“If you say it isn’t, by all means I believe you. Unless you give me reason to distrust you.” She laughed lightly, quietly noting his shift in posture. Usually Helga could tell when others were intimidated or put off by her bold nature although it was quite apparent that she had possibly met her match. He was civil and respectful, yet the edge of an adventurer managed to make itself known. “But I must say that I wasn’t stationed in any one place in particular. I was an explorer of sorts and a part of a few high-profile expeditions where my expertise was greatly valued. If you care to know more I’d be glad to indulge you.” She brought her hand up to her cheek, resting a finger against her skin. “Though why don’t you tell me more about who you are first.”
“Well, there’s not much to tell,” he went on modestly, quirking a brow in good nature. “Sort of a er - similar position to you. I was the Captain of several voyages, for trade mostly. Spent my early years in London, but I can’t say I’ve made it back much since I left.” He quirked his mouth to the right and reached up to lightly rub the back of his neck. “Haven’t been doing much exploring as of late though - recently settled down. No one was as surprised as I was.” He snorted lightly, then looked at her again, raising his brow slightly in interest. “By all means - indulge me.”
“Well well, Captain,” she said as she settled her hands on her hips, a hint of an edge to her voice, “that’s quite the title. Though titles don’t mean anything if you can’t back them up.” Helga’s eyes darted over the man’s figure again then settled back on his face. Not to size him up, per se, though she hardly let anyone pass her trained eye. “I’ve seen and personally trained many a man who could barely even shoot straight, but I can tell I am in prime company here. She nodded to further show her approval yet furrowed her brow slightly at his mention of settling down. “I could imagine your surprise. To go from traveling land to land to ultimately root yourself to one place…it is a lot to get used to.” The green irises of her eyes flickered, knowing full well the change that it was.
His inquiry, however, changed her attitude completely and she tapped her fingers against her belt thinking about where to begin. “Since you asked, when I was seventeen I was introduced to a man who taught me all that I know of military tactics and firearms though I already had a head start learning how to throw knives by the age of seven and sparring with my father on a daily basis. I’ve been on expeditions to Egypt and Iceland as both the brains and the muscle to put it so bluntly.” A prideful smirk crossed her face as she continued on. “I’m also skilled in various martial arts to the point where I could take you on as a student. I consider my pistol and rifle as extensions of myself and I could easily shoot a hair off your head if I were ever given the chance.” Her smirk turned into a full grin, the white of her teeth showing as she let out a small chuckle.
