Is it Christmas Already?

**Date Started:** October 23rd, 2021
 **Date Completed**: December 11th, 2021
**Previous Role-Play** None
**Next Role-Play:** TBA
**Users Involved:** User:Blackdagger01 & User:HoloArc
**Setting:** Hino
**Characters Involved:** Ebon Sangria, Charlotte, Sofie.

The salty air of the sea spray wafted through the port in Susanoo as several ships docked from passenger to merchant, and then of course the odd ship out. The Sanguine pulled into port just as the sun began to hid behind the clouds causing a slight chill to shorty overcome the otherwise warm and sunny day. It was a pirate ship, though the residence of Hino paid it no mind as this was far from the first time it had docked in their lands and they knew the vessel meant no harm. Jumping down onto the deck the crew began to tie the ship to the dock so she would not go floating away as they stretched their land legs for a winter. Once the ship was secured the true work began as the crew sprang into action lowering barrels and chests from the deck down onto the docks. Orders shouted by a silver haired man saw the crew moving to follow his commands.

Ebon looked out toward the city from the deck of his ship, the familiar sight brought warmth to his chest. Not because the place held any sentimental value or nostalgia to the boy but rather because the city contained his very heart and soul. Looking down at the few that had gathered to greet them including their usual buyers and some nosey folk he spotted a sight that brought a smile to his face. Why, his very heart seemed to be settled amongst the crowd. Sliding down a rope ladder his feet kicked up dirt as he landed hard against the wood of the dock with little in the way of discomfort from the act on his face as he jogged past his fellow sea dogs toward the crowd before he came to a stop before a young girl not even half his height yet.

Lowering himself to a knee before the young girl who stood out from the crowd with her scaley body and tail he smiled warmly at her, extending his hand out to her. "Perhaps my eyes decieve me or even more likely the crew replaced my ale with sea water yet again but do I spy before me a mermaid walking on land with feet and all?" He teased the girl with a wide toothy grin as he pulled from behind his back a handful of candy he'd stashed away just for her. "I always know I'm home when I see you waiting for me, Sofie. Is your mother still in the clinic?"

"Uncle Ebon!" Sofie she cried our excitedly as she ran up to the family friend. When he pulled out the candies for her, all of them being her personal favorites, she took them and threw her arms around his neck in excitement. "Thank you! I've missed you! Yeah, mommy's at the hospital still. She's missed you too! Do you have to work or can you come with me?" She asked, her eyes of different colors looking expectantly up at him. "Pwetty pwease?" She begged, hoping he didn't have to work more than he already had. She tried putting on the puppy dog eyes as she took a lollipop and popped it into her mouth.

Ebon looked to his crew and then back to Sofie, he knew he couldn't very well tell her no. The lass had a power over him no other woman in this world did, not even her mother. Standing back up he shouted back to his crew, namely his first mate. "Barbatos! Take care of unloading the cargo for me, you know where I'll be!" He shouted up to the man before turning back to Sofie. "I've missed you too you little land devil, you know I can't say no when you make faces like that..." He responded in a mock tone of defeat before he took hold of the young girl's hand and began to head away from the docks, giving a knowing nod to some of the others in the crowd before leaving.

Walking up the inclined roads of the town, passing many a vendor and merchant heckling him to buy this or that for himself or Sofie but he ignored them as he knew treasure awaited at the end of this path. Turning a corner they came to a clinic, a building which sat on the corner of the street just an alley's walk away from main. Letting Sofie lead him inside he waited inside as not to disturb Charlotte if she was in the middle of seeing a patient. Gently ruffling the little girl's hair he asked a favor of her. "If your Ma isn't too busy at the moment mind letting her know I'm here?"

She giggled at his little nickname. Gladly taking his hand in her own, even if she had to stretch a bit for it, she followed along with him towards the clinic. Around the center of the city they would find it, almost more like a large hut in Hino fashion rather than a building. On front, above the door, they found the sign that read 'Charlotte's Pink Drake Clinic'. "Come on!" She said excitedly as she led him forward, opening the door for him almost like what a gentleman was supposed to do for his lady. Once they were both inside, she gladly nodded at his request. Running off, arms wide out in excitement as she ran forward with the speed of a Lubbock aircraft, giggling all the while.

Being gone for a short bit, she soon came sprinting back, her mother in tow. As a Calco woman, her stature was short, but she was none the less very clearly a grown woman based on everything that could be wagered from her. Ample chest, wide childbearing hips, and a mature and dignified look in her eye. Even so, she was young. Very young. Almost to the point where people had assumed in the past that Sofie was just Charlie's little sister. She had had her at seventeen years of age, a result of a foolish engagement with an even more foolish and preemptive 'celebration' of it. When she came out she brightened up at the sight of Ebon. Removing her slightly bloodied gloves and tossing them in a nearby trashcan, she approached him with wide arms, expecting a hug. "Ebon! Always so good to see you. I hope you have been 'behaved'?" She asked with a bit of extra focus on the final words. Knowing his profession quite well, she had always made jokes of what the term really meant for someone like him.

He extended his arms in response, accepting her hug and holding onto the woman tightly. One might have thought he hadn't seen her in years but to him even the six months he'd been gone had felt like an eternity. "Truly, the pleasure is all mine." He responded to her as they released one another from their grasp though he kept his hands on her shoulders as though he felt it too soon to part from her.

"Behaved? What do you take me for? I'll have you know I've spent the last six months spreading joy and happiness all across Do'mah." He responded with a teasingly smug look on his face. "The seas were fair and the locals friendly but I can tell you all about that later. What of you and Sofie? How have the both of you been? The clinic seems to be holding up well." He asked, letting one hand fall away as he looked about the waiting room which looked a bit nicer since the last time he'd been here.

