Before the Somme's Descent.

Aashe sat back on the bed, having turned the easel so she could see the painting from her chosen seat. She hadn't really intended to do any work on it today (she'd even been a little hesitant in thinking that she'd be able to work on it before the mission was over) but if Myn and Eri were insistent on making out in her cockpit, well... she could make some time.

Time was not a luxury she was accustomed to having on a mission. She was too busy ensuring her guests had to do as little as possible for the upkeep of the ship. In light of that, she wondered what to do with herself. She considered calling Corwin to see if he would enjoy drinks with her. But, ultimately, her reasons for hiding in her room were to prevent the discovery of Myn and Eri kissing. That would be for naught if Corwin ran across them.

All the same, her mind began to wander. If she called him, what would it be like? Would they sit at her small table over drinks and talk about each other? Would he prefer something more subtle like hot tea? Would he even be interested in coming up at all? Was the moment in the hospital just that? A moment?

Would he ask her about her past?

What would she say if he did?

No, my parents are alive and well - we just don't speak. No, they aren't Mr. and Mrs. DeWinter... No, I've never been married. It's... well, I wasn't born Aashe DeWinter.

Maybe best that she didn't call him...

Decision made not to call him, she still found that her mind was on him. His charming playfulness, and handsome features filled her memories. He was attractive without trying, the complete opposite of her - she constructed every item in herself to be exactly what she needed. He... well, he simply was.

She suddenly wanted to talk... about him, about them, about what they might become. She wanted to tell someone what was in her heart. But who? Myn and Eri were logical choices - the two had become staples of her daily grind. This marked the second time she'd pondered interrupting them - but this time made her frown. Would they simply tease her for falling for Corwin (a fine reaction, and one she would enjoy) - or would they be suspicious? She was a Con Artist after all, and now a Con Artist who very much wanted to sleep with their employer...

No, that conversation needed to wait. At least for now...

She did have one other option...

"Jarvis." Aashe said, laying back on her bed, and staring out her window.

"Yes, Ma'am?", Jarvis asked.

"I'd like to create a message. The usual recipients, please."

"Yes, Ma'am." Jarvis said. "I am ready."

There was a long moment where Aashe was silent, attempting to gather her thoughts. Finally, she drew breath. "It's been awhile, though I know the silences between my messages are usually longer. I've been keeping an ear out for you. No further news from Bekenstein, I assume you're both okay. It is my fondest wish that this message finds you both well.

“I am sending you a message for a very specific reason, and one you will have trouble believing.

“I have… met someone.

“I can hear you laughing from here. I’m serious! He’s the man I said was handsome in the last message I sent you. I can’t tell you much about him, but he has the most incredible eyes. I… felt something when he kissed me, something beautiful. It made me feel giddy and… I don’t know, light perhaps. I’ve had such a heavy heart, it was nice to feel as though the burdens were lifted!

“I’m not sure if its love. It’s far too soon to express such an emotion. All the same, I find him occupying my thoughts. I know you both thought it would never happen. I wish you could be here to give me advice.

"The mission is going... well, with tentative success. I've still got the scars to prove that we're in a bit of danger. I know we're close to this... thing... that he wants. I can only hope that it's not over so soon when the thing is found. I'd like an excuse to keep the crew he's hired on board. Both because I want to keep him close, and because I've rather come to like the others.

“I hope to write you both again soon, perhaps even with good news. I’ll let you know how it goes with him. Until then, I’m wishing the best for you both. Take care. You’re both in my thoughts, and I miss you.”

Aashe took a long breath to pause, clearing the emotion out of her voice by clearing her throat. “End message, Jarvis. Please send it the next time we‘re near a secure buoy.”

“It shall be done, Ma’am.” Jarvis said, sounding uncharacteristically gentle in his reply. Aashe frowned slightly at the ship. She elected not to say anything to him about it. It was probably her imagination, her own heart making her head hear things.

“Thank you.” She said. “Now, perhaps some background music while I paint?” She said easily, pulling herself up to stand, and straightening out her clothes. Jarvis picked a song at random from her favorites, and Aashe began to hum along.