Well, You See, We Sorta Like Outside

Oakaford, the captain of the Stumper Guard, stood in front of Lady Nimmo's desk with a confused look, hoping Lady Nimmo would change her mind. "Do we have to?"

"Don't you want a home? I mean, everyone wants a home," she could hardly believe what she was hearing. She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.

It pained Oakaford to see Lady Nimmo frustrated, "Well, you see, we sorta like outside." He nervously tapped his twig fingers on his sides.

"But homes are a place of peace and safety. Protection against the elements." She paused on that one. "I guess I feel bad that we have homes and you guys don't."

Oakaford's tapping increased. He couldn't stand it anymore. "Um, I suppose we could try it. I mean, perhaps we could build a few and see what we think of them." He was certain he knew what he would think of a roof blocking his view of the stars, fresh rain, and cozy wind - no, thank you. However, he wanted to make Lady Nimmo happy.

"Wonderful! That's a wonderful idea," she beamed. "I'll speak with Bomgar. You're going to love it."

The stumper captain joined in her excitement on the outside. Inside, he was trying to decide which he would hate more, facing one of those fire-bolt dragons or living in a house.

After Oakaford left, Captain Arrow James entered, beaming with his charming smile.

"Knock, knock," he said half way into the room.

Lady Nimmo nodded and smiled, "What brings you here?"

"Believe it or not, I'm actually here on business."

"Business? What kind of business?" She figured she knew. It probably involved a date. It was just like him to tease her.

"Did you know the trees of Trungen forest are the most pliable type of wood in all Wanowyn?"

"No, I didn't know."

"But also the hardest. Now I was thinking we could export trungen wood and increase our revenue. All we would need is a ship, and I happen to know a great sailor willing to captain it."

She was waiting for the punchline, but none came. He was excited and expecting. He poured on the charm with his dashing smile. There was definitely no joke coming. It was clear to her now that he really was there for business. She was so excited about the date that she hadn't really paid attention to his proposal.

"A ship? Wood? What are you talking about?"

"Didn't you hear? A trading ship. We would sell trungen wood in exchange for money. I could be the captain."

"You want to go to sea? I thought you retired." Her pulse rose. Unbidden thoughts invaded her: Does he want the sea more than me? Was he trying to return to piracy? Was he unhappy living in the woods?

"Not like that. I don't mean pirating. I'd only be out to sea for a few weeks out of the year." He quickly dived into damage control mode. "I'd be doing this for Jorton and you."

"I don't like it." Her mind kept telling her that he would stay at sea and never return. "We don't need the money."

Captain Arrow knew not to push. He saw her concern. He knew the growing town of Jorton needed a lot of money to build defenses, public buildings, and roads. However, he reluctantly dropped the matter and excused himself after they agreed to meet for dinner.

Near the end of the day, Jor visited Lady Nimmo. She filled him in on the events of the day, especially Oakaford's and Captain Arrow's meetings, hoping for a sympathetic shoulder. She still hadn't recuperated from Captain Arrow's request to return to sea and Oakaford's reluctance to live in a house.

"So, I told him no, I don't want you to captain a ship," Lady Nimmo said near the end of her report.

"I see," Jor said while chomping on the stem of his unlit pipe. "Do you know why you said no?"

She looked confused, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, what caused you to deny his request."

She hesitated and gave it a tiny amount of thought. "Because it was a bad idea."

"But, you see, it's not a bad idea. It's actually a very good idea." Jor leaned forward. "We need revenue and trungen wood is rare and very valuable."

"I guess so, but I still don't see why we need revenue."

"I believe that is the problem; you don't see because you're not listening." He could see Lady Nimmo getting upset. "Calm down, and let me explain."

She took a deep breath.

"When negotiating, you must separate your personal feelings about the topic. You have to see both sides – theirs and yours. Oakaford tried to share with you his views, but you only saw what you would want if you were him. Arrow attempted to do the same, but you only saw your fear he would go back to pirating." Jor stopped and chewed on his pipe. "Am I correct?"

She didn't want to hear anymore, but remained respectful. "I'm exhausted. Could we continue this conversation tomorrow?"

That night, she took a walk around town. It began to sprinkle, but not enough to force her to run home. She continued her walk. As she did, she noticed a group of stumpers standing. They looked happy drinking in the drizzle. Walking further, she saw stumper after stumper enjoying themselves in the great outdoors. Some were fast asleep, while others stood in circles, joking and laughing. They looked as peaceful outside as she did inside her home. She scolded herself for not seeing that the definition of home can be different for different beings.

Captain Arrow came to her mind. She wondered why she feared him leaving. He gave up his first love, the sea, to live in her forest. He wouldn't leave. He never had to come in the first place. Arrow isn't anything like him, she said to herself. She stopped in shock and shook her head, attempting to rid her mind of that horrible blast from her past. She hadn't realized she was comparing Arrow to him. That louse wasn't even in the same league as Arrow. She refused to give another thought to that bum.

She headed back home, determined to talk with Oakaford and Arrow tomorrow, except this time she would listen.