"Like a santa!?" Sofie exclaimed with glittering eyes, looking up at the man.

"Exactly like Santa, Sofie." He responded to the girl with a playful wink in Charlotte's direction.

Charlie rolled her eyes in kind, hunching down to her daughter's level and straightened her dress which had become a bit jumbled from all her excitement. "Yes, he is our own personal Santa, running around spreading love and cheer," She trailed off with a pat to her daughter's tail, causing a giggle. "With our home the most blessed recipients." She said with a soft laugh. Getting back up she looked him up in the eyes. "Got any plans for the evening? I was thinking we could offer a nice 'welcome back' dinner. Or well, the little one was thinking that. I was more than content to take my coin and leave it at that." She said with a teasing look.

"I can always count on Sofie to have my back." He responded without hesitation, shooting the little one a nod of appreciation. "If that's how you feel I suppose you'll be rejecting my next offer. You see, the months at sea have been hard on the fellows. Pickled foods and dried meats lose their appeal... well, almost immediately. So we're planning to have a big banquet at the longhouse, I wanted to invite the both of you there. There'll be a feast fit for seven kings and music fit for rowdy sea dogs like me." He offered, reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out an overfilled back of coins. The loose string easily showing the thing was filled with gold and silver. "But if you're keen on taking the money and sending me on my way I'll oblige you, Char."

Charlie didn't even need to look down to know that Sofie was giving her the puppy eyes again. She smirked a bit at the taller man and chuckled. "Well, we've never been able to reject a party invitation, have we, Candy Gloss?" she joked with the prefered nickname of the little girl as she beamed up with a fizzy candy-bottle in her mouth. "Count us in. But you've better have prepared the best seats in the house for us by that point. You know my girl won't stand for anything but the finest you can give. You've kind of spoiled her like that." SHe teased.

"I am not spoiled!" Sofie protested like the child she is.

"Then I am not a doctor. Marvelous! I can stop looking at bloody gashes all day!" She clapped her hands together which brought about a defeated look in Sofie while pouting.

"The best seats it is." He responded before kneeling down to Sofie, "and you know I only spoil her because she deserves it. Isn't that right? What is a princess without the best this world has to offer?" He teased the little one as he gently pinched her cheek while his other hand reached into his pocket to pull out a handful of coppers which he then offered the girl. "What do you say you head down to the toy store and get yourself something you like?" He offered Sofie, wanting a bit of time alone with Charlotte to talk. Sure she wouldn't mind, wasn't a soul in Susanoo that didn't know the Doc and her daughter were under the protection of an 'unsavory' bunch and thus no one would dare try anything for fear of what such folk were capable of. "Then once you get back I'll take you out for Dango while your mother finishes up her work day?" He sweetened the deal both figuratively and literally for the little Calco.

"Yippiee!" Sofie cried out as she took the coppers in hand and ran off to buy something, leaving the man and woman behind. Charlotte looked after her daughter running with a smile on her face which lasted well after she was gone. Looking up to Ebon, she giggled. "You sure know how to treat a girl. Speaking of, have you found any? Any damsel on the grand seas to take as a little concubine?" She joked as she walked around and rounded up the stuff that laid about. It was about time to pack it up as she had treated her last individual for the day. "I bet she would have to be quite wonderful to put up with such 'unsavory' people." she shrugged. "Or at least be able to hold herself on her sea legs."

A quick exhale of amusment from his nose was his immediate response to Charlotte's comments, "They do say there are a lot of fish in the sea though when you've been on the ocean long enough you'll realize the schools all start to blur together after awhile. They say the same things in the same tone and more often than not they don't know what they're talking about. Once you realize that fishing becomes rather tiresome..." He explained in a cyptic manner, keeping to the theme they seemed to have set as he followed her about while she tidied up the place.

"Besides-" He started, moving in front of her and walking backwards. "-I'm the sort of man to hold some rather particular tastes. One might even go so far as to compare me to Captain Ahab... tirelessly searching for that White whale. Perhaps like him, that quest will be the death of me? Who can say for sure?" He spoke of his own doom with a charming smile plastered across his face.

She rolled her eyes playfully before poking his chest firmly with a finger. "Don't let that pursuit end you quite yet. You still owe me a plentiful of platinum yet." She joked. "Try to find yourself a good lady in the meantime. Someone who can encourage you to stay alive and keep you away from your worst impulses." She said as she re-entered the medical room and released the man inside from her care. He had bloodied wrapping around his arm as he walked towards the door. "I've treated the infection and sealed the wound for the most part. The rest shall heal on it's own. You have the medication I gave you?"

"Yes ma'am. Thank you for everything." He grunted in pain as he went outside and stumbling back home.

"That was it for today... Seriously though, get a woman in your life. Might even dissuade you from your vulgar sea-faring lifestyle, who knows?" She said with a teasing grin. "Maybe I could help? There are some good women in this town that could possibly fit the bill?"

Ebon watched as the man left, waiting for him to be gone before he turned his attention back to Charlotte. "You don't have to worry about me, Char. I'm not the type to leave my dues unpaid." He said as he crossed his arms, standing at the door of the room. "And while I appreciate your offer I'm afraid that I'll have to decline, I'm not exactly looking at the moment however nice your friends might be." He continued, looking around the room from the door before clearing his throat.

"Anyway... the crew and I commandeered a few things from the Medical bay of a few Lubbock ships that no longer had use of them. A great deal of medicines and some machinary I was hoping you could take a look at sometime. I'm not one hundred percent sure if any of it will be useful to you, stuffs got a lotta words I don't understand and warning labels I'm not sure how to follow all over them. Definitely more your area of expertise is what I'm saying, it's all yours if you want any of it. Anything that can help I'm willing to give, none of which contributing to the platinum I owe you of course."

