“Oh thank you again Westley sir!” Norah gushed as she struggled to hold her new bundle of clothes.

“You're very welcome Miss Norah. I'm glad we were able to get such good deals on them.” Westley chuckled as he walked her back to the ship. 

Erick should be finished with the order by now, which meant Cordell and his crew would be to the ship with the order half past midday. Hopefully he wouldn't get himself into too much trouble without him. Who was he kidding? He’d at least give him the benefit of the doubt this time. He hadn't had anything to drink since last night and was slightly hungover, hopefully that would keep him subdued for now. He hated the feeling like a school of sardines swimming about his stomach when Erick was gone. He just hoped he would stay mostly sober this adventure.They had around a half hour before they arrived. The perfect amount of time to get Norah fixed up to her standards. Westley looked around making sure to keep an eye on Norah as he watched their surroundings. 

“May I go wash up and try on my new clothes, Westley!?” Norah chirped excitedly as they walked up the gangplank of the ship.

Luckily they had at least made it around and back to the ship with no issues.

“Of course Miss, there's fresh water in the basin in the crew's quarters just for you.” Wes said as Norah quickly skipped off to go change.

Wes set down the supplies he gathered on the deck and stared back at Montport. By Posidon he loved it here. The way the smells danced together in the air, making a symphony all of its own in the sky. The way the sun glinted off of the stalls and colors, shining as a kaleidoscope of the finest jewels. If he ever were to settle down off the ship one day he’d adore to do it here. The only place better than the seven seas. As much as he longed for something else he longed for his captain and ship more, as difficult the work and watching is he wouldn't trade it.

“This feels so much better than that stuffy dress!” Norah giggled with glee as she spun around in her new clothes.

As much as she had wanted a dress at first Westley thought it better she had a proper outfit for sailing. Together they had settled on a semi loose long sleeve top in the color Sunflower Burgundy according to Norah. As she stated it was the color of the burnt sunflowers that look at the sun a little too longingly, she said she now understood the moon burnt them for looking at her lover too much. Erick and his tall tales, he was filling that girl's head with dreams. Maybe they should try writing down his tales and possibly selling them, But they wouldn't be as good without Erick telling them himself. They also acquired a new pair of pants and some sleep wear for her, along with new boots and a strawberry pink dress Norah practically begged for. Westley did have a hard time saying no as he had never seen such a vibrant color such as that before. Luckily he was able to haggle the girl down to just six pent. All together they only spent 8 silver which was the best Westley had ever done while haggling, having Norah with him helped as well. They took pity on the man with the cute daughter. He didn't have the heart to correct people, he did feel a little like he was scamming people. However who was to say Norah wasn't his daughter now? At least until they found her another family.

“I’m very glad it does! You look like a proper pirate now, miss!” Westley chuckled as he watched her break in her new boots.

“Do you think Mr. Ashrock will be pleased with my new clothes?” Norah giggled as she pretended she was in an imaginary sword fight.

“I’m sure of it, Miss. Now why don't we get that hair of yours fixed up for an adventure now.” Westley smiled as Norah smiled and grabbed the brush they had bought.

“Promise you'll be Gentle Westey sir, Papa always yanked on my knotts. Mama was much more gentle on them. Please promise you'll brush it like Mama.” Norah said sheepishly as she came back with the brush.

“You have my word Miss, I'll be ever so careful just like your Mama.” Westley said his heart weeping a little for her. He was going to do whatever he could to keep her safe. From now on in his eyes he was her mama.

Westley took the brush from her and as gently as he could put her hair into a braid, luckily braiding wasn't too different from tying a knot as long as you knew what you were doing. He had Sigrid teach him the last time they were a crew, and Erick had let him practice on him as well. Maybe he should braid Ericks beard to match Norah. Wes looked out towards the direction of The Broken Oven as he finished her braid. Erick would be back soon. At least that's what he kept telling himself. Best case Erick would be back before Cordell, worst case… well He didn't want to think about the worst case. He watched as he searched for glimpses of his captain. His worn leather hat given to him by his father, the black leather crinkled yet it still shined. His dark red coat that smells of rum and smoked oak, the tails stained from the sea. His striking silver eyes, his muscular scarred chest.

“Ahoy Westley!” Cordell shouted, snapping Westley out of his train of thought. “Everything in the usual spots?”

“C-correct, thank you Cordell.” Westley stammered as he recomposed himself.

Cordell always was sneaky when approaching the ship, he should make him wear a cowbell for every delivery from now on. As much as his habit of startling him was annoying he grew to become good friends with Cordell. It was always enjoyable to catch up with him. 

“You know where to put it boys.” Cordell shouted to his crew as he bounded up the gangplank to them. “And who's this beautiful young lady? Did one of Ashrock’s many disgruntled lovers finally make him take some responsibility?” 

Westley rolled his eyes at his comment. They both knew Erick didn't sleep around. At least not since Westley had joined the crew, he had never asked if he slept around before. Westley shook off the weird feeling about the comment, Cordell just loved to poke fun at the rumors. He had no idea what he was talking about.

“I’m Norah Cromwell, sir!” Norah said before Westley could answer for her.

For a girl with a monster chasing her she was sure open to sharing who she was with anyone who asked.

“Ah! A real lady! What a pleasure to meet you Miss.” Cordell said, giving her a quick bow. “I hope the Seas Treasure is treating you well.”

