hesitated for a moment. "Seriously though.." He was much more solemn this time. Anya stopped giggling and glanced at him. " I care ... you.. Imean.. we... well..." Dimitri paused and gave a huge sigh.
" No..It's....It's Nothing I guess..Never mind." He looked away for a moment, as if to avoid eye contact." It's late. You better get some sleep .Daylight is not till another six hours. "
"Yeah...I guess so" Anya unconsciously felt confused and a bit disappointed, but tried not show it. She slowly stood up and walked towards the stairs. " You coming?"
" You go ahead first, I'll be right behind you shortly..."
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