Black Hawk's Treasure

[The GrandMage]

Salty Dan

She nudged against him! There she was, standing there! His eyes stared into hers as he searched for what to say. She was playing innocent, but he knew better than that. Other men might overlook her face most of the time, and fall into her games, but he'd been watching her.

He knew very well she was a sailor on the Bilge Water, and he knew the kinds of games she played. After all, you get a man drunk enough and he'll share the darndest tales. And Dan had swapped a lot tales from sailors on other ships, hers being one of them. His attention was distracted only twice.

Once, when Sally came bursting in. She was a hell of a cook, but he thought she looked more like a living pile of rags than a person. The second was when his captain got up to leave. "Aye, Capt'n Ash, meet up wit' ya later."

His eyes turned back to her. " 'Ello, lass. Aye, ya be a wee bit wobbly, but I tain't abou' ta complain whene'er a pretty girl happens ta come me way. 'Ave a seat, a drink, share some company."

He grinned at her, pushing out a chair next to him and offering the seat to her. "This 'ere fellow's Preach, a fine first mate, but a little too devote' ta the word o' God ta be good company, and I could use some. Me name's Dan, folks 'round 'ere call be Salty Dan. 'Ow about you, lass, got a name?"

Mr. Moore

He sighed, and went about ordering the crew to comply with Lt Hornblower's wishes. Although he didn't like it. His brother was supposed to be in the area, and while he had the greatest of faith in the Royal Navy, he'd seen the way his brother had been able to command a cannon, and he'd heard the man complain of how poorly the Royal Navy understood naval warfare.

He shook his head. That had been years ago. Things had changed. And with the Captain they had, they were assured victory in any battles they came across. He swelled with pride for his jobs, and continued to prepare for when his Captain returned, ready to make sure the ship was ready for whatever course of action he should decide.

 

[Subo97]

Melvin Morecock

"Well, you almost did it Pete. Yer almost ended us on a platter with a plum stuck up your arse." The Parrot grabbed a beakful of Melvin's hair to balance on his one remaining leg.

"Rum," Melvin told the barmaid, plaopping a coin down on the bar. "Tain't no better drink for a sea roamin' man," He said and leaned on the bar, watching the maid bend over for a new jug. "Lass," he said, uncorking the jug, "I'm no lan' lubber, but them's some fine peaks and valleys ye be sportin' " He swung the jug up on his shoulder, knocking off the bird in the process. Squawking, the parrot flew to the rafters and hopped across the timbers, much to the dismay of the patrons below.

Melvin's bloodshot eyes took in the tavern's great room, sorting friend from foe, danger from oppurtunity.

His shipmate, Leia, was at her sexiest, most alluring and most dangerous pose. She'd make a fine hammock partner, he thought, and fingered the knife in his belt, thinking of how easy it would be to do away with the straps that held her revealing bodice together. He could hang on to those hips while they swang with the tide for as long as the moon was in the sky, but she was trollin' for sumthin'. Could be there was sumthin in the bar worth trollin for.

Capn' Tom was there, too, but not in the mood for a carousal, if Melvin was any judge. Judging his captain's mood was one way Melvin and Pete stayed alive. He almost yelled a warning out as an unknown wench came up to the Captain's back. She had the look of trouble. Anyone who kept the Parson's company usually was, but she turned and left without speaking.

"Maise," he said to the bar maid, whether it was her name or not, "Come sit on my lap and share my rum. Make play while you can. You just never know when rough seas are cummin'."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia watched with grudging admiration as the “Captain” quipped about the parrot and burst out laughing.
She smiled sweetly as she found herself face to face with her and smiled at the polite “… excuse me … “ moving obligingly to the side, inadvertently – or so it would seem – pressing up against one of the men still seated at the table.

Turning she smiled and made to turn away.
If the Captain had left then the conversation would turn to whorin’ and drinking.
There were no pickings to be gained by that.

" 'Ello, lass... "

The first man greeted her drawing her attention back towards him.

”Aye, ya be a wee bit wobbly, but I tain't abou' ta complain whene'er a pretty girl happens ta come me way.
'Ave a seat, a drink, share some company."

Perhaps it would not do to mingle with such a man, but the twinkle in his eye made her run her eyes boldly assessing him before letting herself gracefully down on the chair he offered her.

"This 'ere fellow's Preach, a fine first mate, but a little too devote' ta the word o' God ta be good company, and I could use some.
Me name's Dan, folks 'round 'ere call be Salty Dan.
'Ow about you, lass, got a name?"

