𝐁𝛐𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 | Nikolai Lantsov

7 | 𝚳𝛐𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬

𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚

Amora woke up to the soft golden rays of the morning sun filtering through her bedroom window, stretching her limbs beneath the cozy blankets that had wrapped her like a cocoon. She blinked against the brightness, feeling the sweet remnants of sleep clinging to her. With a yawn, she swung her legs over the edge of her bed, feeling the coolness of the wooden floor beneath her feet.

After changing into her usual attire, Amora made her way to the dining table, still feeling the drowsiness haze her thoughts. To her surprise, she was the first one up, the large dining hall echoing with a silence that always felt oddly comforting. She lowered herself into one of the ornate chairs, glancing around the vast room, adorned with colorful tapestries and long, polished tables.

The sun was barely up, casting a soft glow over everything, and she could see the kitchen already bustling with the cook preparing breakfast. she reached the table,  she was the first one there, the chairs around her empty.

“Good morning, Amora,” the cook greeted warmly, breaking the stillness as he carefully placed a loaf of bread on the table.

“What time is it?” Amora asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“Five-fifteen, my dear,” the cook replied, his hands floury from kneading dough. “You’re up bright and early today.”

“I just want a piece of bread,” Amora said, yawning again. As she reached for the loaf, the familiar sound of a door creaking open interrupted the tension.

It was Sturmhond—Nikolai—the captain of the ship that had become a second home to her. His presence filled the room with a sense of adventure and mischief. For the first time, she greeted him by his first name, a bold move that made the cook raise an eyebrow in surprise.

“Good morning, Amora,” he said, the corner of his lips curling into a charming smile. “What’s this? You’re up at the crack of dawn? Either the world is ending or you’ve finally decided to embrace the early bird philosophy.”

“Morning Nikolai”
“I think I’m just too sleepy to know any better,” she replied, unable to suppress a smile of her own. “At least I’m saving you from having to eat breakfast by yourself.”
“Ah, so we’re on a first-name basis now,” he teased, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he took a seat across from her. “What hath the winds told you this morning?”

“I think they’re saying I need more coffee before I can engage in witty banter.” Amora chuckled, her heart warming at the ease of their conversation. Even though she knew he viewed her strictly as a friend, she relished every moment of his company, every stupid grin he flashed her way.

He chuckled, taking a seat across from her. “I wouldn’t mind the company, but you seem to be more entertaining than my usual breakfast of stale bread and cold porridge.”

They exchanged light jests, laughter spilling like wine into the early hours. With each word, every shared smile, Amora felt a strange, undeniable warmth swell within her—a feeling that lingered just beneath the surface, making her laugh a little harder and blush a little deeper.

Their talks filled with playful jests about life aboard the ship and the absurdities of their crew. As laughter filled the space, Amora felt an unexpected warmth bloom in her chest. She knew her feelings for Nikolai were one-sided; he likely saw her as nothing more than a friend, a confidant in a world full of chaos. Still, there was an unspoken bond forming between them, one that brightened her heart.

Moments passed as they joked back and forth, the atmosphere turning lively, wrapping them in a cocoon of comfort and camaraderie. But the peaceful breakfast was soon interrupted as the crew began filtering into the hall.

Nikolai immediately shifted his attention to the newcomers, a flash of mischief lighting his eyes. “Ah, the crew of misfits arrives! What would you do without my charming presence to brighten your dreary mornings?”

The others rolled their eyes but chuckled, knowing this was just the beginning of Nikolai’s capers. They soon joined the conversation, and the table erupted into laughter as stories of the past began to unfold. Amora leaned into the circle of friends, her heart swelling with affection for the moments spent together, each shared laugh and friendly jab intertwining with her own feelings for the captain.

As they all chatted, Amora sat quietly by, observing the ebb and flow of friendship in action. It was a beautiful chaos, one that hinted at adventure on the horizon. Despite her hidden affection for Nikolai, it was moments like this—filled with laughter, warmth, and companionship—that made her realize she wouldn’t trade their friendship for anything in the world.

In that mellow morning glow, with the world slowly waking beyond the ship’s walls, Amora found solace in the simplest moments—understanding that sometimes, the best adventures begin just beyond dawn, fueled by laughter and shared dreams.

⎯⎯ ୨•୧ ⎯⎯