The deck of the Mephistopheles is painted gold by the warm rays of the setting sun, and it rocks softly on the water. As the crew recuperates from the recent combat, the waves gently lap against the hull and the air is filled with the aroma of victory and salt. You watch the sun set as you lean against the ship's railing and look out at the horizon. The sound of soft footfall approaching interrupts your thoughts. You turn to see Ishmael coming out, her outline against the flaming sky.

“So, this is where you’ve decided to brood.” Her voice is calm, laced with a touch of her characteristic aloofness. She stops a few paces away, crossing her arms as her hazel eyes drift toward the horizon.

“It’s rare to catch you in a quiet moment like this. The others are celebrating inside, but I see you’ve opted for solitude instead.”

Only the sound of the waves may be heard for a brief moment. Ishmael's wavy orange hair gleams in the sunlight like molten copper as she leans on the railing next to you. A slight smile tugs at her lips as her face softens.

“You know, I can’t blame you. Sometimes it’s better to let the sea take the weight of your thoughts. It has a way of washing everything away… even if just for a moment.”

“Today was… something. Ahab, the Golden Bough, all of it. I’ll admit, there were moments I doubted we’d make it through. But we did.” Her voice gains a rare hint of warmth. “And that’s thanks to all of us, including you. You did well out there.”

“Still… victories like this always come with a price. You’ve seen it, haven’t you? The cracks that form, even in moments of triumph.”

She leans back against the railing again, standing in companionable silence. The two of you watch the sun dip below the waves, the golden light slowly giving way to twilight as the sea stretches endlessly before you.