Eryshae

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Sam
Private Suite

The soft glow of dawn seeped through the curtains, casting a warm honeyed light across the room. Sam was already awake, standing quietly by the small hearth, clad only in a simple apron that hugged his torso and swayed lightly with his movements. His hands skillfully arranged a tray laden with breakfast; a towering stack of golden pancakes, gleaming with fresh syrup; fluffy scrambled eggs with just the right touch of creaminess; and thick, crispy slabs of bacon that filled the air with an irresistible aroma.

Sam smiled softly as he turned toward the bed, where Vael lay tangled in the sheets, her eyelids fluttering in the slow, lazy dance of waking. Kneeling beside her, he brushed a gentle kiss across her forehead. "Good morning, sleepy head," he murmured. "How did you sleep?"

Vael's lips parted in a half-smile, still wrapped in the haze of sleep, her voice barely a whisper. "Like a ship in calm seas." Sam chuckled quietly and set her tray down carefully on the bedside table. "I've made us breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, and bacon; just the way you like it."

Vael's eyes slowly opened wider, the promise of the morning meal beginning to stir her fully awake. Sam reached for a pitcher of fresh orange juice nearby, his back to the bed. She blinked, and then a sudden blush colored her cheeks as she realized the full sight before her; Sam, clad only in that apron, turned just so, and unintentionally offered a cheeky, full view of his bare, bark-lined buttocks.

She covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, eyes sparkling with amusement. Sam glanced back over his shoulder, his own grin mischievous. "I call that… a proper morning moon." Vael's laughter bubbled free, warm and light, washing away the last threads of sleep. The day had already begun perfectly.

Sam smiled warmly as he set his tray on the bedside table, the sweet scent of breakfast filling the room. Reaching for two delicate crystal glasses resting nearby, he picked them up carefully, the light catching the facets and sending tiny rainbows dancing across the walls.

With a steady hand, he poured the fresh orange juice, its vibrant golden hue shimmering as it filled each glass almost to the brim. Turning back to Vael, he held out one glass toward her with a gentle smile. "Here's to a good morning, and many more," he said softly, his eyes meeting hers with quiet affection.

Vael, now fully awake and flushed from her earlier amusement, reached out and took the glass, her fingers brushing his briefly. The cool sweetness of the juice was a crisp contrast to the warmth lingering from their night. "Thank you, Sam," she murmured, her smile soft and genuine. The morning sun continued to rise, bathing the room in light as they shared this simple, tender moment before the day's adventures awaited them.

Sam's smile grew broader, lighting up his entire face as he watched Vael take the glass. Setting the second one down gently, he stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her in a warm, enveloping hug. She leaned into him, the steady beat of his heart grounding her in the moment. He pressed a soft kiss to her temple before tilting his head up to meet her eyes. "The first thing on the agenda today," he whispered, voice low and full of promise, "is sailing. Just you and me, out on the open water."

Vael's lips curved into a delighted smile, the excitement and intimacy in his words stirring something deep inside her. She tightened her arms around him, already imagining the gentle sway of the boat and the endless horizon ahead. Sam pulled back just enough to brush his lips across hers; a tender seal on the morning's vow; before stepping back to give her space to savor the moment. "Breakfast won't go anywhere," he said with a playful wink, "but the wind waits for no one."

Sam picked up a plate piled high with pancakes, eggs, and bacon, his fingers deftly balancing it as he poured himself a tall glass of orange juice. Bringing the drink to his lips, he took a slow sip, savoring the fresh sweetness that danced on his tongue. The rich flavors of the food mingled with the citrus brightness, and a contented smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"These pancakes?" he said, nodding toward the stack. "It's a family recipe; passed down through generations. It's the only one I've found that makes them truly extra fluffy. The secret's in the buttermilk and a pinch of sea salt. Ten more grams of milk makes all the difference."

Vael watched him, amused and impressed, as he savored each bite with quiet satisfaction. Sam wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then leaned back slightly. "Now," he continued, eyes twinkling, "we need to think about what to wear if we're going to sail till lunch. Boat shoes are a must; no slipping on wet decks. Something light, easy to move in. I want us both comfortable so we can enjoy the wind and waves without fuss." He glanced toward her with a hopeful grin. "What do you think? Ready to set sail?"

Vael swallowed the last bite, a playful glint in her eyes as she nodded. "I have just the outfit in mind," she said, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "But no peeking."

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Sam chuckled and gave her a mock-serious look. "Noted. I'll behave." He turned and moved to the other side of the closet, scanning the clothes thoughtfully. He wanted something practical yet comfortable; something that would suit the sea breeze and the warmth of the sun. His hand lingered over a crisp white linen shirt and a pair of soft, well-worn trousers.

"Comfortable in white," he muttered to himself, pulling the shirt free. The light fabric promised to keep him cool and unencumbered while sailing. As he held it up, he glanced back toward Vael, anticipation brightening his features. "Ready when you are," he called, eager to see what she had chosen and to get out on the water, together.

