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“Lady Oyster!” Her envoy walks swiftly towards the Elder with haste, holding a folded envelope in their hand, other hand behind their back formally. Their voice sounded slightly urgent, though not demanding.
“Is something quite so critical that you would have me away from my duties?” Oyster turns from her desk, sighing softly and rising from her seat to greet her bowing envoy. “What is it you have there?”
“A letter. From the Cacao Kingdom. It was addressed to you, but not with a proper name on the exterior. I thought to dispose of it, though I feared it could be something from the King himself or something of the sort.” They extend the letter out to Oyster, who hesitates momentarily to look at the paper, then takes it delicately in her pristine gloved hands.
“Peculiar….” She hums in amusement, looking at its front and back. The handwriting didn’t appear to be familiar, though the scent more so. It was not as if she had never gotten letters from the Cacao Kingdom, just not one like this. Well, those letters were barely from the Cacao Kingdom itself, rather the captain commanding the navy there, so the majority of the letters were from sea or various ports. She hadn’t heard from her dear captain in a couple months or so, though presumed she was just busy or occupied with something else. Which was kind of odd, considering the captain’s constant punctuality and swiftness to reply to the Elder in a poetic and well thought out manner. Carefully, as to not tear the paper, she unstuck the wax seal on the back and unfolded the letter inside, reading it in silence.
“My dearest Oyster,
I must first apologize for my delay in responding to you, your latest letter was not in vain; I have read it time and time again. That being said, I suppose an excuse is needed. Shortly after receiving your letter, the Icepiercer was struck with a storm that destroyed one of our masts, leagues away from shore or safety. Though my crew and I held through, as a team I believe there is nothing we cannot do. That being said, upon an urgent retreat to repair at the Cacao Kingdom, the Icepiercer was struck again, fog thick enough to cut was the perfect hiding place for pirates apparently. I ideally should have known better, but was focused on repairing the mast and getting the crew to safety.
I am sure you are not surprised to hear we took down the pirates successfully, though with some damage done. In that time the Icepiercer is being repaired and I am unfortunately told to hold off in duties until I am relieved to do so.
Thank you for your patience with my letter, I hope you and your House have been well.
With admiration,
- Captain Ice “
Oyster stared at the letter with slight worry. What on earthbread did that woman mean by being held off from duties? Nothing would ever halt her from her duties, that wasn’t very Captain Ice-y of her. Still, she kept on a calm demeanor in front of her Envoy. While preparing to put the letter back in its envelope, she noticed a second paper, this one with the handwriting of the address on the envelope.
“Greetings.
It has come to my attention that you are our esteemed Captain’s closest friend, as no family is available, and she does keep talking about you. It would be in your best interest to write her back or something of the sort while she is recovering safely from the ambush on the Icepiercer. She does have Boatswain Anchor with her for company at the very least.
- King Dark Cacao”
She blinked. Was it really this bad that the king himself had to attach a letter because the “holding off on duties” was actually “recovering”? At least his message hadn’t been hostile, she knew of his dislike for their consul. Tilting her head upwards to her envoy, the Elder spoke smoothly, determined.
“Come. We are to set off. I am preparing a ship to the Cacao Kingdom immediately.” Oyster says calmly, though her hands on the letter were tight, and she dismissed her paperwork on her desk to stride down the hall to her room to pack, her envoy in tow.
“You wish for me to come along?” The envoy asks with hesitation, helping Oyster fold thicker clothes for the harsh climate of the Cacao Kingdom. “I would not want you to go alone, no, but I do not think the soldiers and I would …. Fit, in the Kingdom.”
“Of course you are coming.” She scoffs, continuing firmly. “And if you do not wish to set foot on the Cacaoian soil, then you may stay on the ship.” It wasn’t as if they could really argue with that, so the envoy continues.
