Black Hawk's Treasure

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

"I understand Thomas." She watched him go and said nothing more. What was done, was done and in the past. At least now she could stop hating him, he had done nothing to deserve it in the first place.. Neither had she.

Her father may be proud of what he did, but if he was alive today, she might have killed him herself. Shaking her head in disgust, she looked down at the ring. Thomas had little back then, it must have taken all of his earnings for several months to buy her this ring.

She pushed it into her pocket and left the captain's quarters. Land was sighted, soon she'd be off on her own again.. What little sleep she could have gotten tonight was now a vacant thought. She had to ready what remained of her crew and set herself to the new day ahead and revenge on one very corrupt old sailor.

She made her way down below deck.. Her crew was tired, she'd let them rest until they docked.. Locating a room empty wasn't easy but she found a small little cubby room, perhaps an old cabin boy's bunk? It didn't matter.. She'd sit here until it was time to leave.

 

[corbetphantom]

Rodger Flint

That kid, the one from yesterday, came up to take Rodger's place. The damn punk smirked at him. Rodger did not smile. Instead he smashed him across the face. The kid swore and grabbed his nose. As he was doubling over, Rodger, who outweighed him by a considerable amout, hauled him up by his shirt front and got close.

"If you ever EVER speak of this, they will never find your body."

The salvager released the powder monkey, and the younger man fell to his knees, trying to stop his bleeding nose.

Rodger flew down the rigging in a rage and landed on the deck with a thump. He saw the captain speaking to that woman, and he heard Krysta's name.

At once his rage flew away like a white-hot phoenix. He walked slowly to the prow of the boat. He looked out across the horizon, waiting for the inevitable hand on his shoulder to give him some menial task to do. Sometimes he hated being on a ship.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Tried hard to not go back there and listen to what they were talking about, wanted to so badly hear what was going on. But to afraid of what I might find out, afraid that she had somehow found reason to get back with him. Their emotions for eachother never healed completly, honestly, once they have calmed down, like they are now, it would just need the right words, right movement and they would be in eachothers arms.


Had to do something to keep my mind busy, though there wasn't much for me to do. I didn't have any sharpening stones, so playing with the daggers were out. Would throw them at something, but that might make this ship fall apart. And or scare someone that didn't need to be scared right now. Instead, stiffled the crying, and the tears, though it was clear I had been crying. Stood there, facing out to sea waiting to see if Thomas would at least tell me something. Even if it was to tell he wants her back, though I hoped it wouldn't be that. I hated waiting, waiting was a waste of time. But there wasn't much else I could do till we hit dock.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

As soon as the ship was docked, She was off and moving. Stopping here and there to locate her crew, she asked them all to meet her on the docks.

From there, she would figure out what their next move would be and a nice filling meal at the tavern.. If she could get some gold? She sat waiting on the dock, her rump resting against a post as both crews began to file off the ship. Most of Thomas's crew remained on board, her guess was they were waiting for permission to leave for a little?

It was none of her business, never would be. Flinching a little, she said nothing more until her crew gathered around her.

"We've got a ship to find and a man to hang.. Any ideas on how to go about it?" And then, off to the Island. She didn't need the other half of map, she'd find it come hell or high water.

 

[corbetphantom]

Rodger Flint

The ship had docked. Rodger had slept hardly at all since coming aboard the ship, and never for a longer stretch then that first night in the crow's nest. He sat on a coil of rope on a forgotten corner of the deck. He saw the other woman...Ash? She was leaving the ship, taking a few of what must have been her crew with her.

The salvagman sighed. Unlike this woman, he did not have the means to start over. He would have to make his choice: he could ask to stay on this ship with...her, knowing that she had another, or he could petition to join this other woman's crew, knowing that he may never see Krysta again and that if he did it would probably be at the wrong end of a cannon. He sighed. The choice was not really his at all.

Rodger stood up shakily and took his seabag and went in search of Krysta, to ask where she wanted him.

As he walked off he shook his head. He had become infatuated with this woman. He could not believe that he was going to give away this very important descision about his life to another.

 

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

He was still a little groggy. The sleep, had, though, done him good. Nothing like a little rest to let your body heal and try to fill itself up with blood. Not that it was his fault that he'd been bleeding, but you couldn't reason a wound away.

He took a glance back at the Warhammer before turning his attention back to his Captain. "So, what's the plan, Capt'n? What kind of ship we goin' for? Because, personally, I don't think we should let the crew outnumber us again..."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

"I see a few smaller sloops docked down the way.. We'll try for a smaller ship. See what connections Sally knows here and go from there."

