Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Dragon Age 2!" Nada.
Author's notes: I made up a way for Isabela to gain a ship, unlike an option to let Castillon go in the game and him signing his ship over. For my story, taking out Castillon was key so the option wasn't available. And Bela needs her ship :P It'll still wind up coming from him in some way.
CharlieBarrow: thanks for the input, it's helped the story.
QueenTyzula: Wait til you see what comes in store for the Hawkes :P It's a doozy.
Guest: just wait and see! :P
"Catching the Wind"
Chapter nineteen "Captain Isabela"
"Whispers of want, ache for glory; mages will not suppress their inner temptations!" The armored men and women yelled in the marketplace. The metal of the sword emblems on their breastplates shone under the sun. The templars were in full force today, and Hawke noticed many mages had left their staves at home to avoid harassment. Preaching at best; imprisonment at worst.
She reached out and took Merrill's hand, hurrying her along. These past few weeks, Hawke had opted to guard Merrill, Isabela or even Bodahn and Orana when they had to do shopping for the household. The templars were busy lately it seemed, rounding up any mages for arrest and preaching Knight-Commander Meredith's rhetoric.
Merrill seemed to shrink in on herself; the staff slung across her back was a dead giveaway, but not many outside her clan knew of her tampering with blood magic. As Hawke knew it, her mate had lessened in its use over the past few months, going back to old incantations and spells instead. She had even offered a few pages of her sister's old spell notes and Merrill's eyes had glistened as she accepted them.
Bethany would be happy for them, Hawke knew it. She wondered how she was doing in the Grey Wardens and hoped to see her again one day. The way things were riling up in Kirkwall, that day could be sooner than later. Hawke wistfully tucked away the hope of introducing her sister to her pups as the templars pushed through the crowds, knocking back a few men and women. Hawke stood her ground, shielding Merrill. The plate at her shoulder crashed into the breastplate of a pushing templar.
"Excuse me," Hawke said coolly. She clenched a gloved fist, showing her intent if the man didn't get out of her way. The templar made to bark a command at her then recognized her.
"Champion Hawke, what are you doing with this mage? Has she done anything suspicious?" The templar tried to peer past Hawke at Merrill. The elf cowered against Hawke's back. Hawke spread her feet and kept the templar from her mate. Ire and protection wove through Hawke's aura and Merrill wove support into it. She puffed her chest out.
"This woman is my mate. Step aside," she commanded. The templar made to protest but a higher ranked woman, who wore the badge of a captain, called him over.
"Leave off the Champion! Be quick about it," she commanded. Hawke nodded her thanks. Her reputation and being neutral to the Knight-Commander helped in spades. She hurried her mate along. Merrill clutched the shopping basket, pale face almost white with fear.
Hawke ducked aside, cupping Merrill's face and kissing her brow. "It'll be okay, Merrill. I won't let anything happen to you."
"I know, ma vhenan." Merrill brightened. Hawke helped her purchase the items Orana had written down and she rushed her mate home. Only behind the heavy oak door of her family estate and the latch was put down did Hawke begin to relax.
"Larkie, get down from there!" Orana was calling from the study. The two adults sauntered into the study to watch Orana gently lift her son from the high mantel of the fireplace. The boy tucked against the elf's shoulder and looked chastised, noting Hawke's rueful look.
"Hi, Papa…."
"Where's your brother?" Hawke asked. Falcon rolled over on the rug and chirped out a greeting. There was a commotion in the entry way and Hawke heard Bodahn rush to unlatch the door.
Hawke heard Isabela before she saw her. Her pirate queen was toting a small barrel.
"What is going on with this city? I had to draw Heartbreaker to get a good deal on this whiskey!" Isabela cursed. She had named her daggers, of course. Heartbreaker's twin was Bodice-ripper and it was like Isabela to choose such jaunty names. Hawke took the barrel and hoisted it up on one shoulder, taking it to the kitchen.
"I thought we discussed you going with a guard or two. At least take Sandal with you," Hawke suggested. She would suggest Bodahn, but the elderly dwarf was so good-natured, he didn't exude a sturdy aura not to be messed with. Sandal, although simple, at least had a few incantations up his sleeve and was able to protect his charges and himself.
"Boom!" Sandal insisted from the corner of the entry way. Isabela blew the simple dwarf a kiss and followed her mate into the kitchen.
"When I get a ship, we should just all leave while the getting is good," Isabela suggested. Her eyes took on a far-off glaze." Just think, the open sea, the gulls cawing overhead, salt on the wind and thunder booming on the horizon…."
