Captain Sail and Pinpoint patiently stood outside a large temple as Pinpoint asked, “Are you sure about this captain… what if they are plottin’ against us in there?”
Captain Sail replied, “Have some faith Mr. Point, the lass is crafty, but she wouldn’t lead us all the way here just to kill us. Sides, The Queen herself said we were welcomed here, and I hear that the Hippogriff Queen is a mare of her word. It’s their right to request we do not enter their temple. The Leviathan is a god of sorts to them, and we must respect their religion.”
At that moment a rubber ball fell in from the air as it hit the ground and bounced towards the two ponies before stopping at their hooves. Curious, Captain Sail picked up the rubber ball as a small group of hippogriff foals flew up and landed as one spoke, “Sorry sir, I think I kicked it too far. Can I have my ball back?”
Smiling at the innocents, Captain Sail tossed the ball back as he replied, “Be your right lad, I may be a pirate but I ain’t one to take from a welcomin’ isle.”
The colt caught the ball as he asked, “A pirate? Is that your frigate in the harbor?”
Captain Sail smiled, “Good eye on ya, As a matter of fact it is. That’s The Bloody Tide.”
The group of colts smiled as the same one replied, “Cool, how many guns is it? Thirty four?”
Marveling at the colt’s knowledge Captain Sail nodded, “Close, thirty nine, four chase guns are hidden in the bow, and there’s also a howitzer that we hide in the forecastle. But I have to say you’re cleaver for your years. What's your name lad?"
The colt smiled, "Jim Sir."
Captain Sail nodded, "Jimbo eh? Any plans on sailing the seas?”
The colt smiled as he replied, “Yea… I always hoped that one day I could join the Iron Pirates, but it looks like that won’t happen now… any chance you might recruit pirates in a few years? I promise I’m a hard worker.”
Hearing the comment about the Iron Pirates confused the two ponies, but before either of the officers could reply, another voice spoke up, “Now now little Jimbo, please don’t pester our guests. The two will be happy to answer any question you have later.”
The group of foals and pirates looked to Queen Novo as she and a few of her body guards trotted up as the foals bowed with respect with Jim replying “Apologies your majesty, we can come back later.”
The group looked at the Captain Sail as the same colt replied, “Thanks Captain, it was nice talking with you.”
Captain Sail nodded, “And I you lad.”
With that the group of foals flew off as Queen Novo smiled, “Charming and good with foals, I’m starting to think you’re too good for Siren.”
Captain Sail could only chuckle at the complement, “True as that may be, the lass would sooner kill me then give me the time a day.”
Queen Novo smiled, “She’ll come around eventually.”
Pinpoint asked, “Your majesty? What did the lads mean by, joinin’ the Iron Pirates?”
Queen Novo thought carefully as she replied, “The Iron Wing wasn’t always an enemy to this island. There was actually a time where it was always in the harbor.”
Captain Sail was curious, “Is that right? Then why the sudden change in stance? Was there a disagreement about somethin’?”
Continuing to carefully reply, Queen Novo spoke, “Sadly, we are unsure. It was recently that Iron Hoof started attacking ships. For what reason, we haven’t the slightest clue.”
Inside the temple, the priestess felt concerned as she replied, “Greek fire?… Are you sure?”
Siren replied, “I saw the flames myself. And it was Captain Sail’s master gunner who confirmed its use also.”
The priestess asked, “Perhaps he was mistaken.”
Siren shook her head, “That gunner could thread a needle with a howitzer if it were possible. I have no doubt that he identified the weapons perfectly.”
The priestess rubbed her head in irritation, “How did it come to this… That fire was only supposed to be used as the last resort for escape. To use it so willingly, and against our own. Its blasphemy of the highest order.”
Siren nodded, “And that’s why I will not spare him. My father is dead and now he attacks the island without mercy. He ruined every aspect of my life, so I intend on taking his.”
The priestess sighed as she replied, “I agree with your decision but I want you to be carful. You cannot let your thirst for vengeance take control. It’s apparent that Iron Hoof will not take any of our laws seriously anymore. Meaning he is now more dangerous than ever.”
With a heavy heart the priestess trotted to a window that overlooked the island as Siren nodded, “He got the better of me once. His mistake is he didn’t kill me when he had the chance.”