· ─ ·𓆟· ─ · ·
It wasn’t like the Icepiercer’s captain to be away from her work, and she hoped her letter to Oyster wouldn’t worry her by being vague. Though she was unaware of her king’s added note, if she had she’d go to the king himself and - No, she didn’t know what she’d do. It wasn’t as if she was in much of a place to actually do anything. From attempting to hold up the mast with coats of ice and snow, to freezing cannonballs and commanding fire at enemy ships, as well as protecting her crew; the captain was in no place to be running a ship right now. Not to mention that the Icepiercer was still being repaired. And not being able to see it or monitor the progress of her beloved ship was frustrating as hell. Though her crewmates visited from time to time, the ones who had recovered quicker were being set on separate missions until the Icepiercer was finished, and the rest were doing their job or still healing. The area inside the medical building was spacious, full of futons spread evenly across the hall, cabinets lining the walls with supplies and linens. At first she had insisted on denying any assistance whatsoever, though when the king himself met her at the docks- she folded.
Despite all the pharmacists around doing their job, the patients occasionally here or there, it was getting to be a rather slow day, the captain opting to either stare at the ceiling or petting Boatswain Anchor. Her beloved pet, Boatswain Anchor, was a rather fluffy snow leopard with an anchor marking on his forehead, laying with his head on his paws across Ice’s chest. It took a good deal of convincing to let the pet stay with her, leading in Cacao stepping in and granting her the permission. Eventually, her mind wandered, her eyes shutting completely to think clearer. All her mind could focus on was the multiple ways she could be of use right now if not for being stuck here. She found it horribly difficult as well to sleep on a stationary futon rather than a hammock swaying softly at sea, not to mention the rushing noises of the waves and the quiet clamor of work. Here was just the opposite, uncomfortable, either too loud or too quiet, too stationary.
She opened her eyes halfway as something drew near her, Boatswain Anchor stirring from laying on her chest and at first growling, but then sniffing the air and letting out a soft purr. Ice huffed, aimlessly reaching over to try and pull Boatswain back over, missing the warmth and pressure of the large cat on her chest.
“Boatswain… come back here- “ She spoke softly but firmly, not wanting to raise her voice in such a place. Though she wasn’t entirely sure where he went, she could still hear him a bit. Gradually, he rests his head and paws back on her chest, Ice pulling an arm around him for comfort. “What was that all about?” The captain murmured to Boatswain.
“I suppose he was just excited to see a friend.” A warm and familiar tone spoke as they sat beside her, politely folding their legs beneath them and hands on their lap. Ice blinked in surprise, her eyes focusing on the person beside her. Her attempts to immediately get up were halted by Boatswain on her chest, but she did dearly wish to hug the Elder. “At ease, Captain.” She chuckled softly, laying a gloved hand on her shoulder.
“What are you doing here- How?” Ice’s eyes widened in surprise. Oyster was dressed in formal wear, as she always was, but her attire was more akin to the Cacao Kingdom. Warm, thick layers of blue-grey hanbok paired with a soft and fluffy hooded cape. Her usual long elegant gloves were replaced with a thicker pair, it was clear she either went personally shopping before this - or she had been planning to come here in advance.
“Well, you sent a rather urgent letter. I thought it would be rude of me to not visit you.” Oyster replies matter-of-factly, a simple smile gracing her lips.
“My message was not urgent. It was … informative. Not a call for help.” Ice insisted, thoroughly unaware of the attached note from her king - of which Oyster debated on telling her about for the time being. “I simply wished for you to be in the know, not to worry. I had things under control.”
“Mm… no.” She hummed, still keeping her tone gentle. “While I do not doubt you had things under control at some point - it is the fact that they got out of control to the point where you are here.” Her eyes lingered on the wrappings around the captain’s arm and chest, as well as her usually covered hands covered in ice running up her arm further than it normally had. She moved her hand from Ice’s shoulder to the hand that’s not wrapped around Boatswain, gently clasping it in her own firmly.
“Yes, well.. I would be able to handle it if I were permitted to work on the Icepiercer myself… my old admiral’s partner used to be a shipwright … and - and I knew a good amount from it. I have fixed masts in the past anyhow.”
“The mast is not what needs mending right now, my dear Captain.” Oyster persists, her calm and calculated face flushing softly pink. “I already was planning to catch up with you soon anyway due to the delays in our letters. Not to mention I had missed you quite a bit.”