“Oh yes! Very well!” Norah giggled as she showed him her brush. “We just got new clothes and this brush for me! And Sir Westley did my hair so much better than Mama used to!”

Norah tensed slightly at her own words. Westley quickly petted her head, giving her reassurance. He knew her heart must still be breaking for the family she once had. He was going to try his best to make sure she got another one.

“She shall receive nothing but the best we can do while with us.” Westley smiled, his heart overflowing with pride at her comment about her hair. 

“Of course she will, Ahsrock wouldn't let a lovely lady live in squalor after all.” Cordell said as Norah bounded off to play with the wheel. 

“Speaking of Ashrock, I see he's nowhere to be seen. I figured he'd beat us here.” Cordell said, slightly lowering his voice so Norah wouldn't listen in.

“Best case getting a drink, don't really wanna think about worst case.” Westley huffed as Cordell gave him a sympathetic look.

“He can surely stir up trouble, but then again your life wouldn't be an adventure then.” Cordell laughed

“Easy for you to say, you don't suffer the consequences of his trouble.” 

“True, I am as you've said before, a simple delivery man.” Cordell laughed as Westley shook his head in embarrassment, he had said that one time. “However, I hope that captain of yours is taking good care of you as well. It is his job after all to make sure his crew is satisfied.”

Westley rolled his eyes, as much as he enjoyed Cordells company he was crude sometimes. 

“He takes care of me just fine, when I'm not helping him at least. Besides, don't you have work to do, Cordell instead of poking fun at me?” Westley jokingly huffed trying to change the subject.

“You were daydreaming again when I got here, I can tell when you're lost in thought.” Cordell said changing the subject back on him. “Daydreaming about a special swashbuckler?” 

Westley felt his face turn bright red at his words. Cordell assumed too much, maybe he could make him walk the plank, Or send him to the gallows, sadly he didn't have time for either. 

“I’m just trying to make sure he gets back safely! I-i don't appreciate what you're implying.” Westley sputtered as Cordell smirked and threw his hands up in his defense.

After all, he was just trying to make sure Erick got back safe. He wasn't one of those awestruck girls, he was better than them. They were just friends after all, just crewmates nothing more. Nothing more.

“Ah! Cordelius! Always a pleasure my lad!” Erick called out as he stumbled his way up the gangplank, luckily he didn't seem to be wasted. “Careful with my goods men! That bastard Langward better not have forgotten anything or I'll Keel haul the barnacle myself!”

Westley felt his body relax at the sight of his captain, especially by the fact he wasn't being chased down by an angry mob this time. Had he actually behaved himself?

“It's Cordell sir!” Cordell shouted as he leaned closer to Wes and whispered in his ear. “Hmmm his hair’s gotten longer, and a bit thicker. Are you sure he's got a drinking problem? He's in great shape for someone you say drinks that much. I can see why you're infatuated with him, I would be too.” 

Westley gave him a swift smack on his arm as Erick approached them. Maybe Cordell wasn't such good company after all.

“Mr. Ashrock! Look at my pretty new clothes!” Norah giggled as she ran towards Erick.

“My word you look breathtaking little lady! Like a proper part of our crew!” Erick chuckled as he patted Norah on the head. 

“Now why don’t you go and take this back to your quarters?” Erick said, handing her a small plush rabbit.

“Oh! Thank you Mr. Ashrock!!” Norah squealed as she hugged him and ran off below deck.

“You seem to be ahead of schedule! Good lad Cordelius! I can always count on you to get things done swiftly.”

“Everything go alright with Langward?” Westley pondered as Erick rolled his eyes and smiled at him.

“Sadly yes, as much as I despise that bilge-rat of an old creton I held my tongue Wes, and paid the bastard in full. No offense Cordelius, the only good thing that wet clump of weeds has done is hire you.” 

“He's a hard one to like, Captain.” Cordell sighed.

Westley let out a small sigh of relief, Erick hadn't caused trouble for once, which for him was nothing short of impossible. At least they'd finally get to set off with no issues.

“I’m proud of you captain! It's not everyday you behave yourself.” Cordell teased as Erick laughed and patted him on the back.

“I’m glad you listened to me, Captain. Now we can set out with no issues.” Wes said as Erick nodded along.

“THERE! THAT'S HIM! HE'S THE ONE.” 

“Except, maybe that.” Erick cringed as they turned to look at the voice that shouted across the crowds.

A girl with a scattered bun and creased blue dress stood pointing at their ship with tears streaming down her face. She was surrounded by three men who looked ready to kill. Westley smacked his palm against his face. It really had been too good to be true.

“The men should have loaded the last of your stuff by now, I can buy you as much time as you can but I expect a good drink and a night of catching up for my heroics next time we meet.” Cordell sighed as the men began shoving through the crowd to the ship.

“Time to set sail Wes! Hurry now!” Erick shouted as he ran to get the ship ready.

“Thank you Cordell, I will make sure to make it up to you.” Westley sighed as he quickly followed him down the gangplank and untied the ship.

“May Poseidon give you strength my friend. You're going to need it.” Cordell shouted as Wes ran back up the gangplank and pulled it onto the ship.

“We're leaving already!?” Norah asked sadly as she came back up from below deck.

"That's something you'll get used to here, Miss.”