Leia smiled at the Preacher.
A man of God!
Well she was a lost cause to be sure!
She then turned her attention back to Dan.
He obviously did not know her, or her reputation.
She glanced across the bar to where Melvin was drinking and talking to that dang parrot of his.
Assured that reinforcements were on hand … if she should need it, she accepted the drink held out to her and replied.

”I’m Leia … Nice to meet you … both … “

She made sure her glance took in both men as she took an appreciative sip at the liquor.
She was beyond redemption, was the Preacher beyond corruption, she wondered fleetingly as she returned her attention to Dan.

 

[The GrandMage]

Salty Dan

He wondered briefly how to play this. The first move had been to act like he didn't know her. He was glad she'd sat down. He wondered what to do next, there was the obvious move of hitting on her, but that was too forward. He glanced at Preacher, then back to her.

The man of God and the Sinner. That was too pretty a picture. He sat up, taking a drink as she got one. A little liquor never hurt anyone. He took a swig of rum before setting the tankard down. He leaned forward, letting his eyes rove across her once before returning to her face.

"Leia, nice name. Matches tha woman."

He shifted a little in his seat. "Why're ya wanderin' 'round bars like this, lass? Not 'nuff excitement on tha Bilge Water fer ya?"

 

[Why]

........

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

"Leia, nice name. Matches tha woman."

Leia wound graceful fingers around her drink and nodded in response to the compliment.

"Why're ya wanderin' 'round bars like this, lass?
Not 'nuff excitement on tha Bilge Water fer ya?"

Leia tensed.
So ... the bastard knew who she was!
With great self control, she fixed her smile, her eyes hardening and her fingers tightening around the glass.

"If you know who I am Dan ... "

She began speaking smoothly and quietly.

"You will know that I'm hardly "confined to quarters".
As to excitement ... that can be found in the most uncommon of places ... bars ... alley ways ... docks ...
And it can take ... many forms ... "

She let her eyes flicker over to where her shipmate stood.
She jiggled her foot slightly, feeling the reassuring hardness of her blade.
She turned back to Dan.

"So ... you like to play ... games ... it seems ... ?"

She observed lightly, then glanced across as the Preacher took out his sword and stone and began to sharpen the blade.

FUCK!

The word echoed around her brain as she tried to remain calm.

 

[The GrandMage]

Salty Dan

He sat back, his eyes flicked down to where her fingers curled around her glass. He sat back, and took a swig from his tankard, glancing at the Preacher as he fiddled with his sword.

He turned back to Leia. "Games, lass? Naw. I just didn't know yer name, and it's always nice ta have a fine lookin' woman's company, especially when they aren't defenseless."

He leaned back, taking her in, but keeping himself focused on her face,...mostly. "Aye, how good a shot are ya, Leia?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

"Games, lass? Naw. I just didn't know yer name, and it's always nice ta have a fine lookin' woman's company, especially when they aren't defenseless."

Leia kept her eyes on his.
Her body was poised in readiness to flee or to attack.

"Aye, how good a shot are ya, Leia?"

She watched as he leaned back studying her carefully.

Pray you never find out first hand, Dan ... "

She responded smoothly, then remembered the Preacher and wondered fleetingly what he would think of her choice of words.

 

[The GrandMage]

Salty Dan

He leaned back, laughing hard and deep before grabbing up his tankard and downing a swig. He smiled, and looked at her with a smile. "Lass, I hope I find out before the night's done."

"I'm the gunner on our ship. And if you think you're so hot, how about a little contest, lass?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia watched him lean back, watched him laugh and then drain his tankard.

"Lass, I hope I find out before the night's done."

She drank at her glass, draining it as swiftly as he had done.

"I'm the gunner on our ship.
And if you think you're so hot, how about a little contest, lass?"

Leia let a smile break over her face.

"I don't think so actually ... You see ... I have nothing to prove..."

She stood up and smiled sweetly at both men.

"Well ... thank you for your hospitality ... gentlemen ... "

She gave extra emphasis to the word.

"I'll be on my way ... I'm hot for excitement of a different kind this eve ... watching a man shoot his weapons off ... offers me little diversion... "

So saying, she turned and excused herself and with a brush of skirts was on her way.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Lt Horatio Hornblower, HRM Navy: (a bit pompus, no? *L)

Once Horatio had charted the star sighting and marked their position on the chart he scanned the surrounding waters and looked at several more charts and the smuge of land the lookout had spotted wasn't on any of them. A likely home for pirate scum indeed.

He opened his sea chest and looked over the non military clothes wondering which would make the best choice to blend in on the island.

