Fast asleep, smiling

[esteven]

After a while some of the lanterns began to go down; others remained, and some even climbed higher still; Jack and Stephen stayed where they were. Dawn found them under their rock, with Jack steadily sweeping the Gut - calm now, and deserted - and Stephen Maturin fast asleep, smiling.

(chapter twelve)

Why would Stephen be smiling in his sleep? :D

Comments

[sid]

Because his hero rescued him? And then there probably was cuddling?

[esteven]

:D

My thoughts entirely? And already so very early in the books!

[heather_mist]

Stephen seems to be quite the dreamer!

On a prosaic level it's a contrast to the first dream of his we witness, very early on, when he dreamt of Mona and woke on the hillside alone and bereft. Now he is no longer alone and is already happier.... but actually, I think your version of likely events is much nicer! :D

[esteven]

It is a lovely image, any which way it is read because it always comes down to Stephen now having Jack for a companion :D