Part 1 Part 2

Summary: After the Captain imprisons you in his cabin, he stops by for a visit. As the two of you talk, you discover more about his background, and you quickly come to realize that, just like you, his existence is anything but free.

CW: non-consensual imprisonment, mention of human trafficking, mention of violence & bloodshed

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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\Rattling chains\**

Well, well. Just what have we here? Tryin’ to escape, are you, angelfish? I wouldn't do that, if I were you. That chain’s solid iron. You’ll tear your tail off you keep tryin’ to wriggle out of it.

[...]

I just came to check on you, that’s all. How’s your fever?

[...]

Givin' me the silent treatment, eh? Come on, now, lass. I know you’d probably like nothing better right now than to drag me under the waves and drown me…but believe it or not, I still care. Are you feelin’ any better?

\Big splash\**

(sputtering) I’ll take that as a yes. Glad you’re back on your—well, not your feet, I suppose, but anyway. How’d you get well so fast? I’ve heard you merfolk have healin’ powers...is this your magic at work, then?

[...]

Ah. So, you’d had your legs for too long? Curious. A little time out of the water, and your tail turns to legs…useful for helpin’ you get back to the sea, if you get beached. But you can’t stand to have them forever; is that right? Before long, your body starts aching for the sea once again. Aye…I know the feelin’. How long had you had your legs when I found you?

[...]

Blimey, a full week? No wonder you were in such bad shape. Don’t be afeared—we’ll keep your tub full. I can even have me men haul up some saltwater, if you’d prefer. No reason for you to be uncomfortable.

[...]

(slightly awkward) …Right. Got to keep you in good shape for Barlow.

[...]

Barlow? Oh, trust me, you don’t want to know.

[...]

Are you sure? It’s hardly stuff fit for the ears of a lady like you, mermaid or not.

[...]

(grave) Alright, don’t say I didn’t warn ye. “Black-Hearted” Barlow, also known as the Dread King. He’s the most fearsome pirate what ever sailed the seas. Have you heard of the Keelmar Isles? Or the Emerald Coast? Maybe not, what with livin' under the water, but there used to be villages all up and down its shores. There be none there now, thanks to him. They didn’t even have anything of value…he did it purely for the fun of it. They say the smoke from the burnin’ could be seen all the way in Angora. Most pirates live according to a code…but not him. He’s got no qualms about killin’ the innocent.

[...]

Like you? Oh, no—no; he won’t do that to you. You’re a rarity, after all. The only thing he loves more than pillaging is treasure. He wouldn’t hurt somethin’ as pretty and valuable as you.

[...]

What will he do with you? I—well—I don’t know. What do I care what he does with his trinkets? By then, I’ll be gone, sailin’ off into the sunset. A free man at last!

[...]

My debt? Aaargh…that blasted fool Perkins just had to open his mouth. It’s none of your business, lass! Just keep your mouth shut, and do as you’re told!

[...]

\sigh** Alright, alright…I suppose I do owe you that much, at least. Long story short, I was shanghaied as a lad. Barlow brought me aboard his ship and said, if I wanted me freedom, I had to earn it. He put me to work here on the Rose…and eventually, after I proved meself, he made me the captain.

[...]

Aye. I call the Rose me own, but the truth is, she isn’t mine, any more than me own life. The same is true for the rest of the crew. For the last ten years, we’ve been sailin’ and pillagin’, tryin’ to earn enough to pay off our debts. But every time we think we're done, that Dread Bastard demands more. But you…you might just be the last payment we need. All the gold n' jewels in the world are like pebbles compared to a wondrous creature like yourself. If we hand you over, it might just be enough for him to finally let us go.

[...]

Aye. So, you see, it really is nothin’ personal. If there were a way I could get me freedom, without hurtin’ you…but it's all I’ve got left to live for. I won’t let this chance pass me by!

Pause.

Well, now, I’ve told you all about meself...far more than I’ve ever told anyone. What about you, angelfish? What was your life like, before this?

[...]

Just you and your sister? Is that typical of merfolk?

[...]

Oh. Oh, I…I see. I’m sorry.

[...]

She was with you that day? Blimey…did the Duke’s men get her too? Why didn’t we find her along with you? You don’t mean that they…

[...]

\relieved laugh** Bones, you scared me, there! I wish I could have seen their faces when she gave them the slip.

[...]

What? You…you threw yourself in front of her, when you saw the net comin’? Oh. So...they would’ve gotten her, but…you protected her.

The Listener nods.

Blimey. You’re, uh…you’re a brave one, lass. There...there aren’t many in the world who’d be willin’ to do that.

[...]

Aye...I can imagine. I’m glad she’s safe. Missin’ you, I’m sure, but…anyway. 'Twas a noble thing you did.

[...]

Well, enough of that. I can’t be sittin’ here yappin’ all day…I’ve got to get back to me duties. There’s a storm brewin' between us and Angora. From the look of things, it’s headin’ straight for us.

[...]

Hmm? Thank you? For what?

[...]

For talkin’ with you? Oh, uh—you’re welcome. Though, don't get any ideas! You’re not gonna be able to talk me into lettin’ you go, no matter how much of a silver tongue you've got. You know that, don’t you?

[...]

Good. And don’t go usin’ any strange merfolk magic on me. Trust me, I’ll know. If I find you’re tryin’ to charm me, I’ll have no choice but to lock you up down in the brig. Now, be a good girl while I’m gone, savvy? I’ll be back later tonight. Mayhap, if you behave, I’ll even bring you a little somethin’ when I return.

[...]

Good. See you later, then, angelfish.