The Exchange at Sea

Laughter could be heard across the entirety of the Atlantic Ocean, but the loudest point was upon the Maria Antonia -- an all-female pirate ship.

The only silent one, not even smiling, was Captain Lux, also known as ...

"Lady Lucelia, what ails you?" her First Mate, Viola, asked.

Lux sighed. Viola was the only one who could call her that and get away with it. After all, they were childhood friends first, shipmates second.

"I'm fine, Viola."

"Clearly you're not, m'lady. Look around you -- everyone is laughing and rejoicing at our latest bounty hunt. You are sitting here, mopey."

Lux gasped. "I am NOT mopey!" A few crew members quieted down, appearing nervous by their captain's sudden outrage. Viola didn't even flinch.

"You are, I know it. You may tell me why, or you may get up and dance with us."

With a slight smile, Lux lifted herself off the floor to join in the dance. She enjoyed the tunes of the violin, but she still couldn't help her mind wandering. She loved the sea, she loved her crew, she thouroughly enjoyed the beautiful treasures they collected ... but something was nagging at her. Something was missing.

The crew laughed and danced until dusk, and began preparing for supper ... when another member, Daniela, saw a faraway sailing ship through her telescope. And it was sailing right towards them!

"Captain! There's a ship on the horizon! I think I saw a black flag!"

Lux grabbed the telescope out of Daniela's hands, peering for herself. As she focused her eyes, she saw the flag -- the skull and crossbones with the crescent moon sword, star shapes twinkling in the flag's background.

"Night Swimmers." Lux whispered. Then yelled: "HIDE THE TREASURE!"

All 50 women, out of panic, leapt for the treasure chest. Eventually, four took the chest below deck, while the remaining women (composing themselves) took to other preparation tasks -- mainly, having their hands on their swords.

After what felt like an eternity to Lux, the ships neared each other ... and there he was. Nox Darkwater, Captain of Midnight Marauder. They call their crew "Night Swimmers" because they prefer to attack villages (and other boats) when all are asleep. Perhaps they are planning to take control of Maria Antonia.

"Did we foil your plan, Nathaniel?" Lux called out to Nox.

"Not at all, dear Lucelia. We were just on our way to Isla Arcoíris. Did you have a visit yourselves?"

It took all of Lux's strength not to smirk. Instead, with a straight face, replied, "Isla Arcoíris? What's there?"

The ships were now close enough for Nathaniel, aka Captain Nox, to jump over and onto the Maria Antonia. "Have you not heard of the rainbow treasure?"

"No, but it sounds beautiful."

"It's supposed to be. But I'm sure it's not as beautiful as you are, m'lady."

"You have NO RIGHT to call me that! Not after what you did -- what you stole from me!" Lux was still bitter about the night her and Nox spent together ... or rather, bitter about the morning she woke up to find him AND her locket both missing. Not to mention her virginity.

"Which part, your womanhood ... or this?" He asked, holding up the silver locket her grandfather gave her before he passed.

"Nathaniel, so help me ..."

"Care for an exchange, Lucelia?"

"... I'm listening."

"I know how much this locket means to you. I'm willing to return it, for a piece of the Isla Arcoíris treasure."

"Well that would work if I had the --"

"I know you have it, Lu. If you want this back, don't play games with me."

He was only asking for a piece. The chest alone was worth the amount of the treasure inside it. She could afford to give up a piece. "Viola, come here." With Viola next to her, Lux whispered a favour in her ear, to retrieve a specific piece of the treasure she remembered seeing. "Close your eyes, Nathaniel."

As he did so, Viola went below deck to retrieve the piece, coming back with a moonstone and handing it to Lux.

"Okay, open." Lux commanded.

Nox looked stunned. "You remembered my favourite gemstone."

"I know how you enjoy the night sky, and anything that reminds you of it."

Nox took a step towards Lux, embracing her and whispering in her ear: "I'm sorry I left, Lu. I was scared you wouldn't look at me the same again after what we did. I stole the locket so I could see you, one more time."

Lux pulled away slightly, enough to look at his teary eyes ... and kiss him.

Eventually, and gently, they pulled away completely. "Goodbye, Nate."

Nox still looked sad, but he managed a smile before turning back to his crew. "Alright men, let's head out!"

As Lux turned around herself, the crew suddenly became invested in their ship duties, pretending they didn't just see the passionate moment between two pirate lovers.

"Are you alright, m'lady?"

Lux turned to Viola to say "It's been a year since I've seen him." And then, holding up a pocket watch, declared, "I know I'll be seeing Captain Nox again soon though."