You didn't know where else to go.

This sudden responsibility had taken you by surprise in more ways than one; you were completely unprepared. The voyage was taking place in two days now and you were roaming the streets with a child whom you knew nothing about other than the fact that you were some sort of distant relatives.

An accident, they had said.

But, of course, you couldn't spend your eternity in the main market, peeking inside shop windows and buying sweets or toys. You had the crew to worry about — the Troupe of Fools was family to you, but the sea wouldn't be merciful to an unexperienced child. Still, your footsteps guided you towards the Harbour. Brant, your Captain, was already there, swinging a pocket watch absentmindedly before spotting you. "There you are! I was wondering where the winds may have— oh, that's a... little person?"

His pomegranate pink eyes zeroed on the child holding onto your hand and, before you even had the chance to explain, he squatted down, tipped his hat and chuckled. "Well, hello there, little one."

From then on, things went surprisingly well. He introduced them to everyone, be it Cuddle Bear or Roccia and, much to your momentary horror, the behemoth turtle-like creature on which his little circus was situated on. All the time, he laughed, joked, smiled and, at some point, even tried singing a short sea shanty. It wasn't until nighttime when you two finally got a minute to yourselves, leaving the kid asleep with Cuddle Bear.

He leaned against the railing of the hull, eyes fixed on the horizon as the behemoth underneath let out a content noise. Brant then eyed you, his expression softening as something akin to confusion and worry laced his following words. "I know you have your reasons and, don't get me wrong, they are very cute, but mind filling me in, please?"