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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 27, 2017 20:10:34 GMT -5
The crew split along the lines that you called, those that are leaving preparing what little gear they brought or found along the way. Those that are staying keep to their tasks, and before long the two ships pull up along side one another. Canvas bags overstuffed with soft material are set between the two hulls, as the two ships are lashed together. A gangplank is extended across the gap between the ships, and quickly tied in place. The chosen crew dart across the gangplank back to the Sapphire Rover, and set to work on their own tasks once they've stowed their belongings. Your passengers also make their way across the gangplank, leaving you that last to make the crossing. Your mother joins you to say goodbye, giving you a warm hug and whispering, "I like your man." She isn't much for good-byes, so she pulls back quickly but doesn't let go of your hand right away. She squeezes your hand, and finally lets go.
As you set your first foot on the gangplank, your father grabs your arm, "Did you think you we're leaving the Sea's Song a second time without saying good-bye?"
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Post by Sugarphix on Oct 28, 2017 4:20:36 GMT -5
"Oh, Daddy," Tsunami says, smiling and turning to face the man. "The last time I had no choice, it wasn't exactly a barrel o' laughs, ye know."
She laid her head on her chest, wrapping her arms around his ribs in a hug. She felt snug with his great arms wrapped around her shoulders, safe and sound. The only other time she had felt this way was in the arms of her husband; it was a feeling of comfort and home. The smell of tobbaco from the packet kept in his jacket had seeped into the fabric over time, and it came to her now. She had never taken up pipe smoking, though it was a favourite passtime of many of her old crew. But this smell, the smell of the tobacco not yet lit, was one she always associated with Captain Claybrook. She breathed in deeply, relishing the scent. Under his breath she could hear him softy humming the song that her mother had sung to her all those years ago in her childhood. In his bass tones, the soft sound rumbled in her ears, the notes almost undistinguishable, but she recognized them all the same. Then his voice cracked and he sniffed, surprising Tsunami.
"Well," he rumbled, "Ye had better get yerself back to yer ship."
He gave her one last tight squeeze, making her hat tip askew on her head as the corner pressed into his chest and lifted the opposite side of it. Then, he had her by the upper arms, and was gently pushing her away from him. She wanted to rush back into his arms, but he turned and walked away, dissappearing into his quarters and slamming the door behind him.
"He's going to miss you," Ara told her daughter, "As will I. I love ye, Tsunami. Strike out into the world and make us proud, as I know ye will."
Ara's second hug was very brief. Then it was Tsunami's turn to go. She stepped back onto the gangplank to make the trek over to her own ship. As she went, she reached up to straighten her hat and to her surprise, found that the spot on the brim was slightly wet.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 28, 2017 6:02:51 GMT -5
Much like your father you want more than anything to go into your cabin to reflect on recent events. Your emotions are as turbulent as rough seas, and as under control as a ship without a rudder. You want to tell Mac to get us out of here so you can go be alone, but at the same time you’re afraid that if you do you will break down completely. Between the pain of your injuries, and the weakness of the post adrenaline rush. Seeing all of the family you can save safe, and whatever the hell you’re feeling with Pete. You’re navigating through unknown seas, through shoals, on an overcast night here.
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Post by Sugarphix on Oct 28, 2017 8:05:36 GMT -5
But no matter what she was feeling inside, they all had jobs to do. The Sea’s Song was unlashed from the Sapphire Rover, and began to embark on its journey. They were headed out to sea to sail around the coast to try to find where the navel ship holding the rest of the Sea’s Song’s escaped crew might be lurking. For their part, the Sapphire Rover still had to safely carry Embros, Orellow, Meribel, and Merriland to their destination. As the distance between the two ships broadened, Tsunami felt like a piece of her was breaking away. She looked toward the heavens, pretending to examine the sails, but in reality, she was only giving the tears in her eyes a chance to retreat before they could fall. Then a consoling arm was around her, and she almost sobbed in her gratefulness. She leaned into the strong body and laid her head on what she thought was Mac’s chest. That’s when she saw the small scar on the back of the hand that rested comfortably on her shoulder. Mac didn’t have a scar like that, but she knew who did. She had grown up with that scar, in fact if truth be told, she had been the one to put it there.
“It’s alright, Nami, we’ll be seein’ the likes o’ them again, I’d wager.” Blue Eyed Pete’s reassuring voice told her.
Her eyes darted to find Mac. His brows were drawn together over his stormy eyes. Was that a glint of metal poorly disguised in his palm? She quickly straightened.
“That’ll be Captain Monsoon while yer aboard me ship!” she corrected her friend. “Now go swab the decks, matey!” She ordered.
“But Nam-“ he cut off at the sight of her glare, “Captain Monsoon, I ain’t no swabbie,” he complained. Mac’s face darkened at the man’s insubordination. It was Mac’s right as quartermaster to punish the lad, and it looked like her husband was gearing up to take pleasure in said task. Tsunami thought quickly.
“Ye can start with the forecastle, and if ye complain again, it’ll be yer job fer the next week straight!”
