"Caeliana!" He shouted again, this time his tone a little more desperate than before. He swallowed back his nerves, trying not to panic. He heard footsteps rapidly approaching from his left side, and he'd barely turned to face them before weight of a body crashed into his slender form. He stumbled back a bit, his arms automatically reaching out to grab the person who'd knocked into him. He looked down, and to his relief, he recognized it to be Cael. He didn't have time to speak before an angry store owner had reached them, spitting out his words and tossing her bracelet at his feet.

It didn't take long for Pritchard to understand what had happened, and amusement bubbled within his chest. He bent down, his fingers grabbing her bracelet and slipping it back on her wrist, his touch gentle and his demeanor calm. He kept one arm draped over Cael's shoulders, a small and simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes. He would protect her. His fiery eyes drifted back to the angry merchant, a smirk playing at his lips. "And you should know who you're talking to, mate." He retorted simply, his smirk turning into one of a grin. Sunlight bounced off the rings that adorned his fingers and the jewelry that dangled from his neck and ears. "In any other circumstance I'd ask you to name the price of the dress she holds, but perhaps I'm not inclined to feel so generous today." He went on. "Now maybe if you would've treated her with some ounce of dignity and respect it'd be a different story, but I must inform you of your bigotry, for she's a lady, not a whore." With a confident yet calm movement, Pritchard unsheathed a dagger, the metal singing softly as he pulled it from his waist.

"Now as long as you're standing here, pay attention," He kept the blade close to himself, but pointed casually towards the merchant. His eyes glittered dangerously, never once leaving the other man. "The lady'll be getting what she wants today, and if you're intent on receiving some kind of payment you can take it up with myself and the rest of my crew, there's plenty of room aboard the Black Dahlia. Although I must say it's likely you'll be treated with the same sort of dignity you've given to her, do I make myself clear?" His expression was playful, but there was a lilt to his tone that was sure to send shivers down anyone's spine who had the misfortune of being on the recieving end.

He slipped his arm off of Cael, stepping more in front of her and placing himself closer to the merchant. "Don't let me see your face again."

He sheathed his blade, turning and gently pushing Cael along, picking up his pace. "Come on," He said, a sense of thrill running down his spine. "We'll lose him in the crowds just in case he goes to get lawmen." He pushed her along, and the further they distanced from the store the more he began to chuckle. "You know you make a pretty good pirate," He teased her, a grin on his face. "Stealing a dress your first time in town? What a way to make a name for yourself!"

Caeliana’s heart pounded through her chest, and if it were not for her bones and skin, you would be able to see it. She tried to catch her shaky breath, breathing through her nose and out through her mouth. Her body trembled softly under his arm, her eyes looking to him as he stood up for her, he was protecting her, why?

She watched as he pulled the dagger from his waist, threatening the man before them who’s face swapped from anger to fear. He knew of Pritchard and his men once he explained, he knew of his and his crews' doings. The metal sang as it was released from its hold, shining against the sunlight as he moved it around. “I…..I’m sorry, she can have what she pleases” he said, throwing his hands up, pleading to the pirate.

Cael was still stuck beside Pritchard, staying silent as she watched, the look of people staring made her feel small, weak. Though as Pritchard looked around with those fiery eyes, others turned away. They did not want to deal with the wrath of Blackmane. She was lost in her mind when she felt his hand place itself on the small of her back, a tingle running up her spine. She pulled her attention back, looking at him as he motioned to go.

“I…. I’m sorry” she said, her eyes locked on the world before them as he guided her through the streets. She did not see this as a joke at first until he mentioned her being a great pirate. A small smile appeared on her lips, “I didn’t know these people don’t trade” she said, “that is how we do it” she added.

As they moved from the larger crowds she began to calm, chuckling softly as she looked back at Pritchard. “The look on your face was priceless though” she teased.The look of shock took away his stern expression. "These humans are quite curious creatures tho. All these goods and they would rather sell than trade for more useful items? It makes no sense" she added.

The sunlight glistened off her hair and body, the jewelry as well as they walked side by side, no one seeming to get in their way anymore. "Though the goods are much nicer" she said as she looked at the dress. She had never wore one, she had only dreamed of it, she had heard stories of royalty wearing gorgeous gowns. Her smile widened as her fingers traced the lacing of it.

He kept a hand gently on her back as he led her through the crowds, not wanting to lose sight of her again. "Don't apologize," He said, chuckling lightly. "We're pirates. Take what you can and give nothin' back." He listened to her explain how she'd come to steal it, slowing their pace to a more casual walk. "Some people trade for items," He explained softly. "But most sell for currency. Coins or dollars that help buy other things such as property or food for their families. A much different world than where you come from, I'm sure."