'This bloody man...' She thought to herself. She looked to the substantially taller man and said; "Alright then. That means you still owe me around 935 platinum. Better get to work on the rest so that you can at last be free of me." She giggled. "Anyway, with this all done, I am ready to close shop. Come along."

Stepping outside she locked the door and began to make her way down. About just while she came down, she could see her precious child running down the streets towards them, holding a blue duckling plush in her hands. "Mommy, uncle, look! I call her Ms Dew." She shouted with excitement, skipping on her feet in front of them, clearly very thrilled with her purchase.

"Another plushie. Why am I not surprised?" Charlotte teased.

"I don't have that many..." Sofie said with a bit of a blush while partially hiding behind her duck.

"No, of course not. I can still see the floor. There is still room for more." She teased, to which Sofie lightly punched her hip as punishment for the tease with her cheeks puffed up. "Anyway, I think you said something about dango, Ebon? Mind showing which place you have picked out for us?"

"I think the duck was a wondeful choice, Sofie, it's very pretty." He spoke to the young one before turning his attention back to her mother, "Sure thing. It's just a hop, skip, and a step from here if it's still there at all that is." He said with a motion for the two to follow, meaning his words, it'd been six months since he'd stepped foot in Hino so it very well could have moved or simply shut down in the time he'd been gone. In that case, they'd have to find another.

Walking beside Charlotte with Sofie between the two they made their way down the steps as if heading back toward the docks before turning a corner down a street that seemed to have more than its fair share of food stalls and restaurants to choose from. The corners of his lips curling when he saw the cart he'd been looking for. Careful not to lose Char and the wee lass in the crowd they approached, the owner noticing them and anticipating their order. Holding up four fingers Ebon spoke a bit of broken Hinoan, enough to get the point across but it was clear that he wasn't well versed in the language. Still, the owner seemed to understand well enough, acknowledging the doctor and her daughter with a smile as the man prepared the orders.

Finding a slightly less crowded spot Ebon devied out the order, handing two of the sticks to Sofie on a small plate along with a cup of sweet milk the owner had given Sofie on the house. Leaving Ebon and Charlotte with one a piece, handing the doctor hers before taking his own. "Remember to be careful, the stick is sharp." He spoke to both girls just so that Sofie wouldn't feel talked down to if he'd just warned her alone.

Charlotte and picked an assortment of flavors which stood appealing to her. Sofie on the other hand had only recieved of the colors she found pretty. Luckily it worked out for both of them. Sofie had showed great gratefulness for the added boon of the milk as the three of them sat down a bit at a distance where they could talk alone. The little girl teased her mother for needing to be reminded as she took her first bite

Charlie just smiled and nodded along to that. Looking up to Ebon, she then began to ask a very important question: "Will this little party of yours be appropriate enough for my little girl? Considering what types of people she is going to be surrounded by?" She asked with her tail in her lap as she made sure everything was in order while eating a bit of her sweet. She knew that he would keep them in line if nothing else, but what concerned her more was the chance of what kind of festivities it would be, not wanting ehr little girl to be exposed to the unsavory aspect of his work and comrades.

He crossed one of his legs over his own, leaning forward on the table and resting his chin in the palm of his hand. He waved the dango stick toward Charlotte like it was a wand, "Do you have so little faith in me, Char?" He asked, a playful smile on his face that quickly faded before he continued, "Or perhaps you simply think that little of me?" He asked in a more serious tone, not giving her the chance to answer before he spoke up again. "You needn't worry a bit, the feast will consist of naught but food, drink, and song. You need not worry about a drunk or two either, not a single one of my crew is foolish enough to act a fool in front of you. They're to show you and Sofie the same- No, greater respect than they show me. You are the only reason I still draw breath after all."

"I-" Charlie began but cut herself off, knowing that she didn't want to have this conversation with her daughter so close to elbow. Looking around she saw a particular sight. Looking to Sofie and nodding in the direction she had looked, she spoke; "Sof, hun, why don't you go and show your new plush to Ashara? I'm sure that she'd love to see how Uncle Ebon treats you so kindly." She said with a smile to which Sofie nodded, bringing her dango with her as she ran towards her friend.

Once our of sound range, Charlotte put her own sweet away and reached forward with her hands, clasping his between her own. "You know that is not what I meant." She began, an apologetic look on her face. "You know that I haven't always had it easy in this life of mine. And you know how that makes me a bit paranoid at times. I didn't mean to imply that I don't trust you. I do. More than anyone I've met in recent years. Frankly, you have been the sole reason I've managed to scrape by at times, and it would be downright disgraceful to claim that I don't have trust in you after such kindness. I might have saved you once, but you keep on saving me and Sofie everytime you make landfall at port. So please... I think the world of you, and nothing less. I just wanted to be sure that my daughter would have a good time as well."

Feeling the warmth of her hands over his own made him look away in embarrassment, a soft red forming on his cheeks. "No, I'm sorry, I'm the one who got defensive..." He responded awkwardly, gently and reluctantly sliding his hands away from her. "I feel the same, truly, I do. You and Sofie mean a great deal to me, I'd never have asked you to come if I didn't think she'd enjoy it as well. She's your daughter, you come as a package deal, never one without the other. So long as I live neither of you will go without, I swear it on my mother's grave." He responded, a great deal of conviction in those last few words before he gained the inner will to turn his eyes to Charlie once more.

Char smiled softly at his words, feeling a relief that their little misunderstanding had been solved just about as quickly as it had come about. "Thank you. That was all I really wanted to know. We... We are lucky to have you in our lives. Fortunate to be able to call you our friend." She beamed, pulling her hands back before things got awkward from it. Shortly after did Sofie come running back with her friend Ashara quick in tow. For a while, Sofie would just brag about how awesome her 'uncle' was before the two of them would start running around and playing. Ashara was a pretty athletic girl and excitable, while Sofie was a bit more calm in comparison, only to be brought to her friend's level of thrill and excitement whenever they started to hang out.