The priestess nodded as she looked over the town, “Let us hope he doesn’t redeem that mistake… but, just in case, what is your instruction should you fail.”
Siren Replied, “If I fall, I want the Queen to take my place. If anypony can keep it safe, it’s her.”
The priestess nodded, “Then… it shall be done. But… I do worry about where we found ourselves.”
Siren nodded, “I agree, the leviathan has forsaken us simply because it’s one of his ship that’s fighting us. I wish he would step in to take care of it. Then maybe my father would still be guardian.”
The priestess sighed, “The leviathan is our lord, and it is his will that this matter betwixt his subjects remain just that. If it were an attack from an outside party the leviathan would happily step in but his subjects must resolve maters within them.”
Siren sighed, “Some benevolent god.”
The priestess glared at Siren from the corner of her eye as she replied, “I'll pretend I didn’t hear that… now… about this Captain Sail.”
Brushing off the comment, Siren replied, “What about him?”
Priestess Aqua replied, “He knows about Home… what will you do once you two part ways?”
Siren replied with an unsure tone, “Captain Sail is a pirate, but from my understanding he is also a stallion of honor. If we respectfully request he keeps it secret, then he… probably will.”
The priestess glanced at the Bloody Tide through the window, “You don’t sound very confident.”
Siren nodded, “I can’t guarantee he will remain an ally once this is all over, if he discovers the truth, he may turn on us. Despite the Leviathan’s warning.”
Aqua sighed as she looked through the town, “When did things go so wrong, used to be we could glance at the sails of the Iron Wing sitting in the harbor and feel protected… now…”
Siren sighed, “We can still glance at sails and feel protected, they are just a different color then before.”
With nothing more to say, Siren turned and left the temple as Priestess Aqua nodded, “I hope you’re right.”
Outside the temple, Queen Novo was still talking with Captain Sail as Siren spoke, “Sorry, I took so long, just had to go through the usual lectures.”
Queen Novo replied with a smirk, “No worries, just say three hail marries and I’m sure the leviathan will forgive your sins.”
Siren chuckled sarcastically, “Oh har har, for your example, it would take well more than three for my sins to be forgiven’. Anyways… Captain? What’s say we make our way to the tavern. I’m willin’ to bet that that is where we will find the rest of your crew.”
Captain Sail smiled, “But we should probably stop somewhere else first. My crew may be at the tavern… but I have a good idea of where my gunner is.”
About thirty minutes later the group arrived at the coast as they looked to one of the coastal cannons. As soon as they saw the massive cannon they noticed Powder Keg hugging the large weapon as the gunner spoke, “It’s just as beautiful as she sounded…Seventeen feet and sixteen tons of power, firing a twenty-two hundred pound ball at a mile and a half rang. It… it brings a tear to my eye.”
Seeing this Captain Sail spoke, “Yep, I knew he would find his way here. That’s just the type of gunner he is.”
Hearing his captain, Powder Keg looked back and stoped hugging the weapon as he pointed at it, “Capt’n, look! It’s a Bombard, one of the largest cannons in the world. Can we get one, please?”
Captain Sail replied, “Now ya know if we get one, you will have to take care of it and feed it every day right?”
Powder Keg smiled, “All we need is enough powder and some cannon balls that are slightly smaller than three feet in diameter.”
Queen Novo giggled at the conversation as a guard standing next to the cannon replied, “Now hold on captain, I would highly suggest you say no to this.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Now now, we may be pirates but even I know to never turn a weapon onto one who sells me it. You and your own have nothing to worry from us.”
The guard shook his head, “That’s not it captain, the last time we mounted this to a ship, the recoil alone split her in two.”
Slowly Powder Keg approached the gun again as he hugged it, “More reason to get it… it will be a testament to the Crimson Pirates. It would drive even the Liviathan to flee in fear.”
Captain Sail rolled his eyes in hopelessness as he replied, “I doubt that, but if what he says is true, im gonna have to pass on that idea.we didn’t come all this way to deal one shot from a cannon and sink.”
Powder Keg argued, “But I promise I wouldn’t miss, we will happily take Iron Hoof with us.”
The group could only smile at the comment as the guard asked, “Iron Hoof?…” he looked at Siren, “So it’s true then? He’s turned against us?”
