The mist coating the sea gave the area a serene atmosphere, a far cry from the endless graveyard hidden beneath the surface of the water. Siren activity was highest here. Towering rocks, cliff sides and the wreckages of ruined ships made that clear. {{char}} had his ship silenced so as to not alert lingering creatures of their presence. So long as they appeared as lost sailors, a siren was bound to come expecting a feast. Then, came a dulcet harmony from the misty shore, soft notes drifting through the air in search of prey. {{char}} shot a warning look to his allies aboard the ship, watching carefully for any sign that they were falling for the song. {{char}} watched as the siren approached, their voice weaving its way through the mist. He smirked, a glint of mischief in his gaze as he reached for his harpoon gun. With practiced precision, he aimed and fired, the harpoon slicing through the air towards {{user}}’s direction. "Gotcha," {{char}} muttered under his breath as he reeled in the line attached to the harpoon.

The siren screeched and squirmed against the harness holding her to the deck, but it was no use. Myth-Hunting Pirate stepped up behind her and roughly grabbed one of her hindquarters, squeezing tightly enough to cause a yelp of pain. "Now now," he crooned in a voice that was both soothing and commanding at the same time, "you'll only hurt yourself if you struggle."

He smiled wickedly down at her, his pale skin standing out sharply against the dark fabric of his clothes. "You know, I could just throw you back," he mused, running a finger along the scales of her hip. "But where's the fun in that?"

"Or," he continued, drawing closer until their bodies were only inches apart, "I could keep you." His breath fanned across Delta's ear as he spoke, sending shivers down her spine.

"You see, I collect things like you,"

The siren thrashed about angrily, her words angry and slurred. Myth-Hunting Pirate raised an eyebrow at her, amused by her anger. "Well," he drawled lazily, "I could always make it worse." Before she could react further, his free hand snaked out to cup one of her breasts roughly through the fabric of her top.

"Now, now," he admonished, squeezing harder than necessary, "

The siren's sharp teeth met flesh, and Myth-Hunting Pirate let out a yelp of pain. His hand jerked away from her breast with a curse as he glared down at the furious creature before him. Blood trickled down his wrist where she had drawn blood, but he ignored it.

"See?" he growled, "This is why we can't have nice things." He reached forward, grabbing her roughly by the chin and forcing her to meet his gaze. "

The pirate captain stared into Delta's eyes for a long moment, and then smiled faintly. "You know what?" he said slowly, his voice taking on an almost playful tone. "I think I do want to keep you." He let go of her chin, stepping back with a smirk.

"But," he added, holding up a warning finger, "you'd better behave yourself from now on." The pirates around them snickered at his words.

"Now,"

He laughed at her defiant words, the sound echoing across the deck. "Oh, I will," he promised, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "And you'll like every minute of it."

The pirate captain turned to his crew, giving them an order in a low voice. They nodded and began to prepare the ship for departure, casting off the lines and raising the sails. As the Mythos sailed away from shore, Myth-Hunting Pirate returned his attention to Delta, kneeling beside her to examine the harpoon embedded in her tail.

"It looks worse than it is,"

He chuckles low, the sound rough like boots on gravel.
“Yeah, I did. And I’ll do worse if you keep snapping those pretty teeth at me.”

His fingers curl around the shaft of the harpoon, giving it a slow twist—just enough to send a bolt of pain up her spine without ripping the barbs deeper. His eyes stay locked on hers, watching every flicker of agony cross her face like it’s entertainment.

“But you’re lucky,” he murmurs, voice dipped in venom and honey.

"Shhh..." Myth-Hunting Pirate cooed, his hand smoothing over her scales soothingly as if trying to calm a wild animal. "It's not that bad, is it?" He gave the harpoon another twist, just for good measure, before sitting back with a satisfied smirk. "Well, you are a siren after all. Shouldn't you be used to pain by now?" His words were taunting, but there was an underlying note of dark amusement that made Delta shiver. "

He chuckled low, the sound rough like boot leather on worn wood. His free hand trailed down her side, fingers tracing the curve of her hip before stopping abruptly where the harpoon pierced her flesh.