Ebon smiled as he watch Sofie and her friend play, elbow on the table with his chin resting against the back of his hand. It had been a long time since he'd felt like this, clear his mind and simply enjoy the peace of everyday life. The sea didn't allow such a thing, always something to be done, worries to be had. He had a price on his head after all though he never regretted what he'd done to gain that infamy. Even on shore his worries had followed him, nervous about seeing Charlie again, worried about the state of things in his long absence from the two. But now as he simply watched the children play he breathed a sigh of relief, one long overdue.

"You're doing a good job, Char." He spoke, sure she would understand his meaning without the need to elaborate.

"Thanks. I sometimes don't feel like I am, but..." She trailed off as she simply enjoyed the sight of her daughter having the time of her life with her friend and plush. "I would like to think that I am doing good. But I kind of feel like I am failing her. Maybe it is just the people around me who are trying to question my methods, but I keep hearing critiques that makes me question things." She said, trying to distract herself with her daughter's giggles. Soon enough did Ashara's father call for her to follow home, to which Sofie waved them off. "'There is so much I can't really do for her that she needs'. That's just one of several things I hear. I don't really know what to do about it."

He chuckled at that, "Yeah? Sounds about right for the sorta stuff Hinoans say, they're always lining up to stick their nose into other people's business." He spoke, letting out another chuckle as got up from the table and walked over to Sofie, picking up the girl and sitting her atop his shoulders. "Maybe I'm just looking from the outside in but I can't look at her smiling face and think you're doing any less than good. Sure, no one's perfect, Char, but we can do good." He said, holding onto her ankles as he walked in circles with the young one on his shoulders. Stopping before either of them could get dizzy. "Besides, if there's ever anything the both of you need I'll be happy to help. It's the least I can do, really."

"What'da say, Little Land Devil, do you wanna go to a party with me and your mom tonight?"

Sofie's eyes lit up with stars. "A party? Can I really come? Because I would love that!" She said, wnating to hug the man, but found the act a bit awkward in their current position. She looked to her mother, her face no less bright than it was just a moment ago. "Mom, can I go? Please? Pretty please? It will be great, I can tell. Uncle always treats us good."

Charlie couldn't even keep up a fascade of contemplation and hesitation. She would no do that now when she and Ebon have just had a heart to heart. She merely smiled at her young kid and nodded. "You can. In fact, I would have it no other way than for you to come along. But! You must be on your best behavior. Playing is nice and fine, but don't go around and harass his crewmates, you hear me?" She said with a still reamaining smile, knowing well that Sofie wouldn't actively go seeking to cause trouble, but she was still a naive girl that could use a reminder to be respectful."

"Yes mommy!" She said with a salute. "You hear that, Ebon? I'm coming with you."

"That's wonderful, Sofie. It wouldn't be a party without my two favorite girls there to enjoy it too." He looked up to the young girl on his shoulders, a smile on his face to hear how excited she was. Looking back to Charlie, the same smile still present on his face he gave the woman a nod.

"There's still a bit of time before the festivities get underway, so how about I let you check out that equipment and medicine I was telling you about, Char?"

"I can't wait for it. The equipment and the party." Charlie beamed.

**...**
The bright sun that shone over the nation of Hino began to set along the horizon, sinking into the ocean and casting twilight hues of purple and orange across the heavens. The city however remained bustling with burning of gaslight lanterns that littered the streets leaving them little less bright than when they were under the watchful eye of the burning sun. Though night gave away to colder temperatures and the first signs of snowfall beginning the winter months, something not even the land of fire could stave off.

As three approached the longhouse the sound of music and cheering could already be heard from inside, the smell of roasting meat wafting through the air at every little breeze carrying it just that much further. Entering through the swinging double doors the sight of the party laid before them. A large rectangular room, roaring fire in the middle over which sat racks of grilling meat ranging from chicken to lamb, pots boiling with seafood, crab, lobster, scallops, and more. On the left side of the room were many long tables, baskets of fruits, breads, and cheeses sat atop them. Barrels filled with wine, juices, and rum sat along the wall from those who wished to dip their cup to do so. Finally, along the right side of the room was a more opened space where those wished to dance could dance and the band played their songs, like nothing you would hear in Hino they played instruments from the country of Lubbock.

Though none stopped their business any with eyes could tell that the entrance of the captian and his guests had not gone unnoticed, catching many a glance and nod. Ebon placed a hand on Sofie's back, to comfort the girl in the face of so many strange people she likely couldn't even remember half the faces from the last time they'd docked in Hino. With that Ebon stepped over to one of the tables, grabbing a goblet and holding it up into the air. In this motion alone, like a switch had been flipped, the music and voices were silenced and every eye in the room fell upon their captain almost likes dogs watching their master hold up a leg of meat. Though it was not food they wanted from the man, but to hear his words of wisdom.

"Day in and day out we've traveled across oceans of every color. Clear as the eye can see, blue as the sky above, blacker than the devil's heart. All through calm weather and stormy seas, through stillness of wind and crashing wave. We've faced danger, some we caused and others caused to us. We've faced hunger, some from ravenous beast and some from our own empty bellies-" He took a look around to his crew, watching their nodding heads with a smile on his face. "From one end to the other we've seen everything this world and its seas have to offer us, its beauty, its hardships, and though the oceans less traveled will always be our where our hearts belong, let us enjoy the winter in this home away from home. To another sucessful year!" He gave his speech, the music kicking back on the moment he finished as those will drinks in their hands took swigs to toast.

