Open Madness Or Brilliance

( Alright! )

Huckle was sitting Somewhere, his paws picking at the small Roots and dusting off the Dirt and Grime of a small mango — one of the Many he kept on him when it came to Explorations like this, smiling softly as he bared his teeth; Ready and Eager to take a bite of of the sweet fruit in his paw. But before he could, his eyes locked onto Jeshal — well.. at least Where he was before he jumped out into the sea — his body lifting up in concern as he looked out into the Ocean as the Captain practically ditched the Ship

" . . . That's, never a good thing, right?" He thought to himself. And he was completely right, that is never a good sign
 
The grimy waters of Bully Harbour were, for one thing, sobering. Jeshal let just enough of the murky brine into his mouth that he could spit right back out. What went up his nose was another matter.

"Beast overboard!" a drunken rat on a smaller vessel nearby shrieked.

"Stow it," Jeshal spat back. "Can't a fox take a swim in peace? Bleedin' 'ellfire."

Tongue stinging from the remnants of the spice, eyes stinging from more than that now, the captain swam to the inbuilt ladder and hauled himself up to the deck. His body ached from the climb. Gettin' far too old for this. Once upright, he shook off as much excess seawater as he could and marched, dripping, toward his cabin as if this was normal procedure.

He paused at the doorway, his senses only just registering what manner of creature was his next petitioner. Slowly, he turned to look up at the enormous badger.

This might as well happen.

"Come in, come in, matey, and tell ol' Captain Ironclaw what ye be here for." He sloshed his way inside, seeing that Layla had already vacated the room after a quick clean-up, and decided he would change his clothes after this next potential sign-up. The todd called over his shoulder. "That be me, by the by."

@HuckleTheCartoonist
 
" R-Right, Right.. " He stammered softly, gripping his basket with a bit of a stronger grip. This feels like a mistake.. one he won't be able to recover from.

Huckle takes a few steps forward and slides his way inside of the Soggy Fox's office, a soft -- But crooked -- smile on his face as he walks in right after him. He looks around, his tail softly swaying as he searched around in awe.

" Would you like me to place my basket down s-somewhere?"
 
The style of Jeshal's cabin was very much reminiscent of an infamous ship from a certain round-eared mouse's franchise, regardless of how it had been designed before. Black was in its nature, gothic in its design. At night, the oil lamps would lend the cabin an eerie glow. As it was, daylight flooded the large back windows, picking out the impressive furnishings, the new dark red rug, the bookshelves; cabinets; and sea chests. And, of course, the damp captain himself, lightly smelling of seaweed.

He perched his hat upon his head to look a little bit more captainly.

"Welcome aboard. Be there a position ye be seeking in particular? Any experience on the seas?"
 
Ah yes.. Best not to say the name of said mouse in order to avoid a pirates greatest fear — copyright laws

Huckle's head snapped over to Jeshal, slightly jumping with a soft yelp as he lightly sat his basket down beside him, standing in the center of the room like he was on trial for a war crime. He nodded softly as he nervously played with his thumbs, speaking with a Soft and Crackled voice — like the Gentle flames of a Bonfire... All with the confidence of a Forest Fire

" A-Ah! I'm looking to be the Musician of the Ship!.. I play the Harp and I can Sing p-pretty well. But... Problem is, I-I've never been on a ship before — this is my first time! ... Hooray"
 
Any confusion Kiptooth had begun to feel at the vixen’s behaviour was swiftly assuaged by her explanation. The marten listened in fascinated silence as Corda spoke. Whether it was a sign of changing times or just that she was a trusting individual he knew not. Regardless, that she was both aware of and able to tell him of her situation now rather than a surprise down the line was valuable indeed. He’d fallen afoul of that particular surprise before. It’s some miracle more vixens aren’t being studied in this city.

He nodded slowly, studying her face and posture as she spoke; the somewhat haunted look that crossed her face as she spoke of her past. He knew that look, if only because he had seen it reflected in the mirror. For now he elected not to approach the matter lest it become important. All things in good time.

The elderly marten offered a reassuring smile in the face of her own attempts to defend her apparent sibling. “I understand. You have nothing to fear from me, I have worked with beasts before who have experienced as you have.” Their fates were best off left unmentioned: he was determined to do right by Corda, this time. “I’ve also handled my fair share of aggressive patients over the seasons so that would not be a daunting prospect in itself. If there’s anything I hope you can make him aware of with good time, it is that legends and stories rarely mirror reality. I’d hate for him to become too disappointed by the reality of sailing. Nevertheless I’m certain there will be excitement and opportunities for the both of you. I look forward to meeting him, but I look forward even more to working with you. If there’s anything you need on the ship I might be able to provide, just let me know.”
 
Jeshal arched his brow slightly at the badger’s nervousness. It had been a very long time since he had seen a badger and certainly never an anxious one. This morning delivered surprise after surprise.

“A musician, ye say? A crew be always in need of entertainment. Ye wouldn’t be the first one new to the sea today, but allow me ter offer ye fair warning of what ye be signing up for. The BlackShip be a war ship. There be high chance of sailing into battle or treacherous waters if the need be calling for it. Think ye be up ter the task?”
 
Corda took a deep breath before releasing the tension in her shoulders at the doctor's seeming acceptance of her and her brother's condition. Well, at least she didn't have to worry about being institutionalized... at least, not in the immediate future. "Thank you Doctor," she softly responded to his offer. "Your kindness and your discretion are far more than I could have ever hoped for. I will give you every bit of service I have to offer in turn, and will do all I can to be a quick and able learner under your tutelage."
 
Huckle slightly opened his maw to speak, only letting out a small breath before going quiet. Was he really ready for all of this? It would be his first time truly at sea — little to no experience at all! But at the same time, the though of risking his life for something as measly as letting his voice be heard, a voice that he though was small; It was worth the risk. Huckle looked up, his paws clamping his chest and holding close by his heart

" Yes.. I-I'll be ready - no matter what you ask of me!"
 
Discretion was going to be the order of the day. Kiptooth was grateful that Jeshal was at least aware of – and, as expected considering his history – accepting of this young fox. The rest could be worked out as Corda saw fit with time, and dearly he hoped that things would work out for her and her sibling. Perhaps this ship would be the making of them both.

“I look forward to seeing you prove yourself,” the marten smiled. “I have every faith that both you and your brother will be an asset to this crew. Now, you’d better get yourself acquainted with this ship and have some rest: I’ll be calling all medics back here this evening. Unless you’d like to stay and fold up some hammocks, you’re free to take your leave and I’ll see you soon.”
 
Corda breathed out in relief at the acceptance shown by the doctor, as well as the gentle invitation to get herself settled in. "Thank you Doctor," she replied softly. "I think my brother and I will go find a space for ourselves. I will gladly see you again this evening." She bowed her head respectfully before leaving the room, being careful to sidle so she never turned her back on her superior. She still recalled enough of her father's blows when she'd inadvertently disrespected him that way.
 
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