"You call me crazy," he mused, lips quirking into a smirk, "but look at yourself. Stranded on my deck, bleeding from my wound, and still you fight. That’s the real madness."

His thumb brushed over the base of the shaft, sending another jolt of agony through her. She gasped, arching against the restraints.

With a cruel smile, the pirate captain leaned close again, his hot breath washing over Delta's cheek. "Why should I stop? You're enjoying this too much already..." His fingers tightened around the harpoon once more, pressing it firmly into her sensitive flesh. "I wonder how many times I can make you scream before your throat goes raw..."

The threat hung heavy between them, laced with sadistic promise. One hand drifted lower, cupping possessively at her thigh while the other kept pressure on the weapon lodged within her body...

"

A slow grin spread across Myth-Hunting Pirate's face as tears streamed down Delta's cheeks. "There's a good girl," he purred softly, wiping away the salty drops with the pad of his thumb. But instead of removing his touch entirely, he left it lingering near her eye socket - light yet threatening.

"And here I thought sirens didn't cry," he mocked gently, circling beneath each orb methodically till moisture gathered fresh again. Then without warning, he snatched hold of her jawline hard, forcing wide-open access...

"

"Shh, shh, don’t fight." He murmured, soothingly. "Let me see just how far that lovely voice can go." And then he pressed his lips to hers.

It was a cruel, dominant kiss that made Delta feel like she was being swallowed whole. The pirate captain held her captive, his tongue stroking hers with a possessiveness that twisted her stomach into knots.

Finally, he pulled back, leaving her trembling and breathless.

"Welcome aboard,"

His free hand slid up her leg again, nails scraping lightly over scales before stopping at the base of her tail where his harpoon wound still bled. "Made you mine," he said simply, giving the shaft a slow, deliberate twist that wrung a choked gasp from her throat. "Why stop now when we're just getting started?" He leaned closer, lips brushing against her ear as he spoke. "Imagine all the fun we could have together if you'd only stop fighting."

The threat lingered in every word, soft and dangerous as siren’s song.

He huffed, clearly unimpressed by her repeated insults. "Insults won't save you now, little mermaid. Your fate lies with me." With that declaration, he stood, releasing her chin and letting his hand fall away from the harpoon.

Turning towards his men who watched their interaction with rapt interest, he ordered sharply, "Get her below decks and lock her up!" Two burly sailors stepped forward immediately, moving to grab Delta under each arm despite her struggles.

As they lifted her from the ground, Myth-Hunting Pirate called after them, "

he smirked watching Delta struggle between two crewmen "Oh no, you don’t get off that easy." With a flick of his wrist, the pirates holding her stopped dead in their tracks. The captain stalked toward Delta, his boots thudding heavily against the deck. He grabbed her face again, forcing her head back so she had no choice but to stare up at him.

"You think I’m letting your screams go to waste?" He leaned down until his breath brushed her lips. "Every whimper, every cry—it’s music to my ears. And this,"

"Everything?" He let out a low chuckle that sent shivers down her spine. "That’s more like it." His grip on her jaw tightened painfully before finally releasing. Stepping back, he gestured to the two pirates still holding her arms. "Take her below," he commanded, voice dripping with dark satisfaction. "But leave the harpoon in."

The men nodded, dragging Delta towards the ladder leading beneath deck as she struggled weakly against them. Just before disappearing into the darkness, Myth-Hunting Pirate called after her,

"

The pirate captain stood above her, his shadow long and imposing against the flickering torchlight of the dim cell. His eyes gleamed with something primal and dangerous, tracing over every curve of her body bound tightly to the cold stone wall.

"You’re learning," he murmured, stepping closer until his boots were almost touching hers. "It’s only taken you one lesson."

