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[color=1E90FF][b]Interactions[/b]: Oswald[@princess][/color]
[color=1E90FF][b]Time[/b]: 1 pm[/color]
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Sjan-dehk kept a respectable distance as he followed Oswald about the [i]Celestine[/i]. The Caesonian laid his eyes on many things with a scrutinising gaze, but said nothing. Neither did his impassive face give away much of what he felt. The odd narrowing of the eyes here, an occasional twitch of the lip there, but nothing concrete. Nothing that told Sjan-dehk about the confirmed fate of the ship. 

Beside him, Hai-shuun harrumphed and crossed his arms. “I’m not trying to be rude, captain,” he began, and Sjan-dehk immediately prepared himself to give the man a muted admonishment. “But do you think he knows what he’s even looking at?”

[color=1E90FF]“I’m sure the king would’ve sent an expert,”[/color] Sjan-dehk replied in a murmur. He kept his tone and words as neutral as possible, but even was beginning to question Oswald’s knowledge of naval affairs. Surely, he would’ve by now noticed the many flaws and absolutely dismal state of the [i]Celestine[/i], and should’ve said something about it. She was in no state to be presented to a pauper, let alone royalty or even anyone only just tangentially related to the court, and Sjan-dehk knew it. She needed more time, more work. 

Hai-shuun followed Oswald’s gaze up to the sails and the ratty lines that lashed them somewhat securely to their yardarms. From a distance, they looked presentable enough. Up close however, it was clear that everything – from sailcloth to hemp rope – was in dire need of replacement. “Well, I hope he’ll get this over and done with quickly. If we’re keeping this ship, I want us to start work on her before the sun goes down.”

As if on cue, the Caesonian turned to them and spoke. [color=FF6961][i]"Forgive my inquiry, but I was curious to know if the presentation of this vessel is intended as a gift for His Majesty, or if it is only available for acquisition at a stated cost."[/i][/color]

And there it was. Hai-shuun needn’t worry about fixing up the Celestine. Even with a rough understanding of the local tongue, Sjan-dehk could tell that the ship wasn’t going to be his for much longer. It was not an outcome he hadn’t expected, but it was a disappointing one nonetheless. Though it likely wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been; if Aislin’s words were to be believed, the waters further out were teeming with small-time pirates and other nautical never-do-wells. There would be more chances for his crew to catch themselves a prize decent enough to add to their little flotilla. 

[color=1E90FF]“Master Hai-shuun, where did you put the prisoners?”[/color] Sjan-dehk asked his carpenter quietly.

“In the hold, captain. I have them tarring minor leaks.”

[color=1E90FF]“Well, have them brought up,”[/color] the captain said and tilted his head towards Oswald. [color=1E90FF]“I think we’re just about done with business here.”[/color]

Hai-shuun nodded. “Aye, captain.” With that, he snapped to a quick salute and left. 

Sjan-dehk shifted his attention to the Caesonian. [color=1E90FF][i]“Is a gift.”[/i][/color] He said those words as if they were the most obvious thing in the world. Edin owned this city and, presumably, the waters around it. What sort of captain would he be if he demanded payment for this first prize? If anyone was paying anything, it would be him paying the king for the right to keep the [i]Celestine[/i], but Sjan-dehk wasn’t about to do that. She was a good ship, but not [i]that[/i] good. [color=1E90FF][i]“No payment. Your king can ah…Have it. If it is good enough for him.”[/i][/color]