[b][u]The Coral Pearl[/b][/u]

Nolan grinned from ear to ear at the sight of everyone enjoying his food. He balanced a plate in each hand then made his way beside a singing Ray. Listening to his song and the sound of waves crashing against the ship felt nice and relaxing. Nolan passed him a plate with a smile then plopped down onto a barrel before digging into his own food. It had been a long day and just resting up with everyone else felt wonderful. He wondered about how Annie was doing, it had been a week already and he wondered if she was still fretting over his departure, he hoped she would trust him a little bit more. Speaking of Annie, when they got to their next destination, he would write her a letter and tell her all about this crazy day. 

He could imagine her yelling. [i]"Nolan! What if you get your head cut off, goshdarn it!"[/i]

Just thinking about it made him laugh a little, but he was snapped out of his thoughts when Luro began to speak.

Nolan just grinned at the man, Luro was a fun guy. "Haha, I'll take what compliments I can get though that is a little strange. Sorry to break it to you," the cook's expression turned playful, "but I have a lass waiting for me back home already." He waved a hand dismissively. "I'm glad you guys like it."

Not long after, the captain returned and he quieted down when she began to speak.

"Don't worry about it, captain. If anything," Nolan puffed out his chest and laughed. "I hope I don't disappoint any of you," his eyes flitted to Kai and while he looked nervous, the cook's smile was genuine. "I mean, you could throw me overboard in a heartbeat." 

Then things took a turn for the serious and the captain began to discuss their long term goal. The black compass, huh? He'd heard a bit about it from the sailors who'd end up in their tavern. Whoever had it would find riches beyond belief. It didn't sound so bad, until Luro began telling tales of a captain who threw himself to the bottom of a sea. But curses weren't real, right? It was probably just superstition.

"No complaints from me, as long as I get to travel I'll be alright." North to the Falklands. He was so excited. "Now if you guys will excuse me, I'll go and get the dishes done." Nolan made his way to the table then began piling plates and utensils on top of each other. "I'll see you all later." The man disappeared into the kitchen as he began humming a cheery tune. The cook placed the plates onto the sink then walked towards a corner. He had left one of the rags on a crate, so he bent over to pick it up, but what he saw next sent him reeling backwards. 

There was someone behind the crate and the sudden shock sent the cook tripping over his feet.

He fell to the floor with a thud as plates crashed noisily to the wooden floor. Had a pirate snuck in? Gods, was he going to get killed here? Nolan scrambled to his feet. "I believe we have an uninvited guest!"