It would be clearest to Mariner, as he would have been facing Dolphus, but his eyes widened and his throat visibly tightened for just a moment - enough of a danger sign to imply Mariner may have hit the nail on the head… Or close enough, at least.
Dolphus, meanwhile, waited for Mariner’s eyes to shift just enough to someone else before smoothing the feathers back down. This could be very bad… I’m stuck with him all voyage, and with that reputation…
…
Are you actually serious.
Okay, maybe I was getting worried for nothing then. Perhaps this horrible crime he committed was accidentally spilling a drink or something.
“Of letters.” Dolphus replied. “They made an excellent doorside fixture. This vessel, on such a scale, would require an exceptional force of hands to operate - I personally lack a complete set.” He gestured to the cape with his head. “And even the most able-bodied among us are not unimpaired in some visible fashion, save one or two.”
Dolphus looked back at the ship. “This nameless vessel might best be titled the Lost Cause if we go to sea this empty. I believe in divine providence, but…”