Oystercatcher Tide Pools and the devil makes three

Rex slowed to a stop a few paces ahead, angling himself toward Winterfinch. Her offense was not lost on him, and neither was the judgement he saw eddying in the sea of her eyes. But he was unbothered; nonchalant even as he considered the possible misfortune that she might decide to part ways. He bore a small, lopsided smile as his tail idled back and forth about his heels.

I'm a Corsair, he explained. My crew and me — we're just not as nasty and mad as we like for others to believe. Where I'm from it's the Red Tails you need to be wary of. Real terrible bunch, them. But they and just about anyone else will think twice before coming to pillage and plunder if they fear you or don't think you'd be an easy target.

His gaze remained with his silvery companion, but he straightened some and bobbed his snout, inviting her back to his shoulder and the path ahead.

The world is too often a cruel, cold, and ugly place. I just figure you might as well have fun and enjoy what you can of it.