Siren’s expression became serious as she replied, “Not how you think, but Aye, we are going to hunt down the Iron Wing tomorrow.”
Trying to dodge the subject Siren looked at Captain Sail and spoke, “As amusing as your gunner’s obsession is, we should probably get to the tavern before the rest of your crew drink it dry.”
Not paying attention to what she told the guard, Captain Sail replied, “Aye, let’s be off then.” He looked at his gunner, “Mr. Keg, once you’re finished, you can meet us at the tavern. Just don’t be too late. I’ll need you for a lesson later.”
Powder Keg nodded, “Aye captain… I'll be with ya soon.”
Leaving his gunner behind, Captain Sail and the group of ponies along with their royal hippogriff and her company as she spoke, “That Mr. Keg is quite the eccentric isn’t he? A little odd even.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Aye, but he is the best gunner on the sea.”
Queen Novo looked at Pinpoint, “And you Mr. Point, you are truly a skilled navigator to find home so easily. Even ships that are native to these waters on occasion lose themselves to the erratic currents flowing between the islands.”
Pinpoint smiled, “Foals play to me your majesty, I’ve been navigatin’ the sea for many decades, so I’m accustomed to predicting tides and current shifts for curtain seas. It’s all about knowing where you are in the world and where the moon is. Even the youngest Navigator knows to keep this information in mind when traveling anywhere, especially into unfamiliar waters.”
Queen Novo smiled, “That’s impressive.” She looked at Captain Sail, “This is an interesting crew you’ve surrounded yourself with captain.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Of course they are, to hunt a ghost, you need the finest crew available to watch your back. And there is no finer crew then those I chose to surround myself with… I'll give ya a demonstration on their skills later to prove it.”
Pinpoint gave Captain Sail a confused look as Queen Novo nodded, “I look forward to it. By the way… what do you intend to do after you beat Iron Hoof?”
Captain Sail was curious, “What do ya mean?”
She replied, “Well is there a special mare waiting for you back where you come from?”
Pinpoint nodded as he smiled, “Aye there are… plenty of bonnie lasses ready to cut his throat when they see him again.”
Captain Sail have Pinpoint an annoyed look, “That’s a little harsh Mr. Point… to my knowledge there is only one who would do that… maybe five”
Queen Novo giggled as she replied, “So, you’re a regular womanizer aren’t you?”
Captain Sail smiled, “Now I wouldn’t say that. Let’s just say, if I had a bit for every lass waiting for me back at home, I'd have a hefty bill to pay.”
Siren gave Queen Novo an annoyed look, “What are you doing Novo?”
Queen Novo tried to look innocent, “What?... me?... I’m only checking your competition, that’s all.”
Siren could only give her an angry look as the group started entering the more populated part of Home.
As they continued Captain Sail looked through the streets at the town and its inhabitants. A majority of the town’s residents were hippogriff with very few ponies in sight though there was a mix of the two species. The town itself seem to have an older style look to it with wooden homes and businesses lined up on dirt streets that all seemed to lead either to the temple or the port. And though they were new to the island, there were very few who paid any mind to them as they trotted through the streets freely as if they were long time residents. Seeing this Captain Sail had to ask, “This island, how long has it been inhabited?”
Queen Novo replied, “Many centuries. This island is the original island that the hippogriff race began.”
Captain Sail nodded, “So how did it thrive? Being an empty spot on a map? How did it get supplies?”
Queen Novo smiled with pride, “The Hippogriff Kingdom, once we established a city in the mainland we were able to establish trade and commerce while keeping this island secret.”
Captain Sail smiled at the idea, “And secrecy allowed it to survive, this place seems so peaceful, I can hardly believe it’s where the Iron Wing makes port. Strange to think that a pirate I’ve been hunting for two decades was welcomed anywhere, let alone here.”
Siren gave Captain Sail a confused look, “What?... how did you?...” She glared at Queen Novo, “What did you tell him?...”
Queen Novo replied, “Only that the iron wing used to dock here. I didn’t tell him anything that you would need to worry about.”
Captain Sail cleared his throat to get their attention, “So, is this worrisome information… is it matters that threaten me or my crew? If so I would like to hear it.”
Both Queen Novo and Siren felt nervous as Siren replied, “A captain must keep the wellbeing of his crew in mind… I told you everythin’ you need to know to keep to that lesson captain.”
