I had never been on the Aquila before, and I was excited. Man, I hadn't even been on a boat before! This was a whole new territory for me. We set sail, Connor wearing his captain uniform as he took the helm with Mr. Faulkner beside him on his right. Haytham decided to stand on his left, probably annoying Connor, no doubt. I just explored the ship, careful to stay out of the crew's way, but it seemed like they enjoyed how fascinated I was with everything.
Standing at the front of the ship, needed ask Connor what it was called again, I held my arms out, letting the wind rustle through my hair. It was like performing a leap of faith, but you never landed.
"Oh man, this is so cool!" I laughed, feeling so excited and giddy about being on the ship. It was like was six again and Kayden made that swing for me.
"It's a nice feelin' ain't it?" A voice asked from behind me, irish in tone, and I flinched a little, not expecting it. Turning, I saw a blonde guy, around my age, standing with a mop in his hand. "Sorry I scared ya, just saw ya havin' fun on the bow."
"Oh, it's the bow. I thought it was called the stern." I sheepishly rubbed my arm. Stepping down, I held my hand out, introducing myself. "Piper Kenway."
"Aye, I know. Hard not to know who the captain's sister is." He chuckled, shaking my hand. "Asa Pierson. Happy to meet a pretty lass like yerself." He smiled, kissing my hand. I blushed, not knowing what to do, but, okay with what was happening.
"I didn't know sailors were so suave." I teased, grinning.
"Nah, but us Irishmen are quite the charmer." He shrugged, chuckling. From the helm, Connor called out to Asa, looking at both of us. "Ah, suppose I best get back to work, then. See ya at dinner, will I?"
"Yeah, of course." I assured, waving goodbye as he went back to his duties. Walking up to the helm, I leaned against the post, watching the men as they moved about the deck.
"You just did that." I said, not glancing at Connor.
"Did what?" He questioned, genuinely confused.
"You only called him away cause he's my age, and was talking to me." I raised a brow, looking over at Connor.
"No, you were annoying him." He smirked.
"What? No I wasn't! We were just talking!"
"I did not know kissing you hand meant talking."
"Oh come on, he was being nice."
"Too nice for my liking."
"Well next time tell him to punch me in the face." I laughed, Connor joining in. We talked up at the helm, Haytham occasionally joining in, but not that often. All business and no fun with him, I swear. Soon enough, the cook rung the bell for dinner and I was starving. I grabbed my serving of food and found Asa, eating on top of a barrel. I sat next to him, enjoying the food.
"So how's ship life for ya so far?" Asa asked, taking a bite of his dinner.
"Honestly, pretty cool. I've never been on the ocean before. It's so, blue." I said, laughing at how silly that was. "So, how long have you been sailing?"
"Well, this is my second time out at sea. First one was from Ireland to New York, deliverin' some good across the pond. Faulkner hired me when he saw my skill with canons. I can proudly say I'm a beast with 'em." He lightly bragged, making me chuckle.
We talked for a good while, getting to know each other quite well. He was really fun to be around, it was almost safe, comfortable. Asa really made me laugh as he told some stories about his home life. Soon, others came to hear the story he was telling. Waving his hands in exaggerated manners, creating voices for each character. Even Connor and Haytham watched.
"So he slid down the hill, mud coverin' him from head to toe, and jumped straight into the river! I'm tellin' ya, I ain't seen a bastard run faster than my brother when ma wanted him to learn bagpipes." Everyone chuckled at the story, most likely imagining it in their heads. "Do you play an instrument?" Asa asked me.
"Well, guitar. I wouldn't say I'm that good at it though."
"Nonsense," Haytham spoke. "You play wonderfully."
"Yes, and there is a guitar aboard." Connor asked a crew member to bring the guitar to me, and I narrowed my eyes at them. I was handed the guitar and the crew cheered me on, asking for a song.
"Alright, alright. One song." I relented, tuning it and plucking the strings to see if they were right. I decided to play a song my mom use to sing to my siblings and I, to which I made the music for. I strummed out the tune, taking a breath.
"Black clouds are behind me, I now can see ahead
Often I wonder why I try hoping for an end
Sorrow weighs my shoulders down
And trouble haunts my mind
But I know the present will not last
And tomorrow will be kinder
Tomorrow will be kinder
It's true, I've seen it before
A brighter day is coming my way
Yes, tomorrow will be kinder
Today I've cried a many tear
And pain is in my heart
Around me lies a somber scene
I don't know where to start
But I feel warmth on my skin
The stars have all aligned
The wind has blown, but now I know
That tomorrow will be kinder
Tomorrow will be kinder
I know, I've seen it before
A brighter day is coming my way
Yes, tomorrow will be kinder
A brighter day is coming my way
Yes, tomorrow will be kinder." I finished the song, everyone was silent as they listened. Then, they erupted into cheers. "Thanks." I smiled. I've never really played for anyone before and didn't know what they would think of it, but I was glad they liked it.
When the crew had drunk some and then went to bed, I bid Connor and Haytham goodnight, staying up on deck for a little while longer. Asa came up behind me, leaning against the railing as we both looked over the waves.
"You've got a lovely voice." He commented.
"Thanks. I've never sang to anyone before. Didn't know if I would be any good."
"Well, I think the lads will be all too happy to listen to yer singin' again. It can get dull on a ship." Asa rested his chin on his hand.
"Then I guess I better think of more songs to sing." I joked, turning to Asa. "Goodnight. I'll see you in the morning."
"Night love." He smiled. I turned, smiling as well, and walked into the captain's cabin where Connor insisted I sleep. To protect me, as he explained. He was already asleep, so I removed my coat and boots, slipping under the covers and falling asleep, still smiling.