She waited for all the crew to assemble and then walked off towards the old tavern. This place was much like their home, not too big and everyone knew everyone else. It worked perfectly for finding the right soul to buy.

She checked to make sure the treasure map was in her pocket and entered the smoke filled room.

"Let's sit and go over what we can do."

Mia followed the rest into the Tavern, her gaze lingering a moment on the War Hammer before she stepped inside with the others. She also knew a few people here that owed her favors, she'd see what she could find in means of transportation.

 

[Why]

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[Why]

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[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

"I seen several sloops in the harbor.. We can see about securing one of those. Maybe I can trade something, or barter in exchange for payment later? Or someone here might know my father and we'll be able to get some help that way.." She ordered ales for all of them, pulling a small pouch out of her pant waist and placing the coin on the table.

A table or two away a group of loud sailors were filled with ale and having a grand ol' time with the ladies, it helped to cover up their conversation and distracted many.

Ash stared hard at the captain, knowing him from somewhere but put it out of her mind. "When the sun sets we'll just do what needs to be done. Mia, Dan, watch the docks for easy pickin's. Sally .. You help Dan and Mia. Preach, you come with me.. See if we can find an honest way out of this." She sat staring at her cup of ale....... she needed out of this business.. Day one had proven that.. She just hoped things got better.



Vallen

He saild the ship into the back harbor, his grin still plastered on his face. He had done it! He had delivered what he promised and now Sophie would return that damned map.. Things were finally coming together for him.

"Lower the anchor and ready the boat!" He called out, putting Higgens in charge.

"Now don't be messin' with me ship whilst I'm on shore or ye be gettin' no gold." Vallen knew the greedy bunch wouldn't double cross him, but one can never too too carefull amoung thieves.

"Let the men go a'shore for a bit, but mind they be keepin' their traps shut." He headed off with two men towards shore and towards the old shack hidden in the tree line. Sophie was waiting and his map.. life was good. He had killed alot of men to get to this point.. if it wasn't for that damned whore he woulda been there already.. He bit his tongue, Sophie would get hers though.. He controlled the men on this ship, her crew having been slaughtered before he ever set foot on the wrong ship. She'd never notice bein' absent minded as she was, and give him the edge he needed to keep her under thumb.

Besides.. Once he got the gold, he didn't need her or this old ship.
"Row faster boy! I ain't got all bloomin night!" He growled as he took a swallow from his flask.

 

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

He grunted. Easy pickin's? He doubted they'd be able to steal a boat without at least a small fight. And he didn't look forward to that, being unarmed as he was. He pulled himself upright and nodded.

"Aye, Capt'n. C'mon, you two, let's go see what rat-infested dingys they keep at this sorry excuse for a port..."

 

[Why]

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[Why]

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[katalynn]

Krysta ~


I had been so caught up in what had happened that I didn't realize Rodger was standing behind me. Still hadn't heard anything from Thomas, but I told some of the crew to get what they can from town, and make better repairs while we were here.

Watched how Ash left with her crew, that alone made me happy. Now, only thing is, is if I should tell Thomas what I had done, or just leave it be as nothing happened. I know exactly how he would react, then there's Rodger. He looks like he's ready to go, though I know deep down he doesn't wish to. Plus we could use the extra the help. Chances are he's standing here wondering what I wish for him to do.

What did I want?

Looked up towards Rodger, his had this pleaful look in his eyes, of what it was uncertain, yet I could guess of what it was.

"Look, I can not tell you what to do with your life. We could use the extra hand yes. But last night.....Last night I used you, and it was wrong of me. I had no right to lead you on, specially when I love someone else."

Took my gaze away from his, mostly in shame of what has happened, it wasn't like me at all to do things like that. Last night there was no guilt, but now there is.

"As I said before I can not promise what the future brings. I can not promise I will always be with Thomas, with you, or end up alone. None of these things I can promise. For now I am certain that I love him. Also as I said, I'm not just some cheap whore, last night I acted like one."

"It is your choice whether you wish to stay, or carry on. But right now I need to find the Captain and find out what he wishes to do."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ash

"That, I don't know Preach. Not a one here looks to be honest or trust worthy... " She stopped to wait for Sally, her brows knitted in concentration as she eyed the man.

"Sally? Who is that and what is he doing grabbin' at ya?" She stared the man down hard, something didn't sit well with this. Who was he and why was he grabbing Sally?

"Peach, you know men better than I." She felt a little flustered she was not experienced enough to know shite about this. "Is there anyone here you recognize or know of?" She stopped speaking as a group walked past them, pushing themselves past her crew and outside.

