A pirates life

You make your way to the docks with Ferra and Victor, where the final preparations are underway. Things seem to be proceeding smoothly, which isn’t a surprise, given Captain Ben’s experience. What is a surprise, is the seemingly good spirits everyone seems to be in. All of the crew is laughing and joking as they prepare the ship. You’re about to chalk it up to excitement for the adventure, when you see Ben himself walking towards you, his voice booming out as he approaches.

“Aye! Ye be looking to set sail soon? We be prepared any time!”

You groan, as the older man walks up, a huge grin on his face. “Really, Captain? Pirate talk again?”

Ben chuckles. “Of course, lad! We be pirates for real this time! Setting sail to attack other ships? As outlaws? We be pirates!”

He turns to some nearby crew members. “Isn’t that right, me hearties?”

He gets a shouted “Aye!” and laughter in response. Ben looks back to you, a smug grin on his face. You can’t help but laugh yourself.

“Fine, you win. We be pirates.”

Ben laughs, slapping you on the shoulder. “That’s the spirit, me lad! Now, what can Captain Ben do for ye?”

Still chuckling, you look around. “It looks like you’re almost done. How soon can we set sail?”

Ben turns, running an appraising eye over the work being done. “I’d say by lunch, at the latest. We be ready when you are!”

You nod. “After lunch then. Sounds like a plan. I’ll let you get back to it.”

Ben nods, and turns back to his work. You hear his pirate talk everywhere he goes, and the crew responds in kind. Victor looks at you, bemusedly.

“He seems competent, if a bit eccentric.”

You chuckle. “What’s the harm in a little fun. We’re asking the crew to risk their lives, a bit of humor never hurt anyone.”

Victor smiles. “That seems fair. As I said, he seems competent, all else is secondary.”

He offers you his hand. You shake hands with him, and he nods. “I wish you the best of luck. And be careful, the Order didn’t get this powerful by being a pushover.”

You nod. “I understand. Don’t worry, we have some tricks up our sleeve.”

Ferra nods as well. “And we will take good care of Melora as well, to answer your real concern.”

Victor chuckles. “I must be pretty transparent if she can read me that well. Ok, I’ll leave you to it, then.”

As he walks away, you smile at Ferra. “You’re getting better at understanding people.”

Ferra shrugs. “As he said, he’s made it clear what he’s worried about. I merely wished to allay those worries.”

A sly look enters her glowing eyes. “Besides, taking good care of her can be a lot of fun, according to Alex…”

You chuckle.