Kingdoms of old

Chapter 5: Setting Sail

A/N: Use of alcohol (But they're adults so don't worry-), mild language, mention of death(?)

Camille stood next to Shixe, gazing up at the huge ship in front of them. It had just made port at the dock this early morning. 

Suddenly, a wooden gangplank slammed down inches away from Camille's feet, startling her; Shixe on the other hand, was left unfazed. A woman dressed in a poet shirt, trousers and buckled shoes with a necklace swinging around her neck started making her way down the gangplank. Her hair was curly and untidy as could be and looked in need of a good comb.

"So ye're the new queen I'm hearing all about, hmm?" the woman asked sarcastically. She stopped directly in front of Camille, looking her up and down, "I gotta say Shixey Boy, ye found yerself quite the treasure! I'm honestly a bit jealous."

Camille blushed deeply, "I-I...Uh- T-Thank you." She began playing with her hair, embarrassed and a little flattered. 

Shixe rolled his eyes, "Enough flirting Martha, you've made port so let's just get the supplies we'll need once we set off." Martha slapped Shixe on the back playfully, "Alrigh' Shixey Boy, since you're so keen on setting out on the sea of death, we'll hurry our pillagin' up just for you."

Martha turned towards her ship, "Alrigh' ye boys and ye wenches, let's get our loot and run! Hurry it up now, I'm not sharin' half of me booty for you to lay around all day!" Men, along with a few select women, ran down the gangplank and towards the town.

"They're not going to ruin the town right?" Camille asked worriedly. Martha shook her head, "Nah, Ampindere is me home, I warned each an' every last one not to destroy the town lest they wish to sleep in Davy Jones's locker."

Martha looked into the town, seemingly watching for something. "Are you expecting someone, Martha?" Shixe asked. She nodded, "Beatrice o' course! I've waited many a years to get an excuse to make port in me hometown to see her again, and now that I'm here I would like to have a nice quiet conversation with her before we leave."

"Quiet? That doesn't sound like the Martha I know," Beatrice stepped forward from behind another boat, smiling warmly. She approached the group calmly, "It's been a long time, Martha. We have much to discuss, including why you haven't visited in over ten years." Martha scratched the back of her neck, she opened her mouth to speak but Beatrice cut her off, "We'll discuss it over a cup of my homemade tea."

Martha smirked, "Do ye mean that bitingly bitter purple drink ye always claim as tea?" She trotted up next to Beatrice who had already started walking away. The rest of their conversation was inaudible to Shixe and Camille, but by the way Beatrice and Martha were laughing they must be having a good time.

Shixe turned on his heel, walking away after them. "Where are you going?" Camille asked. "Someone has to make sure they don't do anything rash, Martha is quite the bad influence," Shixe replied without even turning his head.

Camille stared off towards the town as they left her with the giant boat. She turned towards it, and started walking up the wooden gangplank.

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Martha sat at a wooden table in a tavern called 'The Stray Sheep', "So what happened to 'drinking tea at your castle'?"

Beatrice sat across from her, crossing her legs and setting her arms on the table, "Oh, you can stop the 'reformed pirate act', we both know you are desperate for a real drink; well 'real' by your standards." Martha immediately crossed her arms across the table and relaxed her posture completely.