Blue Eyed Pete jumped to it then, and went to collect his mop and bucket. Then she went to Mac and took his hand, making sure that the blade was either gone, or had never been there. She hoped that giving poor old Pete the dirtiest job on the boat would be punishment enough to placate Mac. Pete really was a good sailor, far from being the cabin boy that he had started out as. His talents would surely be wasted swabbing the deck, but she knew that Mac likely would have dealt out a far worse punishment otherwise.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 28, 2017 17:51:57 GMT -5
Mac straightens as you approach, more ridged than normal. Clearly something is bothering him, but in your current state you can't put your finger on it. As you take his hand, he says, "I did think you would be wanting for some comforting, but I did think also that you would want that comfort away from the rest." His eyes scan the crew, and wherever his eyes fall the crewmen there get back to work or work faster. Something about him reminds you of a building storm, a thunderhead yet to break. He switches gears quickly, perhaps to distract you from your own thoughts, or push your thoughts away from puzzling out what is bothering him. He covers what happened on the island in broad strokes, basically what Embros and Orellow told him in the belly of the Navy ship. The mission went about as smoothly as it could have, with all the mission goals reached and then some. Mac also covers a few minor issues related to the crew, someone needs work on this and someone else was complaining about that. All easily fixed, and nothing needing a Quartermaster's skills.
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Post by Sugarphix on Oct 29, 2017 5:30:30 GMT -5
The conquest of the island had taken its toll on Tsunami, successful or not. She had gone into the endeavour thinking that it would be a joyous thing to be reunited with her family, to be the one to save them, to keep her dear Bue Eyed Pete from dancing the hempen jig at the end of a hangman’s noose. She had been successful—they had been successful, she thought, looking around at her shipmates who had worked together as if they had sailed together for years instead of days. So why then did she feel like the day was lost and she could barely stand? She sorely needed comforting, and Mac was giving her none of it. What was wrong with him? Was he that jealous of the other man? Tsunami herself had never thought of Pete as a man until today. He had always been just a boy to her, her best friend.
“Please don’t be upset with Pete. He has always been the one to comfort me growing up, in a brotherly way. My fathers never had a problem with it, after all the man who was to marry me would have had to give me a ship, and Pete was just a lowly deckhand.”
Mac’s face hardened further, if that was even possible. She realized the implications of what she had said the moment he reacted. She had basically told him that Pete was never going to be good enough to worry about due to his status on the ship. But Mac had also been a deckhand before acquiring the Sapphire Rover. He turned away from her and began to stalk away like a brooding ferocious barracuda looking for something to bite clean in half.
It had felt like Mac was the last thing tethering her to the earth, and now he too was leaving her. She felt like she was beginning to drift. Her hand went to her throat, to grasp the gold coin that usually hung on a leather thong around her neck. She had an unconscious habit of feeling it with her thumb and first finger when she was either deep in thought, or worrying about something. The coin had immense sentimental value to her. It had been her very first piece of plunder that she had won when taking a merchant vessel as a child. It was stealing that piece at sword point that had officially earned her the title of pirate. Other than Mac, her healing kit, a ruby broach, and this necklace were her most cherished items in the world. When her fingertips searched for it and felt nothing but skin at her throat, for the first time in her life she felt that all was lost. Sounds began to come to her in echoes. She tried to take a step after Mac but her feet wouldn’t obey. She weakly reached out toward his back. He was still walking away from her. She was dizzy, her vision swimming in and out of darkness. She was aware that her hat was falling to the deck in a disjointed way, like a patient that had been given opium to ease their pain. She heard the loud echoing clatter of the mop handle striking the deck and the speeding leathery footsteps growing louder. Then the skyline tipped sideways and she was falling into absolute blackness. The last thing she was aware of was a pair of strong arms catching her, lifting her, and carrying her away. As her cheek bumped and jostled cradled on a shoulder, she wasn't at all aware that the shirt was too rough-spun to be Mac’s.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 30, 2017 5:52:57 GMT -5
You awaken in your own bed, all of your clothing is stacked neatly on your map table. The fine sheets feel cool against your naked skin, but you're still surrounded by the warmth of your bed. Mac is notably absent, but you can hear his strong voice calling out orders on the deck. You remember that Mac was walking away, and the smell of Pete filling your nose as you fainted. Fainted! Like one of those land lubber nobles having a spell. All thought about the island, and last night fades as your eyes fall on your gold coin necklace hanging from the cabin door. Instead of an old leather thong holding your coin, it's a golden chain. The links so fine, you can't believe it supports the weight of itself, let alone your coin.