He grinned at her comment on his expression. "Well I can say I was certainly a little more than surprised and worried when I turned around to find you gone." He said, a slightly serious lilt to his tone, as if he wanted her to know that he had been genuinely worried for her. "But sometimes I can't help but laugh when I see an angry man all puffed up about a dress, especially one in the hands of a maiden like yourself." He flashed her a wink, a charming expression glinting in his eyes. "He'll survive without it. Besides, it's not like you didn't offer him anything in return for it. He's the one who chose to throw it back at you."

He watched as she held up the dress, admiring it. He was completely unaware that he looked at her in the same manner she looked at the dress, his amber eyes glittering with admiration and a soft smile lining his lips. He came to a stop once the larger crowds were behind them, letting her look at it as long as she wanted without fear of bumping into anyone. "It will look just as magnificent on you as it does now, if not more." He encouraged softly. "We'll try it on tonight when back on the ship, if you'd like. I have a gift to give you as well, so perhaps we can knock out two things at once."

Pritchard trusted that the crew had gotten most of--if not all--the supplies to restock the ship, so he wasn't worried much about doing so. It had been a couple hours since being in town, and it was nearing time for dinner. He walked with her to several other places, letting her wander around and look at things and ask questions. At some point during their walks, he offered to take the dress from her to hold it for her so she could move more freely without the heat and weight of the extra fabric.

He looked up, judging the placement of the sun, and glanced towards her. "Hey Cael," He said softly, grabbing her attention. "What do you say we head back to the ship? We can try the dress on and come back for dinner. I know a good place to catch a nice meal before we head back out."

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Pritchard walked quietly up the stairs to the captain's cabin, opening the door and letting her inside first before stepping in after her. The door closed gently behind him, his bootsteps echoing quietly against the floor as he walked across the room. He set the dress down onto the bed before walking around the room, lighting the lanterns and candles to prepare for their later return once darkness fell. "You can try it on," He told her kindly, his back to her as he walked over to his desk, removing his satchel and setting down. He occupied himself with sorting through the items he'd bought, hearing the soft rustle of fabric as she changed behind him. At one point he turned, glancing her way to see that she'd been quietly struggling.

The dress was on, but looked a bit crooked and was loose around her shoulders, the back completely open. A brief but amused smile lined his lips as he approached her. "May I?" He asked after a moment, gesturing lightly towards the gown. His fingers lightly danced along the fabric, his warm eyes focused on the lace and trim and how it was supposed to situate against a woman's body. His touch was light and gentle, oddly expertised around the ways of a dress.

"Alright, almost there." He crooned, slipping behind her. He was quiet as he laced up the back, his hands moving her hair aside as he'd done a few nights before while applying salve to her burn. He lightly tugged on the ribbons, pulling the corset area a little tighter to hold her body properly. "There," He said, circling back around to her front. His eyes traced over her, checking for any imperfections he may have missed. "Now don't you look stunning?" He said to her, a charming and teasing lilt to his words.

He moved breezily to his desk, pulling the brush he'd gotten out from his satchel. "Come here," He told her softly, pulling out the chair to his desk and motioning for her to sit. "We'll get some of those tangles out, make you look proper, yeah?" His touch stayed gentle as he ran the brush through her golden waves, each stroke pulling out any debris and tangles that had accumulated over the past few days. When he was done, he let her hair fall over her shoulders, extending a hand to help her up. "This is yours to use," He said, setting the brush down upon his desk. "You just hold the handle and move it through like I did. It helps your hair to look shiny." He flashed her a wink before gently leading her over to one of the corners.

The young captain moved aside a couple of boxes, pulling out an old large mirror that had been stolen some years ago. He placed it softly against the wall before stepping back to stand behind her, letting her look at her reflection in its glass.

"See?" He said, his voice low and calm. "Beautiful..."

Pritchard stood behind Cael as she looked at herself, his hands resting gently upon her shoulders. A soft and slight smile lined his lips, and a gentle expression flickered in his warm eyes. It came as more than a surprise when she turned around, enveloping him in a tight hug. There was only a brief moment of hesitation from him before he let his arms fall around her in a hug back. A single hand held the back of her head gently to his chest, her words of thanks muffling into him. He held her for a moment, softly pressing a kiss to the top of her head before realizing that she'd shed a tear.

