( Serve them. As if, and his mouth stays a long, calculated smear of amusement, and he returns his flask to his coat when it is dutifully ignored — as if she is more than a mere passenger, a sliver above a captive on their ships.

As if she controls her circumstances enough to dictate the tone of this conversation. It is easy to be paternal, now. Nearly caring: )

You come from the land. There, this is civil. ( And a nod: ) I have let you live. At sea, that is civil.

( and helpfully: ) You see, it is not so bad, little friend? To exchange pleasantries?