The Captain was leaning against the railing under the shelter of one of the sets of stairs leading to the upper deck, his presence half-hidden with shadow. It was good to see the crew enjoying themselves. Better they find common ground now so that when bad weather and low rations threatened their morale they'd be less likely to turn on each other.

Although, if Dain's concerns were anything to go by, mutiny had been brewing before the ship had ever cast off.

The First Mate's antics were amusing to watch. She wasn't a graceful or fair-voiced woman in the slightest, her cloak and boots flying mannishly in time with the bawdy music reverbrating from her sweet fiddle, but there was a lot of skill there, he could not deny.

When Kira bowed out and let others pick up the frivolity in her wake, the Captain noted that Jharnia seemed to have picked up a little courage and descended from the bow to talk with the crew. He didn't have much time to observe, however, because the green-eyed First Mate had joined him neatly in his corner.

[color=7bcdc8]"That were a fine bit o' fiddlin', Miss,"[/color] he grinned, peering at her with the faded leather hat tilted at a jaunty angle. He was tempted to mention that he had a guitar tucked in his cabin, but there would hopefully be time to that later in their journey. [color=7bcdc8]"I trust ye've been down to the ol' magazine, hm. Everything 'counted for?" [/color]

His tone was casual but his pale blue eyes had a seasoned sternness about them. Beside his elbow, a fluffy grey striped cat bounced neatly up to the rail, sitting with impecable balance with its tail curled around its paws as though the beast was part of the conversation. 

[color=7bcdc8]"And I see ye've spoken to Jharnia. Seems a bit young. Think we can count on her in a challenge?"[/color] He glanced around, lowering his voice. [color=7bcdc8]"Mayhaps it'll happen sooner than I thought."[/color]