There is nothing more satisfying in this world than finally completing your biggest project yet.

I turned slowly to the client, wiping sweat from my brow. "There ya have it. Finally finished and ready to sail!"

The captain of the crew beamed at me with a beautiful elven smile. "She's gorgeous, Isla. How much do I owe you?"

I waved off her question, turning back to admire my work. "Just enough to cover the cost. I've never had so much fun building a ship before, so I'm not worried about charging you for labor." I looked back at her and smiled. "Besides, anything for my captain, right?"

"Ex-captain, if I remember correctly," she teased as a sad smile crossed her face. "I really do wish you'd come back and join us, girl. You belong on the water."

I looked down at my webbed fingers, then looked back at her, feigning annoyance.

"Now, Isla, you know that's not what I meant. You're a natural born pirate, and I still haven't found a good enough shipwright to replace you."

I crossed my arms over my small frame. "You've still got a few days before you cast off again, right? Come find me at my shop before you do. I'll think on it." I really did miss the sea and my captain.

She beamed even brighter than when I showed her the finished ship. "Oh, Isla, you won't regret it! Who better to make repairs to your masterpiece than you?"

I smiled and gave her a slight shove. "I'll think on it. Now, let's get back to my shop and we'll get you all settled." I turned and started walking toward town, and the captain raced to catch up with me.

"Listen, Isla, the waters we're going to be sailing into are dangerous. We really could use a helping hand, especially from someone who can fight in the water and speak to sea creatures."

"Captain, please," I begged as I stopped walking, "I told you to let me think about it. I've made a name for myself in this city, I don't want to just up and leave everything behind. Surely you can understand that."

The captain's beautiful face changed to one of guilt. "I do, girl, believe me. I had nothing but the clothes on my back when I chose this life. You've a career that I shouldn't be trying to force you to leave behind. We just really miss you on the ship, lass."

I gave her a knowing smile. "It's alright. I will admit, I do miss the open waters. It could be the pirate in me, but it's more than likely my heritage."

"Oh, stop blaming it all on being an elf of the sea, girl. You're a pirate through and through."

My smile grew a bit as we reached my shop. It was a small space in town that I only used as a main base. I talked to clients and settled payments. Any and all work I did on boats was on the shore.

I kept my eyes on the captain as we sat down across from each other at the counter. Her eyes were scanning the drawings, doodles, and blueprints I had pinned to the walls. Her eyes seemed far away, as if she was recalling a fond memory.

"You used to cover my ship with these, too," she said, her tone sad.

"It's actually a really bad habit," I tried, hoping to pull her back to the present. "I'll get so invested in what I'm drawing that I'll forget to eat or sleep. I've had a couple of people come to check on me in the middle of the night because they noticed I still had some lanterns lit."

She finally brought her gaze back to me as she giggled. "That sounds about right. So creative that you just can't stop."

Smiling, I pulled out her contract from a drawer in the counter. "Well, Captain, I said I wasn't going to charge you for labor, and if I'm adding up the cost of all the parts correctly..." I quickly did the math, adding up the price for the wood, sails, and the interior. "Well, for a sailing ship, the usual asking price including labor is ten thousand gold pieces, but for you, I'll do-"

The captain cut me off as she threw a large pouch onto the counter. "That ought to be about ten thousand. Keep the change as a tip."

I stood up quickly. "Captain, I couldn't-"

"Yes you can, lass. Just think of it as a little incentive to join up with us again, aye?"

My heart dropped. Was that all it was? A bribe? "Captain..."

She smiled at me, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I know, girl. I'll come back in a couple of days for your answer. The extra money is well earned. You've built me a beautiful ship."

I gave half a smile in return. "Take care of her."

Her spirits seemed to lift a little as she turned to leave. "Hopefully I won't have to. I'll see you soon."

I waved goodbye as she walked out the door, then slumped back into my seat with a heavy sigh. She must be desperate for a shipwright. Just where is she going that's so dangerous? Not that I really had anything holding me to this town other than my shop. Her pirate crew was the only family I'd ever known.

I tried to think back on how it happened, but it was so long ago. I'd barely been out of diapers from what the captain had always told me. My only guess was that I'd been learning to swim and got washed away by the current. I was lucky the captain had found me, and that she was an elf so I could communicate with her, even if it was only a little. She and the other pirates took me in and taught me everything I know. I owe her my life, but she was the one who decided to let me go and start my own shop. But if she needed me that bad...

I quickly stood from my seat and dashed for the door. "Captain!" I called as I opened it.

She turned back and looked at me.

I raced toward her. "I need to know. Where exactly are you going that's so dangerous you're begging me to tag along?"

She sighed, but I saw the glint in her eye. She knew I was considering it. "Come get a drink with me and I'll tell you."

I nodded. "Just let me lock up the shop." Before she could answer, I turned and started back toward the shop, digging through my pockets for the key. As I finally pulled it out and looked up, I saw it.

Someone was trying to sneak off with the bag of gold from the captain.

Without even thinking, I took a dagger from my belt and threw it at the thief. It went right past their face and dug into the wood of the shop.

The thief, a young dwarf, by the looks of it, froze in place, then slowly brought their gaze to me.

"Drop the bag and scram, or the next one goes right between your eyes," I practically growled.

He didn't think twice. The bag was forgotten on the ground as he ran as fast as his short legs could carry him.

I sighed as I picked up the bag of gold, then pulled my dagger out of the wall. I really should've put the money up before I left... The captain will never let me hear the end of this one. I quickly went inside, put the bag in the safe, then came out and locked the shop. I double checked the door wouldn't open before hurrying to catch up with the captain at the tavern.