avast, me hearties! in days of yore, when the map of the world was yet to be fully charted, discussions 'twixt pirates and royalty were not unheard of, especially when it came to matters most clandestine. we'd often forgo the usual routes of parley, opting instead to initiate from square one with a preexploitative approach, akin to drafting a secret accord 'neath the cloak of night, ensuring that our dealings remained shrouded in mystery, away from prying eyes. 'twas a time when trust and honor held sway, even amongst the most unlikely of allies.