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Post by Sugarphix on Oct 30, 2017 15:37:09 GMT -5
Tsunami scrambled out of the bed immediately, ignoring the cold lumber under her feet in her frantic dash for the coin. She took it up off the doorknob, feeling the golden chain between her fingers, disbelief etched plainly on her face. I thought you were gone forever! she thought to it, holding it up to catch the light coming in through the back window. Only then did the chill in the air cause goose flesh to break out up and down her arms and across her belly. She hastily returned to the warmth of her bed, still admiring the craftsmanship of the necklace as she went. She felt the familiar symbols of the embossed golden phoenix on one side, and the head of the king on the other. It was hers. No other coin felt quite like it, she was convinced. She still wasn’t sure if the chain would be solid enough to keep her precious coin safe. She ran the fine links through her fingers, first gingerly pulling on it, and then giving it a good tug. She re-inspected the chain and it seemed undamaged. She fumbled with the clasp, never having had to bother with such things much in the past, and although she was able to open it, she found the task of doing it up behind her neck where she couldn’t see it impossible. After several frustrating attempts, she finally reconnected the chain in front of her where she could see what she was doing, and settled for wrapping the links around her fist to keep it securely in her hand while she slept. She lay her head down on her pillow, her fist in front of her where she could keep an eye on the gleam of gold. She was still exhausted, and knew that it wouldn’t take long for sleep to take her. At least now she felt like she had one weight lifted from her shoulders. Her eyelids drooped and blinked lazily as her eyes began to unfocus. One more slow blink, and this time when her eyes slowly opened again, she wasn’t focussing on her coin, but on the folded stack of clothes on the table beyond it. She vaguely remembered that it had been Pete that had saved her from falling. She snapped awake. She lifted the covers to confirm that she was in fact naked. She yanked the covers up to her chin, and turned crimson. He wouldn’t have, would he? No. She was fairly sure of it. She thought that there was no way she could ever even imagine him taking off her clothes. But then as she fretted over it, growing tired, and drifting off, her over-stressed mind found that it could imagine it quite well.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 30, 2017 20:01:17 GMT -5
You're dreams are filled with lustful thoughts, and scenes of a decidedly sexual nature. They are mixture of sensual and raw sexual energy. Some of the dreams are more like flashbacks of evenings spent with Mac, while others are new experiences that give you ideas for future encounters. You awake feeling aroused, but strangely your arousal is tampered by guilt. In all of your thoughts, you never saw Mac's face. All the images are from strange angles, back on, or blocked by other things in the environment. You can't be sure that your lusty romp was with Mac, or with Pete. Wait, why would it be with Pete? You briefly recall watching Pete straining his well muscled body against the Sea song's capstan. He is well built... Your married to Mac! And there's the guilt again. What is going on inside your head?
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Post by Sugarphix on Oct 31, 2017 5:11:05 GMT -5
Her dreams swim from encounter to encounter, and as she begins to rise into a slightly higher level of consciousness, she develops a modicum of control over her dreams. She focuses on Mac and it is him that is sharing her bed, looming over her, getting closer for a kiss. Hints of their very first embrace are stowed within that lingering kiss, the raw passion, the need for each other, the magnetism that held them together like the one forever connecting the Earth and the Sun. Her fingers traced his rigid abs and the v shaped muscles at his lower back that she loved. She knew every inch of him, her rugged, yet gentle man. Their kiss deepened and his arm snaked around her back, pulling her up off the bed to meet him. A soft moan escaped her as she went willingly, her fingers moving up to cup the back of his neck. But it wasn’t Mac’s long sleek ponytail that she felt; the hair there now was shaggy and thick. She pulled out of the kiss, opening her eyes to find Pete’s intense sky blue gaze.
“Thank you for saving me.”
“Ah!” she screamed as she was jolted awake, jumping out of the dream like a man abandoning a burning ship.
Although she was fairly sure that she had yelled out loud, Mac’s breathing continued his slow and steady rhythm of sleep. She noticed that although he had come to bed, he slept as far to the other side of it as humanly possible, with his back to her. He was hurting and she was gallivanting around her dream with another man. Shame caused her to look down at the bed. She wasn’t worthy to look at him right now. He was her husband, and she had saved him too, although now it felt like an eternity ago instead of less than a month ago! She felt the need to roll him over, to trace every plane of his face with kisses. She wanted to wake him, to tell him that he was the only one for her. But who would she really be trying to reassure—him or herself. Her mind flashed back to right before she had woken. She couldn’t be held responsible for her dreams! She wasn’t in control! Still the guilt and sense of betraying Mac caused her to leave their bed and begin to dress. She would go out and relieve whomever was on watch. The crisp early morning air would hopefully help clear her mind.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 1, 2017 17:45:00 GMT -5
Slipping out of your cabin like a burglar on the prowl so you don't wake Mac up, you see Benton Moonwrath leaning on the rail studying the horizon. He turns at your approach and nods, "Good morning Captain. Nothing of note to report, pod of dolphins twenty strong swam with us for a while last hour." He points off in the distance, "I can just make out em out in the distance there." When you look where he's pointing, you can see the animals popping in and out of the water, "Everything okay Captain? You gave us a bit of a fright last night?"
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Post by Sugarphix on Nov 1, 2017 18:58:40 GMT -5
"Aye, Benton, I thank ye fer yer concern," she replied with a nod. She leaned her elbows on the railing, continuing to watch the dolphins as she spoke. "Yesterday was a great success, and fer that I'm truly happy. But I'd be lyin' if I said it was easy to watch me entire life sailin' in the other direction. The Sapphire Rover do be me home now, but I was born on the Sea's Song. That, and neglectin' to eat all day must have worked in twain to weaken me such." The sky was beginning to lighten, preparing itself for dawn. The water's reflection of the pink and orange clouds and the golden sun blazing to life on the horizon was heartbreakingly beautiful. She wished that Mac was there to watch it with her, but she dared not wake him. She had no clue as to what time he had come to bed in the night, and she wanted him to get the sleep he needed for the hard work ahead. Pink clouds in the morning was a sailor's warning. For now though, she just relaxed and appreciated the magnificent blend of colours. She unconsciously began humming what she thought of as her old ship’s song. After a couple of verses, she began to sing softly under her breath.