Hawke set the barrel down and leaned against the edge of the wood-stove. "You're so beautiful when you're going on about the ocean."
"I'll show you one day, Hawke. Just you wait," Isabela grinned. "The captain's quarters, decadent and awaiting the captain's Champion…" She pressed against Hawke's torso. Hawke glanced over her shoulder to the back door. She led her mate out to the back way and surveyed the high stone wall that separated their garden from the estate next door.
"Boys!" Hawke called. Stamping footsteps sounded from inside and the twins erupted out into the back garden, boots stomping on the cobblestones.
"Yes, Papa?" Falcon stood up straight. Lark grinned up at his father. Hawke gestured to the stone wall.
"Boys, you need to do something for me. If anyone climbs over that wall, you're to take up weapons. Get me or one of your mothers but defend yourself. Do you hear me?"
Both boys nodded rapidly. "Yes, Papa!"
"Shall we practice?" Hawke strode to retrieve her wooden practice stave. The boys scrambled for their wooden weaponry and began raining blows against the stave. Hawke took a good stance and let the twins have at it. She waved the stave at random, letting her sons dodge it.
When Bodahn ambled out to the garden to watch, Hawke waved him close. She wiped a line of sweat from her brow with her wrist and pointed her long wooden stave toward the deadening tree in the corner. It had become an impromptu practice dummy and at her gesture, the twins ran over to whack their weapons against it.
Before Hawke could ask, Bodahn alleviated her concerns. "The front door is latched and locked, Mistress. With all the goings on in the city, mayhaps we keep it locked at all hours?"
Hawke nodded. "An excellent idea. We should be vigilant."
"I'm sorry your dear sister can't be here….." Bodahn cleared his throat at the dart of guilt on the Champion's face. He hastened to soothe her ire. "It's a good thing she can't see all the turmoil broiling about the mages of this city."
Hawke nodded. "I just pray she's warm and safe. The head of her order seemed a good man. I just wish…"
Bodahn awkwardly patted the human's arm. "She would be happy for you, Serah Hawke."
"Thanks, Bodahn."
Hawke heard a high giggle from the kitchen and after darting a look to make sure the boys were okay, wailing away at the thin tree, she headed inside. Isabela had uncorked the barrel of whiskey and was urging a glass on Merrill.
"Just a few sips! That's the good stuff, kitten. Go on!" Isabela urged. Merrill's cheeks were flushed, and she attempted another sip. She coughed.
"So strong, Bela!" she admitted. Isabela slung a friendly arm over her shoulders.
"That's why it's the good stuff."
"Hi, mates," Hawke grinned.
Isabela pressed into her arms and after a kiss, Merrill leaned against her shoulder.
"Oh, did I tell you, Pouty Boy has a lead on a ship for me? We should head out to get my clues," Isabela said. Hawke giggled in her head at the mention of Fenris. Only Isabela could get away with openly teasing him with nicknames. The ex-slave was not one to be trifled with ordinarily.
"Let's go ahead and talk to him. Maybe we should head out after dark. The templar patrols will be mostly gone by then," Hawke suggested. Merrill nodded, looking relieved.
"What do we need a ship for?" Merrill wondered. Orana moved past them with a stack of china dishes for the dining room. Hawke helped bring out the glasses.
Isabela laughed. "What DON'T we need a ship for? I say it's best to have one, you'll see. Besides, even if things don't go to hell in Kirkwall, we could do with a way to travel for vacations and the like."
Isabela knew how attached Hawke was to her mother's home. There would be no way she could ask her to leave Kirkwall indefinitely. But having an option for travel, well, that was always a plus.
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The trek through Hightown outside its many estates was thankfully uneventful. Aveline's guardsmen were on patrol and many knew Hawke, saluting her and her mates. Pausing by one manor tucked away in the corner of a square, Hawke rapped the door knocker.
Isabela was rocking on her tiptoes, excited to hopefully be near possession of a ship again. Hawke smiled fondly at her mate and cast a careful glance over Merrill's shoulder. No templar patrol was nearby, thank Andraste. The front door was pulled open and a familiar face showed in the crack of the open door. Fenris's white hair seemed to glow under the moonlight and the tattoos under his chin and jaw pulled with his wry expression.
"You are prompt today, Hawke," he grunted. Isabela grinned as they all pushed in and Fenris latched the door.
