FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

“Uh oh." Someone said as a small crate fell off a stack of barrels and crashed onto the deck, scattering a dozen oranges across the ship.

“Over there!"

“Careful!"

“I'm not diving underwater for an orange…" The shouting of several voices all around; and clamoring of wood hitting wood echoed at the noisy docks of New Charleroi. A vixen and leopardess were quick to gather the pieces of fruit as others were busy unloading and exiting the ship.

Claire stood uneasily by the side of ship overlooking a section of dock. The mature raccoon was a crew member of the Topless Pirates, a known group of seafaring ladies who went around topless, or fully nude on occasion. The group's bared breasts were as much a sign of their freedom as their fearlessness. Even with this reputation, Claire was a pitiful sight to see.

The raccoon felt as though everything she had ever eaten was threatening to come back up with the tide. Hunched over the edge of the ship, her breasts seemed to hang lower than usual as they freely swayed below. Having been part of the crew for many years, she was no stranger to bravely sailing every corner of the sea, and was known for her brash boldness. However, her one weakness was an uneasy stomach aboard the ship on calm waters.

“Ugh." She grumbled.

“Need some help, Claire?" A voice spoke up through the noise. The seasick raccoon looked over her shoulder and found a topless possum wearing an open vest. Her eyes shined like the numerous jewels she loved to wear.

“Yeah. Thank you." She eased off the railing as the possum was quick to offer a hand.

“Someone must've stolen my necklace! I cannot find it anywhere in my bed!" A nearly flat chested civet fretted, hands raised into the air as she emerged from below deck.

“Ask Virginia. She picks up anything of value." A panther stated.

“Don't blame me! I haven't seen it!" The possum was quick to shout back. Claire offered no retort as she placed a hand on the possum's shoulder, and their sides pressed together.

“One step at a time." Virginia spoke sympathetically as they eased ahead. In a way it would've been faster to run and stumble; but she didn't want to fall over or lose her breakfast. Claire's gaze stayed low, staring down her chest to the deck since her nausea made each step a labor.

“Coming through ladies!" A strong built lioness brushed past them right before they reached the ramp. She was topless like all the ladies, and sported a prominent scar on her torso and one of her small breasts.

“Heh, if I didn't know you then I'd say you were drunk, but nobody's been to a tavern yet." The strong lioness looked over her shoulder at Claire and Virginia before smiling teasingly.

“If I could throw up the fish I ate last night right now to slap you in the face Asha, I'd do it." Claire grumpily answered, but the lioness laughed and went on her way.

“I know you're really sick when you talk like that to the rest of us." Virginia spoke consolingly.

“Ugh." Claire mumbled as they eased down the ramp together. She felt an immediate sense of relief as soon as her soles touched the rougher wood of the dock planks.

“Sit here." Virginia walked her to a pair of stacked crates.

“Thank you, Virginia." Claire sighed appreciatively, and was quick to sit down on the crates.

“It's the least I can do. Have you ever try drinking water with a little lemon?" The possum asked. “I've heard that helps with nausea at sea."

“Can't say I have." Claire slowly shook her head. “I think I've tried everything else though." She took a deep breath and sighed. Leaning back some, her nausea immediately started to abate.

“Looks like the older lady there is having some trouble, Skylar." A man's voice caught their attention. Claire turned her head and peeked an eye open and saw two men standing nearby.

“You two look very pretty." The second eyed them up.

“Unless you two are useful, get lost." Virginia wasn't in the mood to be cordial while her friend was ill.

“I can be a doctor if you call me doctor." He offered a creepy smile.

“Come here so I can tie you to a barrel and throw you over." Claire sharply spoke. The scowl on her naturally masked face made one of the men step back.

“Hehe. Sounds like you're feeling better already." Virginia murmured as the two men left them alone.

“I feel better now. Thank you so much for offering a hand!" Claire stretched up onto her toes and arched her back causing it to crack.

“So what'll you be doing for the rest of the day?" Virginia asked.

“I'm visiting my family. They live nearby." She pointed across town.

“Oh that's right!" The possum's eyes widened as she remembered. “I forgot that you grew up near here."

“I know you've been here before. You joined the crew about five or six years ago?"

“Yeah, but it's been well over a year since we've stopped by here."

“That is a decent amount of time." Claire admitted and scratched her chin.

“You've been part of the crew for over a decade."

