A Siren's Song (On Hold)

Port Royal

9 years had passed, since the last time you made port in West Africa. You are 19 now. Your ship is heading towards Port Royal, a vibrant and prosperous island near Jamaica.

---

You are called over to the rails. You thought your father was going to be happy to see you but he looked depressed. "you look unwell father. what's the matter?" you asked him. He glances at you then leans on the ship's railing. "I'm old now my dear. I'm just tired." he answered. "Or is it about me leaving?" you asked with a slight tone. He sighs and looks down "It has to be done my dear. The sea is not safe anymore."

You nod solemnly.

Your father had been warning you about the dangers of the sea for years now. He says that the pirates are more numerous and active then ever, with other stories of notorious pirates and legends coming to surface often. You wouldn't have believed those tales if you didn't have a tail yourself. 

"I can take care of myself. You've taught me soo much!" you protested. He nods, "I know. That's why you won't have any trouble living there alone." He replied, the creases on his forehead looking more prominent. That made you sad for a moment. You'd be all by yourself on that Island. But once your father's mind is made up, there was no room for any reconsiderations. You want to protest again, harder then the last time you've had this conversation, hoping he'd change his mind. But the haunting image of him sobbing that night made you rethink. "I understand." You said with a pang in your heart, you hugged him and trailed off. You watched as the Island slowly came closer.

You would be making new friends, maybe, have a fresh start. A different life. One in which you'd settle down and never roam the seas again. You hated it but you have to be obedient. For his sake, so you don't depart with bad memories. You must... Well, until you're forced back to sea. It's not like he's ever going to find out. You grinned to yourself at the thought. Maybe one day.

Only time could tell.

As you reach the port, you immediately got off the ship. You knew that if you stayed any longer on the ship, you'd never want to leave. Your father follows you with a letter in his hand. He comes up to you and passes it to you "take this and give it to Governor Weatherby Swann. He'll help you with lodgings"

"Thank you father" you held the letter close to you.

Your father pats you on the back "behave and don't get on anyone's bad side. I don't want to see any bruises or scars on you the next time I visit" He said with a playful smile. Even through sorrow he'd make sure you didn't leave with a heavy heart. You smiled back at him with a nod. And with the call of his name from a crewmate, he heads back to the ship.

He stops and turns to look at you. "Take care my lovely daughter." he said solemly. You smile at him, with teary eyes. You were trying to hold back your pesky tears "will I not get a parting hug?" Your eyes begged him. He sadly shook his head and got on the ship to heed to his call. You both knew if he held you that one last time he'd burst into tears. You nodded in understanding and wiped away the tears daring to fall down your cheeks.

You were all alone on this island. This was your chance to make a new life for yourself. A dull but safer life. One where you'd behave like a proper lady even though you knew jack shit about etiquette. You took a deep breath and matched off the harbor. No time to waste my tears now. It's not like i'm never to see him again.

---

As you walked through the island's town you peered into the windows as you passed by shops. "I'll have to start wearing dresses" you groaned and winced at the sight of an overly frilly dress. You'd have to make friends with the locals somehow, you couldn't just wander around and expect that they'd befriend you themselves. But first you have to meet Governor Swann. You need the help he was willing to offer. Though to be honest, you didn't know what he looked like, you only have the description of an older man.