Balthier set foot on his ship. What a wonderful morning, especially if you have to sail! It was really early in the morning, and the sky still was a bit dark and starry. The sea was calm and the wind on his favour.
He turned to his men and counted them consciously. There were one hundred and fifty men on his magnificent boat, The Entreprise.
He worked for a very rich man, the Prince of Dalmasca. He was quite young, but smart. Thanks to Balthier the prince could exchange merchandise such as cotton, silk and weapons with Paramina.
Of course the young captain always asked for a commission, and that's pretty much how he ended being settled and rich.
His house was big enough for two persons, he didn't need more. Fran lived with him, she was a viera archer who liked to stick with him. She was quite silent most of the time, but when she wasn't the stuff she said was just beyond Balthier's understanding. The young captain enjoyed a lot women's company, but he never took it that far with Fran, even though they could look very intimate. It was just that the viera seemed do understand and respect the young man even though he didn't tell her much about himself. But, hey, she was trustworthy, beautiful and strong so who cares?
He hummed as he went walking on the gate.
God, the sea really was wonderful!
He told his men to unfold the sails. After a few usual orders, they were gone. He was standing behind the rudder, quietly studying the waves, when Fran came by his side.
-I have a bad feeling, Captain.
-There are no reasons to, Fran. No storm in sight, isn't that really odd?
He laughed lightly while the viera remained thoughtfully silent.
She sure was boring sometimes...
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Vaan had a quite devilish aura around him, looking through his binoculars.
Penelo instantly knew he had a plan in mind.
-Did you see something interesting?
-You bet I did!
She sighed. She really liked the boy, like a "mother" since she mostly took care of him, and also as a secret crush. He was careless and stubborn, but could also be brave and fair.
He often protected their childhood friends, Kytes and Filo. They all knew each other at the orphanage a long time ago, and since then their common dream was to sail the seas and steal treasures.
They all knew it was full of danger, but other friends followed them anyway, and all together they were enough to run the ship.
Vaan turned to her with his devious grin.
-Found a big fish over there.
-Let me see...
She took the binoculars from the boy's hands and looked.
There was indeed what looked like a commercial ship. It was huge. She whistled, impressed.
-That's quite a catch, she said, putting the binoculars down on a table.
-Pretty isn't it? We have a jackpot there. I'm going to tell Kytes and Filo.
And he was off, running to the two younger ones.
She watched them as they laughed in excitement. Well she hoped they could manage their theft...