Still Waters

Cove didn't like to talk about his past.

I mean, anyone who was abandoned on a beach, caused a feud between cowboys and pirates, and never knew his true name would probably feel a little uneasy recalling their roots.

He sat on marble stairs descending down into the pier and watched his vessel, the Cerulean Mirage. It was a weathered blue ship that had done Cove well in his show performances in the past, never failing to entertain the guests he harbored aboard.

Tonight, it would sail once again on the gulf of Palintar, the dusty western town of refuge he called home for about 18 years now. He was rather young to be running a show-business, but that didn't stop the crowds from pouring in to see every unique act he put on.

Cove liked talking about his creativity. When it came to a new act, there would be such a significant difference from the last, that it would stun even the stubbornest of hearts. He had flung fire, covered his vessel with a shower of flowers, fought 43 pirates, (that one was a bit of an accident), and improvised comedic romances with guests he'd invite onto stage. The point was that the guests would have no idea what the show would be about each night except for a small disclaimer and a short, vague title.

Tonight's act was called Cannon Catching.

He had hired another ship from a trusted captain and decorated his vessel to accommodate the night, the white velvety banners and the candle orbs tucked in the rafters and swaying in the wind as he smiled. Although the decorations had been costly, it was never about the money.

For Cove, it was about the show.

As the sun began to set, he propped himself up on his sword and adjusted his eye patch, grinning now. Taking a leap off the side of the stairs, he slid onto a tented roof, and with the gained acceleration leapt off onto a string of candle orbs leading down the docks, his flexible sword bending to swing him down. Rolling off the line early, he landed in a pile of sandbags and dusted himself off before running into the crowded docks.

Looking ahead, a long orderly line had already formed, likely created from those who regularly attended (per his request at the last show). Grabbing a rope attached to the side of the Mirage, he hoisted himself aboard without catching the attention of those waiting, and lunged up over the railing and onto the quarterdeck.

"Attention, attention one and all!" he announced to the line of people gathered down on the harbor. 

Many heads in the crowd swiveled as he descended from the quarter deck and onto the freshly waxed central deck. Jumping up onto one of the grounded seats, he continued to speak in his jolly tone, which noticeably made the line smile with amusement.

"Tonight's event as you all should know is Canon Catching! As usual, dining, entertainment, and swashbuckling good times are in store for all of you holding a star ticket."

Hopping down from the seat(and gently rubbing off any dirt that got on it), he waltzed on over to the start of the line at the gangplank. Looking about Palintar Harbor he saw close friends and recurring guests.

"And with the introductions out of the way, welcome aboard the Cerulean Mirage! Now, one at a time plea-"

And too late did Cove realize the stampede of eager guests surging toward him in hope of getting a front row seat.