“I had intended to meet with you earlier… and to write to you earlier too.” Ice admits softly, glancing away momentarily to collect her thoughts and to pretend as if she didn’t hear the Elder’s first statement. “I appreciate you being here, nonetheless.”
“.... But life had other plans, hm? I suppose I was rather caught up in the management of my House in the Republic and it’s rather bothersome politics that I had also neglected to send a letter to check up on you.” The politician rubbed her thumb against the back of the Captain’s icy hand in a slow circle, staring at their hand holding instead. “Now then. I highly doubt you came prepared for a situation like this.”
“Not at hand. I’ve got some things back in my cabin…. Do you know how frustrating it is to not be at sea?” Ice sighed, closing her eyes in annoyance, which earned a small laugh from Oyster. “No, really! It’s so stationary… and quiet… and it smells so … so strange. There’s not a hint of sea breeze or old wood or anything like that.” The Captain turns her head to face Oyster’s, going to continue. “Your presence alone is comfort… You remind me of the sea.”
“Is that so?” She raised an eyebrow in amusement, though silently felt honored. “I suppose that is due to living by the sea, no? And you as well, though for more obvious reasons.”
“Well, yes.” The Captain opens her eyes slightly, taking a moment to look at her again, a small smile appearing on her scarred face. “So… have you come here to sneak me out?”
“Goodness, no, dear.” Oyster shakes her head, giving Ice’s hand a soft squeeze. “I am here to keep you company for the time being. I do not think it would do you much good to bring you back to the Republic while your beloved Icepiercer is at the docks here?” Noticing her slight frown, the Elder continues. “Though I do suppose there are some things we can do together here, how about that? Perhaps you can show me around your Kingdom as I have shown you around the Republic. I expect a detailed tour. Perhaps I can catch a glimpse of your hometown?”
“I can show you around the Kingdom, yes. If his majesty permits, perhaps even to parts of the castle if possible. I think you would enjoy it, perhaps the wall, the barracks… I am sure if his majesty is not too busy he would be pleased to meet you.” Ice dismisses the comment surrounding her hometown as if it wasn’t there, speaking firmly and confidently about her Kingdom. “It’s not often that I do stay on land for long. It generally is only for repairs, charting maps, or meetings with his majesty.”
“Is that so?” She replies thoughtfully, moving gracefully from the Captain’s hand to adjust Ice’s hair to rest out of her face. “I suppose it will have to wait then, if you can manage to wait long enough for that?”
“I certainly can wait.” Captain Ice huffs, rolling her eyes. Though they both knew how much the naval officer despised not being able to do things. Especially like being at sea, taking care of her crew and ship, or keeping the seas safe. Taking note of Oyster’s side eye, Ice continues with a sigh, petting Boatswain Anchor. “Though… it does make it easier with you and Boatswain here.”
“Good, I am happy to help. Count it as me paying you back for protecting the seas and my trade ships from time to time.”
“Yes but that wasn’t because I needed anything in return. It was something anyone would do in my situation.” Ice closes her eyes again, the snow leopard on her chest nestling down closer. “Nonetheless, I am grateful to have you.”
“Hmh. If you insist on being humble then I shall boast about you further.” Oyster’s comment leaving the Captain quite flustered.
· ─ ·𓆟· ─ · ·
As much as the leader of the Cacaoian navy despised staying inside like this, being with someone special made it all much more bearable. Though while her injuries seemed to heal in good timing, she looked like she was fading slightly. Oyster considered that her partner was simply not used to staying on land for so long, though dismissed it as unimportant. Ice was in the Creme Republic quite often - though she figured not as long as this, her letter only arriving a few weeks into Ice’s arrival in the Kingdom. The Captain never stayed more than a week in the Republic without getting a bit antsy about her ship and crew, even if she thought no one noticed. Oyster noticed all the little things about her, her subtle smile, the little songs she’d hum to herself when she thought no one was there, the flowery messages she’d write in her letters and personalized stamps and postage. Which is why the politician noticed how the usual ice that thinly covered her hands to her wrists, was subtly increasing to her upper arms; bits of frost creeped on her face, she seemed far colder than normal too.
