Lisa looked toward the waves as she leaned against the Captain's boots. She had always loved the colours at sunrise and sunset at home, but realized she was quickly falling in love with the colours of the sun hitting the ever-changing clouds against the sea. As the sun continued to rise, she turned her attention to the men before her. As always, they worked in complete tune with one another. Not one misstep. She wondered how it looked from the top of the mast in the bird's nest and if it would be difficult to climb up there. Looking up at the Captain, she blushed as she realized he was regarding her.
It wasn't long before Diego came up and took the helm from the Captain, and she was led down to the kitchen.
Neo smiled when he saw Lisa trailing behind the Captain.
"Do I have the little sprout with me today?"
"I'll be back for her in a few hours, keep her busy."
"Not a problem, Captain."
The Captain turned to Lisa and lifted her face to his. He fixed an errant strand of hair behind her ear and let his forefinger run along her jaw. He smirked as her eyes widened, but she managed to stand still for him. And suddenly he was walking past her, leaving her looking up and lost in thought.
Neo chuckled and waited for the Captain to leave before he called Lisa over and handed her a sprig of a spice. She inhaled it and smiled at him.
"Rosemary."
She made a sign at him, which he repeated back to her.
"If I have you cutting the potatoes, do I need to worry about being gutted, little sprout?"
She shook her head emphatically at him, and he chuckled.
"Didn't think so. You can get started over there."
**
The Captain went to his cabin to dig into the pile of letters. He had only managed to have time to look through a couple at the top of the pile, and doubted he would be finished before reaching Veritous Port. Picking up the next on the pile, it was addressed to 'Stanis P.'
'Dear Sir,
As agreed, Lisa has come to you to be wed, as per our agreement. I trust that you will find she is a pretty creature and shall undoubtedly bear you an heir in no time. While her major flaw would be an annoyance to most, I believe that this will be a benefit for you and your proclivities. In fact, I encourage you to teach the girl in any manner necessary to suit your every whim.
With my end of the bargain held up, I will be expecting the balance of payment.
Happy nuptials, -G. F.'
Nathaniel felt an anger rising him upon reading the letter. Whoever G. F. was clearly had little regard for the safety of Lisa and was happy for her to be used as an abused brood mare. That she would be sent to the Governor with the knowledge of his 'proclivities' was beyond reprehensible; it was a death sentence. And of course, Lisa was the perfect victim; she couldn't talk. If she did escape, or find someone to pay attention to her, there was a low chance that they could sign. She would have to get a letter out, and he had no doubt that the Governor already ensured his little wives never had access to pen and paper.
Some questions were answered, but now there was more to be found out. Who was selling Lisa in the first place? And could they lay claim to her now?
The Captain angrily set the letter aside and continued on with the next letter.
**
Neo was having a wonderful afternoon with Lisa. He had picked up a few words for different foods from her in sign, and he was enamored with her small smile whenever he showed her something new, or let her be a taste tester for him.
When he felt a little tug at his sleeve, he turned around patiently to see what she needed.
"Yes, little sprout?"
She pointed at herself and then upwards.
"You want to go on deck?"
She smiled and nodded.
He gave her a small frown, "you know the Captain would have my head if I let you out of here without his permission. I like you, girl, but for your sake and mine, best to stay where you're told."
She looked down dejectedly and went back to the pile of dishes he had set her to. She knew it had been a long shot in asking, but had hoped with him watching, she might be allowed a little freedom above deck. He seemed to like her, but it was probably too soon to ask. One step at a time, she told herself.
The Captain strode into the kitchen, and when she heard his boots on the floorboards she looked up expectantly. Seeing his frown, and mistaking it for her stature, she cast her head down and waited to be told what to do.
"How was she?"
"Remember Clara?" Neo asked the Captain pointedly.
"Your opinion is noted, Neo. Come little sprite and mind yourself."
Lisa followed behind the Captain with her head still down. She had only been away from him for a few hours, but something during that time had angered him and she didn't feel like pushing him just now.