Shipmate Names

The docks were still shrouded in morning mist as Darius and Elara led their newly gathered crew toward The Eagle Parrot. The ship rocked gently in the harbor, awaiting its long overdue departure.

Elara walked ahead, her keen eyes scanning their recruits. Some looked capable, others questionable, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. They had a voyage to make, and they needed every hand they could get.

Darius turned to the burly woman who had won the arm wrestling match the night before. “You got a name?”

She folded her arms. “Darla.”

“Fitting,” Elara muttered.

Next, Darius nodded at the sharp eyed man who had cheated his way through the dice games. “And you?”

He smirked. “Lyle. Best navigator you’ll ever meet.”

“We’ll see,” Elara muttered.

As they reached the gangplank, Darius caught sight of a figure standing near the ship, hood drawn low, hands tucked into a tattered coat. The person had been following them since the tavern but hadn’t spoken a word.

Darius narrowed his eyes. “You looking to sign on?”

A pause. Then a quiet voice, smooth and measured. “Depends.”

Elara exchanged glances with Darius before stepping forward. “Depends on what?”

The hooded figure lifted their head just enough to reveal sharp, angular features and piercing green eyes. “On whether you need someone who can kill.”

The air grew heavier. Some of the other recruits shifted uncomfortably.

Darius, unfazed, crossed his arms. “What is your name?”

The stranger tilted their head slightly. “Call me Corin.”

Elara studied them carefully. There was something dangerous about this one...something useful.

Darius grinned. “Alright, Corin. Welcome to The Eagle Parrot.”

The ship was full once more. Now all that was left was to see if they’d survive the journey ahead.

Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 
Prompt Words: Write a story that includes the line: “What is your name?”
Word Count: 288