The Captain’s short hair had also grown slightly, which she supposed made sense due to it being rather frosty too - but Oyster knew that Ice couldn’t stand her hair being in her way and longer than her shoulders. Taking off her glove, she rested her palm to the Captain’s frost-spiked cheek, softly rubbing her thumb to try and brush some of it off. This whole thing was so unlike her, she had to conclude that this was something that had been going on for a rather long time to lead her to the point to … this. Even possibly theorizing that it was the cause for her ship’s attack.
It concerned her further that Ice was brushing this off as nothing, as well as their king needing to attach a letter to get her to intervene. She let out a soft ‘tsk’ and brushed Ice’s bangs into place, then laying her hand comfortingly on the sleeping woman’s upper arm. Her moment of peace was broken by a low grumble directly behind her, causing Oyster to turn her head to meet eye to eye with the king of the Cacao Kingdom. He was dressed in dark hanbok embroidered in silver, a fluff tipped cape draped on his broad shoulders.
She released her hand from the king’s navy captain, composing herself swiftly as she rose to stand in front of him. “I suppose I have overstayed my welcome, hm? Perhaps something more severe? It is not often that the king of a grandiose kingdom would come himself to manage such affairs. Though I have heard great things of the Cacao Kingdom’s humanity despite its ranks…” Oyster mused softly, posing herself tall and proud, clearly not fearful or threatened by the man in front of her as many did.
Cacao raises his hand to stop her, shaking his head ‘no’. “I have not come to kick you out, actually the opposite.” He motions for her to follow. “I wish to speak with you in private.”
“And what if I were to refuse? You permit me to stay, and I wish to stay beside her.” She replies firmly, clearly experienced in testing the waters. Standing steady and still, she folds her hands in front of her waist; poised and polite, but cunning.
“I would permit that too. Though this matter concerns your…friend; and my finest navy captain. “ His piercing eyes moved to linger momentarily on the sleeping woman behind Oyster, then back up. He gestures to the room around them: “I think it would be best to speak in private. I believe you have read my attached letter, no?”
Oyster pauses for half a second, noticing the king’s gaze, as well as how his face softened slightly with worry. Perhaps she could leave her partner for a few moments in the trust of the pharmacists if it meant figuring out what was going on with the Captain. “Very well, but I expect no more than five minutes of my time.”
He raises an eyebrow in amusement, bold of her to call the shots in his own kingdom. He had to admit that the woman Ice spoke so highly of was exceeding his expectations. It was refreshing to have someone in his presence from the Republic that wasn’t a huge prick like someone with a name in similarity to Plotted Pream. Oyster could’ve sworn she saw a small satisfied smirk on his face. “Follow me.” Cacao instructs, turning to go outside, his dark cape following him gracefully, walking demeanor that commanded respect with every step.
The elder obliges, glancing briefly at the Captain, then follows the king outdoors. Dark Cacao thankfully led her inside a nearby sheltered area, the king needing to duck his head to fit himself and his pointy crown through the doorframe. The woman stood by the doorway, waiting until the grand cacaoian took a seat in the small shelter before sitting down across from him. “Tell me, your majesty, I cannot help but lean into curiosity here - why would you yourself send an attached note? I am sure you have many subjects willing to assist you with whatever it is you need from the Republic. If you wished to speak politics I would rather you not drag me in here for the sake of the safety of your navy captain.”
“That is not why I called you over.” Cacao speaks slowly, keeping sure of his words. “I am not here to speak politics either, nor would I pull you from your duties if it was not an urgent matter. This conversation is not to do with the Republic, nor you or your House.” The king leans back slightly in his chair, causing it to creak a bit. “I suppose you’ve noticed our Captain’s … frostiness.”
“Hmh.” She appeared to not be too satisfied with the king’s answer, but brushed it off as the main concern switched in urgency. Her face softened slightly to one of worry. “I have, yes. Her physical ailments seem to be on the correct track, though seem odd for her to miss, but the ice on her hands has grown significantly.”
