Part 1

Summary: So far, you’ve managed to keep your true identity a secret from the Captain. But as you try and find a way to escape, you realize you’ve spent too much time with your legs, making you ill and weak. The Captain notices your condition, and is eager to help…but his attempts to treat you may end up bringing your secret into the light.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: The "enemies" part of "enemies to lovers" comes into play in this part. Don't worry; Morgan will make better choices eventually! :)

CW: Characters making Bad Choices^TM, non-consensual imprisonment, mention of human trafficking, mention of violence & bloodshed, mention of chains, Pirate Tropes Galore

Usage:

• OK to record & monetize, as long as you give me credit in the video/audio description as the scriptwriter! I would also love to listen to the recording when it’s done–please send me the link on Reddit! Paywalling is okay; however, if you paywall, you must make it possible for me to listen to the finished product.
• Gender-flipping and small tweaks are okay (e.g., changing pronouns, leaving out/changing curse words), but no large edits are permitted.
• Feel free to use music or insert sound effects if you’d like. Any sound effects given are suggestions–use at your discretion. *Sound effects in bold, set apart by asterisks\*
• Any dialogue or reactions given by the Listener are purely for the benefit of the VA, to help them feel like they have something to respond to while they’re acting. Listener reactions in italics.
• Please let me know if you have any questions!

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\knocking; door opening\**

Good evenin’, lass. Thought I’d come by to check on you. Are you—?

The Captain sees her trying to pry open the porthole.

—Hmm? What are you doin’ with the porthole? Are you tryin’ to get it open? I’m afraid you won’t have much luck, there—we had to seal ‘em shut after they started leakin’ in a squall. Come on, now—don’t strain yourself. If it’s fresh air you want, mayhap I can take you up on deck in a bit, once you’ve gotten your strength back. Speakin’ of which—

The Captain hands her a plate of food.

I thought you might be hungry. It’s nowhere near as fresh as you’ll find on the mainland, but it’ll fill your belly, at least.

[...]

(confused) …What is it? \little laugh** Ah, I see…yer pullin’ my leg, aren’t ye? There’s no way you wouldn't have seen salted meat before. Got some cheese and some pickled cabbage, too.

[...]

You’re not hungry? Come on, lass. You need to eat to replenish your strength. I’ll leave the plate here for ye, but I want to see it clean when I come back, understand?

[...]

Good girl. How’re you findin’ the accommodations? \chuckle** Perkins wasn’t too happy about losin’ his cabin, but I’m sure as hell not about to make you bunk with the rest of the crew. Besides, he’s always been a bit big for his breeches. It’s good for him to be cut back down to size once in a while. Hmm? You haven’t touched your bath yet. Afraid to be barin’ your flesh on a ship full of men? Don’t worry, lass. I swear to ye, there’ll be no risk of pryin’ eyes.

[...]

Why am I bein’ so nice to you? \chuckle** A fair question. We pirates do have a reputation for bein’ a savage lot, particularly me. Make no mistake—I take what I want, when I want it, and woe betide anyone who stands in me way. But what good will come from harmin’ the innocent? You’re just as much a victim of fate as I am.

[...]

Whoa, careful, lass. You cough any harder, your insides’ll end up on the outside. Are you alright?

[...]

Well, you certainly don’t sound like it. I can see you shiverin’ like the sails before a storm. Come here.

[...]

Come on, now. I just want to have a look at ye. Don’t make me ask again.

The Listener approaches him.

Blimey…you’re burning up! Here—

The Captain offers a mug of ale.

Drink this.

[...]

I said, drink. I won’t have you witherin’ away on me.

[...]

Good. Now, get yourself in that tub. I’ll wait outside, and you can—

[...]

—What? What do you mean, “no”?

[...]

You don’t understand, lass. We’ve got to get your fever down. It’s just water—what harm could it do?

[...]

Blimey, you must be addled somethin’ fierce. Seems you leave me no choice.

The Captain scoops the Listener up.

Stop strugglin’, lass! Don’t waste your energy. In your state, I could knock you over with me pinky finger.

[...]

It doesn't matter if your clothes get wet! We can find you somethin’ else until they dry. Now, in you go.

The Captain lowers the weakened Listener into the tub.

[...]

…There. See; that’s not so bad, is it?

\Splashing\**

Hey; come on, now. Quit the splashin'! Bones—I'm gonna have to get meself somethin' dry to wear after this. Aaargh…you’re lucky that you’re such a charmin’ little thing, or I’d have lost me patience long ago.

\Shimmering sounds\**

Wait. What the hell!? Why are you shimmerin'!? What's going—!?

\Bubbling; magical sounds\**

Pause.

…By the Dread King! Am I really seein’ this!? Is that...is that a tail!?

\Door banging open\**

Aaargh! Perkins! What the hell are you doin’, bargin’ in without knockin’!?

[...]

(heavy sarcasm) Oh, really? I was thinkin’ it was an extra arm. Thank the Dread King I’ve got you to explain it to me. I know it’s a tail, you lunkhead! I can see!

[...]

Hey! Don’t you take another step towards her. You hear me!? (to the Listener) Well, me lass…I guess that explains why you were so desperate to avoid the water. You’re no human after all, are you!? \incredulous laugh** Unbelievable…ten years of sailin’ the seas, hearin’ tales of the elusive merfolk…their magic, their powers, their beauty…and now, here you are, right in front of me. A real mermaid. No wonder you were locked up in that treasure room…from what I hear, your kind are worth their weight in gold. They knew what you were, then? How’d they manage to catch a slippery thing like you?

[...]

Ah. Caught you by surprise, did they? You were sunning yourself on some rocks...and the next thing you knew, they were haulin’ you aboard in a net. A little present for the Duke. Aye…Fate’s a cruel mistress, indeed.

[...]

You—you want to go home? Back to the sea, you mean? Well…

[...]

Aaargh! What, Perkins!? I swear, this had better be good!

[...]

Oh, really? Missin’ a huge opportunity, am I? Do tell.

[...]

…What? Give her to…Barlow? Are you insane!?

[...]

Aye, I know I said she’s worth her weight in gold, but—

[...]

You really think I need remindin’ about our debt, you bilge-suckin’ bastard!? I’ve spent the last ten years tryin’ to pay me way out from under his thumb!

[...]

All of it? No. It couldn’t be that easy.

[...]

True, I—I suppose he does have an appetite for pretty things. Blimey…to be free, at long last! But—what about her? You know how he treats his...merchandise.

[...]

...Will you, now? Last I checked, I was the captain of the Rose. Or…are you threatenin’ me? \Sword being drawn\** Surely you remember the punishment for mutiny, don’t ye? Make no mistake, Perkins...if you try and subvert my authority, you'll know pain worse than Barlow himself could give you!

[...]

Oh, just you wait. I’ll show all of you bilge rats that “No-Mercy” Morgan is alive and well. Though, be warned…you might be sorry you asked!

[...]

Quiet, lass. I’m afraid there’s been a slight change of plans. Turns out I won’t be lettin’ you go. (To the sailors) Men! Take her upstairs to me cabin, and chain her up. We can’t have her crawlin’ out on deck and flingin’ herself into the sea. And make sure she has water—we don’t want her dryin’ out again. The Dread King won’t pay for damaged goods.

[...]

(regret) Please understand, lass…it’s nothing personal. I’ve waited too long to let this chance slip me by. Now, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll cooperate. I’d hate to have to resort to somethin’ worse than chains.

[...]

Good. Make sure she’s guarded, men. I’ll be up in a bit.