He also sharpened his sabre and checked his wheel lock dueling pistols and the "duck's foot" pistol to ensure they were in top order and lastly the two dirks and the throwing knife he kept secreted about his person. Out of sight, but instantly at hand if needed. All preparations his times working to infiltrate various dung heaps and hell holes on his former captain's order to gather needed intelligence had shown were a high priority.

Returning to the deck, "Mr. Moore, I'll take the watch. I'd like you to accompany me on a little intelligence gathering expedition on yon uncharted island once we've sailed around it.
"Lay below and choose out what you deem proper for blending in with the scum and scoundrels we'll likely encounter.
"Before we go ashore I'll issue you a brace of pistols and sword from the arms locker."

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

It was one of the busier nights. There were a few fights that tried to start, they only found my daggers at their throats telling them to take it outside.

One of m'captins men ran in suddenly, handing me some sealed envelope, I knew what was inside, been expecting it all day. Hiding it in a very, very secure place till Thomas returns to retrieve it, knowing I was the only one he truly trusted with such matters. Over the years he found out just how trust worth and dedicated I was. I only snuck on his ship to get a taste of sea life.... Wishing I was out there right now instead of chasing these drunkards out of the tavern when they got to drunk and fell asleep. Or out of hand. These people learned real quick that I did not like non-sense in MY tavern.

The little out of shape man asked where to find Thomas, knowing the most likely place he would be. I told him. If it was some other and I did not know them, they would have to prove themselves before I gave that kind of information.

Ash came strolling in the place as if she hasn't been gone. I very rarely spoke to her, knowing how Thomas felt about her, I left him to deal and speak to her if he so desires. Not long after Thomas comes in, smiling one of my brighter smiles at the sight of him. Mostly because I knew we would be out to sea soon, love being on the ship more than land. The sea is where I belong, if it wasn't for this tavern, that's where I would remain.

Bar maid came and told me that Thomas wished to speak to me right away. Finished off the round the guy had ordered for the tavern, then walking towards Thomas.

" We should not speak out here, for I have something for you. Follow me."

Thomas knew how careful I was when it came to things like things, taking him into the back room, closeing the door behind me. Went to the corner of the room lifting up the wooden floor panel and pulling out the envelope. Just getting business done as quickly as possible, as always.

"Hope this pleases you, is there something else you wish to speak to me about? I have to get back to work before another fight breaks out."

Nights like these, there was always a fight.

 

[Graybread]

Bloody Bill

Bloody Bill was leaning against the bar drinking his rum when he caught Leia slipping in the side door.

Now there’s a shipmate that’s easy on the eyes. he thought.

But his real concern at the moment was the crew and new Captain of the Mistique. They were to no good, he could tell by the way they were huddled together. He watched Leia playing hers games with them, when Captain Delaine came in and walked up to stand beside him.

“Supp’um up ‘Cap,” he said to Thomas. “I been keeping my eye on em.”

He swatted at the parrot flying around his head.

“Anything ya be wanting me to do Sir, afore we sail?”

 

[poohlive]

In the midst of a drunk stupor, an old pirate named Vallen paused at the edge of one of the bay coasts. He sat down, plopped down more likely, on the sand, with a half bottle of rum at his side.
"Ha ha! I'm rich," He spoke to the crabs that, in the moonlight, had come ashore to look for food. He twittered with his sack of gold, wondering just how long he could live out his life with this.
"A good couple of months, at least," Vallen burped, excused himself, and then laughed when he saw no one around to excuse.
"Ship!" Vallen said, looking at the ship that was now coming into the bay, "Ship!"
If he hadn't been drunk, he might have seen nothing but a single bay empty and pretty with the moonlight reflecting off of it, but that half bottle of rum hadn't become a half bottle of rum because of a leak...
Little pink elephants danced on the ship, sending out sparkling rainbows to vanquish evil merpeople.
Vallen gave another little hiccup, and passed out on the sand.

 

[poohlive]