“I had hoped you would be able to get something, perhaps an answer, actually.” His voice lowers, quieter. “I had noticed it gradually got worse the longer she stayed on land, and her insistence to work all the time kept her at sea for the majority of the time, so it became less of an issue. I cannot say it doesn’t worry me, she is a formidable and admirable fighter and leader… and friend.” Cacao sighs, crossing his arms across his chest. “I do have my theories, and believe me, I would have liked to catch this earlier, but I was hoping you would have some kind of idea. Neither of us wish to see her in a state like that.”
“An answer?” She repeats, thinking over the king’s words. “I am afraid I do not have the answers you seek. Though I believe this frost is the cause of her lack of defense. I had originally brushed off the idea that it was tied to her being on land, though I suppose it does line up.” Oyster folds her hands on top of each other on her lap. “You spoke of family not being available in your note: what of them? Would they have some sort of answer if the Captain refuses to respond? And your theories, speak on them.”
“I do believe there is some connection there.” The Ancient nods in agreement. “She speaks little of her family, though made it clear she is from a village in the kingdom, outside of the walls. I do not pry, it is not in my place. Though she was rather young upon joining the navy, as well as becoming a captain… Hmh. My theories, yes. I am unsure if you have heard the stories surrounding the Frost Witch who is said to live in the mountains. From time to time, unsuspecting healthy children are suddenly ill with an ailment that causes unexpected icy powers, the symptoms similar to our Captain’s own. Those children are then taken by the Witch into the snow to become frost. It is rather a long winded theory though, as no one has survived the illness.”
Oyster’s mouth twisted to a thin frown, trying to hide how tense she was getting. “I see. I do not wish to pry upon her family as well, she has not spoken of it to me, I wish to give her proper time.” The woman pauses, listening intently, then speaking cautiously. “While your theory seems…interesting. I do not think it is a reliable source to set our sights on.” And even so, the king said no one had survived, she did not want to dream of thinking that her partner’s life would be on the line so severely. “I suppose that if this ‘Frost Witch’ is real as you say, it would have taken her already. That being said, I shall question her upon this. As you stated: neither of us wish to see her like this.”
“Indeed.” Dark Cacao sighed heavily, setting his hands on the arms of the chair to rise. “That is all I had to speak with you about. If you need more time here I will arrange for your stay to increase. Though I do not doubt you are wishing to get back to your Manor.”
“I appreciate your alerts on the matter. I will keep you updated if anything comes of this.” Elder Oyster nods, standing soon after the king and exiting after he had left, closing the door behind her silently.
Her remaining walk back was in silence, the king taking a different path shortly after his departure, most likely back to the palace. She kept her head held high, still alert and composed as always, though worry stirred in her mind. Eventually sitting back down beside the Captain, Oyster gently shook her shoulder to try and wake her. It wasn’t a difficult feat: Ice sat up swiftly and nearly collided with her partner, who moved back in surprise. Taking a few seconds to breathe and blink the sleepiness away, she glanced over at the elder.
“Is something the matter?” She questions, then her face pales slightly. “Ah… you’re leaving. I understand. I have not meant for you to stay so long.”
“I am not leaving, Captain.” Oyster assures her in a comforting but firm tone. “I am staying until you tell me what’s really going on. And do not tell me nothing is, because I can see through that quite easily.” Seeing Ice look away hesitantly, she continues. “I will attempt to grant clearance for you to continue your rest on the Icepiercer, where we can speak properly in the comfort of your own ship. Though I doubt they will give you the permission to begin a new mission.”
Captain Ice runs a frosty hand over her face, pulling her hair out of her eyes. She takes a shaky breath, though confirms. “Right… very well. I will speak with you on the Icepiercer.” Calling Boatswain Anchor over, Ice used the big cat as leverage to stand, petting his thick furry head. She leans on her pet, staring expectantly at Oyster with piercing blue eyes, though duller slightly than they usually were.