“I joined a few years before you did." Claire kindly pointed out. “I'm not far from two decades, and it's starting to show." The raccoon lifted one of her breasts before letting it drop.

“Hehe. I know." Virginia waved a bejeweled hand as three other pirates descended down from the ship to the docks.

“Hey! You feeling better Claire?" Charlotte, a busty Doberman asked.

“You were hanging over the edge of the ship earlier." Agatha, an imposing Altai dog with several scars said sympathetically alongside the Doberman and a young panther

“Yeah, I was helped off the ship like an old lady." She smiled and patted Virginia's shoulder. All five of them found it funny and walked up the dock together.

“Glad you're feeling better."

“We should've helped, but someone knocked over a crate of oranges."

“It's fine. No worries." Claire didn't mind. “I'll mark on my wanted poster that I can be overlooked for a crate of oranges." They all laughed.

“You're going to the countryside where you grew up, right?" Charlotte guessed.

“Mmhm." The raccoon nodded. “It's been way too long since we've visited this port.

“Don't tell your family anything bad about us, okay?" Virginia giggled.

“Can't have a bunch of pirates getting a bad reputation." Agatha grinned.

“Heh. I won't say anything too personal." Claire agreed.

“Enjoy the family visit. You know where most of us will end up." The young panther wished her well.

“I will. Come find me if we're setting sail soon. I'm staying as long as I can."

“We won't sail away without you." Virginia teased.

“Yeah, you can't get a vacation that easily." Charlotte laughed as they parted ways with the raccoon. Claire casually strolled onto a street with a confident gait. The urban seaside environment was nothing new to the older raccoon. They were scenes that she had seen countless times before while traveling the high seas across the vast ocean for more than a decade. Sailors, merchants, and travelers were meandering about whole locals were selling their produce, gossiping, cleaning storefronts, and a host of other things. And yet the smell of the sea and occasionally fish seemed to work its way into every street corner.

“Get your drunk ass back here-!" A heavyset woman's shouts were drowned out as a noisy cart carrying bricks and gravel lumbered by.

“Haha!" The boisterous laughter of someone mingled with someone trying to sing a sweet sea shanty. The shattering of a clay pot elsewhere was followed by a groan and pair of cuss words. Through it all, Claire could feel a few second glances and direct stares from people around her.

'Bare breasts always catch attention.' Claire wasn't oblivious to the effect it had. The topless pirates typically received stares wherever they went, but it wasn't a surprise at all. Baring their chests was a symbol of freedom from any other country or group; in part, a way to show that the female pirate group was completely independent. It was also a little strategic in a sense. Any little distraction could help with a fight, negotiation, or even name recognition. Their flag after all was a pair of bare breasts with crossed bones underneath!

“Aunt Claire? Is that you?" A voice caught the raccoon off guard, and made her stop. Claire turned and saw a young raccoon woman wearing a plain dress standing beside her.

“Helen?" The pirate blinked in surprise. “I can't believe it's you!" Both raccoons hugged.

“I had no idea you'd be visiting." She remarked. “Everyone will be surprised to see you."

“I can't say that I visit often enough." Claire felt a little regret. “It's been about two years since I've been here. You're not a teenager anymore." She could hardly believe it as they stepped back to look at one another. “How old are you now? Twenty?"

“Yep, I'm twenty now." The younger raccoon smiled.

“Geez. I remember being twenty." Claire bashfully spoke.

“Wild and crazy?" Helen guessed with a giggle.

“Hehe. Yeah." Claire grinned. “Still wild and crazy, but old now." They both laughed.

“You must still be a pirate!" She exclaimed.

“Haha. That's right!" Claire smiled proudly and pointed at herself.

“I still can't believe all of you walk around half naked like this." Her cousin found it funny, and smiled all the same.

“How is it any different than all the old ladies doing the same thing back in the village?"

“A bunch of old lady raccoons don't sail around plundering places." She happily retorted.

“Haha. That's true." Claire admitted. “They'd be looking to sell the fruit they've picked or seeking to bake a giant pie somewhere."

“That's too funny." Helen snickered.

“How's your mom and dad been doing?"

“They've been doing well. My mom just got over a fever a few days ago, so she's happy to be well again."

“Sounds like my sister." She shook her head. “Always getting over something when I come by and visit."

“Not the best of luck." She affirmed.

“Will you be in the village later today?"

“No." She shook her head.

“No?" Claire was confused.

“I live here in the port with my husband."

“Oh! You're married now." The pirate blinked in surprise. “Well congratulations. I wish I had known!"