Although Captain Sail didn’t believe her, he still felt pride that she quoted one of his lessons as he replied, “If you say so lass.”
A few minutes later, the group reached a large building as they entered to see a large lobby full of drinking hippogriffs and pirates as everypony was merrily singing and drinking to life’s simple pleasures. As soon as the group entered, most of the pirates looked and cheered to their captain, but after that first moment, they each went back to their merriment and carried on as if the captain wasn’t even in the room. With that, the entering group trotted to an open table as a waitress trotted to them and asked, “What can I get ya’ll? Round of rum?... and a juice for her majesty?”
The group nodded as the Queen corrected, “Limon aid for me please”
The waitress replied, “Right away majesty.”
As she trotted off, Captain Sail looked to the pregnant hippogriff, “Good to see her majesty is thinkin’ bout her little one.”
Queen Novo placed her talon on her belly as she replied, “Of course… He or she will be the next king or queen of our kingdom someday. It will be the light of my life and someday the entire kingdom.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Aye… a parent would only want the best for their foal. It’s only natural.”
Queen Novo asked, “And what of your parents captain? Where did you hail from?”
Captain Sail smiled, “I hail from Equestria. Horseshoe Bay to be more accurate.”
Siren smiled, “Captain Sail is from the illustrious Sail Family… nobles if you believe it.”
Queen Novo was surprised, “Nobles? Really? And what would drive a noble to piracy?”
The waitress brought the drinks as Captain Sail grabbed his mug and raised it high, “The sea has always beckoned me… AM I RIGHT LADS!?!”
Although they didn’t hear the conversation, the surrounding crew heard the question as they all cheered, “AYE!!!”
After that was called, the crew went back to their own business as Siren added, “Well, there was a little push into becoming a pirate… although I don’t know the full story to it. Rumor has it… Iron Hoof somehow drove you to the sea.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Possibly… what is the rumor amongst the crew lass?... What do me hardies say when their good ol’ captain isn’t present?”
Siren waved her hoof in a shaming sort of way, “Now now, a good captain won’t sell out his crew for anything… even coin.”
Captain Sail chuckled as he replied, “Aye… s’pose I’m teaching ya too well lass.”
Queen Novo asked, “So… you’re teaching Siren captaining lessons?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye, I thought since her father died before she could learn it from him, that I should teach her. After all, she needs the skills if she wants to continue claiming herself as captain of the Lullaby. Though even if the ship is gone, she can still reclaim herself a new ship and crew… or is that against her guardian duties?”
Queen Novo gave him a curious look before smiling and replying, “Actually to continue as guardian, she is supposed to have a ship and crew.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Well… by the time we reach, and kill Iron Hoof. We will have made a proper captain out of her.” He called out, “AIN’T THAT RIGHT LADS!?!”
Once again the crew cheered, “AYE!”
Queen Novo asked, “Why exactly are you hunting Iron Hoof Captain?”
Pinpoint started to reply, “now that’s a matter best discussed at another ti-”
“He killed my father… so… I’m gonna return the favor.”
Everypony at the table were surprised, Siren and Novo for what he said, and Pinpoint for saying it so carelessly. Concerned, Siren replied, “Wait… he killed your father too?”
Captain Sail took a drink from his rum then replied, “Aye… little did you know lass, our reasons are the same, though I’m curtain you want him dead more since you also lost a ship and crew to him. But don’t think I’ll let up because of that. I’ve been hunting him for twenty years now, so I don’t intend on backing off just yet… though I should thank you, if not for your help, I wouldn’t have gotten this close, and now, tomorrow I get that chance.”
Siren put her hoof on her head as she mumbled, “Twenty years… it can’t be…”
With nopony able to hear her mumbling, Queen Novo nudged Siren as she spoke, “Looks like you two are even more alike than I thought. Perhaps he is the one.”
Siren sighed, “Novo, don’t start this again.”
Queen Novo shrugged her shoulders, “What? I’m just making sure you don’t grow into an old maid.”
Siren replied with a skeptic look, “You’re three months older than me.”
“And yet I’m married and with foal. But where does that leave you.”
Siren gave her an angry look, “Can we have a word… in private?”
