"Bainslough," Jack replied evenly, standing up and stacking the plates that had been eaten off of during the meal. "We're docking in Bainslough."
Avice had stuck around a bit, staying afterwards. "I'll help clean up." She offered, picking up a few plates herself.
Jared turned his head almost instantly. "Did you say Bainslough?" A large smile slowly formed on his face. "We're going to Bainslough?!"
"Yes," Jack said, smiling at the reaction. "Do you have connections there?" He sent a grateful look towards Avice. "Thank you so much. I was mourning the loss of my sleep until you spoke up."
"Bainslough library is where I can find more books about mythology and mythical creatures. And I can also find some new recipes to cook." He took some plates down to the kitchen and placed them in a small box
"I see," Jack said, following him down to the kitchen. "It seems that the crew doesn't know the area well, but they have a particular high demand for tobacco currently, and we've been lucky enough to acquire some." He set the dishes in the worn pine crate, the nails rusty from time. "We're planning to also make a stop in Urela in the coming weeks."
"Urela?... That desert town? I think I'll pass on that one. I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough... and irritating and it gets everywhere..."
(No, bad. None of that prequel nonsense.) "Bainslough? Ugh, what a cesspool." Cobiah sneered. "There is a small Seatone facility in the docks, however. I can procure some goods for us."
Jack grinned at Jared widely, humor in his eyes. "Oh, come on, sailor! You've faced horrors beyond what the mind can process, and you are scared of some sand?" Shaking his head, he turned to Cobiah, and nodded in appreciation. "That would be excellent. The captain will be pleased." He placed the last of the dishes in the crate and stretched. "Looks like that's it, everyone! Thanks for your help. Get some sleep." * * * The cobbled streets, and her own loud footsteps against the cold, uninviting bricks. A shadow, flitting through the alleyways, and her heavy breathing as she runs, the wind blowing her long dark hair across her rosy cheeks. She trips, feels the rough stone cut through the skin on her hands, gets up, and continues running. She turns a corner, and stops, for she knows she is caught. In the moments before being taken again, she smiles slightly. At least she can now conclude her fate. After all, it's the unknowing that unsettles her the most. Natalia woke up in a second, and jumped up, her blade in her hand, and she turned, eyeing the dark corners of her room suspiciously. She knew it was a dream, she knew that. However, it took her many moments to finally lower her dagger. She turned back to her desk where she had accidentally fallen asleep. She sat back down, and gazed blankly forward, until she slumped forward, and hid her face in her hands. She allowed herself one moment. Two. Then, she sat up straight, took her quill, and returned to her work.
He could tell Jack was joking about him being scared but he still replied to his comment. "I'm not scared of sand. These battered, old shoes..." He gestured down to his feet. "Plus coarse sand equals a LOT of blisters and I don't want that happening. So call me a little girl, call me whingey... but I don't want that happening..."
Jack patted him on the back cheerfully. "Don't worry, Jared. We know you're just as brave as the rest of us." He scratched his recently shaven chin in thought. "Although, I hear that this time of year, it's more tropical than sandy. But I will let the choice fall to you."
Avice chuckled lightly, then turned to go back to the cabins. "... Well, good night everyone!" She said, just before leaving and getting to sleep.
"That's my cue too," Jack said, stretching. "I'll see you all in the morning." With a small wave, he departed to his quarters. * * * Jade and Ellia watched as Jack left. "He's a strange one, isn't he?" Jade commented, watching him walk up the stairs. "Maybe. He seems nice enough, though, right?" Ellia said, finishing the last of her meal. "I suppose." Jade stood up and yawned. "You coming to bed?" "Nah. I have the first shift. I'll see you tomorrow though." "Alright. Night." (Time skip?)
(Time warp!) At approximately 7:31 in the morning, The Calypso's Revenge slowed, and the anchor plunged into the sea. To dock in the port would be suicide, of course, but the rowboats were quickly deployed, and within an hour, Natalia, Ellia, Jade, Avice, Jared, Sierra and Cobiah all got into Bainslough. Jack was staying on the ship to manage the remaining crew. The town was bustling early in the morning. The sun streamed in through the buildings, creating dappled patterns on the cobblestone streets, and various vendors called out prices and deals for their wares. "I always liked Bainslough," Natalia commented, oddly light-spirited. "It seems like it would be a nice place to live, y'know, for a place on land."
Jared straggled behind, his eyes almost glued shut and mouth drooped open and yawning continuously. "Why did we have to leave so early?... I can barely stay awake..."
"Aww, Jared," Jade said, slapping him on the back. "I thought you were excited about this?" Natalia turned to the group, brushing her hair out of her eyes. "Alright everyone. We're going to split up. Get the supplies you need for your area of the ship. Meet back at the docks in one hour. Be swift." She turned on her heel, and began walking. She turned a corner, and was gone. "Where's she off to?" Jade wondered, shaking her head at the abrupt exit. "Where are you guys going?" Ellia asked. "Maybe we're going in the same direction."
"I am excited...*yawn* I'm just so tired..." He straightened up and walked only a pew paces before slumping over again. "If you need me... *yawn* I'll be at the library." He wandered off in the library's general direction.
