The sun was casting a golden hue over the world as Mary, Lyra, and Eleanor stood near Jack's ship.
The early morning breeze teased their hair and fluttered their clothes.
Mary was all energy, her excitement barely contained, Eleanor, though eager, looked a little uneasy, her hands nervously twisting the hem of her shirt.
"Ye look like a cat in a bat El," Mary teased. "He's not gonna bite."
Eleanor forced a smile. "It's not that. I'm just... What if he says no?"
Mary gave her an encouraging nudge. Ye'll do fine. He's a soft-hearted old sea dog beneath all that gruff."
They boarded the ship quietly, the wooden planks creaking softly underfoot.
The ship's interior was dim, lit only by slivers of morning light sneaking through the portholes.
Eleanor hesitated outside the cabin's door. Mary gave her a supportive nod.
With a deep breath, Eleanor opened the door.