"Isabela was too excited to be late," Hawke admitted. The four moved past the entry way, past turned over and damaged furniture. The estate was not truly Fenris's but claimed by him after killing some of his old master's underlings. He had moved the bodies of the felled party, but housekeeping was beyond him. The manor was in obvious disrepair and dusty to boot. Merrill eyed a portrait of one of the past owners, slashed at random places.
"You really should hire a maid, Fenris!" The elf chirped. Fenris shrugged his thin shoulders. He led the small family to the manor study, his favorite room in the estate. He even slept there apparently, if the pile of blankets in the corner indicated. A fire was going in the hearth and cast the shabby study in warmth.
"And possibly have them report me? I don't think so, Merrill," Fenris groused. He sat in an overstuffed chair. Hawke sat opposite him and Isabela leaned against the back of the elf's chair.
"Well, don't be so pouty, Fenris," Isabela teased. "Come on, what's the hint we need?"
"Hint YOU need," Fenris corrected. "I don't know all Hawke could do with a ship."
"Sure," Isabela agreed. She traced a fingertip down Fenris's pointed ear, tickling him. "Pretty please with a wench on top."
Fenris coughed and brushed her hand away. If Hawke didn't know any better, he was blushing.
"Shipmate Maeve is in port to claim her captain's ship. Apparently, he'd been killed, and his ship has been docked ever since."
"Which ship is it?" Isabela's eyes gleamed.
Fenris shrugged. "The Stormy Lover."
Hawke gave a wry grin to her mate. "Sounds about right for you."
"Oh quiet, sweet thing," Isabela teased. "Wait, that name is familiar…."
"It should," Fenris offered. "The Stormy Lover belonged to an Antivan named Castillon. Someone you were speaking of at great length. The shipmate is at the Hanged Man. Possibly being entertained by your dwarf bard."
"I could do with a drink anyway," Isabela declared. "Let's go!"
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"I have GOT to see this," Varric declared. He had tagged along with the small family toward the docks after their trip to the Hanged Man.
Isabela was hugging onto Hawke's arm, embracing her affectionately. It was thanks to Hawke's wrangling with the shipmate that Castillon's ship was now hers. And she had gone into her family's coffers to make the purchase. Isabela was dumbstruck how lucky she was to have such a wonderful mate. The deed for the ship was curled carefully in her fist and she whapped the paper against her mate's side. Luck had indeed fallen into her corner the past few years.
"I can't believe she's mine!" Isabela crowed. Hawke grinned at her affectionately.
"Let's go see your ship, Captain."
"Straighten up or I'll keelhaul you," Isabela teased. Hawke saluted.
"Aye."
"A real ship! What was your old one like?" Merrill wondered. Isabela linked her free arm in the elf's. Varric brought up the rear as they clambered to the docks. The moon was still high, but some ship hands were still at work or going about their business for the captains. The large galley ships stood, docked and waiting in the water.
"A real beauty, she was….. Oh, there she is," Isabela said excitedly. The four clambered up a gangplank. Two shipmates blocked the path.
"That's far enough, you lot. Our captain is….away, but we're in charge," one said. Isabela's smile was wide as she opened the deed for him to see. One of the men blinked, obviously not able to read, but the other, a rather large man, darted in to scan the penned words. He could read apparently.
"Your captain's mate sold the Stormy Lover to me. I'm Captain Isabela," Isabela declared. Hawke's heart surged with pride for her mate. She looked every bit the captain even without a large hat. "What are your names?"
"Shaw," The man who couldn't read said. The other stood up straighter, despite his salt-stained clothing. And for good measure, it seemed. The man was a bull of a specimen, tall and broad-shouldered. His muscled arms were twice the size of the hardiest warrior they knew.
"Craven, Captain."
"An unlikely name," Varric drawled. Craven straightened despite the teasing words. Isabela scanned her eyes up and down the beefy man.
"I'm in need of a crew. If you want to stay on, meet me here in the morning. I'll be having my own guards hold the ship."
Shaw's face fell. "Are we to leave ship now…..Captain?"
"You bet your ass. Get your things and leave," Isabela suggested. Shaw ran for below decks but Craven stayed for a few extra words. Despite his name, he had some spine. Isabela noted it.
"I'll be back, Captain. Castillon never had a bad word about my services. I'd say go ahead and ask but…. I'd be glad to take on service under you," the man declared. Isabela chuckled.
"I'll bet."
Hawke's anger filtered through and Isabela turned to tuck into her mate's arm to soothe her. "Just watch your words, man. She's a mated woman."
Craven nodded, eyes widening as he recognized the Champion. "Aye, Champion Hawke. The Captain should always be met with respect!"