Satisfied the party had truly started now, he sat down the cup and walked back over to Char and Sofie. Kneeling down to Sofie's level he smiled lovingly at the young Calco. "What'da think, Sofie? Isn't Uncle Ebon just the coolest?" He asked with a slightly smug look on his face though his tone was a joking one. "But more importantly, What're you beautiful young ladies hungry for? Food, drink, dance?"

Charlie found herself a bit overwhelmed at first. She was not quite used to such grand festivities. It had never really been her forte. But she still knew that all would turn out well. She had put on her best yet appropriate attire for this event. She followed Ebon to the table they would be sitting by, finding it more comforting to be close to him right now. She didn't tend to feel that way around men, but he was quite the exception. Once properly seated, she took a serving of crab and lobster and some gravy, holding onto her fat tail as to not trip some poor sod over by accident. "I feel content with some good drink and food for the moment. I'll gladly take you up on a dance later though. However, someone else will be demanding your attention for the moment." She teased.

"Is it christmas already? This is awesome!" Sofie exclaimed in glee. "Thank you for taking me here, Ebon! You are the coolest! Cooler than winter snow!" She shotued. "I... I want to dance. This is exciting! Looks so fun. Do you guys know any fun and dance-y songs?"

He looked to the little one with a nod, "Anything for you, Little Land Devil." He gently took hold of her hand and led her away toward the dance floor, reaching it just as the band finished their song he motioned for their attention. "Play something the little lady can dance to." He ordered, the bandmates looking to one another as they began to discuss what to play. Only a moments lull in the music before they'd decided and began a fast tempo'd sea shanty and with the music playing, Ebon let the girl lead them in their dance. "Careful not to step on my feet now, partner." He playfully teased, knowing that even should she do so she barely weighed enough to register as pressure on his leather boots.

Sofie is actually a surprisingly adept dancer. Sure, to dance in tandem with a man substantially larger than her was a bit of an awkward situation, but at least she managed to keep away from his feet. She kicked into the air and swayed in a rather fun manner that invoked the hearty laughter of encouragement from some of the gathering. "This is fun!" She shouted over the music. "MOM! Join us! Sing for us!" She suddenly called out, to which Charlie seemingly almost choked on her drink.

"Sorry hun, I think my pipes are a bit-"

"Don't lie mama! You always tell me that it is bad to do that. Right, Ebon? She should sing for us, right?"

It wasn't an easy question to answer, knowing that he'd likely end up in the dog house if he went about choosing a side. He cleared his throat, looking between the two before speaking up. "I didn't know you were one for singing, Char." He started off, a bit of his charisma lost in his indecision to really choose a side. "I gotta admit, wouldn't mind hearing what that sounds like... But I understand if you'd rather not... not with so many people around anyway." He continued, ultimately leaving it up to her as to what she would do. Though, he did want to hear her sing, just listening to her speak was like falling under a siren's song. He could only imagine what it might sound like for her to actually sing to him.

"Ain't that right, Sofie? Wouldn't want to make mama uncomfortable, do we?"

"She wouldn't be uncomfortable, would you, ma'?" Sofie asked in turn to Charlie. "You love singing. You even practiced shanties for a time like this! Come on, we'll all love it!" Sofie encouraged all the same.

Charlie was about to protest when she noticed the eyes directed in her area, causing her to blush a bit of embarassment and nervousness. Looking back to her daughter to tell her no, she was trapped by the puppy dog look. 'Damn it'. She thought to herself as she shuffled out of the seat and stood as tall as she dared. The music fell silent as most of the crowd appeared to anticipate what might happen. She froze. She didn't quite know what to do. Until Sofie began to clap her hands and stomp her tiny feet. It was a rythm she knew well. The one she had trained at the most. She often prefered calmer tunes, but knowing that parties like these liked to be festive, she had trained with a certain one. People around began to stomp and clap together with Sofie. That sealed the deal. Turning around, she returned to where her seat was. But instead of sitting down, she jumped up to the table, standing there as she stomped together with the rest of them.

"The smartest clipper you can find is, Ho-way, ho, are you 'most done? She's the Margaret Evans of the Blue Star Line, clear away the track an' let the bullgine run!" She began, coming into the rythm, closing her eyes as if to help pretend that no one was watching her. Her song was fast and energetic, yet still melodius. "To me hey rig-a-jig in a jaunting gun. Ho-way, ho, are you 'most done? With Liza Lee all on my knee, clear away the track an' let the bullgine run!" It didn't take long for the crew to join into the song, many seemingly already knowing it, and those who didn't just hummed along.

"See uncle!? She's great, yeah? Mama is great, right?"

"She sure is, Sofie. Your mother's amazing," He responded to the little one as he clapped to the rhythm of the song. It certainly wasn't what he'd expected but he welcomed surprises in times like these. As the song came to an end, with clapping, cheers, and a few whistles that stopped when Ebon shot eyes in their direction, he walked up to Charlotte and gave her a pat on the back, knowing how embarrassed she'd seemed during the whole thing. "You did good, Char. The sea might yet have a place in your heart if you can sing a shanty like that." He gave her a wink before addressing his men.

"The Good doctor has graced us with song, Sea dogs. Will we respond in kind?" He asked, immediately getting cheers. "Glad to hear you mutts know your manners! You know what to sing, let's wish the good doctor and her daughter good health then!"

The band began to play in a slower melody as the others hummed along, knowing the first part was a solo. Ebon turned to Charlotte and offered the girl his hand to dance. "Kind friends and companions come join me in rhyme, come lift up your voices in chours with mine. Come lift up your voices, all grief to refrain, for we may or might never all meet here again."

The others joined in, "Here's a health to my company and one to my lass, let us drink and be merry all out of one glass...."

"Here's a health to the dear lass that I love so well, for her style and her beauty sure none can excel. There's a smile on her countenance as she sits on my knee, there's no man in this wide world as happy as me." Ebon sang with all his heart through his voice sounded best when joined by the others, as though he wasn't bad, he had no future career in the art.

