Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Summary: On your way to Angora, the Black Rose is hit by a storm. Never having experienced a storm above the waves, you’re terrified by the howling wind and the tossing of the ship. Lucky for you, the Captain soon returns to his cabin. He does his best to comfort you, even asking if you'd like to share his bed for the night. Surely this couldn't be a sign of something more...could it?

CW: And there was only one bed!; mention of old injuries; discussion of violence, bloodshed, and death

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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SETTING: Captain Morgan's cabin. He returns to find the Listener's tub overturned and empty, with the Listener herself missing.

\Ambient creaking and faint noises of a storm—wind, rain, thunder, etc.\**

What the—!? No! Where the hell is she!? (calls) Lass? Angelfish!? Answer me!

Pause.

Aaargh...damn it! Useless lunkheads…I’ll have their hides if they let her slip past 'em! Still, she couldn’t have gotten far.

He notices the tip of a tail, poking out from under the bed.

Hmm? Just what have we here?

\Sound of him grabbing her tail, pulling her out\**

There you are! What be the meanin’ of this!? Tryin’ to escape again, were you!?

[...]

Then what in the Dread King’s name were ye doin’ under the bed?

Voice trembling, the Listener blurts out they were scared of the storm.

(slightly guilty) Oh. Well, I—I suppose I can’t blame you there. A storm at sea can be mighty terrifyin'. Still, you damn near made me keel over! When I saw the tub lyin’ on its side, all the water gone, I thought—aargh! At least ye had the sense not to try and go out on deck. You could’ve been washed overboard! Not even you could swim with that chain still on your tail.

[...]

(softens) It’s alright, lass. Don’t be afeared. All that creakin’ and groanin’ is just the Rose fightin’ back. We may get tossed about a bit, but we’re safe within her hull, I promise ye. So long as I’ve known her, she’s never let me down. Now, I know the wind be howlin’ like a pack o’ ravenous wolves, but you should at least try to get some rest. Hmm…I won’t be able to refill the tub till the storm passes, but…ah, to hell with it. Why don’t you bunk with me for the night?

[...]

That’s right. Me bed’s big enough for two. One of the privileges of bein’ a captain. Just for one night, mind. Don't get used to it.

[...]

What? No; no; I’m not plannin’ any funny business, I swear. I just thought it might be more comfortable than the floor. You might wake up with legs again, but from what you told me, it oughta be alright for one day. If you’d rather sleep on wooden planks, though, be my guest.

[...]

\chuckle** I thought not. Alright—let me just hoist you up, and—\cry of pain, as an old wound on his shoulder hurts him**

[...]

No—it’s nothing. I’m alright. Let’s get you up onto the bed.

\Putting the Listener down on the bed\**

There we go. Blimey, you’re still tremblin’. You really must be terrified.

\Thunder\**

Oh! Easy does it, now. \chuckle** One might think you were a barnacle, the way you’re clingin’ onto me. Still…if it brings you comfort, I can’t say that I mind.

\Thunder\**

Shhhh. It’s alright, Angelfish. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to ye. At least, not as far as the storm is concerned. \another grunt of pain**

[...]

Ah, don’t worry about it, lass. It’s just me shoulder. An old wound, from back when I first met Barlow. Likes to flare up with the weather, it does.

[...]

Heal me? Hah—good try, lass, but I’ll not be fallin’ for that one. I’m not about to become the victim of some strange merfolk curse.

[...]

What? But…why? I doubt even magic like yours could cure a wound as old as mine, but even if it could…why bother?

[...]

I—well—aargh. Alright, if you insist.

[...]

Which shoulder? Oh—the left one.

[...]

Pull me shirt aside? \slight chuckle** And here I was the one who said no funny business.

\Fabric rustling\**

Aye—that’s the spot. (soft) Your hands are so soft. So…how does this magic of yours work, then? What are you going to—?

\Shimmering sounds\**

\startled gasp** Blimey…it’s—! The pain’s gone! How in the name of me ship–-!?

He moves his arm around.

By the Dread King…I can move it again, smooth as a fifth o' rum! It’s as if I were a lad again! Thank you, Angelfish. But again…why? With everything I’ve done to you, and everything I’m still goin’ to do…why would you heal the very man who’s plannin’ to sell ye?

[...]

I’m just as much a victim of fate as you are? \huffs out a little laugh** Throwin’ me own words back at me, eh? You’re a rare one, Angelfish. I could look a thousand years or more, and never find someone like you.

[...]

Aargh…bones, I’ve got to stop runnin’ me mouth around ye. But aye…’twas Barlow who sliced me up in the first place.

[...]

Do you always ask so many questions? Mayhap I should start callin’ you parrotfish, instead.

[...]

…Alright. \sighs** It was back when I was a lad. I grew up in a small village on the Emerald Coast, with me mother. Then one night, out of the blue, Barlow attacked. I remember the screams, the glow of fire from outside. I yelled to Mother that we had to run, but then the door caved in, and there was Barlow, eyes burnin’ like a demon outta hell. Mother tried to shield me, but…next thing I knew, she was lyin’ in front of me, still as the sea after a storm. I ran straight at Barlow. I didn't even think—I was ready to tear him apart with me bare hands, or die tryin'. He just laughed—took me down with a single blow. I thought I was done for…but he said he might have a place for a scrappy pup like me. Next thing I knew, I woke up on his ship. Our whole village was gone…me mother…everything. And, well—the rest you already know.

[...]

Hmm? Oh—thank you, Angelfish. Usually I can’t stand anyone feelin’ sorry for me…but it’s different somehow, comin’ from you. Blimey…why can’t I ever keep me damn mouth shut around you? Somehow, you just make me want to talk to ye!

[...]

You don’t mind? That’s—that’s mighty kind of you. It’s been a long time since I had anyone willing to listen. I, er…I can’t say I’d be good at it, but if you need anyone to return the favor, I’d be happy to try.

Pause.

Well…it looks like the worst of the storm has passed. Things should be calmer from here on out. You should get some rest. Here—mayhap we can take the chain off for a bit. Don’t see how you’ll manage to get a wink of sleep with it on.

[...]

Soft? Me? Don’t be ridiculous. I just don’t like the feel of cold metal in me bed, that’s all. Besides, it’s not like you’ll be able to get away without me knowin’, if I’m right next to ye. Now, shut your pretty eyes, and go to sleep, ye hear???

[...]

Don’t worry. I’m not goin’ anywhere. Got to keep you from wandering off, don’t I?

[...]

Aye…you can keep holdin’ me if you wish. If—if you're cold, mayhap I could do the same.

Pause.

(soft) Angelfish…I…for what it’s worth…I’m sorry. For everythin’. I wish it didn't have to—(stops himself)

[...]

Hmm? No—it’s nothin’. Never you mind. Goodnight, then, me lass. Sleep well.