"Oh, I like him," Isabela admitted aloud. "Come back tomorrow, Craven. I think I'll keep you on for sure."
"Aye, Captain! I could do with a bit of wenching I guess in the meantime," the man teased. He went to collect his things and ambled off the gangplank with a grumbling Shaw.
Merrill's eyes were wide at the exchanges, and she wandered the deck, curious. Varric turned to Hawke.
"Let's make sure no crew is left below decks."
"Time for a hasty retreat for them if so," Hawke agreed. After securing the ship, Varric saluted Isabela.
"I'll be back with some help. They'll guard the ship for you come morning."
"Thank you, Varric. Would Bianca mind if I kissed you?" Isabela teased. Varric stood as tall as his short stature could allow and grinned.
"She is the jealous type," he said good-naturedly. He patted the haft of his beloved crossbow slung over his shoulder. "I'll be back shortly."
"She's mine, all mine," Isabela wondered. Merrill cast a grin at the pirate, now every bit the queen she was as they wandered the deck.
"Just don't sail off and leave us," Hawke said. It was only half a tease. Isabela pressed into her arms and rained kisses on her face.
"After what you did for me? I think not, sweet thing. In fact, you could do with some rewarding for getting me this beautiful ship…."
Warmth surged below the belt and Hawke grinned. "Oh? Care to explain?"
"You'll see soon enough…sometime tomorrow I intend to anoint the deck with your seed," Isabela purred.
Merrill blushed as she caught the words. Isabela pulled her into their hug.
"I'd never exclude you, kitten," she promised. Merrill blushed. The two women were in some ways getting used to their arrangement with Hawke, and Hawke had walked in on them comparing their bodies together before. If they wanted to get closer, who was she to argue.
"Sounds good," Hawke drawled. Merrill ran her hand along her waist and the Champion grinned. Varric came back on deck with Worthy and a few of his dwarven companions. All held axes and swords.
"Worthy, good to see you," Hawke greeted him. The dwarf smiled.
"Anything to help the Champion's mate! Congratulations, Captain," Worthy saluted with his axe. Isabela beamed.
"I suppose we should head home," Merrill suggested.
Isabela nodded, drawn back to reality. "We shouldn't leave the boys so long."
"Worthy and his men will take care of things," Hawke agreed. "We'll be back tomorrow."
"Good night, Champion!" one of the dwarves said. The team took up positions along the deck and the small family exited the gangplank. Varric yawned.
"I should see after the Hanged Man. Maker knows they miss my stories already."
"Be sure to include the tale of Captain Isabela's new ship," Isabela suggested.
Varric laughed. "Will do. Good night, Hawke family."
The walk home was filled with laughter as the three mates made their way back to Hightown. After knocking and Bodahn unlatching for them, the three checked on the pups. They were camped out in the hallway outside the master's bedchamber and Hawke picked up Lark. Merrill picked up Falcon and they tucked the boys into their beds.
"Two hours 'til sunrise," Isabela yawned. Hawke stood waiting as Merrill helped unfasten her breastplate and gauntlets. They undressed slowly.
"Want to fill the time with abit of celebration?" Hawke grinned. Her shift extended, and she wriggled out of her trousers and small clothes.
Merrill giggled, extending a hand to clasp the base of her shaft. Hawke sighed at the squeeze.
"Girth," she said by way of confirmation to Isabela. It seemed to be an inside joke and both giggled. Hawke pushed both women on to the bed.
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Hawke yawned and leaned back in her chair. The twins had knocked and pushed in to wake them up a few short hours later. Breakfast had been called for and Orana and Bodahn served everyone in the dining room for a change instead of lounging in bed.
Hawke leaned her head on her hand, yawning again as she watched her mates help the pups with their food. She scratched her dark hair, trying to wake up fully. When she felt a delicate foot play with hers under the table, she smiled. Hawke smiled more to realize it was shy Merrill trying such a bold move. Her mate was turning red but smiling at her across the table. Hawke gave her a slow wink.
Isabela couldn't wait to bring the pups to the Stormy Lover and hurried everyone along. When everyone was dressed for the day, Hawke smiled as her mate fidgeted.
"They'll love it," Hawke assured her. Isabela beamed at her.
"I forgot to tell you, I found the most amazing hat shop in Lowtown! I'll need a hat to suit my ship."
"You do, Captain," Hawke leaned to kiss her cheek. Isabela beamed as she slid her hand into the crook of her elbow.