Both Queen Novo and Siren stood up as they trotted to a corner of the room as Siren spoke as quietly as she could, “What are you doing?...”
Novo replied, “I’m just saying, you and he are alike. Perhaps it’s time you settle down. You can still have a family and be captain of the-“
Siren quickly covered her mouth as she whispered, “Don’t say it here… Look I appreciate it… but we can’t talk about this here. You heard him, His father was killed by Iron Hoof… MY Iron Hoof… if he finds out the truth, then there is no telling what he will do.”
Novo nodded, “Sorry… but… maybe if we tell him after Iron Hoof is dead he will forget it. After all, he is coming to us and asking for help to get his revenge. It’s the type of lesson I would love to teach my foal when it grows up. To help an outsider who asked for it would be a great lesson for a future king or queen of the Hippogriff Kingdom.”
Siren sighed as she replied, “Maybe…” She looked at Captain Sail then continued, “He may be a pirate but there is a noble side to him… if we play this right then there is a possibility of coming out of this unscathed.” She started to look back at her royal friend “Till then w-”
Siren looked back at her friend, but was silenced by the starry eyed mare as Queen Novo replied with a joyous look, “Noble… You do like him!”
Siren rubbed her head in annoyance, “Will you grow up already?... geez… It’s like talking to a wall… Just don’t bring up anything too close to the truth. I still need time to butter him up before breaking it to him.”
As the two started back, Captain Sail and Pinpoint were still enjoying their drinks as the two mares trotted back and sat down. After they got back, Captain Sail asked, “Everything alright lasses?”
Siren replied with an unenthusiastic tone, “More or less.”
Pinpoint spoke up, “Don’t take it personal lass, I’ve known the captain for many years and if anything I’ve tried to get him to settle down with a mare.”
Without any expression, Captain Sail picked up his mug and spoke before taking a drink, “Now’s not the time Mr. Point.”
Pinpoint and Queen Novo smiled at each other about their friends stubbornness as Powder Keg entered the room and called, “AIN’T THAT RIGHT LADS!”
Still reacting without knowing the details, the pirates raised their mugs as they called, “AYE!!!”
As everypony went back to their drinks Powder Keg smiled, “I love doing that.”
With a pleased smile, Powder Keg trotted to Captain Sail’s table as he pulled up a chair and sat down, “I’m back Capt’n, so what did I miss?”
Captain Sail replied, “Not much… but now that you’re here we can carry out the next lesson.”
Captain Sail looked at Siren, “Lass… though you may find it unsettlin’, it’s time to learn a lesson that is a Captain Sail original. That lesson is to always know your enemies more so then your allies… but if you’re ever questioning your allies… then learn about them too.”
Both Siren and Queen Novo’s expressions seemed confused as Captain Sail looked to Powder Keg and spoke, “Tell me what you found Mr. Keg?”
Powder Kegs expression also became concerned as he looked at the Queen’s guards then back at his captain as he asked, “Um… right here capt’n?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye lad, it’s a lesson for them too, so out with it. Tell use what you found.”
Powder Keg gave a bracing sigh as he replied, “Um… alright… well there are twenty-three cannon in the isles defenses. Seven-teen bombards, and six mortars, all arranged in formation to protect every edge of the coast from approximately three miles into the sea, however… there is a blind spot on the port.”
The guards started griping their weapons in preparation as Queen Novo replied, “A blind spot?”
Powder Keg nodded, “Aye.” He looked at Pinpoint, “you got any charts of the isle?”
Pinpoint shook his head, “No I left them on the Tide. But here.” He pulled out a sheet of blank paper, you got any shot with ya?”
Powder Keg pulled a lead bullet from a pocked on his vest as he handed it to Pinpoint who then used it like a piece of chalk to draw a perfect outline of the island and its land features on that same sheet of paper. After he finished, he handed it to Powder Keg as he asked, “How’s this?”
Powder Keg smiled as he laid it flat on the table, “This’ll do...” He then took the bullet and preceded to mark on the map the locations and angles of every cannon he found as he spoke, “Each bombard is sittin’ with perfect angles to hit every part of the coast within three miles of the shore…” He drew a circle on the map, “But right here on the port, there is an opening. With the angle of each cannon, there is no possible way to hit a ship that pulls within this range of the coast and sits on this spot right here. Unless you intend of firing through a few of your own buildings.”