Charlie's blush was still fierce as she danced with Ebon, trying her best to still her rapidly beating heart from the bold action she had just taken. She had gotten even redder as a response to the whistles. Without much thinking, knowing she was no longer the center of attention, she continued to sing to the music, catching on to the lyrics rather quick. She danced quite well with Ebon too, having taken many lessons in her days as a girl of a wealthy family. Not that such things mattered now. This moment was far better.

Behind her Ebon could see Sofie dancing a bit, looking at their family friend, giving him the sweet look while teasingly doing the hugging cuddle gesture and went the step beyond by making kissing faces and then looking at her mom.

He was glad to know it wasn't just Sofie who could dance, the two moving in simple rythem with one another to the slow song only for him to be distracted by the young lass teasing him. Or was she encouraging him? He honestly couldn't tell but he wouldn't fall out of step to contemplate it right now, not even as his cheeks flashed a bit red from it all. The song began to die down, reaching it's last few verses and with that he leaned forward and placed his forehead against her own.

"If ever I should meet you, by land or by sea, I will always remember your kindness to me." He sang the song, a smile on his face as he danced with the doctor, focusing on her and her alone as he became quiet, letting the crew finish the rest of the song as laughing and cheers rang out from the crew. All of which was unbeknownst to him as he still hummed the song as the two danced, not wanting the moment to end.

Charlie quite enjoyed the dance they shared, all up until he pressed his forehead against hers. She was struck by a moment of panic, a knee-jerk reaction to his sweeter touch. She knew better in her heart and soul. But her mind was most certainly playing tricks on her right now. A fierce blush came upon her face as she fought against any physical reactions, smiling still to not give off any bad impressions, simply holding her position while dancing with him. "Ebon... They... People are watching now." She said, feeling a bit uneasy with the crew members starting to gawk and stare at them. Backing away a bit, she held on to his head and gave him a quick peck to his forehead. It felt... strange to do so, but she did it as to make him not feel insulted and to soothe her own feelings. Which kind of worked.

Sofie came running up to them and tugged at Charlotte's dress. "Mommy, that was so good. I love this party! Thank you, Ebon for taking us." She exclaimed with glee.

"We all are very grateful, hun." Charlie followed. "But you really should sit down and eat, sweetie-bun. You haven't had dinner yet. You'll get sleepy and tired if you don't eat. And you don't want to go to bed quite yet, do you?" Charlie teased to which Sofie fiercely shook her head. "Thought as much. Now shoo. Go and eat." She said with a pat to Sofie's tail as she sprinted off. "Thank you for the dance, Ebon." She said, turning around to face him again, a wide smile on her face. "It was quite lovely."

As Charlotte turned to speak to Sofie he placed his hand on his forehead in the spot she had kissed him as though confirming the slight moist warmth helped him to confirm it was real. Lowering it quickly as she turned back to him he smiled awkwardly, like a child hiding something behind their back. "Please, Char, the pleasure was all mine... any time, really." His tone carried a slight hint of conflict of emotion, as if he was unsure about something. Truly on the dot as his mind found no rest as his feelings ran wild in his heart. Those for Char, and again those for Char. His desire to be with her clashing with his knowledge that he wasn't someone who could be with her the way she or Sofie deserved.

"Anyway, yeah... it was a lot of fun. I didn't know you could sing or dance, especially not like that."

Charlie smiled softly while looking up at the tall man, making no note of his uncertain tone before looking towards her daughter who was now gulfing down food to keep her energy up. "She hasn't been this excited in a very long time. So happy," She spoke sweetly, looking towards Ebon from the corner of her eye. "You are always a man who impresses, Ebon. She always becomes so happy to see you make landfall, to see her precious 'uncle' yet again. I can't say that I disagree with the sentiment." She said with a tone of casual teasing. The kind where you act like something important is not as special as it really is.

"She is blessed to have you care for her. As am I, of course. I sometimes feel a bit bad, however." She said, turning her full attention to the man. "You keep trying to pay off an impossible debt. It sometimes feel like I am taking advantage of you. I wish there was more I could do for you and yours to even the playingfield."

He listened to her intently, a thoughtful look on his face as she spoke first of Sofie, then herself, and finally the guilt she felt. It left him with quite a few emotions, pride in being there for them both, sadness in knowing she felt that way, heartache in knowing she didn't really understand him. Still, the corners of his lips raised into a smile all the same. After all, if not even he could do so then how could he expect her to?

"You do more than you know, Char, things far more important than any amount of gold or silver this world could offer." He started, looking down to the doctor, to Char, the woman who saved his life in more ways than simply tending to his wounds. "When I'd been left wounded as I'd been only to wake and find out my mother had passed in the attack I was devastated beyond what words could describe... I'd lost something more important to me than life itself. The woman who had taught me everything I'd ever known, the person I'd looked up to the most, she was gone in a flash and I'd never even had the chance to say goodbye." His lower lips quivered as he spoke, eyes shining as he held his composure.

"I'd felt lost, like the path I was walking had been pulled out from under me. I was sure I'd fall at any moment and at the time I don't think I even cared. I had intended to pay you your due and go on my way, without any real plans or purpose. But then you asked for that ludicrous amount, it was so shocking I'd laughed... I laughed despite it all and that's when I looked at you and the debt I owed to you and I realized that I could keep moving forward. You gave me purpose in a time when I had none, Char, and more importantly than that you gave me something to come back to. Even if it had just been handing you a sack of coins now and again it was something and it was enough for me to keep on going. I'm glad it turned into something more though, I'm glad that I have you to look forward to every time I dock here in Hino. You do more for me than I could ever hope to pay back, so thank you. You and Sofie both."