It didn't take long for him to find Krysta, or for Krysta to find him. For the life of him, he never knew which happened, but it always did. Following her with almost glee, he took the sealed envelope in his hands, as if it were the papers to his first boat, bought and paid for.
He tore it open, revealing the inside. A single map, and three gold coins.
"It's there," He shouted with glee, "It's really there. By Davey Jones it's there and it's waiting."
Filled with more than ecstacy, Thomas kissed Krysta full on the mouth. His hat tipped back, he wanted to go in for a friendly, peck, but her warm body, and his own feelings kept him lingering for a moment more.
When he broke away, Thomas felt the need to either apologize or kiss her again, but before he could figure out which, someone bumped against the door, startling him enough to hide the map in just the blink of an eye.
Thomas gave an awkward smile, looking at her.
"Of course, I need you," He said, walking back out to the bar before anyone knew they were gone for too long. Pirates had eyes, and this would look suspicious, at least, for them it would.
"I need you to come with me to find this. I have got to have all my crew together. This is the big one... well not the "Big" big one, but it's a big one just the same. Come on."
He ordered a round of drinks for himself, and his first mate Bloody Bill as well.
"We set sail in the morning, my man. I got it, don't worry. Whatever supplies we need, should be on the ship by the time that sun kisses the sea, cause I want to set sails not a minute later."
Thomas chugged his drink, and asked for another, motioning Krysta to share with their night of revelry. A sideways glance to Leia also prompted him to bid her to come. They had much to talk about, and celebrate, if all went well.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Whoa, HE kissed me... not just any kiss, there seemed to be something behind it. Felt great, couldn't deny that. Left me stunned for a second. Nahh, it's nothing like that, he's just overly excited, thats all it was. Quickly shrugged it off when the same two brutes started fighting again.

Jumped on the table that was between them, both daggers at each of their throats... again... Holding my ground in a cat like stance.

"I've warned you once... told you twice... Now I'm demanding that you leave this tavern, or have your throats split open. If you chose to leave peacefully, you may return when you learn to obey my rules in my tavern...... Now get the hell out of here."

Stern, cold voice ran deep in my tone. Dameon stepping up from behind the bar to make sure they leave. Luckily I didn't have to make a huge scene, the tavern was to busy and loud for too many to notice.

Walking back to sit next to Thomas, drinking some wine. Never was big on heavy drinking, had to keep my head clear and straight. Thoughts of getting back on the water was showing the excitement in my eyes. I was ready to go now.

"Of course I will travel by your side, you know I wouldn't pass up a chance like this..Just want to get back to riding the seas.."

Smiling at Thomas before taking another sip of wine. Then quickly stepping up to the table only to shout;

"A free round to everyone, One the house."

Landing perfectly on my feet, right in front of Thomas just before sitting down by his side.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia moved away from the table with a final smile directed at the men who were watching her. She prefered to have the upper hand and did not like the fact that she didn't know the name of their ship. As she looked up she saw her Captain beckon her over and made her way towards him.

"Evening Captain ... "

She purred as she slid into a seat and smiled at he woman by his side. She accepted the drink and watched him curiously, wondering what had brought about the sudden generosity.
Relaxed back, almost off guard for the first time that evening, her eyes sparkled in anticipation of any plots he had brewing.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Back on deck Lt. Hornblower watched as the island passed by off the port side of the ship until finally a bay with lights showing in building came into view.

He used his spyglass to see two ships riding at anchor in the harbor of the bay, but , because of the cover of the dark night couldn't see if either flew any flags so didn't order the gun crews to their posts to sail in and lay waste to the ships by passing as broadsides were delivered to them. They might be innocent shippers and not pirates afterall.

When Mr. Moore returned to the deck Horatio returned to his cabin, changed into civilian clothes of a less than reputable way, and armed himself. He took two pistols and a sword from the arms locker for Mr. Moore and returned to the deck and gave them to him saying, "It'll be you and I on the island Mr. Moore to see what we can learn about those two ships at anchor in the harbor.
"Now let's finish a circuit of the island and see if a place can be found where the Requim can anchor and still have time to set sail and maneuver if it becomes necessary.
"If not then we'll be rowed ashore and the ship can return for us at sunrise and sunset until we signal we're ready to be picked up and return to the Requim."

It took several hours to go around the island and we investigated two more bays that were located, but neither suited me. Both could become death traps for the Requim, so we sailed back and had a long boat row us to the beach about a mile from the town we'd spotted.

The Requim would sail out to sea and return again at sunrise for us. If we didn't signal them then they'd return again at sunset to look for us. No signal would then send the Requim around the island to check the two bays for us as alternate pickup points in case we had to leave the town and avoid pursuit.

 

[The GrandMage]

Salty Dan

Well,.....Crap. He shook his head, adopting a deep scowl he usually reserved for his cannoneers, and took a free tankard of rum. He was glad so many people were passing out free rounds tonight. He might actually be able to get drunk on what little he had left.

He downed most of the tankard, looking over toward her. Just wandering off like that and goin' to her captain. Just turn her back on him, like he wasn't good enough for her. He snorted, and shot a look at the Preacher that let him know it was time to keep his pearls of wisdom to himself.

He downed the rest of the rum, and yelled for another. He almost wanted to go up, throw her over a shoulder and drag her off. But he doubted in her crew mates would look kindly on that, and suspected she probably had a few weapons on her, although he'd love to see where she hid them.