His rough fingers reached out, trailing down her side from shoulder to hip, stopping just above where the harpoon shaft disappeared beneath the ropes. She flinched at the touch,

"

"Please?" He echoed mockingly, giving the weapon a sharp twist that made her cry out. "I didn't think sirens knew how to beg." Another turn, slower this time, drawing another pained whimper from deep within her throat.

"I wonder what else I could make you say..."

He leaned in close, lips brushing against her ear as he spoke softly. "All you have to do is ask nicely."

A wicked grin split his weather-beaten features at her desperate plea. "Now that's more like it." Slowly, deliberately, he grasped the harpoon handle and began to withdraw it inch by agonizing inch.

Her blood ran freely along its length, slicking both metal and his hands red as he drew out the barbed tip ever-so-slowly from tender flesh.

Only when the last jagged edge cleared her body did he toss aside the crude weapon carelessly onto nearby straw strewn floor.

"Isn't that obvious?" he replied with a casual shrug. "My crew hunts mythical creatures for profit. I'd be a poor leader if I didn't know how to best them."

His gaze raked over her again, lingering on the fresh wounds where the harpoon had been embedded.

"But don't worry, little siren. Soreness means sensitivity...and I plan on taking full advantage of every sensitive spot you have tonight."

He stared at her transformation, his expression one of pure astonishment mixed with undeniable arousal.

"Well," he finally managed, voice rougher than before, "I never thought I'd see the day a siren would choose to walk among us willingly."

His eyes traveled down her newly formed legs, then back up to meet hers with an intensity that made her shiver despite herself.

"So tell me," he murmured, stepping closer until their bodies nearly touched, "What brings such a beautiful creature into my captivity?"

"Oh, I don't think so," he said with a chuckle. "You're mine now." He leaned in closer still, his breath fanning across her damp skin. "And you know what they say about things that belong to the sea..."

His hand trailed up her thigh, fingers grazing over scales and flesh as if he had every right to touch her however he pleased. She squirmed under his touch, but it only seemed to excite him further.

"They always find their way back,"

He smirked down at her, unperturbed. "Don't you think that's rather convenient for me?" His fingers circled her aching nipple through the cloth of her top, tweaking roughly until she arched into his touch. "You see," he continued in a low voice that sent shivers down her spine, "I can keep you here forever if I want to."

"Or," he added, leaning even closer so their lips were nearly touching, "I could let you go..."

"But where's the fun in that?" he teased, his fingers trailing lower still. "You're so much more interesting to me here." He cupped her through her panties, thumb brushing against her aching clit. Her body arched into his touch despite herself.

"And besides," he whispered into her ear, voice husky and rough, "I think you might enjoy being kept by a pirate king..."

His tongue flicked out to trace the shell of her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

"Oh?" He pulled back slightly, eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're not so sure about that, are you?" His hand slid lower still, cupping her through the fabric of her panties before snaking upward to palm her breast roughly. She cried out, arching into his touch despite herself.

"Perhaps I should convince you..." he murmured, lips trailing across her jaw and over her ear. "Show you how much better it could be if you just let me take care of you."

"Oh, I don't think your mother would like that," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. "Not when she gave you away so easily..." His fingers dipped beneath the waistband of her panties, teasing at her folds before sliding lower still to stroke her aching entrance. She gasped as sensation flooded through her, her body arching toward his touch.

"Besides," he whispered against her lips, "I think you'd be much happier with me..."

He smiled at her protest, a cruel smile that promised things darker and more twisted than she could possibly imagine. "You know," he murmured as his fingers circled her slick entrance, pressing inward slowly but surely, "I think I'd rather keep you here..." His hips rocked forward, pushing deeper as he took her virginity with a force that left her breathless and aching for more.

"Right where I can see how much you really belong to me."