Charlie looked forward, away from the man, not able to look at him. She stood there and looked out into the metaphorical void, trying to be steady. Which was a failure of an attempt judging by the shakiness of her breath. Standing still, suddenly in a flash did she turn around and hug Ebon. "You are truly amazing. I... I don't know what else to say to that. I guess... I guess all I can say is that I am happy to have you around. That you didn't ditch everything. I... I didn't realize that you felt like that. At least, not to that extent." She said, offering him a tight squeeze of appreciation. "Sofie is equally happy, trust me. In a way, you serve the role of the father figure she's never had. That is frankly invaluable to us. To her. So I would assume but still hope that you will keep on sticking around for her. For me as well."

His eyes widened a bit from her embrace and in that split second of surprise, a moment of weakness, a tear ran down his cheek. Lifting his arms he returned her hug, soft and gentle as not to overstep or keep her there longer than she desired. "Never fear, Char, I've no intent of abandoning either of you. I swear it upon all that matters to me that so long as I draw breath neither you or Sofie will go without." He responded with conviction in his voice, the warmth of her arms around him, the sound of her voice as soothing as the summer breeze, it gave him all the more reason to stand firm in that conviction. Patting her back he let out a soft chuckle, "I can't say I know too much about being a father, never met mine and all, but I'll try my damndest to set a good example for the little lass. Maybe not as good as yours but good nonetheless."

Charlotte let go of Ebon, feeling content with the embrace they shared. She felt a tingle, a prickling down her spine as he wrapped his arms around her. She was ready for it and welcomed it, but her body still had that bloody knee-jerk reaction. She hated it. She hated her history with men and how it affected her. But she knew in her heart of hearts that he was not the same. Sure, he was a pirate, but he was still more compassionate than any man she had met until now. Looking into his eyes, she saw the kindness in them and it helped to still her instinctual worries. "You are already setting a good standard. Everytime we get word of your return, Sofie tends to look out the window in anticipation. She loves you. You're someone she really does look up to. Most of all the way you hold authority and don't take crap from anyone. You are helping her by showing a side of independence and self-fortitude. Something both she and I would do well learning a bit from." She said with a bit of a giggle.

Her words struck the man to his core yet again but he did not let it show, he would save those moments of celebration for more private times lest he make a fool of himless in front of both lass and crew. He crossed his arms over his chest, "Keep saying all these things and you're gonna make it hard for me to go come spring. Then you'll have the crew to answer to if we miss out." He jested in return, looking over toward little Sofie as she sat at the table, her equally small tail hanging down from the back of her seat moving to and fro as she enjoyed her meal. He'd be hard pressed to say he didn't love the girl as if she was his own and if what Charlotte had said was indeed the truth then in a way she might as well have been.

Charlotte turned her focus towards her daughter, the shared person of interest at the moment. "Sorry if sailing is gonna be more difficult. Felt like I had to be a bit honest about it." She said in a teasing tone. "Now tell me, what other things do you have to show me this evening? Any other fun activities to be had?"

"Hey, not enough excitement to satisfy you quite yet this evening? I had no idea you were such a thrillseeker," He returned some teasing of his own before he thought, knowing of little she might enjoy as he doubted a great deal that she would want to see Willham and John see who could eat the most crab legs between the two or a game of dice with the boys. She was, after all, far more sophisticated than the likes of them. "Hmm... 'fraid there isn't much hope for spectical lest you're entertained by the rowdiness of these fools. What'da say to the prospect of dancing the night away? At least till it's time to put the little one to rest? Now that I know what I'm up against you won't go catching me off guard with any of those fancy moves of yours again." He asked as her offered his arm.

"I'd love to." She said cheekily, taking his arm and proceeding to join him in dance. At one point she even joined in the song of one of the shanties while in the midst of the swaying motions. Sometimes Ebon would make it a bit tricky for her in what way to move, but she was quick to adapt. She found it entertaining in the way he would challenge her skills as a dancer. They were steadily becoming the center of attention for the gathering, but Charlie was not really aware of this. She just had fun spending time and sharing rythms with her friend.

They'd both been lost to time and space as they simply danced and sang together. Shanties of the sea of more popular songs of the land it honestly mattered little so long as they both enjoyed it together. Sent to the back of his mind were his feelings for Char both his love and self doubt as for at least these moments they shared together he was happy and content to call her his friend. Songs passed by without him really understanding a word and yet he'd never felt more aware than he did lost in this time with her. That is, until the clapping became apparent among the sound of their own voices and the clicking of their shoes against the wooden floor of the longhouse. The moment of distraction nearly seeing him slip but with quick reflexes he'd kept himself from falling over though his eyes were now aware of some the crew who sang and dance around them. Though the clapping was not for he and Char but rather something going on over near the food and drink, the attention of the crew seemingly split between what was going on over there and watching the good doctor and himself dance. "I wonder what the devil could be going on over there..." He asked to Charlotte as he looked back to her to continue their dance.

Charlie chuckled. "Frankly? I don't care. At least more of their attention has been torn away from us. I could do with less attention." She spoke, feeling content with just dancing and singing without an audience. Meanwhile, Sofie was cheering in the rear, out of earshot and too low of sound to override the people around them. She did her best to cheer on Ebon and her mom, but it was too quiet to get the message across. Not to mention that Charlie wasn't really looking towards the little kid at the moment. She picked up the pace of the dance as the next song came along, She honestly had fun. She did not quite anticipate this, yet here she was, and she was most pleasantly surprised.

"Really? Less attention? As well as you sing and dance I'd have thought you hungry for it." He teased as the two switched arms and began to move counterclockwise as the dance required. A chuckle escaping his lips as he felt the sweat beginning to form on his brow from their seemingly endless dance, the clicking of heel and sole against the floor and the cheers of those watching their every move. Taking her hand as the two spun, leaning outward only supported by one another before pulling each other back toward one another and continuing the jig. "This is the most fun I've had in a long time, Char. Ignore the fact I've been stuck on a ship for the last few months, I mean in spite of that." He added a joke onto the end as the two skipped to the side as the dance required.