“Oh? I wasn’t expecting to go right now -” She moves beside the Captain to provide support aside from Boatswain, which she gratefully accepted. “Though your ship is repaired. I do not see why we cannot go now.” The elder peers at her attire, thick and soft robes; they were simple but functional. Knowing quite well that Ice would not want to be seen in the kingdom in practically pajamas, Oyster retrieves the Captain’s large coat to drape over her shoulders. She smiles at the other’s grateful nod.
· ─ ·𓆟· ─ · ·
Standing on board the Icepiercer for the first time in a long time was a new feeling to Ice, but a welcome one. It was relieving to be somewhere that she called home, that she knew and cared for every inch of. If she could hug the warship she would. Oyster knew where her cabin was, as she’d frequented it from time to time when it was docked in the republic; the two could finally sit after their short journey. Boatswain remained on the deck to inspect the new repairs and just lay on the wooden floor, enjoying the gentle rock of the sea just as much as Ice did.
“Well?” Oyster says expectantly, though not impatiently, after the two had situated themself comfortably in the cabin. Her tone lowers, “Do not feel pressured to say everything, but do understand this is in attempt to assist you regarding everything that has been going on. Please know I am not upset at you. I am not here to reprimand you, only to listen.” Noting the Captain’s silence, she nods. “A lot of people only see you for your status and authority, your scars and expression. Do not get me wrong, I do not mean that I don’t see your role and all the hard work that you have put into it - but that there is much more I see in you than simply the title of ‘Captain’.”
Ice took in a shaky breath, looking now at her hands then at the woman beside her. “I suppose you are referring to this … issue, with the ice.” Letting out a quiet laugh, she shakes her head. “It is rather silly. Most would see such powers as a blessing, not a curse. Perhaps I would have too if not for the circumstances in which they came.”
Elder Oyster did not reply, just setting her hand atop Ice’s in solidarity, so she knew she was listening, and that it was ok to continue. “I could not have been much older than ten at the time. My days consisted of lessons and tasks with the intention for me to be married off to a wealthy man when I was of age. It was horribly unbearable, but it was what my parents wanted, for me to uphold the family name. Ah, anyway… At that age I had slowly grown rather ill, until it left me unable to leave my room. My hands were encased in frost, the tips of my hair, my face… I could hardly sleep with the voices of someone calling me to join her out into the snow. At first my parents were a bit concerned, but when they realized that no medic could solve this, they stopped caring entirely. I was left for days alone with my thoughts and an illness that was freezing the room around me.”
Her hand received a soft squeeze, and upon looking up, she noted Oyster’s look of encouragement and concern. With the added bit of confidence, Ice squeezes her hand back. “Without any other option, one night I gathered all the strength I had and climbed out the window. I figured if I was going to die on land, my next best bet was at sea. I was young and stupid and ironically had no idea how to swim, but thankfully the waters weren’t very infested with beasts at the time. I think the divines must have been watching or something like that, a ship happened to be docking nearby, and I was able to sneak on board.”
“Quite the little rebel.” Oyster’s quiet comment earns a nervous chuckle from Ice, trying to regain her composure as she recalled such past memories. “You had a lot of fighting spirit, then. You still do now.”
“Mm,” Captain nods with a weary smile. “I could not have been there very long before the Admiral of the ship had found me as a stowaway. He didn’t yell at me, he didn’t berate me. He sat me down and after I was well enough to explain myself, we struck a deal. I insisted on staying on board no matter what, and my Admiral knew that if I were to return home as he originally wished, I would not have much more time left. That being said, he allowed me to stay on his ship if I could work for it and keep up. I was fueled with the passion to prove myself as worthy to be on that ship, perhaps better. A lot of my crewmates doubted me, especially as the youngest sailor, though I was able to quickly climb the ranks.”
“... Ah. I appear to have rambled a bit. About the frost. It did get much more manageable at sea, and I was able to figure out how to harness it: freezing cannonballs, my sword, things like that. Nowadays I use it in various ways: from freezing pirates to the deck, covering wounds, and keeping the Tower of Frozen Waves standing for a bit. I suppose with the mix of the storm destroying the mast as of late, I was putting the majority of my energy into attempting to fix it. By the time pirates had come to attack I was far too worn out to properly fight, let alone protect my crew and ship… being on land only enhances it and makes it worse.”
