The man Alex was about to know as Lysandre shook his hand firmly. "Lysandre, sir." He said politely. "I understand that you're leading this crew? Pardon the delay, but I only recently learned of this operation. I am interested in joining, if it pleases you, I haven't much experience on a ship, sadly. But I am a quick learner. I am adept at combat, should the need arise; and do not get seasick, even in rough water. Is there anything else you would like to know before deciding, sir?"
Alex looked the man up and down, sized him up, he looked capable. "We shouldn't be getting into any fights but you'll be a welcome addition to the crew. Speak to my first mate Jason, he'll tell you what work you'll be doing." Alex pointed Lysandre off to his first mate before adding, "And come speak to me later lad, we should get to know each other over some booze."
Abby tapped Alex politly on the the shoulder to get his attention as Alex went to leave for his ship. He turned to Abby, he didn't know why but he liked this girl. "Hey. So, you're my new captain?" Abby smiled up at him, walking beside him toward his ship. "Judging from back there, you're a good captain. Even if you were a pirate." She winked. Alex's stomach almost flushed with butterflies, what must she think of him and his past? Nothing good.
"Thanks for defending us. The women, I mean. The only reason I wasn't... taken on my old ship was because I was with that crew since I was eight. All of my crewmates saw me either as a daughter or a little sister. Obviously, that's not going to happen here, so..." Alex was glad she appreciated it, but he didn't do it to gain favor with the ladies.
Abby suddenly stopped, brushing her hand against Alex's shoulder and hinting for him to stop, which he did. When Alex realized she had stopped he thought something was wrong, until she began to talk.
"Sorry, I forgot to ask. Which ship is yours? All these ships look like they were made for combat, which I guess makes sense, but this is a trade mission, right?"
"Aye it is, but my brigs weapons and defenses have been heavily improved to make it much better pirate-" Alex hesitated, "Trading vessel."
Alex decided to clear something up. "Listen, when people hear the word 'pirate', it rubs them the wrong way. We just don't abide by the rules other mere men and creatures set for us. They are not higher beings, they are rich misers who think they make the rules. I Abby, am a gentleman of fortune. Known as a Pirate. That flag," Alex had been using some gestures, but now pointed to a black flag flying proudly above his ship. "Doesn't represent murder and debauchery, it represents the free men and women of the world." Alex realized he must sound like a fool, and he continued to walk toward his ship with Abby walking alongside. "As much as the Thalmor think they are better than us they are not, and I will not follow their rules." Alex was delivering to them, even though he hated them. The money was too important. "Forgive me M'lady for I have made a fool of myself, but if your plate isn't full and you want to talk don't hesitate to see me. I'll be at the wheel or in the captains cabin."
They were now standing at his ship, The Delilah. Alex was about to board before he turned back to Abby, "Care to join me?" he asked. He had hoped she trusted him enough by now to believe this wasn't to try woo or seduce her. "I want go get to know you better, you seem to be the more... Interesting type. I just need to fix some things up in the captains quarters before we leave tomorrow, you can join me for a drink if you like."
Alex boarded his ship via plank onto the deck, and walked into his quarters. There was golden trophies on the walls, pillaged and stolen, and there was something one wouldn't expect in the captains quarters of a pirates ship. There was a framed professional drawing, of Alex and a beautiful woman by his side. What was more surprising is there was a young child, barely one years old. Alex had one hand around the sitting child, and one around the woman. The left for the child, and right for the woman. It appeared to be a family photo.
Alex noticeably more than glanced at the photo as he walked in, then he went to pour some drinks.