Vael stepped out of the closet with a confident grace, wearing an outfit that balanced sensuality with practicality perfectly suited for a day on the water. A fitted, sleeveless linen top in deep emerald hugged her curves, its lightweight fabric catching the light with every subtle movement. Her trousers were cropped just above the ankle; soft, breathable canvas in a sandy beige; allowing ease of movement and a hint of sun-kissed skin. Simple leather boat shoes completed the look, sturdy yet elegant. Her hair was pulled back into a loose braid, strands framing her face softly, revealing the strength and softness that defined her all at once.

Sam's breath caught in his throat. His jaw dropped, eyes wide as he took in every detail, completely captivated by the effortless beauty and fierce spirit she radiated. "Vael," he finally breathed, voice thick with awe and admiration. "You look... incredible."

Vael caught the flicker of awe in Sam's eyes and felt a warm blush rise to her cheeks. She gave him a shy, genuine smile; soft and inviting, the kind that made her seem both approachable and enchanting all at once. With a casual confidence, she sauntered toward him, her footsteps light and purposeful on the polished floor. As she neared, she gave a playful little twirl, letting the hem of her top flutter just so, a subtle invitation wrapped in grace. The movement caught the light, accentuating the curves Sam admired moments ago, and for a heartbeat, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them in that quiet suite.

Sam's gaze followed her every motion, captivated by the way she carried herself; strong and sensual, yet wrapped in an unassuming warmth. When she reached him, she paused, their eyes locking in a silent exchange full of promise and tenderness. "Ready to set sail, Captain?" she whispered, voice low and teasing, her fingers brushing lightly against his arm. Sam smiled, his usual guarded expression melting away as he took her hand in his. "Aye, matey. Let's see where the wind takes us."

Vael slipped her arm gently through Sam's, the warmth of their touch sparking a quiet comfort between them. Her fingers curled lightly around his forearm as she leaned in just enough to let her breath brush against his ear. "Lead the way, my love," she murmured, her voice soft but filled with a confident sweetness that made Sam's heart skip.

Sam's chest tightened at her words, a surge of affection and protectiveness flooding through him. He straightened his posture, feeling the weight of the moment settle into something deeper than just the excitement of the day ahead. With Vael linked to him like that, the world seemed a little steadier, every step lighter and more certain.

As they moved toward the door, their pace matched, perfectly synchronized. The soft click of the door closing behind them felt like the start of a new chapter, one written in waves and whispers, with the sun warming their backs and the promise of open seas waiting just beyond the horizon.

Sam and Vael moved side by side through the quiet corridors of the resort, their footsteps soft against the smooth stone floor. The anticipation hummed gently between them, a shared current that pulled them closer to the salt-tinged air waiting beyond the doors. As they stepped outside, the early morning light stretched across the sky, casting a golden glow that shimmered on the distant waves.

The walk down to the boathouse was lined with swaying palms and flowering shrubs, their scents mingling with the crisp ocean breeze. Vael's fingers never left Sam's arm, steady and sure, as they passed fishermen preparing their nets and locals setting up stalls for the day's catch. The sound of seagulls called overhead, a familiar chorus that felt like a promise of freedom and adventure.

At last, they reached the docks; a mosaic of weathered wood planks stretching out over the clear blue water. Rows of boats bobbed gently, their sails furled and ropes coiled neatly, waiting for the day's journey to begin. The boathouse stood nearby, a rustic structure with peeling paint and the smell of sea salt soaked into its beams.

Sam paused for a moment, taking in the scene with a quiet reverence. The harbor was alive yet peaceful, a world apart from the courts and intrigues they had left behind. He glanced at Vael, whose eyes sparkled with the same sense of wonder and excitement. "Ready, my love?" Sam asked, offering her a hand as they stepped onto the dock. Vael smiled warmly and accepted it without hesitation. "Always," she replied.

At last, they reached the docks; a mosaic of weathered wood planks stretching out over the clear blue water. Rows of boats bobbed gently, their sails furled and ropes coiled neatly, waiting for the day's journey to begin. The boathouse stood nearby, a rustic structure with peeling paint and the smell of sea salt soaked into its beams.

They approached the small office nestled at the edge of the dock, where a weather-beaten attendant was sorting through rental forms. Sam cleared his throat gently. "Excuse me, we're looking to rent a small sailboat for the day. Something easy to handle but swift enough for some sailing across the bay."

The attendant looked up, his eyes brightening with a friendly smile. "You've come to the right place. We've got a few vessels ready and waiting; from single-masts to slightly larger sloops. How many will be aboard?"

"Just the two of us," Vael answered, her voice calm and confident. She exchanged a glance with Sam, their excitement barely contained. The attendant nodded and gestured toward a few boats nearby. "I'll get you the lifejackets and a quick rundown. The wind's good today; perfect for a sail." Sam and Vael shared a smile as they followed him, feeling the pull of the open water calling them toward a new adventure.