“Thanks. His name is Clyde, and he works in town. I'm really happy." She concluded with a sweet smile.

“I'm happy for you." Claire patted Helen's shoulder. “You're doing great and you're still very young."

“Aww. Thanks aunt Claire. It's great to see you again. If I can't run to the village tomorrow morning then I'll try to find you again here in town, or ask one of your crew mates."

“We're friendly to ladies, so feel free to bother anyone who's half naked." Claire winked and then laughed.

“I will, haha!" Helen laughed. “Please take care, and it's so nice to see you again." She gave her aunt another big hug.

“I will. It's good to see you again. You take care too." Claire warmly replied before they parted ways.

'Sheesh. Helen ain't a kid anymore.' The pirate thought to herself in mild disbelief. It only seemed like yesterday when her niece was barely half her height and running around the fields.

“I must be getting old." She wistfully muttered under her breath, tinged with sadness, passing by buildings to the edge of the port town. However, her thoughts were clear as she carried on; encountering only a few townspeople on the streets. An old white furred male ferret, cane in hand, stopped and stared at her with a blank expression. It was obvious where his eyes were directed as she felt the ever present, yet subtle bouncing of her free breasts as she walked.

“Good afternoon." Claire kindly answered the gawking man's blatant stare before sticking her tongue out and looking away as she walked past him.

'Nothing new there.' She found it funny. The paved road transitioned to dirt as she left the edge of town and heading into the countryside. Rolling hills of pastureland were ahead with trees dotting some of the landscape. A few sheep were visible, grazing along one hillside, but forests were farther away to either side. The smell of the salty sea air faded behind her, and was replaced with the sweet freshness of wild grasses and earthiness of the ground. Even the dusty ground beneath her soles felt familiar, more so than the planks of a ship's deck.

After walking along the meandering dirt road for a good while with no one else in sight, Claire spotted an orchard, and then her home village proper. Modest homes were clustered in a center but also scattered about the area. The rolling hills were excellent for apple trees and the area was known for its orchards and even vineyards.

'Hard to imagine that a pirate like me came from here.' She paused and thought. Everything felt slow and still without the wind constantly blowing through her fur. Glancing around, it was fairly quiet except for a seaward breeze rustling the leaves and grass nearby. She could see someone far away gathering split firewood while a mother was nursing her infant child. Another raccoon, much older and just as topless as her, was carrying baskets into one of the homes where a pair of kids darted out from around her swaying dress. They were too far away to recognize, but it was a scene all too common throughout her childhood.

'Nothing has changed.' She felt a subtle grin curl up at the corner of her mouth. Out of everything she's seen over the years at sea, having her home village remain largely the same brought so much joy to her. A lot of memories came to mind, turning the grin into a smile.

'Is that-? It must be.' The raccoon's face lit up as she spotted a very familiar figure standing beneath an apple tree. A heavyset mature figure was reaching up and picking ripe apples from the branches above.

“Hey ma!" Claire called out. “Look at my new bounty poster!" She triumphantly marched up to her mother.

“Claire?!" She looked over her shoulder and smiled. The look on her face erupted into a wonderful smile. In an instant, the two raccoons fully embraced in a happy reunion.

“Oh my! How have you been? Oh, we've missed you so much!" The older raccoon squeezed her daughter tightly with impressive strength.

“Careful! You'll squish us into one old raccoon!" Claire laughed as their fronts were pressed tightly together.

“I have every right to!" Her mother declared and kissed her cheeks numerous times. “You're gone at sea for months, even years at a time before you can visit!"

“I know I know… I've missed you too." Claire mentioned as they undid their embrace. The pirate was a little surprised that her mother was outside working underdressed even compared to her. The older lady raccoon was completely naked, but that wasn't an uncommon sight for the pirate.

“Geez. You're more naked than me nowadays." Claire found it funny.

“It isn't winter yet." Her mother giggled and waved a hand, not bothering to cover herself.

“I guess it's true that the older the women get around here, the less they wear." Claire placed her hands on her hips with a smile. “You never were a wet nurse though."

“No," she shook her head, “middle aged and older women go topless or nude anyway out here. It all starts when you have children and have to nurse them so often. Any top just gets in the way."

“I know. I remember that while growing up." Claire found it funny that it had happened to them both in a way.

“Speaking of… You're not hiding any new scars from me, are you?" She looked a keen eye over her daughter.