Worthy and his companions were waiting on the deck of Isabela's ship. Two of the dwarves were taking a nap, but Worthy and another of his friends were awake, axes propped on their shoulders.
"There's the captain," Worthy said. He saluted with his axe. Isabela beamed as she led her family up the gangplank. The twin's eyes were wide as they walked cautiously over the wooden deck.
"Mama, is this your ship?" Falcon asked, his voice small. Isabela beamed. She held his hand and Merrill held onto Lark.
"It sure is, son. Go on, look around, it'll be yours one day."
The pride Isabela felt as her boys rushed over the deck, yelling in excitement, made her heart almost hurt. Hawke seemed to sense the soft moment and rubbed the small of her back.
"Going to interview shipmates today?" she asked. Isabela nodded.
"Later. Let's see what the captain's quarters holds for us. Coming, kitten?"
Worthy was put in charge of the twins as the trio of mates made their way below decks. The galley kitchen was at least cleaned up hastily after the exodus of the old crew the day before. Isabela rubbed her hands together as they pushed into the captain's chambers. An elaborate diamond chandelier hung from the ceiling and a large bed was built into the ship's wall. Isabela liked the velvet coverlets and canopy but turning up the desk revealed a few more of Castillon's papers.
"What did he NOT put his dirty paws into?" Isabela wondered. Merrill pushed a hand into the mattress of the bed, giggling to herself. She noted the wide smile on the pirate's lips and called out.
"What are you smiling about? Is it dirty?"
Isabela sighed. "No, kitten. I think I'm just happy."
The honest statement got Hawke's attention. She caught Isabela's eye and smiled widely. All her love was in her gaze and Isabela felt her heart thud hard. She had won the Champion and she didn't know if she'd wanted to in the past. Now she had Hawke. And she was going to hold onto her family with all her might.
Now that she had a ship to herself again, Isabela knew her life was full and complete.
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Isabela wrangled with Merrill for abit of alone time with Hawke. The shy elf sighed and took the boy's hands. She gave a mournful look to her mate and Hawke gave her a tender kiss goodbye.
"I promise to devote some extra time for you when we get back," Hawke purred. Merrill blushed and nodded.
"I look forward to it, ma vhenan," she sighed. Hawke kissed Merrill again and patted the twins on the head. After a stern warning to behave and sending off Worthy and his men, Isabela was as alone with Hawke as she was going to get. Despite the goings on that was always happening on the docks nearby. Men and women shouted and haggled, rolling barrels or procuring other items for their ships.
Isabela sauntered up to her mate, boots clicking on the wooden deck. Hawke waited for her, grinning. Isabela extended a hand and set it between her mate's breasts. As she kept walking, Hawke moved with her, guided backward. When her back pressed suddenly into the main mast of the ship, a surprised "oof" escaped her lips.
Isabela was against her, hand groping her cock non-subtly through her trousers. She found the head through the fabric and gripped it firmly. Hawke pressed her head into the mast, sighing as blood rushed between her legs.
"So…anoint the ship, huh?" Hawke drawled. She gasped as Isabela purred against her lips, kissing her deeply. Her hand clasped her shaft, cupping her through her clothing. Isabela pecked a few affectionate kisses around her mouth then chewed on her lower lip.
"Hmmm yes. Maker's balls, you are the best, Hawke…"
"Always glad for a confidence vote," Hawke teased. Her hand rubbed her mate's shoulder as she lowered to her knees. Isabela's hands ran up and down her thighs, feeling Hawke's muscles tense through her trousers. She unlaced her quickly and fished her cock out, lips already outlining the weeping head.
Hawke tilted her head back and gasped toward the sky as her mate suckled down near her base and kept here there, then bobbed back up. Watching her shaft disappear into her pirate's mouth and hearing her small moans of approval made Hawke throb. And it was odd to be serviced by hearing random dock workers in the background. Were anyone truly paying attention from shore, they'd get an eyeful. But no one saw, and Hawke kept her moans low.
Isabela's mouth was warm and teasing and one hand steadily pumped her base as she bobbed up and down the top of Hawke's length. Hawke's shaft ached as it throbbed in the warm enclosure of her throat. Too soon she was gasping, one hand cradling the back of her mate's head. She tried not to push, but she was so close…..and Isabela was suckling her in just the right way…..
Hawke grunted loudly as the first spurt of her seed erupted into her mate's mouth. Divine pressure molded around her head, coaxing more and Hawke's abdominal muscles tensed as she came again and again. Isabela finished swallowing and cleaned her off with a few languid swipes of her tongue. Hawke's cock twitched, far too sensitive for the moment.
