22. The laughter of women
It was not uncommon to hear it upon the decks; light-hearted and carefree, even if just for the moments in between matches with the Guild. She had always loved the sound, had come to appreciate the larger meaning of its presence. It meant people were happy, at ease, comfortable and enjoying themselves. Hearing it echo down stifling halls refreshed the air, her spirit. It reminded her why she was really doing this.
It was killed mid-release when he walked by, two young crew members snapping to attention in salute, cane tap-tap-tapping as he continued past, paying them no heed. A peek - in what could have been curiosity - over a shoulder only revealed dutiful officers paying respects to their captain. He didn't waste anymore time on frivolous philosophical wonderings. His dark cape flapped around the bend before they broke attention, nervous giggling now taking residence in its cousin's previous stead.
A tiny smile lifted the corner of her mouth. He'd never been very tolerant of it, even back in the days of Court. Gossiping women had often been on his list of encounters to avoid. He had really never gotten the hang of dealing with embarrassment.