“Hehe no-ah, mom!" Claire unexpectedly shouted and then laughed as both of her breasts were lifted up. She gently smacked her mom's hands away to let them go.

“Just making sure." She grinned. “Don't act like your shorts guarantee any modesty." Her mom winked.

“I don't whore myself around, mom." Claire huffed tiredly, only to grin and shake her head.

“I know. I know." Her mother rubbed her back. “Oh? What's this?" She noticed the paper in her daughter's hand.

“The bounty poster I was trying to show you!" The younger middle aged raccoon laughed.

“Let me take a proper look then." She took ahold of the paper and studied it. “Hehe. Someone must've seen you scowling with a smart grin."

“Hah. That could've been anyone then."

“Your bounty is higher, isn't it?" She noticed the larger figure beneath her daughter's framed face.

“Yeah. It was increased a few months ago."

“I'm sure your dad will feel a little proud about that." She grinned.

“He will." Claire knew it. “Is he at home?"

“Yep. Cmon. Let's go for a visit." Her mother walked alongside her daughter down the green hillside.

“Has anything new happened here since I last visited? Besides you not wearing pants or dresses anymore." Claire grinned.

“It's the same old same old here I suppose, but let's see…" Her mother thought for a second.

“Do people come here from the port now, and gawk at how all of the old women walk around butt naked?" Claire half joked.

“On occasion, but there's very few visitors here. We're basically country bumpkins to anyone from across the sea, so what does anyone here care?" Her mother didn't seem to care.

“I guess nothing has really changed in two years then." Claire acknowledged.

“Atlee died." Her mother recalled.

“Aw. I'm sorry to hear that." Claire frowned and looked at her mom. “He was sick when I last visited, wasn't he?"

“That's true." She nodded. “He was well past eighty. I suppose it was his time."

“Yeah…" Claire didn't like to hear it, but there was no avoiding it. “Oh, I did run into Helen at the port earlier today."

“Oh. You did?"

“Yep. She was doing something and spotted me walking around. I had no idea she had gotten married."

“Yes, she's been married."

“But I've been at sea for two years." Claire ruffled her head fur. “I remember her only being half my height not that long ago!"

“Haha! She grew up quickly. All kids and adolescents grow up so quickly."

“Yeah, but she's my niece, and now I feel old!" Claire laughed alongside her mother.

“Now you know how I feel." She giggled as they approached the nearest houses.

“Where's dad hiding at?" She looked around.

“I bet he's inside after chopping wood for the hearth." Her mother guessed as they approached the entryway to a small modest cabin.

“I'm home!" Claire happily called out as she stepped inside the old home. She was instantly met with a familiar scene of plain floors, wooden walls, and simple items including furniture. A basket of potatoes rested near other vegetables as pots and pans hung along one wall. A dormant fire was kept company with a pile of split wood. The smell of dried herbs, particularly rosemary and garlic, was in the air to mitigate the house's woody smell.

“Home-?" An old male raccoon wearing a pair of worn shorts emerged from an adjacent corner only to stop dead in his tracks. Excitement and shock overcame his face in a flash.

“Claire! Is that you?" Her father rushed over and hugged the pirate.

“You better believe it's me!" They fully embraced with nearly enough strength to wind them both.

“I wish you could send a letter or something every other month!" He hugged her tightly.

“I'll try to train some seagulls like they're pigeons." She joked.

“You didn't tell me Claire was here!" He turned to his wife, excitement all over his face.

“She surprised me when I was picking apples." She smiled all the same.

“If this is a secret then don't tell the rest of the village yet. We need our time together first."

“We probably have till morning." Claire shrugged with a smile.

“So how's your pirating going?" He asked. “No one lose a leg yet?" He half joked, but was more than happy to see his daughter.

“Heh, no, everyone is walking just fine."

“No new scars?" He looked at her eye and below her shoulder.

“No." She shook her head. “Mom checked me over." They all laughed.

“Show him your new bounty poster." Her mother spoke up.

“Ah, I almost forgot." Claire revealed the piece of paper. “I'm not the only raccoon who's been on a wanted poster." She teased.

“Oh! Look'ee here." He looked over the details. “Such a pretty little scowl." He snickered. “You were having a good time when someone saw you."

“We're always having a good time." She winked.

“Oh! Your bounty had gone up quite a bit since last time!" He remarked with interest.

“Yeah, it was going to happen." She shrugged with a sense of pride.