“With the air in our lungs And a song on our tongues In the crow’s nest of our sloop strong and true, We’ll cry out an alarm If we head toward harm, On course on the briny blue.
With the sun shinin’ bright And the clouds all alight, On the forecastle of our sloop strong and true, We will heed the storm warnin’ O’ pink clouds in the mornin’ On course, on the briny blue.”
Her stomach growled audibly, and she straightened. She realized that it had been too long since she had eaten, and she didn’t want a repeat of yesterday. She couldn’t risk appearing to be weak in front of her crew, especially to the men who weren’t used to seeing a woman in a position of power. “Well, Benton, it seems as though me gut do be tryin’ to tell me somethin’. I’ll be down in the mess if anyone needs me.”
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 1, 2017 22:42:58 GMT -5
Benton smiles, “Glad to hear it. Mac was acting like he was wearing pants made ah nettles yesterday, I did think I might get me a lash or three with him in such a state.” He raises his hands as if he was just realizing he was talking to Mac’s wife. “No offense meant, Mac is a fair man, and just for a pirate. Only meant to speak on his manner is all.”
He sings along with the common parts of your song, humming when you add new verses. He taps his toe in time with the beat and slaps the railing like a drum, knocking on the wood with the other hand to provide a counter beat. You’ve heard many a man drum along to this tune before, but with Benton tapping off beat it creates an entirely new sound, and a distinctly different feel to the song.
When you excuse yourself for the mess, he points at his relief crossing the deck, “Looks like I’ll get a bit of sleep. Be well Captain Cutter.” He freezes, the hope that you didn’t hear the name painted on his features. You’ve heard it before, it’s almost a game among the crew. With men and women switching whose side of the fight they’re on so no one side ever has all the votes. One day they will be unanimous, maybe then you will pick a name... Cutter or Monsoon.
You go below decks, following the smells from the mess. That bitter drink Mac likes is brewing, it’s aromatic scent filling most of this level of the ship. The food is simple, and filling, but not overly tasty. Whoever prepared this meal is not a chef to be sure. As you finish the last morals of your breakfast you hear the call above, “Sail! Aft! Port side!”
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Post by Sugarphix on Nov 2, 2017 4:54:35 GMT -5
Tsunami hears the name he utters, and simply cocks an eyebrow and shakes her head, that half smile of hers playing on her lips. “Dismissed, Mr. Moonwrath,” she tells him before heading below.
The food is, well…nourishment. At least that java was good for taking the chill off the bones after being out in the cold morning air. She dipped her hard tack in the dark brew, softening it so it could be chewed. The warm mush hit her stomach and warmed her. But she found herself sorely missing the mouth-watering meals at the Wayfarer’s Rest in Cliffton, where she had been holed up since her escape in a barrel when the Somerset Navy took the Sea’s Song. Perhaps landlubbers got some things right. She slowly chewed on some salt beef, hating how the salty, stringy jerky meat tasted with the java. It was no good. She downed the dregs of the cooling liquid, and refilled her tankard with grog. That was better. Then a call of “Sai! Aft! Portside!” rang out and Tsunami left the drink to rush up on deck.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 2, 2017 7:02:58 GMT -5
You and a collection of sailors make your way on deck. Everyone collects against the rail at the aft of the ship. Straining your eyes you can just make out the square white sail of a Somerset Navy vessel. Watching for a while you figure that it is sailing hard, and it’s plotting an intercept course.
Your mind races, mentally counting your crew. If you plan on running for Clifton, outpacing a ship that size is a battle of endurance, and you’re missing a shift of men. Instead of running three shifts for eight hours, you will be running two shifts for twelve hours.
You could continue sailing, the Sapphire Rover isn’t officially listed as a pirate ship. It’s also possible that they’re not looking for you, but with three escaped prisoners on board, and the jolly rodger by your bed, that might be a bit risky.
You could also fight, you have a hardy able bodied crew, but are they ready to fight trained soldiers? A fully loaded Navy ship can hold a hindered men. More then enough to be well rested if it comes to a fight.
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Post by Sugarphix on Nov 2, 2017 17:25:33 GMT -5
“Put the wind in our sails, boys!” Tsunami calls out. “Let’s open ‘er up and see what she can do. She’s a bigger ship and we should be able to outdistance her easily, especially if she’s loaded down with crew.”
She went to see Maribel, and told her that in the event that the Naval ship should catch up to the Sapphire Rover and it looks like we’re about to be boarded, she’s to take a dagger and climb up to the crow’s nest. If she crouches down, no one on the decks below will be able to see her, and only one man at a time will be able to climb up to search the thing. If it comes to it, she can take the man by surprise if needs be.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 2, 2017 22:46:43 GMT -5
The crew sets to task as you expect, some of the second or third crew stay on deck to help too. Once initial preparations are underway where those extra hands are useful, you send them back to their rest. It feels good to have the wind blowing in your hair under full sail once again. Gregor moves about from place to place making minor adjustments to various rope tensions, or sail angles squeezing the maximum amount of speed you can manage out of the sails.
