I wanted to share a post written by
@Ruby & Nyx, with her permission.
I didn't see a game with pixels in my head. I felt immersed in the game, like I often do when I'm writing. Instead of the docks, I imagined us at a tavern big enough to hold us. All the Lions at a table together, the setting and mood made even more somber by the candlelight and the pint glasses full of amber liquid. The tables were all stacked aside like we were standing on the docks, and JFR, KFK, Boots, and Melkor stood in the middle, the dirt on their faces smeared by tear streaks. One by one, they talked. They shared their memories of Val and we toasted each time one of them completed their speeches. The boat ride would prove to be a little more tricky, because that's not as easy in real life as it is in game, but in my mind we skipped the details and were automatically on the water. From the helm you would look around and see the show of support and love from those that also launched their ships.
The parade around the Caribbean was triumphant. It was majestic, made even more so from the birds that called out over head and the sounds of shouting and cannon-fire from the ships surrounding us. The islands rose and fell as we circled them and you felt a sense of pride swell in your chest at the sight of the parade, with the confirmation that this is what a community is. This is what the pirate community should always be remembered by. We docked at the island for the memorial. The anticipation grew as JFR proudly announced that there was a surprise, and that we should follow him. Oh the sound of pirates racing sounded like a bull run! You should have heard it, I'm not sure the beach side will ever recover but it was well worth it. The hill wasn't as steep as it first seemed but once you got past the foliage, there tucked away in the corner was a stone memorial erected in, not just Val's memory, but for all the pirates we lost. You stopped a moment to take in the sight, to smell the flowers that were planted around the statue, and to take in the scenery of the cliff that it rested on. You felt your chest ache with that same pride you felt on the water, that the community could come together and pay homage to people so dear to so many people.
People quickly crowded around to read the plaque but you didn't rush, you wanted to stay back and watch the impact it had on them for a moment. You were patient and before you knew it, you felt hot tears spilling out over your eyes and down your cheeks as you read the poem that was chosen to honor them. You read it a couple times to ingrain it in your memory then stepped aside so other people could have their turn. The speeches were wholesome, even more so than they had been at the tavern, for now the floor was open to everyone. You'd never admit it but more tears spilled as each person talked and you felt better knowing you weren't the only one mourning such a person. Because with solidarity, comes comfort.