He didn't continue for a long moment as if he were thinking hard about how to say what was on his mind. It was probably like a couple minutes, but the awkward silence made it feel like an eternity. Did I do something wrong or say something bad that I don't remember saying? I don't think I did.

"How - I mean, do you like Lana? I mean do you actually really like her or was it just a sper of the moment thing you two had over a year ago?" he suddenly asked. That took me a little off guard, that isn't something I expected him to ask.

"I can't speak for her, but yes I do really like her. I was actually going to meet with her later to discuss it with her. I mean, I don't want to make her uncomfortable, but I want to know," I said trying to explain it as best as I can.

"I see. Normally I don't condone crew members dating. So if she does feel the same way I ask that the two of you keep it private and don't let it interfere with your work. Should I see it causing an issue I will have to insist on you either breaking it off or finding a dark hole for you to work in away from each other.

That all said, I'm happy Lana has someone she trusts and can talk to. I'm glad she's happy around you. I don't think you know this, but she is actually like my Niece. She's the daughter of my brother's wife's first marriage. When they died I became her legal guardian, but since they died she's been very shy and quiet, distant really," he explained.

"Wow, I definitely didn't know that. I'm sorry for your loss and I guess I kind of get why you shared that with me. I promise that no matter what she says I would never do anything to hurt her in any way. I respect Lana and if she doesn't feel the same way, It'll be hard, but I will respect her decision," I said.

"Good. Now only a handful of people know about our relationship, so please don't go telling everyone about it. I do have one more thing I'd like to discuss with you and then I'll let you go. The fact is I'm struggling to figure out where I can put you on the ship.

What I mean is an actual job for you to do and which one would be best for you and us. Can't have you doing grunt work forever. The problem is that you have a lot of background doing a lot of different things so we could use you in alot of jobs. I figured I'd ask you what you might want to do or work as," He added changing the subject easily.

"I guess I don't really know. I'd honestly go wherever I'm needed, but honestly I don't know what all the jobs there are on a Dragoniering Ship or what you might have available. If you get me a list maybe I could help you narrow it down I guess," I said. He nodded and said he'd get me a list of available jobs as soon as he can.

Since there wasn't anything else he needed to talk to me about I took the opportunity to finally return his sword to him. I apologized that it took so long and that I had planned to give it back as soon as I returned, but we got busy and hadn't really had the time to talk. I told him I made sure it stayed clean and sharpened it often. Did have to admit I didn't have to use it against anyone, but did have to use it to cut through thick brush from time to time. Though, I did check it to make sure it didn't get chipped at all.

Once I stopped rambling, he gently put his hands on the sword and sheath and gently slid it back across the desk to me. I obviously looked at him confused.

"I know I told you to return it when you got back, but I knew you would not have taken it if I told you to keep it. It was with you on your journey and you took care of it, it's your sword now," he said calmly. He's right, I wouldn't have taken it if he had given it to me as a gift instead of to borrow.

"Isn't this sword special to you though. I mean I'm not a skilled swordsman, I might break it. I don't want to do that," I said and he shook his head.

"This sword has been passed down from Dragonier to Dragonier for generations. I decided it was time to pass it on to the next generation. I chose to give it to you. Before you even protest, I chose you based on many factors and it just made sense to me. In a way I suppose jt was instinct or perhaps the weapon itself chose you. Though it wasn't instinct alone I considered everything, so yes I'm absolutely sure I want you to keep it," he said.

"I understand, Sir. I'll be sure to take good care of it," I said picking the sword back up. This sword carries with it a Dragoniering Legacy and honestly it was a heavy weight. It will serve as a good reminder of what I want to become and what I strive to be. Maybe that is the true meaning of passing the sword down to new generations.

Since it was almost time to go meet Lana I headed straight for the Deck to wait for her. I would have asked her to meet me in the observation room instead of risking going to the Deck at night, but the communication tubes would have definitely picked our voices up and knowing how nosy people can get I'm sure someone would stop to listen. At least on the Deck the wind will muffle our voices and it's big enough to move away from the tubes if needed.

It's even colder out here at night and though I was getting used to the wind up here I was still feeling the cold. Though it's nothing compared to being on that snowy mountain high up as we were. About a half an hour later I started to worry she wouldn't show up. She was only 10 minutes late so far so I decided to wait a little longer.