Mark of a Pirate

Washing ashore in a new port, a lone pirate looks for a marking on a pier's post in the port. They find the mark of a sea heron carved on one of the posts. With a sigh of relief, the pirate wandered town. Thirst and hunger linger in his mind. Seaching for a tavern they find a place called The Sea Dragon's Nest.
Inside was warm and smelled of cheap liquor. The thought of getting drunk hung in the young pirate's mind. Just to take the time and relax before going after his crew. An old tavern keeper looked over the pirate, his graying hair tied back into a ponytail.
"Food and something to drink," the pirate asked.
"Of course."
The pirate laid down a few silver coins, what they'd managed to hang onto in their pouch. They were soaked with the salty water of the sea. The pirate explained that's all he had.
"They say that a hungry and injured heron can go to great lengths to be fed and healed. What lengths are you willing to go?"
"I will sail the seas looking for safe harbor and lend my wing to those who offer it."
The old man smiled. He pushed the coins back to the pirate. "Consider it on the house. Later let me share a drink with you and you can regale me with tales of the sea."
The pirate returned the smile and shoved the coins back in their pouch. "I cannot wait. I have many tales, and wish to soon find myself back to the sea."

Significance

Appearing as graffiti, the mark of a pirate is a very simple carving made consistently by a group of pirates. What this piece of graffiti appears as depends on each different group and kept a secret by the crew.

Item type

Art