He pulled back slightly, placing a knuckle beneath her chin to draw her face upwards to look into his. He brushed a thumb softly over her cheek, wiping away the tear stain. Her skin shimmered in the candlelight, her blue pools reflecting the flames of his own. He felt a sharp pang in his chest, the desire to kiss her stronger than he'd ever felt it. "You deserve to feel as beautiful as you look," The captain rumbled to her, his voice just above that of a whisper. "I care for all among my crew, there need not be any thanks in order here." He nodded in the direction of the mirror, slowly aiding her in turning to face it once more. "Look how you shine." He let a smile light up his his features, taking one of her hands and lifting her arm slightly above her head. "Spin." He said calmly, allowing her to move and see herself from all angles. The fabric around the base of the dress flowed gracefully around her ankles, rippling like the waves.

"Now all the ladies will be jealous," Pritchard teased. "No mistaking you for a 'whore' now, is there?" He mocked the merchant from earlier. "We should probably head back into town whenever you're ready, before it gets dark. We'll have some dinner and come back here to prepare for sail." The necklace around his neck glittered, matching the eyes of the young woman standing in front of him. He lifted her hand to his lips as he'd done a few nights before, kissing it respectfully before letting go and exiting the cabin, tossing his chin for her to follow.

They passed by several of his men, some of them watching Cael with wary eyes, and others seeming to just now notice her beauty. "As you were, gents." Pritchard said, exiting the ship and walking once more into town. He kept pace with her, walking side by side. Upon reaching the small restaurant, he opened the door for her. The place was small but cleanly, made of brick and wood. There were people inside dining, but not as many as there could have been, leaving plenty of room and a cozy atmosphere. "You can get whatever you'd like," He told her kindly. "I know the owner."

A soft chuckle left his throat as she playfully swatted his arm. He couldn't help but admire her. Up until now he hadn't seen much in her beyond just being attractive and perhaps dangerous. But today...well, really the past few days, he'd begun to feel something in himself shift. He found himself being kinder to her, more patient, and treating her with a care he hadn't ever given to anyone. He wasn't quite sure what it was about her that he was so drawn to, but he liked it, and he found himself not wanting to let it slip from his grasp.

The sun was just about to set, lanterns lining the streets hung from buildings. Music from pubs billowed into the air, drunk men and women laughing with one another as ladies of the night wandered about. Pritchard recognized a handful of them, but tonight made no attempt to approach any of them.

Once inside, he couldn't help but smirk as she'd ordered fish. What else could he expect? "It can be fun, for sure." He agreed with her, chuckling softly as she took a drink. "You oughta try some other meat sometime," He told her kindly after odering his own food. "While you're up here on land why not try new foods? Plenty of fish in the sea to eat when you can go back." He was unaware of how his words could potentially affect her, oblivious to how strongly she was feeling about being able to experience being a human. He'd ordered lamb, and when their food arrived he slid his plate over a little towards her.

"Take off a bit if you want," He encouraged, gesturing to his plate. "Just try it." He'd taught her how to use cutlery, and part of this was to see how much she'd learned, but he also did just want her to experience more flavor profiles. He took a drink, the taste strong but sweet, a familiar and pleasant drink that was among one of his favorites. He began to eat, the meat cooked just right. It was better than he'd remembered, and it was days like these where he tried to savor every moment of being in town. He loved the sea, and the life he lived was one of freedom. But sometimes he did find himself wishing he was selfless enough to sacrifice that freedom in exchange for these luxuries.

"Look at you," He said after a moment, his eyes glittering with admiration and teasing light. "Just a few days in and you're dining with the captain in town, all dressed up fancy and nice." He winked at her, a few wavy strands of hair falling around his face. Music from outside swept into the dining space from the open windows, faint sounds of laughter echoing through the walls. "All because of some silly necklace." He didn't mean it in a derogatory manner, simply lightly teasing. The pendent rested against his chest, silently listening. "You're practically royalty."

"Well, probably because I've been drinking it since before I even knew what it was," He said in reply, scoffing a bit. He noted the flush on her cheeks at his compliment, now able to notice it in better light. The smallest of smirks tugged at his lips but he refrained from commenting for a moment, listening to her speak of the stories her mother had once told her. "I was told similar stories," He said when she had finished, relating to her in a way. "I've been on the seas my whole life, I've never really gotten to experience the luxuries of living in places like this." He gestured towards the lively town that was breathing with laughter and music just outside the windows. "Part of me wonders what could have been, but that could never even begin to happen now. I've done too many things, been exiled in too many places. I step foot in one wrong town and I'd be hanged for simply existing." He finished his drink, having cleared his plate of the food much quicker than she did.