Maribel seems to have picked up a shadow named Embros. They have been talking quietly since things settled into a routine on board. Maribel greets you pleasantly enough, but refuses to take the knife. "My dear, if I didn't kill myself by falling from somewhere up there, then that little blade would assure my death." She smiles her warm motherly smile, "Besides Embros assures me that all will be well." Behind her, Embros taps his folding boat. "They can't chase us both Captain."
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Post by Sugarphix on Nov 3, 2017 4:16:12 GMT -5
“With all due respect,” she replies to Maribel, “that might be fine if they continue after us. However, it do be ye that they be after I’d wager, and if ye’d bail into yer own ship, ye’d be sittin’ ducks. Besides, ye’ll not be able to out-row that ship that follows. They’re goin’ to be tripplin’ the guards back on the island there after our successful departure, so no second rescue would be possible. Hidin’ do be yer best option. If they can’t find ye, they’ll not be able to take ye. Ye’ll be safe in the crow’s nest. I can understand ye not wantin’ to use a blade on a man if ye did never do it before, and if ye be worried about fallin’, I’m sure that Embros here would be happy to carry ye up to position. I know that between the two of us, we won’t let a man in uniform near the ratlines to get to ye.”
Then, to Embros, she said “Ye did agree to follow me orders when aboard me ship. I do be countin’ on yer set o’ blades along with me own if we get boarded. The Sapphire Rover has never seen trouble. This escape might make her branded a pirate. I have just as much to lose as ye do. I’ll not see her taken.”
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 3, 2017 11:39:51 GMT -5
Embros nods, "It is as I agreed. My blades are yours until we reach Clifton. I have other information that I have not had the chance to pass along Captain. Now seems a good time if you have a moment. With your permission?" Embros gestures toward your cabin, where you see Mac leaning on the door frame. He has a blade in hand, studiously cleaning his nails. When you make eye contact, he smiles the smile you like best. Not the oily smile of his lust, though that one can be fun too. The smile he gives you now is the smile you associate with his love for you, genuine and warm. There is no trace of his moodiness from yesterday, maybe he was just tired? Something about that thought doesn't strike true, but you don't have time to figure it out at the moment.
Embros leads Maribel, directing her with a hand on her lower back to your cabin. He gives Mac a nod as he ushers her inside. Leaving you a moment alone with Mac. Once you come inside, your guests are standing mid room waiting for you. Embros goes on to explain how he got Maribel and Thom out of the prison using forged documents. As far as the prison is concerned, Embros is transporting the two prisoners under the signed direct orders of the King of Somerset himself.
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Post by Sugarphix on Nov 4, 2017 6:04:59 GMT -5
When Embros suggests moving the conversation to the cabin, she agrees. “Before I forget though, I was hopin’ that Maribel might be able to help me with a small task that I haven’t been able to complete on me own.” She held up the coin necklace, its chain still wrapped firmly around her hand. “I cannot seem to buckle the confounded thing on me own, and I’d not be parted from it round me neck any further. I figured that another woman might have the delicate touch I seem to be lackin’.”
Once it’s on, Tsunami motions with her arm toward the cabin door, and sees Mac leaning nonchalantly on the doorpost. She is relieved to see his face unmarred by anger, and his smile makes her heart soar. It was as if the weight of a walrus rolled off her shoulders. She beams at him, and decides that perhaps tonight would be a good night to make up for whatever transpired the day before.
When she follows the others into the cabin, she offers them a seat around the large table that takes up most of the room. Embros passes on his news about the forged documents.
“It seems that you’re more talented than I thought, master Maewyn.” Tsunami says, impressed. “It seems then that the only danger be if someone aboard that ship recognize any of us from the docs or the beacon shack. I can take care o’ Blue Eyed Pete so they’ll not recognize him, but I’m afraid he’s not going to like it if it comes to that. Still, I’d like to keep her at full speed to get ye to Cliffton as fast as possible, for all our sakes. Once you’re safely to yer destination, they’ll have nothin’ on board to connect us with ever bein’ near the island.”
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 4, 2017 14:14:57 GMT -5
Maribel laughs, "Of course my dear." Her tone motherly and warm, reminding you once more about your recent goodbye with Ara. She has you turn around, and lift up your hair for her. A moment later you see your coin pass in front of your eyes, "There, all done. That clasp is simple when compared to the tiny buttons on some Royal outfits." With the coin resting between your breasts, the cold metal just touching the top of your corset mounded flesh you head toward your cabin. Mac looks at the coin and smiles wolfishly, but your not sure if he was smiling at the new necklace or your cleavage. With him it could be either.
