[b][u]Two Weeks Ago: Just outside The Anchor[/b][/u]

[i]"I can't believe you're doing this Nolan, I always thought you were the responsible type." Annie let out an indignant huff before wagging a finger in front of Nolan's face. "And what if something goes wrong out there? You're a cook for crying out loud, not a pirate, so what then?"

Nolan's shoulders drooped and he rushed forward to put a finger on Annie's lips, this made the girl quiet down but also sent her into an angry fit. "I worry about you Nolan! You goshdarn know I do." Annie folded her hands over her chest and gave him one of the iciest glares he had ever seen. A chill ran down his spine, but seeing her so upset was actually kind of amusing.

The man made the mistake of laughing at her and before he knew it he was shoved back. "You can be so feisty Annie," his voice was gentle and he was smiling kindly. "One of the reasons I can't stop liking you," a silly grin lit up Nolan's face and Annie actually quieted down. "I'll be alright, it'll only be for a little while," the man thought about the sea, and suddenly it seemed as if he were a thousand miles away. "I just have to see what's out there before I settle down, but it won't be the life for me. I have The Anchor to look after and I have you to come back to." He grabbed her by the hands and clasped them between his own. 

"Fine," Annie looked away, "you always did love the ocean," and before Nolan could say more she gave him a peck on the cheek, the gentle giant pretty much melted on the inside. "As long as you promise to stay safe," the girl pulled away, her fiery side once again showing. "If anything happens to you, I swear to God I will hunt down that captain of yours and skin her alive!"

The man backed up against the wooden post of the tavern called The Anchor and crossed his heart. "Aye, aye, my lady. I'll stay safe and come on Annie, don't pull the kid into this, okay?" He gave her a pat on the head and the woman grinned. Yes, everything would be fine now. He never thought he would get the chance to go sail the seas, let alone become a pirate, however, that all changed when Runali Lev walked into The Anchor to order a meal. Nolan wondered what a young girl like her was doing dressed up as a pirate and she told him about the StarDusk ship and her need for a crew. Without thinking twice, he blabbered about his dream of sailing the seas and she invited him to join her.

It was as simple as that and even now, he still couldn't believe it.[/i]

---

[b][u]The Marketplace[/b][/u]

Those pirates sure had large appetites.

Nolan walked through the bustling streets, several paper bags cradled in his arms. While the others looked around the city, he decided it would be wise to stock up on supplies and cooking ingredients. most importantly, fruits and vegetables. "Maybe tonight I should cook some roast chicken with mashed potatoes," he lit up at the thought. Nolan rarely met anyone who didn't enjoy his cooking, it was his passion and his talent and it showed in the food's texture and flavor. He cooked with love darn it, and he'd make sure those pirates enjoyed their greens.

"Good day!" The man hopped forward and stared at the onions and beans scattered across the table. "How much are you selling those for, ma'am?"

The old lady gave him a smile. "15 silver coins for that sack of beans over there,"

"Really?" The man lit up and began looking through his bad for the money. He payed the old woman and thanked her then came to a sudden realization. There was no way he'd be able to carry everything back to the ship, well not on his own. He could see Annie laughing at his pain, gah! Nolan awkwardly began dragging the giant sack of beans along, hoping that he'd run into one of his crew mates?