"Arrgh. What a bitch, eh Preach?"

Mr. Moore

"Aye, Lt. Hornblower."

He went below deck, although grudgingly. He sorted through the clothes, and choose a few garments he found suitable. He looked at himself in the mirror, and sighed.

A few minutes later, he emerged on deck with a scowl on his face, dressed as ragged and disheveled as his brother. His hair was in disorder, and he looked as if he'd be more at home swabbing decks on a pirate ship than serving the Crown on a fine ship in the Royal Navy.

"Not at all attractive, what?"

 

[poohlive]

"My crew," Thomas said, adjusting his Captain's hat on the top of his head, so it sat just right, "My crew."
He took out the map, just long enough for them to see it, and then put it away before anyone else could notice.
"That little baby is the key to finding more treasure than we could hope for a lifetime. I can't speak of it too much now, there are still too many people around. We set sail at first light though. Once aboard, and safe from the prying eyes and ears of the this island, I'll be able to tell you everything."
Thomas took a toast, holding it up to the crew of the Bilge Water, the filthiest, dirtiest, fastest, and smelliest ship that ever took to the sea.
"To treasure and pleasure!" His common toast before a journey would begin.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

I smiled up at him as we all toasted.... His kiss still warm on my lips... I had never thought about Thomas in such ways... What made now any different? I was almost tempted to kiss him back right then, but, unsure if he would approve for one. And another, it would be out of character for me. I never showed affection in front of others. Not that it embarrassed me, more of a reputation to keep, my own personal pride.

Showing affection would meant I am weak, just couldn't have that. Forcing these thoughts out of my mind.... sadly they were not going away... espeacially while still feeling his kiss. Sure, I've been kissed and beyond before. This ... this was different, we have been friends for ages.

Always had a tendacy to throw petty things like this out of proportion. Instead of dwelling on it, located where my brother had been, walked over and started helping him pass out one last free round, just for the hell of it. Also to tell him that I would be leaving. He never asked questions, always understood when I had to go.

Came back to the table we were at with a tray full of drinks for the Thomas and his crew.

"Drinks are one me... always free to this crew."

Giving one of my most prettiest smiles before sipping on my wine.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

Sitting outside for quite awhile did little to ease her nerves or relieve tensions. Thomas was inside, and whether she liked it or not, he called this place home as well. She'd eventually have to say something in passing, but what burned hot on her tongue was to tell him what a bastard he was.
The only trouble with this whole thing was She could not picture Thomas killing anyone, nor ordering her father's ambush. It was not like Thomas, but time changes people. So without speaking to him, how would she know?
She tipped the bottle of rum again, sipping at it lightly. She had developed a taste for it not long ago after fighting all night to save her father. It didn't work, but it helped her to sleep at night. She stopped seeing ghosts that way. Rising from the steps, she heard another cheer in the tavern. Someone obviously bought more ale for the room.
Smirking a little, she glanced around and wondered where to go? The ship was closer, and she wouldn't have to worry about wandering off alone to get home either. She eyed the door again, the overwhelming desire to go back in there and demand an answer from Thomas was pushing her. But instead she turned back towards the docks and headed off. She was the captain now, she could stay on it as long as she wanted to.
"I miss you, you old dawg!" She whispered to no one, but wished he could hear her. He certainly had to be burning in hell by now. She laughed, thinking he more than likely was sailing around and plundering the dead.
Boarding her ship, she stared at the night sky a moment, sipped more rum and then lowered her gaze to the ship beside her.
"I still don't understand why he would christian a ship Bilge Water?" Shaking her head, she went down into the captain quarters to pass out. About half way down she thought about sabatoging Thomas's ship, but knew that was even too low for a rat to undertake. She passed out instead.

 

[Why]

...........

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia watched wide eyed as Thomas drew out a map, giving the merest glimpse of parchment, before tucking it away once more.

"That little baby is the key to finding more treasure than we could hope for a lifetime.
I can't speak of it too much now, there are still too many people around. We set sail at first light though.
Once aboard, and safe from the prying eyes and ears of the this island, I'll be able to tell you everything."

Leia nodded and held up her glass with a wide smile toasting her fellow crew mates.

"To treasure and pleasure!"

Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she let them trail slowly along the muscularforms of her companions.
Long sea journeys were always good for ... bonding ... she chuckled.
Evil pursuits and excitment always made her blood run hot ... not to mention her body ...
She drank deeply and shifted in her seat, impatient to get started ... on both the journey and ... other activities ...

Treasure and pleasure!
What could be better!

 

[Why]

..............