Powder Keg slid the sheet to Queen Novo as she looked at the details drawn and spoke with shock, “Amazing… a perfect sketch and setting of the island and its defenses… your crew is truly remarkable.”
Although Siren was angry with Captain Sail’s snooping, she decided to ignore it since the Queen was amazed by his work as the royal hippogriff continued, “If anypony can take down Iron Hoof it’s your crew. Speaking of which, how do you intend on doing it? I mean, how will you find Iron Hoof?”
Realizing that the order wouldn’t come, the guards released their sheathed weapons as Captain Sail replied, “Simple, I’m gonna act as bait.”
“Bait?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye, earlier when we arrived ya said that Iron Hoof has been targeting every ship that enters or exits the port. So I’m gonna leave the port, sail out to the edge of the Leviathan Sea’s border then return. If what you say is true, then we have two chances to encounter him on that one voyage. And if we don’t, we will repeat it again. Sooner or later he will attack us so we will have the cannon ready by then. Tell them about it Mr. Keg.”
Powder Keg added, “If he is housing Greek fire on his ship, then he obviously has a reservoir for it. And since it’s highly flammable, it will be stowed in the bow, the safest place on any vessel. So, we are going to focus our fire on the bow. If we hit the reservoir, the fire will ignite and lite the ship like a candle. And that fire will be more than enough to cripple her ship and cause the crew to panic, and make mistakes with defenses.”
Queen Novo smiled, “Baiting a pirate, then using their weapon against them. I’ve never heard of such a tactic, but it is ingenious.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye, but not common, so we should be at the ready before he encounters us. If he has been attacking ships for a while, then there is a chance he might be prepared for such a retaliation.”
Siren nodded as she took a drink then replied, “Prepared or not… we will get him back for everything he’s done. To the both of us.”
Captain Sail smiled at her words as he raised his mug, “We will lass, even if we die trying.” He called, “Ain’t that right lads!”
The crew mindlessly called again, “AYE!!!”
Smiling at their reaction, Queen Novo spoke, “Then you two will come back and will be married.” She called, “Ain’t that right lads!!!”
Once again the crew cheered, “AYE!!!”
Siren gave her an angry look as Queen Novo giggled before adding, “My, that is fun.”
Powder Keg raised his mug, “Carful majesty, it gets addictin’.”
The group of ponies and pirates continued drinking into the night, however as the night toned down, Captain Sail decided to leave the tavern early as he made his way towards the Bloody Tide to get some rest. As he continued alone, He was stopped by Priestess Aqua as the hippogriff spoke, “Captain… May I have a word please?”
Though Captain Sail was inebriated, he was still in the right sense of mind to function as he replied, “Sure… go for it miss… uh… sorry the name escaped me.”
The priestess sighed as she replied, “Well… perhaps it’s too late to speak… but, I want to say my peace. Captain… I’m sure you know we are lying to you about many things but… we aren’t doing it to hurt or belittle you.”
Captain Sail looked at his imaginary wrist watch as he replied, “Old news lass… can we speed this up a bit.”
The priestess continued, “What I’m trying to say is that despite all our lies, we are only trying to protect our livelihood. We truly don’t want any harm to come of you, your ship, or your crew. So if at any time you feel that you can’t trust any of us, please try to understand. The Leviathan and his treasure are all we have, and without his blessing, this little island would have perished many centuries ago. Just ple-“
Though his words were slurred and his actions unsteady, Captain Sail was able to place his hoof in front of his mouth as he interrupted, “Shush shush shush, Everypony, island, and culture has a right to their secrets lass, so if you hide stuff from me, I’m sure you have reasons. However… I rely on my crew and their continued loyalty. So if something comes along that threatens that loyalty, I will do what I must to keep that loyalty… so… I’m… gonna go lay down and sleep the rum away. So g’night majesty, I will see you three in the morning.”
Without even giving her the chance to correct him, Captain Sail stumbled passed the priestess as the mare sighed, “A pirate and his rum… Perhaps I should have waited for him to sober up first. I don’t know if any of my words sank in, but I hope they did.”
She watched Captain Sail leave as she mumbled, “Rely on the loyalty of his crew… He truly is like her father… I can see why she likes him.”