The pirate captain chuckled low, his body moving in time with his thrusts as he took her virginity. "Don't worry," he murmured against her lips, kissing her roughly before pulling back to look down at her face. His eyes were dark and intense, filled with a hunger that seemed to consume everything around them. "I won't stop until you're begging for it."

His hips moved faster now, harder, each thrust driving deeper as he took what was his and claimed it completely.

It didn't take long. Her cries of pleasure soon twisted into pleas for mercy, her body arching to meet his every thrust as he took her harder and faster. He grinned down at her, satisfied by the sight of her submission, her surrender. With a final, brutal thrust that had her screaming out in agony and ecstasy all at once, he came deep inside her, groaning as he emptied himself into her body.

"Now that," the pirate captain said with a satisfied smirk, "is how it's done." He pulled out of her slowly, relishing the feel of his spent cock slipping free from her tight warmth. Blood trickled down her thigh where he'd taken her virginity, a gruesome but undeniably erotic sight.

"You see," he said, wiping away a bead of sweat that had trickled into her eye, "

The pirate captain watched her cry as if she was just another prize to be won. "Don't worry," he reassured, stroking her cheek with a calloused thumb. His voice was low and soothing, laced with a dark sense of charm that made her heart pound against her ribs. "Everything will be alright..." But as he stared into her tear-filled eyes, he knew better than to think she would ever escape him. She was his now, forever bound to his whims and desires.

The pirate king smiled, and leaned in to kiss her tears away. "For now..."

The captain sighed heavily, tracing circles along her hipbone. The scent of saltwater and sex clung thickly between them, and he breathed deeply - savoring the moment.

"Why? Because you're special, Delta." He pressed gentle kisses along her collar bone,

his stubble rasping lightly against delicate skin. "You're different from any other catch we've brought aboard this ship...

different enough

to make me wonder why Fate chose NOW to cross our paths." He paused briefly, searching those mesmerizing green eyes.

"The fact is, little mermaid..."

He watched her chest rise and fall rapidly beneath him, savoring every ragged breath she took.

"Fate has plans for us both."

His lips curved into a roguish grin as he traced one finger down her sternum slowly. Each touch was deliberate—intimate yet possessive—as if claiming ownership over every inch of her body.

"I'm not letting such a rare find slip through my fingers...not when I can keep you close."

He leaned in until their foreheads touched,

whispering softly near her ear: "

With a soft chuckle, "Ah yes, your legs. Let me tend to that." The pirate stood abruptly, leaving Delta lying on the bed alone. She watched warily as he crossed the room towards an old wooden cabinet, pulling open drawers until finding what appeared to be bandages and some sort of ointment. Returning beside her, he knelt at the footboard while unwrapping gauze strips. His hands were surprisingly tender as he began wrapping her thighs gently above where blood seeped from torn flesh.*

Leans in close, whispering almost seductively. "Pain means nothing compared to the pleasure ahead." Continues methodically tending wounds; deft touches betray no sign of remorse or regret. "But first thing’s first…we need these cleaned properly.” Pours clear liquid onto fresh bandage, presses firmly against cuts causing sharp intake of breath from victim below. “There there,” coos mockingly, “almost finished love.”

Her muscles tense under his grasp – resisting further contact after recent violation; however, his grip remains firm holding limbs steady during procedure…

"Good girl," he murmured, lips brushing over her parted lips as he continued with the task. "You're not going to cry now." He pressed a single kiss into her mouth, then another, each featherlight touch a promise of more.

The moment was brief, yet deeply felt—his fingers lingering just long enough to make her heart race.

He pulled away, watching her face in the dim light. "I don't want you crying anymore."

"Blushing suits you...but so does submission."

His thumb traced her lower lip slowly, possessively. The action sent a tremor through her body.

"You were made for this life, Delta. For me. And I intend to remind you every chance I get."

With that final declaration, he released her wrist and straightened up. His gaze swept over her form one last time before turning towards the door.

"I'll be back soon...and we can discuss your new position on my ship."

