They entered the bar, and he squeezed her hand. The room was full and loud, and Jack squinted, his nose crinkling.
"Jack! Over here!" His gaze rested on a man waving at him, his frizzy blond hair a beacon in the crowd. Jack took a deep breath and approached him. "Salem. How are you?" The man grinned charmingly. "I'm well. It's good to see you."
Jack folded his hands. "You have news for me?" Salem nodded. "Yeah. I've heard that Edolier mages have enchanted this new... weapon. Apparently, it's capable of taking down entire ships." Jack frowned. "What is it?" he asked. "They're calling it the 'Cannonball', although I don't know if it actually is one."
Salem caught her eye and winked. "There's a pretty one, there." Jack turned in his chair and saw her. He gave her a loving smile before turning back to Salem with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah. Quite beautiful." "I think she's eyein' me," he said, grinning cheekily at her.
"So, about this weapon. What do you want us to do about it?" Salem tore his gaze from Avice and turned back to Jack. "Well, I thought that'd be obvious. You need to go into Edolier and break it. Get rid of it." Jack tensed. "You're asking my entire crew to go into the nation's capital? Are you insane?" "It's either that or be hunted down by this weapon anyway. It's your choice."
Jack sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're asking me to do something impossible here." "Hey, it's up to you. I'm just giving you a warning." His gaze returned to Avice. "Now, if you'll excuse me.."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't if I were you." "Oh, Jack, you old worrywart. Trust me; I'm great with the ladyfolk." He approached Avice and Jack followed. Salem got to the bar and leaned on it next to Avice. "Hey baby," he said, grinning charmingly at her. "The name's Salem."
Jack sighed and kissed Avice's cheek. "Salem," he said coolly, "allow me to introduce Avice. My partner. Av, this is Salem, my buddy from the old crew."
