“Lucky for you I wasn’t there long, you two-faced…” Ruby growled and stopped herself from saying something out of anger in front of the others. “If Natasha hadn’t found me, then I would still be in that stupid vault.”

  Nerice punched Ruby on the shoulder, “Be gd that we are connected dearest. When you weren’t dancing anymore and your mind went bnk all of a sudden, I knew I had to find you. Avanora was driving me crazy.” Nerice looked at Pearly. “Nice coughs when you wanted to say more things that started with a ‘T’, I couldn’t have done better.” Nerice flipped her blue hair behind her. “Paralee huh? I can’t see it.”

  “Me neitherz.” Ava quipped as she giggled.

  “I am used to it. I have kept Paralee as a secret for years, Captain.” Delzie stood up and brushed herself off as she stopped drinking rum and moved to the purified water that Ava had summoned while Pearly spoke.

  “What a help the lot of you are.” Ruby grumbled. “Pearly give me back my gem.”

  “I rightfully stole it from you, dear. You stole it from the bck wall… so don’t be sore.” Pearly moved her empty pte aside and stood up. “How about this, Captain? We have no more bad blood between us, and I will work for you on ‘The Mysti Mermaid’ as a lead rigger and sort of a crew-mom to the guys.”

  Gncing around the campfire, Ruby saw the questioning look coming from all of her other devoted friends. With a deep sigh, Ruby patted her shoulder. “Don’t you make me put the name Pearly back here, savvy?”

  “Never dear.” Pearly fshed her pearl-capped smile. “So we have a deal?”

  “Fine, Fine…damn you..fine.” Ruby smiled and pointed to the ship. “Delzie, give Digger a break and set Pearly up comfortably like a captain should be set, if you please.”

  “Yes, Captain Ruby One-Eye.” Delzie quietly padded over to Pearly. “Miss Pearly Pieces of Eight, let’s show you to your new home. I can’t wait to hear your stories too.”

  With one finger held up for Delzie, Pearly right to Ruby and pulled her captain to her feet. “Captain Ruby, this is a token between us. Promise me that you’ll care for it like you do your dagger.” Pearly unbuckled her holster with the pearl-glistening pistol in it and surrendered it to Ruby. “I have no intention of killing anyone else, if I can help it.”

  With her mouth slightly agape, Ruby couldn’t find the words to thank the elder pirate properly. Vaguely aware that Nerice had strapped the leather belt to her waist, Ruby simply nodded and nervously bit her lower lip.

  With a smile, Nerice nodded. “Pearly, she is speechless, but I assure you she is happy and accepts the token. Just don’t tell anyone … this part.”

  “Agreed.” Pearly took Delzie’s hand and quickly saluted Ruby. “Until ter Captain.”

  Once out of earshot and most of the way to ‘The Mysti Mermaid’ Delzie stopped walking and pulled Pearly to her close. “Our Captain is your daughter isn’t she, Pearly?”

  “How do you…” Pearly looked around and noticed that Delzie had whispered the comment-question into her ear, making it look like a lovers kiss. “Yes, but…”

  “I suspected for a long time. Things didn’t add up.” Delzie smiled. “I fancy myself a little detective when I have the opportunity. The more Ruby talked about you, and your simirity…I put the pieces together. It was in stone when you called yourself crew-mom.” Delzie cleared her throat, “Can I ask you one more thing?”

  “You already know everything, Delzie.” Pearly wrapped her arm around Delzie’s tiny elven-shaped waist. “Yes, go ahead.”

  “Why haven’t you told her?” Delzie questioned softly, “She’s a wonderful woman, you have to know that.”

  “I do.” Pearly began walking towards the ship. “Keep this between us, but I am the reason she is who she is…” Pearly took a steady breath, “...I sold the dagger to the Duke and suggested it be given to his new bride.”