That trip to Newfoundland had been very eye-opening so far, so to speak, and Bismarck was pleased about it. She would even gladly admit she was—in a way—like a child, in awe of things big and small that she had never seen before. Even something as mundane as tasting new food could leave her in wonder now.
"This is fish and brewis," the Commander explained as they sat in a rather quaint eatery on George Street of St. John's, with two plates of salt cod and hard bread that seemed to have been mashed together and an abundance of peas and potatoes on the side set before them. Between the plates was a side order of scrunchions—something made of pork fat and salt rinds. The two were apparently meant to be eaten together.
So Bismarck had a forkful—the inexplicably rich, salty flavor reminiscent of the sea soon overwhelmed her taste buds, long accustomed to and probably dulled by spartan nourishments and lack of creature comforts. And when she had a swig of pale ale, the bitter dampened by all the salt—she couldn't help but think just how fortunate she was. The entire sensation felt very foreign, but she welcomed it gladly.
"Glad you like it," the Commander remarked as he ate. "You're smiling, you know."
"Ah... yes, it's not bad at all. I like it," Bismarck had another bite as if to show she did mean it. The Commander seemed to be unusually overjoyed at that, she noticed. That, and relieved.
"Oh, good. I was worried it might be too salty for you."
"Hmm...well, better this kind of salty than saltwater clogging your throat as you sank," Bismarck said. Though only for a split second, her smile waned so slightly—as did the Commander's.
"...It won't happen again. I swear. You will always be safe now."
Bismarck looked up, meeting the Commander's intense gaze. She had been a little too careless with words. A slip of the tongue that, to her regret, ruined the peaceful atmosphere they had built. But she liked being on the receiving end of reassurance, just like that. Letting out a little laugh, she dispersed the solemn air.
"Thank you. I do plan to live long now. And I will make sure you do too."
"Me?" the Commander laughed along. "Well, as long as you're there, I don't mind."
"Glad to hear that. Because I would love for you to take me to more new places. See new things."
"It would be my pleasure."
"So, promise?"
"Promise."