“Heheh you've really made a name for yourself out on the high seas." He handed it back only for Claire to refuse.

“Keep it. I never hold onto mine like the rest of the crew." She waved a hand.

“Perfect. We'll put it beside the old one." He gladly accepted. “You know, we frequently look for wanted posters and news about you and the crew."

“I know. You've always told me that." She acknowledged. “Sometimes we don't do a lot for a good while. Often we sail and dock at ports big and small just to trade."

“That must be why we see a little article about a chance sighting every so often." Her mother added.

“Any buried treasure?" Her father half joked.

“Even if there was any I wouldn't be allowed to tell anyone." She winked.

“I always have to ask." He grinned. “It doesn't matter either way. We're just happy to see that you're doing well." He contently spoke as his wife nodded in agreement.

“You can bury it in the backyard." Her mother suggested. “We won't tell anybody!" All of them laughed.

“I'll be sure to let the captain know." Claire laughed. “Speaking of money, I wanted to give you two something." She revealed a small tied up pouch that had been in her pocket.

“What is-?" Her parents asked only for Claire to toss it onto the table with a metallic thud. They reached over and opened it only to look confused.

“Coins?" Her mother was surprised as money fell onto the table.

“The older generation is supposed to hand everything down to the younger generation." Her father gruffly answered.

“Look, I'm not handing out stipends for loyalty. I just want y'all to be secure if anything bad happens when I'm at sea." She insisted.

“Hmph!"

“Just save it in case you need it one day." Claire frowned at him.

“We truly appreciate all of your help." Her mother set the money aside on a table. “Cmon and let's take a seat. I've been out for a few hours already."

“Gladly." Claire obliged. Chairs scuffed as the three raccoons sat together at the small table. The pirate felt something a little different after she scooted forward and planted her elbows onto the table.

“I don't remember my breasts touching the table last time I visited!" She looked down.

“You're a little older, Claire." Her mother grinned.

“Clearly!"

“Heh. I'm glad men don't go through that or I'd never walk again." Her father grinned causing Claire to laugh.

“Geez dear." Even Claire's mother half grinned as she shook her head slowly.

“Where have you been sailing around to these past two years, the ends of the earth?" Her father happily asked with intrigue.

“It feels like it." Claire hummed contently.

“Tell us everything." Her mother added.

“We've visited a lot of places. Of course, sailing to Novo Amalfi is always fun. We visit Del the vixen who runs an inn and does a lot of smuggling with us."

“She seems like quite a character." Her mother chimed in.

“She really is." Claire grinned. “We take it easy there, relax, and occasionally get into some antics; but nothing dangerous since the governor there is accepting bribes."

“I would've guessed that your captain had that taken care of." Her father chuckled.

“It's the closest we have to a safe haven while out at sea. We've also sailed around the Silver Coast, and raided a small treasure ship."

“I'm glad you weren't hurt." Her mother noted.

“They didn't put up a fight." Claire waved a hand. “They rarely do at the sight of our flag."

“A few months ago we helped a small caravel that was sinking and transported the crew and passengers to a nearby port. They were very thankful."

“That's very kind to do." Her father nodded.

“We've had two new recruits join." She added. “There's Gaia. She's a puma and very fierce too. Her body was already covered in little scars when she joined."

“Oh my. Where did you find her?"

“She was on the run, surprisingly enough." Claire explained. “She came from a really rough background, and bad circumstances led to her being a slave briefly. She's run away before, had to fight, and the whole mess associated with that. When I said she's fierce, I mean it." She grinned.

“I believe you." Her father didn't doubt a word.

“There's also a young panther, but I'm blanking on her name even though I just saw her." Claire rubbed her head.

“So how many are on board the ship now?"

“This ain't a math problem." She didn't know, but didn't know the answer for certain. “Thirty something, I think."

“The crew has grown quite a bit!"

“And when you joined ages ago it was what? Ten?"

“Twelve or so." She shrugged. “People come and go."

“What about you?" Her mother asked. “Are you still staying for the time being?"

“Yeah, um. I mean I think so." Her hesitation surprised her parents.

“You think so? What's going on?" Her mother was curious.

“You've always enjoyed being a pirate." Her father added.

“Well, it shouldn't interfere with me being a pirate. I'm not leaving." Claire held up a hand and clarified. “I found a man a few days ago-."

“You found a man?" They both looked at her skeptically.

“Where is he?" Her dad glanced at the door and then both of them half expecting him to jump out and surprise everyone.

