The waves crashed against the ship, swaying it from side, to side as it danced on the dark, cold waters of the Frozen Sea. The passage was peaceful without any creatures threatening to divert the voyage to Booty Bay. The Devil’s Hand had been out at sea for months and its sailors were ready to head home. Those with families could speak of nothing more than their little ones and wives, while those who treaded the world alone grinned at the thought of sharing a warm bed with a local whore or lover. The daydreams were starting to fill the ship’s main deck, however, their eyes continued to watch for those vile obstacles that may impede their dreams to come true.
The human captain emerged from his cabin and patted a few of his men on the back as he walked by them. Like eager followers, his men surrounded him, prepared to hear the words of the seasoned pirate. He pounded his foot against the board and gathered their attention.
“Dogs, we have had a successful run. We are each leaving with a hefty amount to last us a few months. You brave and loyal asses will be rewarded. If the sea is willing, I will seek another crew in a few months for another voyage. Your loyalty will guarantee you work for the next trip.” The men nodded. He was a feared pirate, as many were, but he knew how to reward loyalty and thus, he usually had no problems with his men. “Now get back to work, you scoundrels! I saw an orca hauling a hundred murlocs faster than you! Get me home!”
“Ay!” The men scrambled and maneuvered the sails, letting them expand as the wind blew into them. The ship picked up speed and the hope of returning back to land was clearer. The captain reached into his pocket and flipped open a gold pocket watch. Taking a deep breath, he smiled. It was then that a series of barks and the squawking of his parrot broke his serene moment. The white dog ran toward him, knocking the captain onto the deck.
“Blasted dog! I will throw you off the plank for this! Get the damn rope!” A dwarf and an night elf ran around trying to catch the dog while the other men laughed.
“Seawolf, I think you’re dog is in trouble again,” a short, large nosed goblin said as he approached an auburn haired elf who was sitting on the deck carving out a figurine out of stone.
“She’ll be fine.” A slight chuckle escaped with his words as he continued to look at his carving. The goblin tugged at his white swashbuckler shirt and grumbled.
“I don’t know about this one, Wolf. The captain’s mighty mad. The dog made a fool out of him.” The goblin looked back at the men still chasing the dog and scratched his head over the red bandana.
“Misae means no harm. The captain knows that.” He put his carving in a pouch and stood up, patting the goblin’s head, which was immediately met with an annoyed grunt. The young elf, old enough to know the cruelties of the sea, but with an immature view of life, ran out to the captain cheerfully and put his arm around him. “I hear she made you look bad,” the elf grinned as he spoke in the common human language. His grin was replaced with an instant exhale as an elbow flew into his stomach.
“Get that dog under control, Cristianno, or you’ll be dog-less when we get to Booty Bay,” the captain grumbled.
Coughing, the elf chuckled and said,“Oh come on, cappy. You know she loves you. Misae! Come here, girl.” The dog stopped and turned to run toward the elf, making the dwarf and elf crash into each other, causing another rumble of laughter. Cristianno reached down and pet his white wolf. “See? She’s just having fun.” He knelt to cuddle his companion and as he did, a hand grabbed his long brown hair and pulled his head back.
“You will keep that mutt in your quarter or I will make sure the cook finds a way to serve her tonight!” He pushed the elf away and marched away, barking orders at the other men.
Cristianno sighed and cuddled his dog again. “Be good, girl. We’re almost back on land. Then we’ll head back to Silvermoon and see who’s left there.” He stood and walked to the edge of the ship, gazing at the endless sea before him. “I wonder if that girl is still there. Remember her?” He smiled and sighed while Misae whimpered. “Yeah, you’re probably right. She’s off with some rich noble elf living that pretentious Silvermoon life. I guess it’s just you and me, girl. For now, though. Don’t go jealous on me if I find a woman to share my bed with one night, alright?” The wolf playfully nipped at his leg. Cristanno laughed and reached down to pet her again.
“Maybe we can go visit father’s grave.” His sea-green eyes closed for a moment as he inhaled the salty air. “Yeah. It’s time to go home, girl. And who knows, maybe cappy will hire us for another trip.” Cristianno turned back in time to see the captain laughing at a human who was licking at his boots. “Damn, he must have pissed him off.” The elf gave his wolf a good pat. “See, Misae, that could have been you!” He laughed “But really, I think he’ll take us with him again. I mean, he’s had me on all his trips since I joined him, right?”
He sat on the deck once more, his belt chain clanging against the wooden boards. Misae placed her head against his thigh and closed her eyes while Cristianno took his wooden flute and began to play a jovial tune he had once heard in Thunder Bluff many years before.
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