It was crowded in the Blue Bay Saloon. The hot air stuck into Captain Dickens nose, who unlike his crew didn't like these kind of drinking parties. He watched them dancing and fooling around as he sat near the bar, constantly being interrupted by Maria, the barmaid. « Want another drink, captain? » She asked with a smile that showed her dirty teeth, stained by wine. He shook his head. « I think I'm fine. » He replied, holding his half filled glass of wine up in the air. She smiled causing her deep red curls to twirl around her greasy face. « You're always so reserved, captain, haven't got any secrets, do ya? » If she would have been born in a more wealthier family, she would've looked better for sure, more decent and clean. But now, in this dark bar, surrounded by pirates and other men of the sea, Maria had never gotten the chance to become the lady she always could've been, somewhere hidden deep down inside her strongly forced corset.

Captain Dickens often found himself in the Blue Bay Saloon though. He wasn't really the type to be there, he quite stood out to the regulars. Nobody doubted his strength and qualities but he was a man who didn't take any chance to get out of control. He liked the power he felt whenever he was in control of a situation he bursted into. That made him one of the most extraordinary pirates of all times. He was feared by thousands of merchants, knowing that if he ever set his eye on their ship, their last breaths were taken, the last prayers were spoken. He was severe, he didn't take no for an answer. If Dickens decided, his choice was the law. He was the uncrowned king of the oceans. Nevertheless, he mostly found himself thinking about better treasures, bigger adventures than being feared for his past victories. He was a very handsome man as well. His dark wavy hair, with matching dark beard, formed a big contrast with his almost invisibly blue eyes. His stare was like looking into the foam of waves hitting the shore. He loved the sea more than anything in the world. He was fascinated by her untamed identity. He wanted to know al her secrets, to know what she hid from him. His constant attempt to discover the wild waters were visible in the non-stop moving eyes, absorbing every scenery.

The sudden warmth of the bar, caught his breath. A thick smoke entered his lungs. He got up and looked around, not immediately noticing the fire that was started by some candles falling from a table. He only shook his head, stood up and walked away. With one last glance at Maria, who was now trying to end the fire with a bucket full of water, Dickens disappeared into the night. The fresh air brushed his face as he walked through the port where the bar was situated. He looked up to the moon and stars. They were shining brighter than he had ever seen before. He looked down at his ship, the Serena, that was laying a bit further away. It was a majestic ship and with some nostalgia he thought of everything he had been through with his Serena. The golden details of the skeleton mermaid on the front blinked at him. He sighed contently. His ship was his most precious property. He made his way towards it, not even blinking while following the empty sockets of the mermaids skull, surrounded by golden waves of hair. Suddenly he bumped into someone. He muttered some curses and looked down to see a young girl looking up at him.

He remained calm as he observed her. He always observed everyone. Her small round face was surrounded by thick untamable curls, held together with a small black ribbon. The freckles on her nose were invisible for the shadows of the nights but not for the trained eyes of the captain. But it were her eyes that caught his attention. They were dark, darker than he had ever seen before. It seemed as if there was substance in them constantly moving. It wasn't until she reached her hand that he noticed she was holding something. He reached out for the roll of old paper. When he touched it, he felt how delicate it was. He opened it and stared at it, completely stunned. He looked back at the girl, her eyes were calm and looked curious at him.

« Really? » He asked her. She only nodded and pointed at the Serena. He took her by her shoulder and started walking towards the ship. « We have a lot to talk about, sweetheart. »