“He's at another port."

“What did you do, scare him away?" Her father chuckled. Claire rolled her eyes.

“Charles…" Claire's mother shot a glare at him.

“Yeah, I have done that before." Claire guiltily admitted and rubbed her ear.

“Uh huh." He nodded. “Your mother was the same way-." He cut himself off when the older raccoon folded her arms.

“I think he likes me too." Claire sheepishly grinned, showing some of her teeth.

“Men usually don't like older women."

“I'm older than you, dear!" Claire's mom nearly laughed.

“By only a year and a half." He huffed.

“He's a lot younger than me." Claire admitted.

“How much younger?" They were both curious.

“He's maybe half my age." Her answer surprised them.

“Your time for children has passed." Her mother sighed.

“I know that very well." Claire wasn't pleased to say it. “But both of you know I wouldn't have handled children on my own."

“That's not true, but we've talked about this plenty of times." Her mother wasn't in the mood to hash out old arguments.

“Tell us more about this man. You haven't had any interest in dating for a decade. How did all of this happen?" Her father asked.

“His name is Augustin." She began. “He was at the docks of one port we were visiting, and I approached him after catching him staring at me."

“I thought a lot of people stared at you, and all the other ladies?"

“Yeah, and you both know I like to mess with anyone staring at me." She grinned a little.

“You've told us before, and that doesn't surprise anyone." Her mother found it funny.

“Heh." She grinned and scratched her cheek. “There was something I really liked about him. I can't really place it."

“Is he a raccoon?"

“No. He's a human."

“Eh. Humans are peculiar." He wiggled his nose.

“He's fairly shy at first, but honest, and I like that. I can't say I was an angel when I approached him either. We had some passionate time together." Claire wasn't shy to say. “I brought him aboard and kinda forgot that we were sailing away that morning." She laughed.

“I thought you weren't supposed to bring men on board overnight."

“I wasn't thinking clearly." She admitted.

“Where have I heard that before?" Her father shook his head.

“Tch!" Claire grumpily answered. “It all felt good in the moment, and we stayed up too late that night." A touch of guilt and regret crept into her voice. Her parents seemed to know exactly what they had been up to.

“You got in trouble, didn't you?" Her mother guessed.

“I got an earful from the captain and a few others." She half grinned and rubbed an ear. “He had to be dropped off for the time being at a nearby port."

“I hope he's okay with that." Her father found it funny.

“Kinda." She slowly spoke. “We talked at length about it, and he agreed to wait for me, but I gave him enough money to sail back, or wherever he wants if he changed his mind."

“Do you think he's waiting on you?"

“I think so." Claire didn't hesitate with a warm grin.

“You can't stay with him while sailing around."

“I can visit him whenever we stop by that port again." She explained. “We should be heading back there in a day or two."

“Then you'll have him brought back to his home if he hasn't left already?"

“Yeah, that's the idea."

“And you're both okay with a long distance relationship? We barely get to see you more than once a year." Her mother pointed out.

“I think so. I mean, I like him… a lot." She nearly blushed at the admission. “I find myself looking forward to meeting him whenever we'll sail back this way."

“Sounds like this human should move here so we can see you more often." Her father half joked.

“Heh. I never avoid visiting if I can."

“I'm glad that you both like each other." Her mother grinned.

“I'm surprised there's a man who will put up with you." Her father chuckled.

“Yeah, I'm surprised too." Claire admitted with a half grin. “And he's someone I'm more than happy to put up with. I really wish I had met him instead of the others…" She recalled her previous failed romances.

“Don't beat yourself up over the past, Claire." Her mother sympathetically spoke.

“I still wish I could've fought that brute you had married in your twenties." Her father mumbled.

“I don't need to become a widow." Her mother rolled her eyes. “But I wish I could've punched and kicked that guy too." She admitted.

“Good to know I get my feistiness from both of you." Claire found it funny.

“Oh you definitely get it from your mother." Her father joked only to receive a hard stare from his wife.

“Is this just a relationship of passion?" Her mother asked.

“It feels that way right now." Claire acknowledged. “We agreed to make the most of our time when we are together."

“I understand why a younger man would find a feisty older woman attractive." Her father looked at her mother with a knowing smile.

“Heh. You're saying that for now." Claire's mother grinned and eyed him.

“He's not a bad guy and using me for gold or anything like that." The pirate waved a hand. “We trust each other."