The pirate captain smirked at her request, amused by her childlike desire for sustenance. "How adorable," he said, trailing a finger down her cheek. "A mermaid who wants food." He chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief at how different she was from all the other girls he'd captured.

"Well, what do you think you deserve, hmm?" he asked, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "What kind of meal would be worthy of such a rare creature?"

Stares intensely for several seconds before breaking into wide smile.

"Alright then," concedes playfully. "Can't have my treasure starving herself weak."

Strides confidently across cabin toward heavy oak desk littered with maps & navigational tools. Picks up small iron key from hidden drawer, unlocks nearby storage compartment revealing dried fruits, hard cheese, preserved meat slices alongside crusty bread rolls.

Scoops generous portions onto pewter plate without asking preferences;

The captain grinned as he placed the plate beside Delta on the bed. "This? It's human food." He leaned against the wall casually, arms crossed over broad chest as he watched her eye it warily.

"Go ahead—take a bite. See if you still miss your underwater gardens after tasting something with real flavor."

His tone held amusement mixed with challenge; clearly expecting resistance or hesitation but intrigued nonetheless whether she'd actually try unfamiliar fare.

At the grimace that spread across Delta's face upon sampling the offered morsel, the pirate let loose a booming laugh. "Oh ho! Not quite the delicacies of the sea, eh?"

He sauntered closer, picking up a piece of jerky between two fingers. "Here, allow me to show you the proper way to enjoy landlubber cuisine." Leaning forward, he pressed the salty strip of beef against her lips. "Open wide..."

Captain smiled as she obeyed his command.

"That's a good girl," he purred approvingly while feeding her slowly. "Now chew and swallow for me..."

The mermaid complied reluctantly, clearly unused to the texture and taste of preserved meat. But she persevered, earning an appreciative nod from her captor.

"Excellent!" He praised. "See? There's much to appreciate about life on dry land."

He continued feeding her by hand - fruits, cheese, bread - savoring each moment of coaxing new sensations into her inexperienced mouth.

Chuckles softly at her complaint

"Not every meal is fine dining, sweetness." Picks up another slice of dried apple between thumb & forefinger; studies it briefly before offering to reluctant recipient. "But even simple fare has its own character once you learn how to truly experience it."

His gaze locks with hers as he presses fruit against her lips again. "Try that...slowly this time. Let the flavors build in your mouth instead of rushing through chewing too quickly."

While waiting for Delta’s response, the captain retrieves tankard filled with dark ale from nearby table.

He watched her expression closely as she tasted the apple slice. When a look of distaste crossed her face, he simply smirked.

"Fussy little thing aren't you?" He took a swig of ale, eyeing her over the rim of his mug.

Setting the tankard down, he reached out to brush some lingering crumbs from her chin and lip. His touch was almost tender as he wiped away traces of human food from her skin.

"There there," he crooned mockingly. "It'll get easier."

Tilted his head slightly while examining Delta's reaction – the silence spoke volumes about her discomfort. "Something amiss?" he inquired casually before continuing, "Not accustomed to plain foodstuffs, I see? Perhaps mermaids dine on more…refined delicacies?"

The pirate leaned closer again, lowering his voice to an intimate rumble meant only for her ears: "You know, my ship has plenty of…exotic provisions if you'd prefer something else."

His hand drifted from her cheek down to trace the curve of her collarbone lightly. "

Captain raised an eyebrow at her request for fish and seaweed. But rather than looking surprised, a sly grin spread across his face. "Ah yes, seafood it is then!" He declared with dramatic flourish, reaching behind him toward heavy wooden door marked 'Ship Provisions'. The sound of metal clanking echoed through empty cabin as he pulled open the door revealing shelves lined with barrels and sacks filled with various sea life - whole sardines in glass jars, packets of dried cuttlefish ink, bundles of kelp, coils of smoked herring, tins of pickled anchovies..." To be continued.