With the conversation concluded, the pair leave your cabin. The next days are long, and exhausting both mentally and physically. Drawing every bit of speed out of the wind takes constant attention, and vigilance. Keeping the sails set just so forces your bodies to their limits and then some... Game Mechanics: You will be making a bunch of contested rolls against the Navy Captain. The Navy vessel is 6 hours behind the Sapphire Rover right now. Each roll will represent 8 hours of in game time. Whomever wins the contested roll will gain +1 hours worth of distance for winning the roll, plus another hour's worth of distance for every 5 points they win by. For example, say you got 20, and the Navy Captain got 10, you would gain 1 hour for winning the roll and another 2 hours for beating his roll by 10 points. Your lead would grow from 6 hours to 9 hours. The Navy Captain catches the Sapphire Rover if he reduces your lead to 0, and you escape if you increase your lead to 12 hours or manage to make the 10 day journey to Clifton.
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Post by Sugarphix on Nov 5, 2017 4:54:24 GMT -5
Tsunami can tell that Gregor knows what he's doing. He makes all the right adjustments to the sails to get the most speed out of the ship, and he's on it every time the wind changes even in the slightest. She knows that she can rest safely while he's on his shift. When he's at it, she works with Anne, showing her how and why he's making the adjustments he chooses to make so she can learn to do the same thing. Anne is a slight girl, and might not have the physical strength that Gregor does to do the job, but under Tsunami's direction, she learns how to fill the sails just right to catch the wind and sail with the most efficient speed. Still, their progress relies heavily on the direction of the wind, and on their first day, the wind isn't coming from abaft where Tsunami would like it. They're forced to take an 80 degree zig-zagging pattern in the water to keep the wind behind them. It's unpleasant work, with the boat constantly to heel and the ocean's spray constantly soaking the decks. It's also grueling work for Gregor and Tsunami, who have to order almost constant changes to the sail lines during their respective shifts. Every cloud has a silver lining though, and at least it is the most hearty learning experience one could ask for for Anne.
With Gregor waking to relieve the captain at the end of Tsunami's shift, She heads to her cabin on legs weirier than and old timer's. She strips out of her sopping clothes and doesn't even have the strength to hang them, so exhausted is she. She knows she's going to have to contend with the soggy mess on the floor in the morning, but she doesn't care. Shivering, she falls into bed and sleeps like a corpse.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 5, 2017 7:17:05 GMT -5
Anne learns readily, picking up the basics during your first twelve hour shift with her. It's going to take years of sailing to learn all the finer minutia of reading the wind, and seas. Hopefully, you get away from the Navy ship so you don't spent those years rotting in a Somerset Navy prison.
You awaken in what feels like a few seconds, but Gregor assures you it's been a half day. "After the terrible winds of the first part of your shift, the larger Navy ship cut the distance between us." Gregor sighs, "Sorry Captain, you obviously know what happened on your own shift. I'm just tired." He goes on in his base rumble to explain that the winds changed and he managed to increase the gap almost back to when you first saw the sails on the horizon. His best guess would be five hours if you went full stop right now. He excuses himself so he can go sleep. The big man seems a bit tired, but he just seems so solid, you can't help but think that he can go forever.
Turning your attention to getting yourself ready, you see your clothing is neatly hung from a line strung across your cabin. The sea breeze coming through your port holes causing the fabric to rustle in the wind. When you look closer, the fabric has even been brushed. Someone put in some effort here. Something catches your nose, a hint of spices. Following your nose, you find a covered tray with some still steaming stew on your table. Whomever made the food today, actually knew their way around a kitchen, but you're pretty sure the spices in the food are not part of the supplies you brought on board originally.
Day 1 Rolls (Morning 8 Hours): Sapphire Rover: 4+5=9 Somerset Navy: 16+5=21 6-3=3 Hours apart.
Day 1 Rolls (Afternoon 8 Hours): Sapphire Rover: 11+5=16 Somerset Navy: 9+5=14 3+1=4 Hours apart.
Day 1 Rolls (Night 8 Hours): Sapphire Rover: 14+5=19 Somerset Navy: 13+5=18 4+1=5 Hours apart.
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Post by Sugarphix on Nov 6, 2017 5:50:52 GMT -5
Tsunami falls on the food with a ravenous hunger brought on by pushing herself to her limits. Even though she’s slept, she feels tired, like it’s nearing the time that she would normally turn in. The food is delicious, and the nourishment gives her a second wind. When her spoon can get no more, she uses her finger to collect every last drop out of the bowl, sucking each dollop off of her digits, and licking her fingertips when she’s done. She then moves to the wash basin and tentatively dips her hands in. The chill of the water is still just as cold as the sea it’s been pulled from. She bathes as best she can, and finds herself shivering by the end of it. Still, once she’s dried and dressed, she takes a moment to speak to Merric. She doesn’t complain about the conditions of their journey so far, but she begs him to send her strong winds, to fill their sails and to give them a fighting chance against the Somerset navy’s brigantine that’s in hot pursuit. She opens her eyes, feeling rather invigorated from her meal and her bath, and goes out on deck to find Mac and survey how things sit.