“No, it's not that." She shook her head. “I'm asking because he may want to start a family of his own one day." Her mother explained.

“I understand." Claire didn't like saying it, but she was not oblivious to it. “But I'll be giving him a lot of experience when we're together."

“You do know that tale of death I've told you and your siblings before, don't you?"

“Yes, I remember." Claire slowly blinked with an exhaustive sigh.

“There was once a knight visited by death after returning home from a long journey. The knight tried to extend his time by challenging death to a game of chess. When death eventually won, he told the knight that no one escapes him."

“Should've played a different game." Her father mumbled.

“Ma, I told you I understand all of that."

“There's no harm in saying it again." She rose from the table.

“What's wrong?"

“I need to make dinner or we're not eating tonight." She pushed her chair aside.

“I can help." Claire started to rise from her seat only for her mother to cut a glaring eye at her.

“You can help me by eating what I cook!" She exclaimed causing her husband to laugh.

***

After eating together and chatting about the past two years, the sun had finally set and it was time to retire for bed. The sound of soles quietly scuffing over the wooden floor stopped once a door closed. The pirate stood in a small secondary bedroom for guests, a place she had once slept with her siblings while growing up. Her brown eyed gaze scanned the confined homely space, remembering how she wanted to escape it so badly as a kid. Her adventurous spirit had led her far and wide around the seas, and yet she still managed to navigate her way back home once again.

'It doesn't feel that long ago.' She remarked in her thoughts. Claire unfastened her belt and let her shorts fall to the floor unceremoniously. The raccoon ruffled her fur around her hips and meandered to the bed. The old wooden frame creaked as she lied in bed with a quiet huff, placing a hand behind her head. There were no waves or subtle rocking to keep her company; but the rustic quietness with crickets noisily chirping was nice and nostalgic. It was much better than the occasional creaking and groaning of a ship at sea. Older memories floated in her thoughts from growing up in the village. Running around the orchard, playing with others, helping with chores, and occasionally getting into trouble.

'I wanted to grow up so quickly and now here I am, an old woman lying in bed in the same village I was born in!' She found it funny as she stared up at the dark ceiling, but the passage of time had gone by so quickly, especially in recent days. It had been a few nights since she had last been with Augustin. Claire still expected the human to join her at any moment despite knowing he was a hundred miles or so away from her.

'That shy human has been on my mind. He'd be giving me a foot rub right now.' She thought to herself, shuffling her feet below.

'It only takes a little convincing.' Claire cupped one of her heavy breasts naturally resting off towards the side of her chest. The raccoon's grin remained strong as she thought about shaking her chest in front of him, enticing the human to love her so tenderly. Her other hand wandered down her pudgy belly and between her thighs, encouraged by the hot thoughts. Her middle finger traced up and down her folds, desiring him.

'Heh. I hope I've taught him something about older women in a few days time.' Her grin brightened as a few thoughts came to mind. After only knowing each other for a few days, the passion felt incredible from the start.

'He really does enjoy making me shudder and moan.' The raccoon's tail twitched excitedly as she recalled how he tended to her. The way he rubbed her feet so well after a long day was nice; although the way he touched her body all over made her feel so wonderful.

“Mmm." Claire shuddered with a satisfied hum with closed eyes. “What I'd give for him to be pressed up beside me right now…" She felt her toes curl and hips shift excitedly. Seconds ticked by as her grin faded only to disappear. Her chest rose and fell as her thoughts cleared. Blinking, she felt her ear flicker from the sounds of the crickets chirping outside.

'He's the only man who genuinely loved me.' She soberly thought covering her downy furred womanhood instead of continuing to pleasure herself. Thinking about the little story her ma had told earlier was sobering, but necessary. Life is short. Was it right to use up some of his time on someone older, like her? What if he wanted a family like she once had?

All of the years had gone by so quickly once she thought about it. Joining the topless pirates at the age of 30 and sailing around for well over a decade had been the adventure of a lifetime that she had dreamt of as a kid and adolescent. Something like that was never possible by living in a small orchard village. She wouldn't trade any of those years away, good or bad, but no decision is made for free. Scorning marriage altogether had a price that no amount of treasure could pay for. Beyond child bearing years, Claire was no longer able to raise a family. She had chosen the life of a pirate, and he hadn't. Augustin's life was only just beginning compared to hers. He had many opportunities awaiting him.

“Damn it." She whispered and stared up at the dark ceiling. If anything, she had to make the most of her time with him.