<span style="font-family:EB Garamond">Joanna tied and tightened the rope of the fore mast again. She sniffed and ran her hands through her hand. Sweat trickled down her forehead, but the breeze helped keep her cool as she finished up the last batch for the evening. It was late and the sunset provided beautiful scenery for her to gaze at. She squinted at the brightness and reached out to block the light. If only she could grasp it, nature’s bright light. Joanna hung silently for a while, the calm rush of of the sea waves and the night sky gradually approaching the area provided her a great sense of peace. She could do this. She’d just done a man’s job; a proud sense of accomplishment filled her up, but she quickly reminded herself that while she was on board, she could not boast. <br/>
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The young woman carefully maneuvered herself down the mast as Tim had taught her, feet gently hitting the deck. She undid the rope around her waist and glanced up at the mast. The sails flew beautifully as the wind jutted them out, strong and true. For the first time on board, Joanna believed she could do some good in this world, something more than simply stealing to get by. She left the mast with a small smile on her face and the men let her pass. The work was hard no doubt; there were times of frustration where she felt like the only thing keeping her holding onto her sanity was the desperate need for the crew's approval. It'd paid off in the end and given her a reward that would always be better than coin or a simple piece of bread. <br/>
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"Captain?"<br/>
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She knocked on the door to his quarters and dusted some dirt off. She wiped away at her forehead and entered the moment she was given permission to do so. Joanna took a deep breath. It took all of her courage not to get excited about the splendid job she felt she'd done. The ship wasn't all rainbows and daisies; she knew this, and to be giddy about an accomplishment everyone believed she couldn't do didn't seem like something that would sit well within the crew's repertoire and perhaps, it wouldn't sit well with the captain either. She wasn't sure, but it was better to be safe than sorry. <br/>
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Joanna cleared her throat, "Captain, I wanted to let you know as soon I was finished. I've looked at every inch of the foremast and changed out any damaged ropes or sheets as you requested. I'm ready for it to be inspected." <br/>
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