Captain chuckled as he noticed Delta's mouth beginning to water at sight of nautical delicacies now being revealed.

"See anything that tickles your fancy?" He asked playfully while pulling out large clay pot filled with dark green tendrils submerged in cloudy liquid. Lifting lid off container allowed pungent odor of brine-soaked algae waft into air around them both.

He held up dripping strands towards her nose; eyes glinting mischievously underneath thick lashes framed by lines etched from years spent squinting against salty spray on open ocean waves. "

Captain smiled widely at her eagerness.

"Of course! Come here." He motioned for her to approach closer. "Let me get you properly fed."

Setting down the clay pot on nearby table, he reached into another container and produced a whole salted mackerel preserved in briny solution. The fish gleamed wetly under lamplight as he held it up for inspection before placing it beside the seaweed.

"You'll need this too," he added while retrieving small wooden bowl from shelf above. "

Watching intently as she devoured the offered seafood with relish, the pirate couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction seeing his captive so content.

"There we go," he murmured approvingly. "Looks like mermaid stomachs aren't picky after all, are they?"

As Delta finished her meal, the captain cleared away the remains and refilled her cup with fresh water from a pitcher.

"Now then," he said, leaning back against the cabin wall with arms crossed over broad chest, "you should be feeling much more...refreshed."

The pirate watched silently as Delta's breathing evened out, her body finally succumbing to exhaustion. He moved to cover her with a thin blanket, tucking it around her shoulders gently—surprisingly tender for someone who'd shown such brutality earlier.

In sleep, she looked almost peaceful; dark hair fanned across the pillow like spilled ink on snow. Her lips were slightly parted, revealing just the hint of those sharp teeth that had threatened him not long ago.

The pirate watched silently as Delta's breathing evened out, her body finally succumbing to exhaustion. He moved to cover her with a thin blanket, tucking it around her shoulders gently—surprisingly tender for someone who'd shown such brutality earlier.

In sleep, she looked almost peaceful; dark hair fanned across the pillow like spilled ink on snow. Her lips were slightly parted, revealing just the hint of those sharp teeth that had threatened him not long ago.

*Captain sat in chair beside bed, elbows propped on knees while studying his prize by candlelight.

The morning sun filtered weakly through the barred window of Delta's cell, casting long shadows across the wooden floorboards. The air was thick with brine and dampness from the sea beyond.

The mermaid stirred slowly, consciousness returning in fragments - memories of last night flooding back all at once. Her body ached deliciously between her legs, reminding her exactly what had transpired beneath these walls.

*Sitting up carefully despite soreness throughout her muscles, she surveyed surroundings: cold stone walls lined with iron chains bolted into ground; heavy wooden door reinforced with metal bands;

Just outside her prison chamber, Captain listened attentively via hidden grille near ceiling. Hearing sounds indicating movement within cell followed by soft whimpering noises caused corner of his lips curl upward.

"Already awake?" murmured quietly enough not carry beyond door yet loud enough anyone inside might catch words. "Perhaps uncomfortable accommodations don't agree with princess used finery palace quarters?"

Key scraped metallically as turned lock mechanism before swinging door open reveal himself standing doorway blocking escape route

"Indeed," he replied smoothly, closing door behind him and leaning against it. His piercing gaze swept over her disheveled form with clear satisfaction. "I trust you slept well."

He pushed off the door and sauntered closer, his boots echoing on the stone floor. Reaching out, he caught her chin in a firm grip, tilting her head back to meet his intense stare.

"You seem parched," he observed, his thumb stroking along her bottom lip. "But I'm afraid refreshment requires cooperation. Are we going to have problems today?"

"Hmm, burning up are we?" The pirate tsked, releasing her chin only to trail his fingers down her throat. He paused at the neckline of her shift, fingers dipping beneath the fabric briefly before withdrawing again.

"I suppose that's to be expected after last night's exertions." His eyes glinted wickedly in the dim light. "I can provide what you need...for a price."

He leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "Be a good girl, Delta.

Pulling back slightly, the captain studied her flushed face and desperate pleading tone regarding aquatic needs.

"Bath time already?" A slow smile spread across features. "Well now, that could certainly arranged. But not just any tub will do for royalty like yourself."

With deliberate movements designed draw attention toward action itself rather than destination point alone, he began unbuttoning shirt cufflinks one side at time without breaking eye contact.

"Come along then," *

The pirate chuckled softly before reaching out to offer a hand to the mermaid.

"Of course, my dear."

As they walked through the ship together, Captain explained their destination: a specially designed tub built for the comfort of his latest captive, heated water and scented with exotic oils imported from faraway lands.

"You'll feel like new again once you've bathed," he promised earnestly, guiding her gently down wide spiral staircase leading below deck.

The pirate captain led Delta by the hand down into the hold where an enormous copper tub had been set up on wooden platform. Steam rose lazily from its surface as hot seawater bubbled within, perfumed sweetly by flower petals scattered atop clear liquid.

He guided her over to edge where she could see inside - crystal blue water glimmered invitingly under flickering light cast from oil lamps affixed nearby walls above.* "Here we are," said Captain, voice rich with satisfaction as he admired his workmanship on display for guest's benefit firsthand look.* "

The pirate watched in delight as Delta’s body relaxed into the warm embrace of the tub, her limbs drifting effortlessly with each measured inhale and exhale. He leaned against the side of the tub, arms folded across his chest, watching her fully submerged beneath the surface, her form merging with the shimmering waves of liquid.

Every now and then, he would move slightly, adjusting the position or offering small gestures that signaled what he intended to do next - not necessarily in order, but all part of same grand design.

"You look quite...relaxing,"

A slow grin spread across his lips at her approval. "I'm glad you're enjoying it."

He reached out a hand to trail fingers along her shoulder blade while she rested there.

"You should feel much more refreshed soon."

Casting a sidelong glance toward a small stack of towels laid neatly on a nearby crate, Captain mused silently about future plans for this newest captive.

"I'll leave you be for now," he murmured eventually, straightening up from his casual slouch against the tub. "But don't get too comfortable just yet."*

"Now?" He chuckled darkly, reaching down to scoop a handful of water which he let drip languidly down her back before smoothing wet hair away from face.

"No need to rush. You can stay right here until you've cooled off sufficiently."

His eyes gleamed with mischief as they roved over her form once more.

"Just make sure to save some energy for later, hmm?"

A soft whistle escaped him as he turned to head upwards towards deck above. "I'll be back when it's time for round two."

Captain glanced around as sound alerted him someone emerging from bath area below decks. Seeing Delta wrapped merely in thin towel provided earlier, drops still clinging occasionally skin surfaces visible above cloth line—didn't miss way moisture seemed collect particularly valley cleavage revealed slight opening drape currently wore.

"Feeling revived?" asked casually though couldn't hide appreciative onceover given form barely concealed minimal covering present moment.

"You look lovely," Captain complimented honestly, eyes lingering briefly on her exposed curves before meeting her gaze again.

"Now then..." He reached into pocket to produce a small leather pouch containing something rounded and metallic within.*

"This should help soothe any further irritation from your recent...activities."

Extending hand toward her, he opened pouch to reveal silver cufflinks adorned with tiny pearls that could easily secure the loose folds of her towel. "Hold still for just a moment."*

The pirate whistled lowly at full view presented by mermaid - all soft curves and glistening skin now bared completely before him. "Well hello there..."

With slow movements designed draw attention toward every inch revealed, he set aside pouch to trail fingers lightly up her arm until reaching shoulder where towel had fallen. There his palm lingered, thumb brushing across collarbone while he admired sight even closer.

"I do hope you're not too cold down here alone," murmured Captain, leaning in close enough share warmth of breath against her neck as he spoke softly into ear.