She heads to the helm and tests the winds. She celebrates upon finding that they finally have an abaft wind in their favour. Merric must have heard her plea, because the wind in the sails never flounders throughout the day, giving them a steady speed she didn’t think was possible with a boat this size. The wind remained constant throughout the evening, the sails rarely needing an adjustment. In fact, unlike the horrendously difficult day before, Tsunami finds that today, she can actually take a moment to relax. She sees Anne sitting on the deck, leaning her back against the thick railing, plucking at her lute. Tsunami sits on a barrel beside her, and starts to hum the tune sung for years on her other ship. Anne's talented fingers pick out the melody of On the Briny Blue almost instantly, and she quickly forms chords to acompany Tsunami's humming. Then a clear tenor voice takes up the lyrics as Blue Eyed Pete comes to settle in next to Tsunami. They sing together, Tsunami takign the harmony, swaying together back and forth to the three four time of the shanty. Other crew memebers join in, and when the song comes to and end, a round of applaud comes from those that had gathered around to listen.
"We're going to have to write a new song for this ship," Pete told her. "This one is far from a sloop, the old song won't do." Tsunami resisted change, but Anne seemed geared by the challenge. Tsunami left them to work it out. Still tired, but now in good spirits too, she retires to her cabin feeling certain that they’ve opened the gap between the two vessels quite considerably.
Day 2 Rolls (Morning 8 Hours): Sapphire Rover: 10+5-1=14 Somerset Navy: 4+5=9 5+2=7 Hours apart.
Day 2 Rolls (Afternoon 8 Hours): Sapphire Rover: 16+5-1=20 Somerset Navy: 4+5=9 7+3=10 Hours apart.
Day 2 Rolls (Night 8 Hours): Sapphire Rover: 6+5-1=10 Somerset Navy: 4+5=9 10+1=11 Hours apart.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 6, 2017 18:23:08 GMT -5
As you walk away from Pete and Anne, Pete follows after you and grabs your elbow to turn you around. With the way you were spun about you're left standing very close to Pete, close enough to breath in the scent of him. He looks down at you and smiles, not quite as wolfish as Mac, but with the slightest hint of the oily you've seen so many times before. "Did you get my present?" He asks, almost at the same time that a rope securing the sail nearby snaps under the strain of hard sailing. Pete turns and leaps, grabbing the line and physically holding the sail in place with his body until a new line can be strung. Other crew rush to deal with the issue without you having to issue a single order. You watch the work, or more specifically you watch Pete's straining biceps as he struggles to hold the sail at the correct angle, his triceps are bulging too. The work flows smoothly, and when the sail is secure another task carries Pete away from you. Your exhausted body demands rest, and you go to your cabin for some sleep. Sleep doesn't come right away, and your brain is to clouded by sleep to figure out why. You often find your hand drifting up to your neck, and the fine gold chain holding your coin.
The third day begins much as the last two days have, with your clothing neatly brushed clean and hung up, and breakfast prepared. You notice that a small tear in your petticoat has been mended with tiny almost invisible stitches. You've seen Mac's needlework, and this is far too fine a job for it to be his. During the first eight hours of your shift you steadily pull away from the Navy ship until finally you can no longer see their sail in the distance, you've done it, you've managed to escape! A cheer goes up from the crew as word begins to spread. Even those that should be sleeping stagger on deck to see what all the commotion is about. Mac looks haggard, he's been pulling extra hours on deck and napping more than sleeping. The cheers begin to stop one by one, and the crew begin to look dejected. You follow their gaze and see the familiar square white sail of a Somerset Navy ship ahead of the Sapphire Rover.
You gather the crew's attention, and explain that this new ship couldn't be after your ship. Everyone gets back to work keeping the ship on course, but now the crew wears a tension like a shroud. A hush falls over the crew as the other ship grows closer, everyone scarcely breathing for fear that it might attract the new ships attention. Mac waves at the Navy ship, and one of the soldiers on deck waves back. The two ships pass within a hundred feet of one another, but aside from a few curious looks from the Navy crew, they pass by without stopping. Like a lever being thrown, the shroud of tension is gone, and the crew takes a collective sigh of relief. At least until a few hours later when Orellow calls down from the crow's nest that the second ship is turning about. The first ship must have signaled them somehow, and the chase is on again.
With the crew utterly exhausted, and moral shattered by having victory stolen away. Faced with more days of hard sailing ahead the crew begins to make mistakes, and though you, Mac and Gregor try to keep everything running smoothly, the Navy ships creep closer and closer. There was one point in the afternoon, where you could start to make out details of the second ship before you managed to pull away again. You have a hard choice ahead, stay the course or turn toward the Wyvern Straight.
Day 3 Rolls (Morning 8 Hours): Sapphire Rover: 10+5-2=13 Somerset Navy: 3+5=8 11+2=13 Hours apart. (Victory! ...? Wait, What? A second ship!) Second Navy Ship: 4 Hours apart.
Day 3 Rolls (Afternoon 8 Hours): Sapphire Rover: 6+5-2=9 Somerset Navy: 19+5=24 13-4=9 Hours apart. Second Navy Ship: 17+5=22 1 Hour apart.
Day 3 Rolls (Night 8 Hours): Sapphire Rover: 9+5-2=12 Somerset Navy: 18+5=23 9-3=6 Hours apart. Second Navy Ship: 5+5=10 2 Hours apart.
