Which Witch || Aleksander Morozova

𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓲𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓷

Sturmhond

—

Aleksander did not like the idea of Katerina going into Os Kervo's roughest tavern in search of a pirate, especially alone. But she insisted that she's done this plenty of times before. Not to mention if he, or even any of the other Grisha, came with her, then they would be recognised. Finding Sturmhond would require some subtlety. He would come to her as he always had, but only if she was alone.

All such thoughts disappear rather suddenly when she feels the weight of her coin pouch leave her pocket, and she seizes hold of someone's wrist.

"I think that belongs to me." She says darkly, hand resting on the dagger beneath her cloak, keeping a tight hold of the man's wrist with her other.

He attempts to stare her down for a long moment, but she's not afraid of any thief of all things.

Then a familiar laugh rings out from a nearby seat at the bar. "Come on Bradshaw, if you're gonna pick pockets don't get angry when someone calls you out on it."

The man, Bradshaw, looks between Katerina's dark expression and the fixed stare of the newcomer. After a second, he seemingly decides on the safest option, handing her pouch back before disappearing into the crowd.

Sliding her money into her inside pocket this time, Katerina now turns gleaming eyes on the newcomer.

Muddy red hair, tall and fairly built, and green eyes filled with mischief. "I had it sorted, you know."

He grins. "You always do. Have a drink with me? Or are you above that now, my Princess?"

She hits his arm lightly, taking the seat next to him. "You know I'd never say no to a drink with my favourite pirate."

"Privateer." he corrects with a smirk.

Raising her hands lightly in mock surrender, she smiles. "Do forgive me."

He grins. "How about that drink then?" With a nod, she accepts the seat beside him, and he orders a drink for them both.

"I've been looking for you."

"So naturally, you found your way here." He looks like he's holding back a laugh, and she knows he must be thinking of the first time they met, when he joined in on a bar fight she instigated, practically giggling as he helped her fend off a bunch of stupid, angry, burly drunks.

"No idea what you're talking about."

He snickers. "I assume you're after more than a revisiting of the good old drunken days?"

She nods. "A ship and crew, to take myself and a small group along the Bone Road."

The corner of his mouth twitches in amusement, as he traces his pointer finger down the length of his glass. "Why do I suspect this has something to do with the sudden appearance of the Sun Summoner, and a certain Second Army General?"

"And if I told you that the General was interested in hiring you?"

He leans closer to her, lowering his voice as he says, "I don't know if you're aware of this, princess, but I'm currently wanted by the Ravkan government for piracy."

"Well, then in that case I should be taking you in right now." she teases, then narrows her eyes at him. "I thought you said you were a privateer."

There's a spark of mirth in his eyes before he leans away from her with a shrug, taking another drink. "Needs must, sweetheart."

"You'll be paid handsomely. On our return to Ravka we can part ways, no consequences on your end. A promise from a friend."

"And does my friend speak for the Darkling?"