The Mariela is a nice, comfortable ship. For many of you, it’s unlikely you’ve sailed in such luxury before; no need to bundle up in hammocks stuffed into the same room, no need to resort to salted meats two weeks in, and hardly any need to help with the ship’s actual sailing. Batsheva’s exactly what she claims to be, which is… whatever you’ve heard of her. Cruelty, kindness, or absolute megalomania? She entertains most questions, and plays into your beliefs.
So you’ve been given nearly free reign upon the ship. The captain herself addresses you all at dinner time every evening, and today is no exception. The mess is warmly lit by lanterns that sway along the wooden walls, their light glinting off the chains that draw lines from the ceiling to the tables below. The smell of well-cooked food permeates the somewhat stuffy air, and alcohol flows freely. Water, of course, is far more sparse.. But you don’t need to worry about that. You’re hired help. You’re here to learn, right?
Batsheva stands, raising her glass. She’s an imposing figure, her head nearly brushing the ceiling and her face ever-obscured by the hair and eyepatch that covers half her visage. The smile on her face could be read in a myriad of ways, but her tone…
“Ah, another day upon these waters pleases me greatly. My little fledglings—“ She looks you all over, the outsiders from the main crew—“Tis my right and role to show you just how the seas should be ruled. Look out upon those waters, and see no other but me. For who else can even still be called a great pirate? Hah!” She spreads her arms wide with a laugh, some wine spilling from her glass with the motion. “Soon, you will all see the tight hold one must have to keep the leash on these damnable fools. The bigger you become, the more folks believe they can trample upon your coattails.” She scowls, then shakes her head. “Enjoy your meal, and continue as usual.”
The evening sun will set soon. Explore the ship, speak to your “crewmates” or fellow temp hires, or try anything else you’d like for now! If you’d like to seek out a person or place, or take any actions, please TAG ME and I will address it!.
OPTIONAL EXPLORATION OST: https://youtu.be/ge45RopzQ50?si=XoU_mNchVzG7BVL8
He thinks there’s probably some other examples of pretty great pirates, but ☝️ he’s not about to get thrown overboard. It sort of reminded him of the entire situation with the strange golden mask, either way. Pirates sure cared a lot about their legacy, huh…
He slides Minnow another bite of the fish fillet, before elbowing Tatum lightly. “She do this often?”
“Oh, for sure.” He licks a drop of whatever he’s drinking from the rim of his glass. “She means every word of it, too.” He grins up at where his captain is standing, and gives a little wave to Malachi at her side, who rolls his eyes.
Tired, gaunt, listless. It could always be worse, Clove reminds himself as he sits on a bench, the eyes shadowed by his lashes and the light above.
They ate their plate moderately, not because the food wasn’t good, but simply because they weren’t much of a big eater, especially under a captain’s roof. Look out upon those waters, and see no other but me. Indeed, there was nothing but her here; one wrong move and someone could be thrown overboard. Herloev ‘finished’ their meal, merely sipping on their drink now, and just… listened to the conversation for a beat. There was always something good to pocket in the back of their mind simply by observing.