"You didn't get….any seed on the deck," Hawke gasped. She slumped against the mast, knees wobbly after her massive orgasm. Her mate stood, stretching along her torso languidly. Hawke's nipples hardened as she felt her mate's breasts rub up along her belly and breasts. Her hands gripped her pirate's hips, fingers sliding beneath the hem of the short white tunic.
Isabela wrapped her arms around her mate's neck and hopped up to wrap her legs around Hawke's waist. Hawke was forced to catch and steady her. Her knees wobbled dangerously.
"That's because you're going to put it in me," Isabela purred. She captured a hard kiss from her Champion and Hawke groaned as she fell on her rump. Isabela urged her away from the mast and onto her back on the deck. The sun arched high overhead as Isabela shoved her mate's trousers further off her hips, exposing her cock to the gulls flying overhead. Hawke's ass was also exposed, digging into the hard wood of the deck that was, unfortunately as Hawke was noticing with her mate's harsh thrusts to take her inside, unvarnished recently. Quite a few splinters stung and dug into her rump.
Hawke's hands squeezed over the warm flesh of her mate's hips. Her eyes gleamed as she stared up at her mate. Isabela's head was tilted back, and she moaned her pleasure as she rode her. Hawke arched beneath her pirate, smiling as Isabela almost screamed. Her fingers scraped the thin straps of her mate's smallclothes which Isabela had shoved to the side in her haste. Hawke longed to snap the flimsy garment off, but her mate needed some modesty after this open tryst in public.
"Ohhh, Hawke….yes, fuck me, Champion," Isabela was murmuring. Hawke growled below her. She tried to loosen Isabela's corset, so she could get at her breasts, but her mate was pushing them along at a steady rate. Hawke had to make do with cupping the round orbs through her tunic. Hawke scraped her thumbs roughly against the nipples through the fabric of Isabela's tunic. Isabela slammed a hand directly onto her chest and Hawke grimaced, then purred as her mate deliberately stroked her mating mark over her breast through her clothing.
"Bela," she moaned. Isabela grinned above her, and her hips moved up and down, and her inner walls squeezed. Hawke bit her lips, riding out her mate's orgasm, before erupting. Isabela sighed at the familiar warm surges inside her. She leaned down on her elbows trying to catch her breath. Hawke ignored the wood digging into her bare ass as she cupped her mate's cheek and kissed her temple protectively. "Your ship must be amply blessed by now…."
"Oh, leave off, you cheeky thing," Isabela laughed. She sat up, and the sight of her vaginal lips petaled around the base of her shaft had Hawke twitching again. She sighed when Isabela dismounted. Hawke sat up and tugged her trousers up. She groaned climbing to her knees, so she could cover her ass. The unvarnished surface of the deck felt like it'd gotten a cut or two into her but there was no way to see to know.
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After Isabela and Hawke got cleaned up and presentable, and Hawke had hitched her trousers up, wincing at the sores on her rear, men and women began to peek up the gangplank of the Stormy Lover. The word must have gone out from Worthy and his friends, for they were coming to interview for a spot as one of Isabela's crew.
Isabela was pleased to note the tall blocky form of Craven in the line. The burly man smiled and saluted her with two fingers to his brow. After questioning the woman in front of her, she gave a nod and Hawke directed the woman below decks to find a sling in the crew's quarters.
"I knew you'd come back," Isabela grinned. Craven beamed. He bowed his head politely to Hawke who was outright glaring at him.
"This ship's been good to me. Even if Castillon did smell all wrong," Craven admitted. Ah, disliking her old enemy, another point for him.
"I need a good first mate. How's about a trial run and we'll see if you're up to snuff," Isabela smiled. Craven nodded.
"I'll keep the position, yet, Cap'n. You'll see," Craven promised.
Hawke leaned to whisper into her mate's ear and as Craven moved across the deck to allow the man behind him forward for his turn, he reflected on how much had changed in the past few years. Just a few short years ago, he had been chained in the brig of another ship. A woman's frightened face peered in at him and his fellows in manacles. Then without warning, she had docked the ship and struck the chains from them all and urged them to run.
She was smiling today, but Craven still recognized that captain as Isabela.
End for now:
End notes: I used a few lines from Merrill and Isabela from the game play. Cute stuff. And I found a way to sneak in an old face from Isabela's exploit that got her on Castillon's black list in the first place. Made up Craven but he was in that implied scene some years back.
Like it, leave a review!
Sincerely, pen
8/13/2018