She walked out herself, moving over to the shadows of the next building to watch. "My father did business here, or so he said. But he never said anything more to me about it. Not connections or what he dealt with. I figured trade since that was his main income." She watched another group enter the pub, not recognizing anyone.

"Ah hell with it.... Let's just take a damned ship already.. how many could remain on board half these sloops? Two?" Only trouble was in this harbor, anyone seen and knew we were taking the ship, we'd have a good number of pirates on our tails trying to punch holes in it. Life was exciting wasn't it?

We had to decide soon, before the drunkards wandered their way back to their ships and passed out for the night. She was really left with no choice, her crew too few to trust another manned ship with their safety. She wouldn't do that again, never again.

"There's one out a distance from the others, anchored... They used a row boat to get ashore, might be the easiest and quickest way outta here." She spoke softly, her eyes moving over the ship itself. It was qalm out there alone, she couldn't see anyone on board, but she was certain at least one remained.

"See the Maiden out there?" She smiled a little wider, it would work perfectly. Preach had his guns, was Dan going to be able to help or send Mia and herself?

"I'm going to go find Mia and Dan. Wait here." She strolled off casually, picking her way along the docks and avoiding nets and rope.


~Mia~

I sat on a few crates, using my knife to clean my nails as I waited for.. What? Who knew, this captain was too green to figure out.
Hell, I still wondered if she knew what she was doing? I swore my loyalty to her and the ship, but...

It was in the past now, it didn't matter really what choices she had made, I stood by her. I just hated waiting, worrying and wondering. I could go see ol' Nat about a ship, he owed us quite a few for smugglin' his shine around.. But from the looks of things here, he wasn't in port. I didn't recognize half the ships and the few I did, well they were worth mentioning. They'd slit our throats the second they got and leave us for shark bait. We really got the bad end of the deal landin' here.

"Dan?" I whispered, glancing around the area. Where had he snuck off to now? Now what was I supposed to be watching out here? I snorted and moved to the other hand, like them ship were gonna be going somewhere?

Turning my head, I watched the War Hammer and those on board going about their business. I doubt anyone of them had coin for supplies here, hell they didn't have much to barter with at all.. They were in the same dire need as we were.. Why should I care anyway? They accused us of... Shit, I would have too. But that made no never mind now.

"Danny? Where the hell you go off too?" Standing, I stretched out a little and caught some young kid staring at me.

"What you lookin' at boy!" I called out and laughed as his head ducked back down over the railing. Looking over the sloop, I knew it had seen better days, probably in for repairs if I guessed right. It seemed to sag in the front.. water.

Hearing the stride of boots on the plank wood, I turned to see my Captain. "Cap'n?"

"Get Salty and meet me up by the pub. Got an idea." Ashley gave a little smile and turned, making her way back from where she came. Sighing, I nodded my head in agreement and went searching for Dan along the pier.

 

[corbetphantom]

Rodger Flint

Used. She had used him. It had been some kind of game to her. Rodger stood perfectly still, his face a mask of hidden emotions. His faith in others had been shattered. Again.

"I see," he said, "Then perhaps I should go. I do not wish to ruin a perfectly good relationship."

He went to the tucked away corner of his ship where his seabag was stowed. The other captain and her crew had left long ago. It was doubtful that he would be able to find them in the crowded port. But it didn't matter. He had been dismissed.

The salvager decided that he would try to meet up with one of his regular contacts. Perhaps there was some job that could be done that would earn him enough to buy some leaky dingy.

But that was later. Right now, all he wanted was to tuck himself into the darkest corner he could find and drink himself to oblivion.

With a backward glance, Rodger disembarked the ship and walked toward the nearest bar.

 

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

He stood up, groaning, at the sound of his name. He blinked a little, trying to remember why he felt like he'd been shot. Oh, yes, that was right. He had been shot. He looked up, and noticed Mia looking for him.

"What? Ya think I decided to go runnin' around?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

"That wouldn't surprise me any Danny.. knowing your lusts for the female flesh." I snapped back at him just as sassy as he smarted off with.
"Cap'n wants us, she has us dancin' all over tonight.. Oh come on." I reached for his good arm and gave him a tug up.
"Lands you weight a good lot." grunting with the effort, I chuckled a little. Poor guy looked like he'd been keel hauled, not just shot.
"See anything promisin' out there?" Moving along, or more so trying to keep up with his larger strides, we made our way up to the pub.
"Cap'n's over there.." I effortlessly blocked him from entering the pub, just incase he had a mind to get soused, pushing him towards the rest of the crew.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

I didn't want him to go, let alone tell him I used him. I didn't. It was just dangerous to have him stay.... Yet a part of me wanted him to stay. No! ... I've come to far with Thomas, he was there for me when I needed him in the past, and now he needs me and this is what I do? Going to have to pretend nothing happened. Things left unsaid, nor brought up were not lies. Just added secrets to the closet full of skeletons.

