"Now officer you must have a mistake. This here is my crew member. He's been here all night liftin' crates in t' the ship" a voice rang out behind him. He felt callused feminine hands curl around his shoulder. He could smell the faint scent of her perfume as she held him close to her side as if she was daring the officer to say something to contradict her. she smelled of spiced rum, a warm scent that filled the lungs with its elements of sharp spice, but there was also the sweet scent of cherry.
"Captain Robin, we had a boy matching his description flee the scene of a stabbing earlier possibly an attempted murder with a kitchen knife earlier. Excuse my frankness but I doubt that boy is your crew member considering the disheveled state of his appearance. " the officer retorted with a frown.
James kept his eyes on the officer unable to turn his gaze away. He felt a shiver creep up his spine. The captain however just laughed her voice filled with an odd sense of amusement.
"Now now, its only natural you rip a few clothes when tending to the ship. as for the whole shoes ordeal, Im always telling the boy 'put on ya boots before they think ya are some run-a-way young-in.'. If you want my first mate could show you his papers... Im sure this would be a great conversation to have with your boss. Tellin' him you lost a criminal so horribly you had to come harass my crew just t' feel better bout yourself? Worse add on wastin' all our time with paperwork after we just escorted the Governor's daughter back here safely" The captain hissed her tone low almost threatening in a way that was odd. Why was she protecting him? Why would anyone protect him? His parents never had yet some strange woman wanted to even risking her own reputation to do so.
"Fine... you've made your point. Keep your dog of a first mate on his leash, I'll look elsewhere for the suspect" the officer conceded with a grumble letting his grip fall from his sword before he turned away. James watched the man stomp off for a good few minutes waiting for something to happen. It took a long few seconds before he turned to look at the captain.
Her eyes were the first thing that caught his attention. They glowed in the dark of the night a bright ruby red with a short of hint of amusement in their depths . Her hair was a mess of slightly seared uneven blonde locks that fell in layers around her slip yet pretty face. She reminded him of the creatures in stories he had heard other children tell as he saw the fangs when she smiled. She laughed at the confused look on his face and in one fluid movement shrugged off the large coat she wore, throwing it over him.
"now what's your name kiddo?" she hummed. His eyes focused on her fangs as she spoke. His nails dug in his palm as he looked up at her. He needed to join her crew. He needed it more than anything else in this world. He wanted to be like her already. He wanted to have the fearless confidence like she bore.
"James! I'd like to join your crew" he replied his voice filled with determination and his shoulders tense as he tried to make himself as tall as possible.
a grin appeared across the captain's lips and she leaned down a moment. He flinched instinctively when she reached out but instead of pain, he felt her fingers gently ruffle his hair into more of a mess than it already was.
"Didn't I already say ya were a member of the crew to the police?" she joked "Now lets get our new youngest crew member in tip top shape, huh? Can't 'ave you catchin' ya death of a cold out here. ". She placed a hand on his shoulder gently and led him up the ramp to the bustling deck of the ship. a few crew members glanced and waved at him in an odd manner as if they had known him his whole life. It was like he just belonged here without even trying. James couldn't help wondering what the catch was as he shuffled across the deck close to captain as she led him into to the barely lit section of the ship under the deck. She led him to a small wooden door decorated with the same leaf like engravings as the outside of the ship.
"Open it up. One of our officers doesn't use 'is room so until you get better acquainted with everyone and I'm sure ya don't got any sickness's you'll stay here. Theres clothes in the dresser, and some shoes that should fit ya. My officer had a scrawny son bout ya size so i figure since we had extra stuff for his wee one, it might fit ya. Go on." she declared gesturing to the door. James blinked surprised at her actions. Why was she acting like this? He let his finger tips curl around this new door knob. a deep breath filled his lungs as he readied himself.
Slowly and quietly he pushed the door open revealing the room's contents. a bed rested against the far wall attached to the ship. It had more pillows and blankets than his resting at home. The dresser was another addition different from home. There was also a chest and a small desk. He stepped in hesitantly. His body was still aching from the whole ordeal of the night yet his curiousity kept him from going to the bed yet. He opened up the cabinet to reveal the clothes kept on neat little hangers. They really did look about his size. Most of them were in deep reds or blacks. His fingers brushed the fabric hesitantly. It felt light beneath his his fingers almost airy but also like it had been stitched to survive the elements. He gave the captain another wary glance before tugging out a black shirt and a pair of brown trousers. She gave a light nod and ruffled his hair again.
"I'll send out someone to pick ya up somethings for ya tomorrow alright? Rest for tonight. Change out of those damp things first though" she hummed softly and tipped her head before ducking out of the door. Her coat still rested around his shoulders but she was already gone. The weight of the day hit all at once. His world weary body felt like it might collapse the second everything had hit its calm. He slowly changed out of his clothes trying not to make any quick movements that might make the soreness worse. Every part of him felt like it might fall apart like a marionette when the strings were cut. Nestled still in the captain's coat he laid down upon the bed and closed his eyes. The soft pillows and mattress felt like he'd just sink into them for an eternity as his brain began to drift off. The scent of rum and sea water still remained when eventually drifted off.
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