The revelry of the men died down somewhat as the women showed themselves, eyes turning to surveil the new forbidden fruit.  Some smiles broke out into the crowd, others showed deep scowls.  A few hoots and hollers erupted from the cacophony, but for the most part the room fell quiet.  Despite the looks and catcalls, the men parted before her, creating a path through and giving the girls a wide berth.  The captain's warning had been heeded, and it was clear that there was no immediate danger from them.<br/><br/>The air was thick with the smell of food.  Savory, hot, steaming, but<i>different.</i>Something not unlike a chili, thick with potatoes, like a hearty stew -- just a hint of lime present in flavor giving it an unusual twist.  The men couldn't seem to get enough of it -- it was the very definition of a hearty, heavy meal.<br/><br/>The captain was surprisingly difficult to find.  His table was small -- room for only three spaces at it, tucked against the back wall in a quieter corner of the deck.  He sat alone, despite the boisterous nature of the communal time.  Hunched over his own supper, he didn't seem to notice the women, even as they stood over him.<br/><br/><i>"Excuse me," she began with a polite tone. "We've finished moving the cannonballs as you suggested."</i><br/><br/>He turned to face them, putting down his spoon for a moment and giving them a look over.  Almost immediately his brow furrowed, expecting to see the two of them drenched in sweat, slouching from labor that would have worn out even some of the larger men on the ship.  At the very least, backs arched uncomfortably, or shaking legs.  This did not seem to be the case, something he took to immediately with suspicion.<br/><br/>"I see," he replied, the suspicion evident in his tone.  "You made short work of it.  Perhaps too short.  But perhaps I've underestimated you."  The work was done.  Other responsibilities had not been shirked.  What did it matter to him how it got done?<br/><br/>"I trust you found the key to the room?" he asked, returning to his meal.  "I'd advise you to ensure the door remains locked when you are not working, and to keep your sister safely there in the interim."<br/><br/>"Now go and get some food, Miss--" he hesitated, realizing he didn't know their names, perhaps not willing to expend the energy to do so while he ate his dinner.  "--... Girl.  Both of you.  You've earned it, for today."