"I'm sure most women also have someone help them with their dresses too," He commented kindly. "You're not the only one." Once they'd finished, he walked with her outside back into the street. He was feeling the flush of the drink, but not nearly close to tipsy. Cael however, seemed to be teetering a little, her cheeks flushed and a grin on her face. He let her lead him along towards the center of town. Pritchard followed closely as she joined the crowd. His tall stature and iconic form was met with many eyes, but no one pushed him out nor made any attempt to shame him for being there. He paid for whatever he was given, taking several glasses of mead and downing the contents as he watched her dance. It wasn't too long before she reached out, pulling him in with her.

He looked down into her face, unable to stop the large grin that formed along his own. "I may not be much of a prince, but I'll dance with you as much as you'd like, princess." He told her, his tone sounding a bit more loving than he had intended it to, which brought his heart to a race. Pritchard let his own voice join the upbeat songs, his resonance carrying a pleasant deep tone that melted together with her her silky smooth soprano. The more he had to drink the more carefree he became, letting his body move freely with the music, sending her into spins which he caught gracefully in his arms.

A few hours must have passed, the sky now completely dark and littered with stars, the silver light of the moon bathing everything in a shimmering glow. He finally recognized that it was time to help escort Cael to the ship, realizing she was far more drunk than she needed to be.

He walked and laughed with her the entire way back, the sounds and bustle of the crowds and party fading long behind them. Their two voices were the only ones that carried into the air as he joked with her, experiencing true joy for the first time in years. Her steps were faltered, her body loose. "Certainly," He said in reply to her wish to do so again. Once on the ship, he scooped her form up into his arms, carrying her up the stairs so she didn't accidentally trip over herself. He carried her all the way to the bed, setting her feet to the floor and stayed for support as she flopped onto the mattress.

For awhile he remained standing there, one arm leaning against the wooden overhang above the bed, his eyes glittering as she rambled about how much fun she'd had. He ended up kneeling to the floor, gently aiding in removing the shoes from her feet and situating her properly into the covers, before standing up once more. "I'm glad you had fun," He finally hummed as she began to settle. "I'll make sure you get to experience it all again." He turned, dousing all of the lamps and lanterns except for one; a handheld that he carried to set upon his desk. Its warm glow illuminated the maps laid out beside it, and for quite some time Pritchard continued to mark their journey, studying over and over again the places she'd mentioned on the first day.

If something were to happen he would need to know the map by heart. The young captain had truly thought she had fallen asleep some time ago, but the soft sound of sniffles reached his ears from across the room. "Cael?" He questioned quietly, his voice rumbling softly, at first almost sounding like a parent questioning why their child was still up past quiet hours. "You alright?" There was no response, but the soft sounds of crying continued. Recognizing something was truly bothering her, Pritchard rose to his feet, his boot steps clicking quietly as he slowly made his way back over to her.

"Talk to me," He said once he'd reached her, kneeling down. Her words spilled, and he silently listened to each one, his expression one of empathy and remorse. "Hey," He crooned patiently, reaching a warm hand out to rest on her shoulder as he sat himself next to her. "You don't need to worry over that right now, it's late. You have months to figure out what your heart really desires, and I'm sure once you have your necklace back things will be just fine." He adjusted his hand to gently cup her cheek, using his other to once again try and wipe her tears.

Despite everything, and despite the resentment he carried for his own emotions, the feeling that erupted within his chest was too much to bare. Maybe it was the effects of the mean, perhaps it was the thrill of the day, or maybe a mix of everything...but he found he couldn't prevent himself from the action. He bent down closer to her, his nose brushing softly against hers as his hand held her gently. Her beauty, even in her most vulnerable of moments, gripped his spirit with painful claws. His hair fell in a curtain around them, reflecting the moment of closeness she'd given to him just a few nights before. Without much thought behind it, he pressed his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Immediately, a warm burst shot throughout his chest, at first pushing him to become slightly more passionate and eager, if only for a brief moment.

Before he let himself get wrapped up or carried away, he broke it, his fiery gaze meeting hers. "Now will you please get some rest?" He asked, a light smile dancing along the corners of his lips. He swallowed back the emotion that was fighting to crawl its way out of him, rising to his feet and putting out the flame of the lantern on his desk before making his way back to the bed. As he did every night, he removed the boots from his feet and stripped the shirt from his torso, the necklace clinking softly against his bare skin as he pulled the sheets up over him.

"Goodnight," He said to her.