Letting the silence linger in the air for a bit, Oyster’s soft voice smoothly cuts through the quiet of the cozy cabin. “It is impressive, don’t you think? To take the very thing that tried to kill you and use it to your advantage? And your dedication and commitment to the navy is commendable. You have not only earned your rank but have done it twice over. I do not think you have any need to prove yourself any longer, though. I must ask, why haven’t you told me about this earlier? Perhaps not your childhood, but simply the frost illness itself? It would have certainly aided us in helping you quicker.”
“It was always a secret within my crew as a sailor that only my Admiral and an old friend knew. It felt right to keep it a secret. If it was public knowledge, pirates would use it to their advantage, so it remained a secret. It is a weakness. It is something I struggle to control at times… It is a curse.”
“Yes, some secrets can become rumors, which become scandal and such… news spreads fast in the Republic, I assume the same for the Cacao Kingdom. That being said, I would have wished you told at least me or your king sooner. He had his concerns, and seeing his best navy captain being hindered by such a thing worried him further. There is always a compromise, and I am positive he would be willing to accommodate your needs if it means keeping the seas safe, and having his friend alive and well.” Oyster gives her hand one more firm squeeze, then pulls her arm around the other’s waist, tugging her a little closer as she rests her head on her shoulder. The Captain’s face reddened slightly, looking away as if Oyster hadn’t noticed. “I wish to see my partner alive and well too, you know.”
The usually stoic Captain let out what Oyster could only decipher as a squeak. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt to tell His Majesty in private… Though I will certainly keep it much shorter.” Ice tilts her head to rest upon the elder’s. “I suppose you are due to head home, hm? I’ve kept you long enough.”
“Ah? Are you the one kicking me out now?” She teased. “I suppose I should get back to my duties. Though perhaps we can arrange a date for you to give me a proper tour of the Cacao Kingdom. We can keep it brief and spend the nights on your docked ship just in case.”
“Yes.” Captain Ice agrees quickly to the proposition of a date, then attempts to recover from that blunt verbal fumble with a bit more. “I would be honored to do so. Perhaps not in the winter months. Your wintertime in the Republic is a pleasant spring day in the Cacao Kingdom.”
“Is that so? Do you expect me to turn into an Oystercicle the second I step foot on Cacaoian soil?” The elder mocked offense, using her free hand to cover her smile.
“Indeed. I would not have my partner frozen solid.” She closes her eyes serenely and nods, her tone a little bit more serious.
“And it is alright for my partner to be frozen solid all the time? What a double standard!” Oyster huffs, shaking her head.
“I would not be able to thaw you. Or hug you.” She insists, wrapping her arms now around her partner. Planting a soft kiss on her forehead, the Captain continues. “Nor could I do that. That is why I cannot let you freeze over.”
“Goodness, Captain, do you plan to sway the minds of all the elders in the republic with your charm?” Oyster laughs lightly, returning the kiss to her scarred cheek.
“No. Only the elders in the republic who have such a way with words that would convince any pirate to stop thieving… only the elders with the rarest smile that I am blessed with every time I see you. Only the elders who use their power to be a voice for those in need - ” As Oyster opened her mouth to refute, Ice politely interrupted. “- And especially only elders who happen to be called Oyster.”
“Well then!” She shakes her head in amusement, she hadn’t realized how much she missed times like this with the Captain, even if they had sent numerous flowery letters back and forth, it was wonderful to hear it outright. Especially as it took a good while for Ice to warm up to Oyster, she noticed how the naval officer grew less and less anxious around her. It was refreshing to be with someone who she didn’t need to keep her status up or seriousness, the two could be more open with each other.
“I will keep that in mind, dear Captain. As for now, I think it would be in our best judgement to rest.” Oyster’s voice lowers slightly, wanting the moment to remain peaceful. Ice nodded, she didn’t dare move away from the warmth and comfort of her partner, their heads nestled together like puzzle pieces.