Weathered - A Pirate Game Story

                Weathered, neglected, and slightly damaged, the dinghy sat on the shore, as the tide lapped lazy bites of the sand behind it. Scara surveyed her prize, realizing just how much this small craft of wood mirrored her own life. With a sigh, Scara pushed up her sleeves, dipped her rag into the frothing bucket of soap, then began her work. Winning the dinghy had been a welcome victory, one of a tapestry of prizes which included a new ship for their fleet and most importantly, gaining the freedom of more of their friends.

                Scara looked up at the Munt en Sward bobbing gently in the cove, already under repair. It would take a bit of time to be at its peak, as would their friends. Fernando was almost well enough to leave his bunk, a thought that made her smile, and her newly freed crew enjoyed her homecoming gifts of cheese, sausage, and wine from her own stores. She’d also given them the best medical care she could manage. They would all recover in time.  

                Her thoughts drifted back to her current task. A spot of clean erupted in the midst of the grime. Cleaning and wringing out her rag, the girl sighed. There was much more to do.

                There was more of everything to do. There were more of her crew, her friends, tapped on ships in the Shark Tooth fleet. Her friend and mentor was last spotted in Araby, having been sold as a slave. Earlier in life, she thought she wanted to discover exotic animals. Now, she just wanted to help people.

                Well, helping people was not all she wanted. There was more, much more than was currently possible. But, perhaps later, when everyone was assembled, free and happy, there would be time for the rest. Finding someone to hold, a voice of her own, and a modicum of independence – these would come in time.

                Looking down at the craft, there was another clean place. Again, she smiled. The dinghy could be saved and so could she. All they needed was work and care, to serve their purpose and have someone there to help guide them and wash off the dirt. Looking back from her own small vessel to the fleet, the young woman felt hope. Soon, all those she loved would be free. Then, she could find her own path.