JRWI tings :P

No.54

"Well 'course not! We're the Black Rose Pirates! Professionals. Dangerous ruins? That's practically our speciality, right?"

Rose felt a grin rise at Drey's words, chuckling before giving a single, strong nod. "Damn right. That's the spirit! Tell the others we're back in business! I'll start looking at maps in the meantime." With that, Drey simply gave a nod, grabbing the flyer in his hand and turning to leave, only stopping when Rose called out.

"Drey. Good work... I know how lacklustre these past few weeks have been on everyone. This'll do us all some good, eh?"

Drey lingered for a few seconds longer than he was happy to admit, smiling softly and nodding. "Yeah. Yeah, it will. I'll... I'll tell the others." With that, Drey left the Captain's cabin, shutting the door slowly behind him before grinning once again, his body filled with sudden adrenaline at the idea of going to an island, and exploring ruins. Being a pirate. After all, when Captain Rose had saved his life and welcomed him to the life of piracy, he wasn't expecting a minute to be mundane. Finally being able to say that they were getting back to the normal chaos was exciting. And it seemed Drey was not the only one who shared that sentiment.

A week passed with Captain Rose and Jug being occupied mostly with navigation and helmsmanship, Rose had figured out the location of Wynleche Isles, charting and successfully helping Jug navigate their way to the island. The second that said island was in sight, albeit difficult to see with a pretty heavy set fog resting above the ocean, Chip and Elizabeth suddenly sprang to life, being the most excitable they had been for a while, the sense of adventure rekindling their childish wonder. Both Arlin and Chey made their respective efforts to reign in the younger deckhands, though it was a welcome sense of chaos the two created, both Chip and Elizabeth giggling excitably while chasing each other, acting out how they would conquer the newly discovered land.

It took a few more hours until the Midnight Rose could finally dock, but the second it did, the crew of pirates didn't hesitate to make their way onto land, Arlin and Chey having taken initiative in keeping a close eye and hold of their respective wards, ignoring their similar grumbles of protest.

"Wow, being on the earth after Gods knows how long, almost forgot the feeling of stability-" Drey's sarcasm didn't go unappreciated, especially by two younger pirates who snickered. Captain Rose shared in the joke, chuckling softly before turning to face the crew who had left the vessel with him, of course including Chip, Elizabeth, Arlin, Chey, Drey and Roofus, who had decided to join after a small conversation with Jug and Finn.

"Now, I know that excitement is high, but we're well aware of what happened the last time a crew tried to explore these ruins. I say that most of us stay out here to keep a watch out for any unwanted surprises of any kind, and whoever doesn't stay here goes with me to explore these ruins. So. Any volunteers to stay out here? Kids, you aren't coming with me-"

"Awh, c'mon Captain! Why not?!"

"No fair!"

Both Chip and Elizabeth were quick to voice their complaints about Rose's decision, causing the captain to smile apologetically.

"Well we can't have the future best pirates getting in trouble by a few ruins, can we? How about you both keep a look out with Arlin and Chey. It's an equally brave job, I promise you." A moment passed with both younger children sharing a speculative glance at each other, before deciding that yes, they were definitely the future best pirates.

With a final decision made that Drey would join Captain Rose in the exploration and search for the crystal. To wait and keep watch along the shore as well as the entrance of the ruins, Arlin and Chey, of course accompanied by both Chip and Elizabeth would stay out, the rest of the crew returning to the ship, most likely looking through more flyers and other parchments for future jobs. With a single nod and wave from both Drey and the captain, the two of them began their trek.