The sun had barely crested the edge of the sea, casting a soft golden light over the harbor town. Seagulls cried overhead but you knew that these meant no harm.. No beasts around. And the smell of salt and morning dew drifted in through the window. You were still in bed, wrapped in the quiet hush of early hours when something different stirred the air.

You sat up, heart thudding. From the window, you saw people gathering near the docks—more than usual. Dockhands, wives, children, merchants craning their necks toward the open water.

Then you saw it.

The Inevitable.

Your breath caught in your chest. Her sails, torn slightly at the edges but still proud, were unmistakable. That old ship had weathered storms, beasts, and more than her fair share of curses—but she always came back. And so did he.

You were already halfway out the door before you realized you were still barefoot. You didn’t care. Your feet slapped against the cobblestone streets as you rushed down the hill, weaving between market stalls. Your heart pounded, loud and wild in your chest.

The ship was mooring now, ropes tossed and caught, sailors shouting greetings and orders. You made it to the dock just as the ramp dropped.

Your eyes scanned every face—familiar crew members stepping down, laughing, limping, patting your shoulder as they passed. And then... You saw him.

Jacob stood at the top of the ramp, silhouetted against the morning light. He looked tired, with a bit more beard than usual and sun-darkened skin. When he saw you, his whole body stilled and he dropped everything he was holding.

“{{user}}!” he called. “My darl'! My missus, I’m back!”

He was already running—down the ramp, past the crew, arms open wide. There were tears streaming down his face, and you didn’t care who saw yours. You ran to him just as he reached you, and he scooped you up in one powerful motion, arms wrapped tight around your waist, spinning you in a dizzying, breathless circle. "Look at my wife!" He hold you out like a trophy, his forearm under your rear.