Watched helplessly as Rodger left.

"I didn't use you........ I'm sorry... please forgive me..."

Tried to call out to him, knowing he wouldn't hear me out at this point. Instead, turned around as he left from my sight and went to find Thomas. Heart was racing, though the deep breaths I took seemed to calm me down puttin on my normal atittude as if nothing happened.

Came upon the door of the room Thomas was in, opened it slowly in case he was sleeping, knowing he wouldn't be.
Wanted to ask if everything was ok, yet, I knew the answer to that as well.

"We have landed at the docks, the crew is getting supplies and making better repairs of the ship."

Stood there at the door, uncertain if I should go to him, or if he was still upset over whatever Ash had said. Wanted more than anything to be in his arms, to have him hold me... To have me hold and comfort him.

"We should see about getting cleaned up and fresh food..."

 

[Why]

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[Why]

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[poohlive]

Thomas had been staring at the far wall for quite some time. Unsure of anything anymore. His eyes dazzled with the light coming in from outside.
"Thank you," He said, trying to adjust his sight, "I sent out people already with different tasks. Didn't know if you felt up to doing anything. You've been a little quiet and recluse in all this. It must be hard on you..."
He had missed hiw own ship, but the rest of the crew must have felt just as bad. That had been their home for years. All the stuff they had to leave behind in less than an hour. It wasn't easy to do.
"I'm going to unload some cargo."
He paused, long enough wondering if she wanted to go, or if something else was calling her at the moment.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

"I haven't had much choice than to be quiet... I've shed my tears, it's time to get things back the way they should be."

Wasn't much else to say about my quietness, other than it was the only other way to keep from pushing Ash over board. Just being here made me feel bad for what I did, took everything I had to not say anything about it.

"Despite losing everything we have, the hardest part of the whole ordeal was.... seeing her with you.. You two stayed behind doors...."

Hushed my words, it wasn't something he needed to hear, my jealously was still there and I didn't want it to control me. Even then.... Lowered my gaze from his for the moment.

"I just haven't had much sleep, nor food... Let's go unload this stuff and see what this town has to offer later...."

Couldn't take this, being in the same room together and its like we were strangers. I ended up making the first move and wrapped my arms around him tightly.

 

[poohlive]

"She... had a lot to talk about. I don't know. She felt convinced something wasn't right between us. I don't know what gave her that idea."
He grabbed a huge boc, filled with something light. He could have been mistaken but they might be fine silk. Hmmm, he had to admire that. Finest silk.
A man in the docks was waiting with an empty cart, and Thomas began to fill it up crate by crate.
"I didn't know you felt anything. Why didn't you tell me? Or come talk to me? You seemed distant when she was on. I barely got to see you at all. Don't feel jealous, Kyrsta. I would never, do anything to hurt you. You mean more to me than anything. I wouldn't throw what we have away cause of her, or any girl. We may have a history, and she may feel something for me, but I promised you I would stay with you. And I can't let her break that promise."
Crates emerged and the cart was beginning to load. A nice sweat rose over Thomas' brow, which after a short break, he wiped it away, sighing as he did so.
He had lost so much in these past few days.
So much.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Doing something felt good, kept my mind off other things that shouldn't be thought of. Lifting the crates and passing them to the next person to be loaded.

"I felt that .... well, I don't know. Things needed tending to and you needed to find out things from her. It just wasn't my place at the time to disturb you."

Noticed some of the fine clothes that some of the crates had, admiring them from inside one of the open crates. Then came the food, made me realize that I hadn't eaten for since early yesterday morning.

"I wanted to come to you, just never seemed to be the right time. Everytime I turned around she was there talking or yelling at you..... Also, didn't want to burden you with petty feelings such as jealousy...."

Hell, it was burden on me to even have such an emotion. Specially when I really didn't have the right to be jealous. His sweet words almost brought the tears again, reminding me of what I did. Of Rodger. Still, I spoke nothing of it, how could I?

"It just wasn't right with her on, made it hard to do anything...."

Voice was slightly distant with those words, unsure of how else to describe how it felt. How hard she had made things. I hadn't even noticed when one of the crates snagged my arm causing it to lightly bleed. Yet, I kept working to keep myself from harsh thoughts.