The stern waves crashed against the ship's wooden hull, their strength matched by Addy's fierce will to protect not only herself, but also her friends and fellow passengers on board. Her emerald eyes were locked on the two bloodthirsty pirates, their cutlasses glinting malevolently.

Gripping her sword with deceptive elegance, Addy's impassioned spirit took the more experienced pirates by surprise. The younger of the two pirates presented a perturbed smirk, eager to cow the tomboy aristocrat before his battle-mate. Slashing through the air, they advanced.

"Miss, let's end this at once for all our sakes," the older pirate drawled in a low, gravelly tone. "You cannot win against us."

Addy's emerald eyes blazed with defiance as she met the pirates' blood thirsty gazes head-on. Her voice rang out with a newfound steeliness that belied her petite frame. "I am not some dainty debutante to be intimidated by a pair of hoodlums," she retorted, her words carrying a weight that surprised even herself. "Your blades may be reckless tools for attack, but I wield a weapon of conviction." While she spoke, the more youthful buccaneer, displaying an unjustified confidence, unleashed a rapid succession of elegant sword strokes around her. As the wind bellowed amidst the stormy sky, Addy moved forward. The scene seemed to freeze as they twirled, interspersed grunts filling the air.

Breaking their attack, she deflected their assault, parring a blow as they all thundered towards each other. The force collided, and Addy's defiance ignited her resolve, holding her fast against the onslaught.

"Ha! Think you can best us, lass?" the second pirate sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. 

"You clearly don't know a Hastings when you see one," Addy retorted, her sword deflecting a blow with finesse.

 The deck became a whirlwind of motion as Addy's precise movements kept her from the swing of their blades. Managing her skirts and sidestepping crates, she jumped over a barrel in her evasion. Throwing a bottle in the face of one pirate to distract him, she lunged at his partner, pushing him backwards until he tripped and landed on his rear. The first thought to use this situation to sneak behind her, but was no match for her speed and accuracy. Her adversaries struggled to keep up, their own blades clashing clumsily against hers. 

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"Is this your best?" Addy taunted the men. "I do believe my seamstress wields a finer blade with her shears!" She laughed mockingly at their tangible anger.

The first pirate lunged at her with renewed vigor, but Addy expertly parried his attack, swiftly disarming him with a precise counterstrike. His sword clattered to the ground, leaving him defenseless and stunned. 

Seizing the opportunity, the second pirate tried to retreat, but Addy was relentless. With a series of agile moves, she cornered him, her blade poised and ready for the final strike. 

"Not so fast," she called out, her voice filled with triumphant resolve. She flashed a victorious grin, reveling in her prowess and success. Her grip tightened on the handle, her arm tensed in preparation of the final strike.

"Addy?"

The voice carrying through the door caused the trio to halt all movement. The deck of her ship faded away, leaving them in the family sitting room with a floor full of papers and overturned furniture. The once comfortable and inviting space had been mutilated.

The twins exchanged knowing looks, their gap-toothed grins growing wider as they saw the look of surprise on Addy's face.

"Caught red-handed, Miss Pirate," Willy teased.

"Ned is going to have a lot to say about this," Georgie added with a flashing dimple.

"If I'm caught, then you pair are caught as well," she said as she dashed to inspect her appearance in the mirror over the mantle, leaping over a stack of fallen pillows in her haste.

"But we aren't supposed to be ladylike," Georgie pointed out with an exaggerated wave towards himself and his brother.

"You're supposed to be setting a good example, remember?" Willy added with a mock-patronizing eyebrow raised.

Addy leveled a flat stare at the duo. "Clean up this mess before Ned finds out," she instructed, pointing to the scattered flowers and writing utensils. Addy quickly tidied her hair and ran to leave, hoping to keep Ned from entering the room. As she shut the door, she winked at the boys. "Next time let's use the stables!"