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Post by Sugarphix on Nov 7, 2017 5:34:58 GMT -5
Tsunami summons Mac, Embros, Orellow, Gregor, Pete, and Maribel to her quarters- three from her crew and three of the precious cargo. They enter to find her standing behind the table, hands spread and resting on either side of the map that charts the area between here and Clifton. They gather around and she points to a passage way between a jagged run of cliffs. Mac recognizes it immediately, and possibly Embros too, if he’s ever seen such a chart.
“If we’re to escape pursuit, we’re going to have to get creative,” she says. “I know it do be dangerous, but if we take this route—“ she looks up, making eye contact with each of them as she talks, “—back through the Wyvern Straight, we’ll have the advantage. Our ship can outmanoeuvre the navy’s giant brigs, and we already know what we’re up against with those beasts that lie ahead. We’ve been successful on this route before, but we do be all tired, and there may be casualties. I think it’s worth risking one or two to save the lot of us. To lessen the risk to Maribel, I would ask that ye stay below decks until we do be clear of the cliffs. It’s not called the Wyvern Straight fer nothin’, and if ye can’t fight, I’d not risk havin’ ye picked off the deck by one of the vicious beasties. With any luck, the naval ships will be too busy with them to worry about the likes o’ us. I wouldn’t be any kind of captain though if I didn’t get the opinion of me men.”
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 7, 2017 7:44:23 GMT -5
Orellow pipes up first, "Excellent! I get another shot at getting those Wyvern hide boots!" Embros nods his agreement, and Maribel watches Embros before nodding her agreement as well. Gregor touches the components of his crossbow subconsciously, "With how tired the crew is, I don't think we can outrun the Navy ships in open water. They will be suspicious of us because we fled, so even if they don't find the escaped prisoners..." He trails off, before continuing, "They will be less than friendly. Let's take the Wyvern Straight." Pete looks around at the others before speaking, "What's the big deal about the Wyvern Straight? You all look like you would rather clean the bilge than take this route." Mac steps forward, "The Wyvern Straight is home to a great number of dragons the size of wagons with poisonous stingers on their tails. They really don't like it when ships pass through their territories. Wyvern Stright for me." Pete looks around at the rest again, "Well it seems like everyone likes the Wyvern Straight, so who am I to argue. Wyvern Straight it is."
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Post by Sugarphix on Nov 8, 2017 5:30:15 GMT -5
Tsunami nods, “Fine, we’ll let the lads know that we do be changin’ course. Everyone not needed on deck should get as much rest as they can. Orellow, I’d like ye to speak with Blue Eyed Pete here and Thom. Tell them what to expect when we hit the straight, what we did learn in combat with these beasties. I want everyone to be prepared.” She laid her hand over the coin necklace, “I’d not lose him again, there are very few that know what lies so close to me heart.” She smiled at Pete, then dropped her hand and turned to the stolid man that stood beside him. “Embros, when we draw near the straight, ye can help Maribel into the hold. Then we’ll be needin’ ye on deck. Mac, tell the helmsman there be new orders; hard a-port.”
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 8, 2017 7:47:51 GMT -5
Orellow nods, slapping Pete on the back, "Come Pete, let me tell you a tale." As they leave the room he is already painting a picture of the scene as it unfolded before. Mac leans up to speak into Gregor's ear, and then Gregor nods to Mac, and you, before he heads out onto the deck calling orders to set the new course. Embros nods, once again shadowing Maribel as she leaves. Maribel nods in much the same manner that Embros did, "I will keep below decks while we're traveling through Wyvern Straight Captain. I wouldn't make a good snack for them anyway." You try to leave with everyone else, but Mac takes your arm. "We need to talk." his body language isn't threatening, but for some reason that sentence fills you with dread like he just pulled a knife. "We have a thief on board." He says, not clarifying further for a long moment.
He pulls something out of his pocket, but keeps it hidden inside his hand. "I have taken something from you." He extends his hand, and drops something into your palm. "When you passed out the other night, Pete carried you into our cabin. When he laid you down, he left that on your night stand." Looking into your hand, you see your ruby broach, but the clasp is broken and it's been worked into a leather bracelet. "Thieves need to be punished, but as quartermaster I can't punish myself." His voice is oddly monotone, and quiet.
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Post by Sugarphix on Nov 8, 2017 17:48:03 GMT -5
The pieces fall into place for Tsunami like the tumblers on a lock. This is the gift that Pete was talking about. But that means that the necklace is a mystery.
“He mentioned that he had a surprise fer me. This whole time I thought that it was the return o’ me necklace.” She rubbed the smooth multifaceted surface of the ruby. “I can’t believe he found this. I’ve had it since I was a child. I thought it must have been taken by the Somerset navy when they took the Sea’s Song, but I guess he must have rescued it fer me, knowing that I’d miss it.” She looked up at Mac, all seriousness on her face. “Why would ye feel the need to steal from me? Whatever I have is yers, ye know that, Mac. There have been too many oddities around here lately. Me necklace goin’ missin’, then return’ mysteriously, me mendin’ being done, and someone aboard is a master in the mess. I’d like to get to the bottom o’ it all.”
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