by Jenthegypsy
Cat O'Nine Tails sat balanced on the forward rail, back turned to the revelers, watching the sparkle of starlight on the still sea. She was trying to block out the horrible, strangled cries that a large, red-bearded pirate was choking out of the beast with which he was doing battle. Strange one, that MacLeish, and apparently not much of a fighter. He'd had the multi-armed creature bested several times, but even as the crew began a victory cheer, the great bloated beast would regain itself and the battle would begin anew. The shrill screech and awful drone of it made her teeth hurt.
Bloody pirates! thought Cat.
At last, however, MacLeish prevailed and she turned to see that the defeated monster lay silent at his feet. The raucous cries of the men faded as the victor began to sing as melancholy a song as Cat O'Nine had ever heard. There were sniffles and handshakes and well-wishes voiced as the tune faded; shouts of "to the New Year!" resounded as tankards were raised and extra rations were downed. Although the words of the song and the joyous shouts meant nothing to her, she sensed the air of good cheer and began to purr.
Just as she nestled down to herself, eyes half closed, tiny paws folded primly beneath her, there was a swoosh of wings to starboard and that cursed bird came to rest, unsteadily, on the rail beside her. Cat was on her feet, back arched in righteous indignation, just as quick-as-that, a menacing growl emanating from deep within her.
"White flag's a flyin', mate!" commented Parrot, without his usual vehemence.
Cat kept a wary eye on her adversary, but eased enough to nonchalantly begin washing her face. Her full attention was gained when Parrot unceremoniously presented her with a gift - the better part of an entire leg of goose, nicked earlier in the evening from the Captain's table, and carried to her clutched in one now very greasy foot. As Cat stared at the unexpected feast, Parrot took flight, straight to the crow's nest and back again, returning to her side. This time he held an enormous black nut in his beak.
Cat and Parrot regarded each other for a moment. It seemed that in light of all the merriment aboard the Pearl this night, an accord, of sorts, had been reached between them. Cat O'Nine Tails wrestled a hold on the goose leg and began to dine, as Parrot commenced to peel away the outer shell of the Brazil nut. They ate together in silence, taking pleasure in their meal, the beauty of the starlit sea, and the truce, which though temporary, was none the less heartfelt.
Tomorrow, of course, would be a different kettle of fish altogether.