"I am not much for attention, you know as much." She said, spinning 'neath his raised hand before returning to the motions. "But I can make exceptions for those close to heart." She said with a beaming smile, hoping, spinning and leaning as was expected and fitting. This was beyond fun. The moves became more and more hectic as the songs did in kind. At this point, most of the crowd was too busy doing their own thing to pay attention to their captain and the humble doctor. "How about a unified song later? One we can both sing along to? A grand finale to the evening?"

Kicking out their feet and going the other way he raised a brow at her offer, curious as to what exactly she might have in mind. "Aye, you should know me well enough by now, Char. Few things can make a sailor happier than to dance and sing with a pretty girl, what sort of song might ye have in mind?" He asked, figuring it to be something that both of them would know though there likely wasn't too much overlap to be found in those particular tastes. He could only hope he would know the song she wished to sing.

Charlie had a bit of a cheeky grin on her face. "Something a bit closer to my range of style and comfort. I am quite sure you've heard it a few times by now." She said as the current song died out. Some time later, the latest song came to an end, as was the evening slowly reaching its coda. But before the musicians could end, Charlie called out for them to play one last song. "Play 'Ferrying Myself Home' if you would be so kind." She shouted. The band looked between eachother before making a nod and beginning to play. Charlie proceeded to sing the aria of the song, getting the rythm going before starting to sing the lyrics. The song was about longing home to those too far and long time away from one's arms. She found it quite entertaining and enjoyable to sing this particular song, now waiting to see if Ebon would catch on.

He'd indeed heard it before, only a few times, but he'd made a habit of remembering songs as there wasn't too many other ways in which one could keep themselves entertained in what downtime they could find out on the sea and as such he knew the lyrics to this particular shanty. So he waited for a good spot and joined in with Charlotte where he felt appropriate and though he wasn't the best when it came to singing his voice harmonized well with her own, the two complimenting one another boldy as their singing resonated between the two. While he'd heard the song before he couldn't help but find greater meaning in the lyrics than he had previously. Both what they meant in general and what they meant to him personally. Singing in tandum when it was needed and the two taking turns soloing when those parts came up he found himself enjoying the song and the way it stired his heart.

Charlie enjoyed this moment quite a lot. To sing together with such a precious friend while also keeping a high tempo was absolutely lovely. She danced with such energy one could only assume that she was trying to ride out an energy high before the evening came to a wrap. Pulling him close and then leaning away from him to the point where the only way up was for him to pull her up, which he did without fail. As the song came to a close, she pulled herself close to him that a magazine could not have fallen off between them. Taking some deep breaths to recover her strength, she sighed and looked up to Ebon, saying; "That... That was quite a thrill. I may just have to come to more of these parties of yours." She said with glee. Before she could say anything else, she heard a cough from behind, finding a crew member carrying her daughter up to her. "Aw, my little angel." She whispered as she accepted her kid into her arms. "Late hours and food coma I'd imagine." She chuckled and kissed her temple. "We should probably get home and tuck in for the night... Want to come with us? I'd feel a lot safer with you accompanying me home."

Ebon looked to the tuckered out little lass in Charlotte's arms, indeed out for the count or at least soon to be nonetheless. Turning his attention back to Charlie he gave her a nod, "Of course, had no intention of sending you off all on your lonesome." He responded, turning to the others and giving them a nod. In some way or form that was all they needed to fully understand the situation and they nodded back in return.

Though the streets remained lit the majority of those who only a few hours earlier had walked them shoulder to shoulder were now sheltered in their homes. Snow had began to accumulate on the ground, a light dusting over the street and thicker in someplaces more than others. With breath visible with every rise and fall of their chests they made their way to Charlotte's home just a little ways past her clinic. Though his warm smile never left his face there was no doubt she would see the vigilance in his eyes and notice the way at least one of his hands remained near his coat pocket at all times. Only upon reaching their destination did that seem to ease in him. "Safe and sound, just like I promised." He whispered as not to wake the little one, glancing down at Sofie for a moment before looking back to her mother.

"Thank you, Ebon. You are just the best. And thank you for an incredible night of fun. We won't soon forget this night." She spoke, leaning her head against his shoulder for but a moment before unlocking the door. Just as she was about to enter, she turned around again and looked into Ebon's eyes through the shade of the night. "I don't know if you need to return to your men, but if that is not necessary, maybe you would like to spend the night? Could surprise Sofie nicely in the morning." She teased, while still holding on the tone that she was serious in her offer.

Ebon averted his eyes at the request, raising a hand to ruffle the back of his own hair. Trying to process what she was saying and separating it from his own poorly thought out fantasies and stay within the realm of reality. "I doubt they'd come looking if I didn't come back and they're mature enough to take care of themselves most of the time..." He started, leaning toward accepting her offer before clearing his throat. "I just wouldn't want to be a bother is all."

Charlie moved to the side at the entrance, allowing for the man to step inside. "You could never be." She said with a bright smile. Ushering him inside with a look that said; 'Don't keep me waiting here.' "Come on, it will be fine. You'll have your own bed, you get to give Sofie some good morning excitement, and you will get to sample some wonderful breakfast around the table. It will be like a family morning gathering." She suggested, hoping that it would be more than enough to encourage him inside. "Make your choice, because I am getting chilled out here, and Sofie needs her bed."

An amused breath of air escaped his nose, visible in the cold early winter night. "A family, huh? I think I'd like that alot." He responded as he stepped in through the door to Charlie's home. "Thanks for having me, Char."