Joseph sat back in the chair, he concluded only with a grumbled “hmph” that he’d likely have to accept Elissa’s explanations; her experiences were indeed highly…unorthodox, that he had trouble fully believing them, but then Rhea too had defied the odds stacked against her, and she was particularly fierce about her achievements. Getting the Gallant back was complicated, it was a case of requiring leverage, Mr. Bishop was a slimy character, even for Joseph and he knew his fair share of characters. It was unfortunate that they’d found Elissa and not Mr Bishop himself.. although perhaps not too unfortunate for her.

Joseph breathed out a deep sigh when Elissa posed her questions to him, he eyed her bundled up in the heavy blanket and coat; her bright eyes and hair seemed to illuminate against the material and were a stark contrast to his own darker features. “Miss, look I…” he began, but there was a banging on the door “Joseph?”, the female voice called from the other side, “I need to talk with you”, the Captain looked at Elissa, “get some rest” he instructed as he arose from the chair to meet Rhea at the door, he closed it behind him. 

Rhea met him with a grin and an upward nod as if to enquire what the story was, Joseph smiled uncertainly and shrugged, “let’s go talk on the upper deck Rhea” he beckoned, “The crew have started the Bishop scotch” Rhea remarked, once they’d arrived back at the ship’s wheel. The day was still mild and fair, the air was good. There was indeed some raucousness aboard the ship, quality alcohol was always and very much appreciated, rum was rough and grog even rougher, so this haul was great for morale. “So what’s happening with the girl? We’re going to have to move off soon” Rhea questioned, placing her hands on her hips, Joseph pulled a face that made it clear the plan wasn’t playing out quite as he’d hoped, “it’s complicated…and she wants to work with us”, Rhea raised her eyebrows - she’d have to hear this one out. Joseph explained in brief that which Elissa had revealed to him, Rhea was silent for a few moments, seemingly stunned by the information, she shook her head and frowned at Joseph, “she’s playing you Joseph” she began, “if that was a man you’d have battered him by now!” the sailingmaster expressed a loud ‘ffs!’ in disbelief, Joseph looked uncertain, “we’ll drop her off at the next port, we’re not going back to England, set the course for our usual lay-over” he affirmed, Rhea looked at Joseph unimpressed, her expression relaxed into a smirk, she rolled her eyes and shook her head gently, “aye, Captain” she fixed a warm gaze with Joseph for a moment, before walking off to join some of the crew on the main deck.

Joseph puffed his cheeks and expelled a deep breath. [i]God did she do that on purpose?[/i] He’d worked with Rhea a while, it was hard, at first, she’d knocked back his advances several drunken times before he came to understand quite how determined she was to be taken seriously within the crew, and that for her meant not canoodling with the Captain.

He might as well bring something back for Elissa to eat, Joseph considered.

…and maybe some of the Bishop scotch.