Black Hawk's Treasure

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

"Well.. I have a proposition for you, if you'll but hear me out?" She hesitated waiting for him to speak or walk away, but then decided perhaps giving him an option without hearing her out first was the wrong move, so she spoke up.

"I have half the map, I want my ship but can not do it alone without risk of sinking us both. So my proposition is this.. For 60 percent of the gold, and I will find it.. I need assistance capturing my ship without blowing it to the bottom of the deep blue. The sloop I have use of is fast yes, but I am out numbered and out gunned.. With two sneaking up on her, I have a better chance." She figured Thomas might barter a little on how much of the gold he wanted, truthfully she didn't care about it as much as she did her ship.

"I ask you because.. well I said. I can't do this without help and you are the only one I can trust to help and not blow me out of the water..." She rushed through her explanation, hope shining in her eyes but otherwise silent. She expected a "no" instantly from him, what reasons did he have to help her? But the gold was payment.

"I-I have the map and will hand it over to you once I am on deck the Mystique." God she was sinking further into a hole but she'd been there awhile.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

My heart was pounding hard as I once again left those two alone. Hating every moment of it, even more so now that she knows about me..... And about Rodger... Just to much to take in. It was time to find something to do, had to get myself busy or I would just dwell on things that can't be dealt with for the time being.

They were having problems with the sails, ropes were caught and no-one was willing to climb that high on the poles. So that was first place I went to. Would have gone down below to help with the beds and little things, but right now the sails were far more important. Plus it allowed me watch Ash.... possibly even Thomas' reaction if she was to tell him about me. Reactions alone would tell me more than I needed to know.

"Give me that rope damn it! Your not worthy to be sailer if you are afraid of heights."

The sailor just looked at me funny at watched as I took care of the ropes and made the sails in better postion.

 

[poohlive]

Thomas stared at her a moment, as if she were some complicated puzzle to be solved. The silence ran long throughout the Warhammer, mates and sailors stopped their work to look at the confrontation between the two.
A smile placed on his lips, from one corner, then the other. It grew like the morning dawn upon his face, growing ever bigger, ever brighter.
And then, without warning, he burst out laughing. Good hearty wholesome laughter that no one had heard Thomas utter in a long time. He stood there, against the railing looking down at Ashley and just laughing as hard as he could.
"Wait, wait. I forgot how this part went. Let me try and remember. It's been a whole long week now, hasn't it? I'm a bit rusty, haven't gotten much sleep you know. Oh, yes, I do remember. Not hard to get anything by me. I have danced my fair dances in this world."
Thomas took the stairs down to Ashley, moving up close to her.
"First you come aboard my ship, right that part I get. Then we deal to each other. 50/50, 70/30, 60/40. Yes, yes, we've done all that. Now, last time, you left negotiations, and ran after the gold yourself. Well, the map anyway. You told me to take the deal, and shove it right up my ass. You didn't need me. Right? You didn't need me, did you? When you ran off to the Warhammer? You didn't need me, you didn't need my ship, you didn't need my firepower. You had yourself, and your men, and your little place in the world.
"It's funny how things come crashing down. You should be careful of which bridges you burn before you cross them. Never know when you might need them again."
Thomas did debate whether he should throw her off his ship. Maybe he should. God, he would love that feeling. Spitting right in her face like she spit in his. Oh, it would have felt like riding on a heaven's cloud. Thomas didn't though, he sighed, holding out his hand.
"Sure, sure, I'll help you. But no percentages this time. Before, I would have let it go with 60/40, maybe even half... but not anymore. Give me the map. Right here, right now. Hand over your map, and I will do everything in my power to help you get back your ship."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Sophie & Vallen

"TIGHTEN THOSE SAILS!" She barked off yet another order and those on the ship grudgingly obeyed.

"Ah. Soph?" Vallen was losing his thin grasp of control where Sophie was concerned.

"What?!" She swung around and stared hard at Vallen.

"They don't a'kin to takin' orders from ya."

"Well they best get used to it, this is my ship!" She took the wheel and once more felt the need to steer them off course. Vallen ran a tired hand through his patches of hair and sighed heavily.

"Yes dove, its your ship, but you are takin' us off course yet again.. can I take command?" He hated asking, it was like sand in his mouth. This wench was going to cause HIM to lose control over his men! Already there were mumbled words about his lack of manhood.

"FINE!" She threw up her hands and stormed off and down below to the captains quarters. "I know where i am going, I don't see how it matters who controls MY ship to get there...." her words faded as she slammed the door and thankfully, blessfully heid herself away.

Vallen, straightened up and started barking orders to counter all of Sophie's orders, which were pointless and get their bearings back on track.

Below Sophie sat at Ashley's and Brian's old desk, looking through papers and books for some hint to where Brian hid away his accumilated wealth. She knew he had some somewhere.. He was a miserly bastard! His crew was barely paid, his shipments all stolen so he paid nothing out but the upkeep of her ship, his property at home and one spoiled daughter. Hell, he never sent a shilling to pay for Krysta! She knew somewhere he had some gold stashed away, too many mouths whispering while he was in command... It was no wonder all his crew didn't wander off?

People talk while drunk and wenchin', she learned alot of useful information and tiny tid bits of grief and hatred towards that man. Enough to know stealing this ship would be easy and the one precious little girl he cherished beyond all else would be made to pay for their suffering.

"I can't wait to see her face when she finds out.." Sophie crackled with laughter and shifted her weight in the chair. She was worn out and tired of whoring, it was time she had a better life and one of those nice big houses on the hill.

"Remove Ashley and Krysta and I will have it all..." Her carefully laid plans weren't going according to plan neither, thanks to Vallen's stupidity....

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

She found no humor in what he said, maybe he did but it escaped her entirely.

"Fine." She reached down inside her pants, opening the little pocket there. Fumbling a second, she pulled the map out and held it aloft.

"I will be leaving within the hour, sailing for this island because that is where Vallen will be going with my ship.. I am trusting you to do as you say you will." She handed it to him and let go, the map meant little to her at this point, her ship meant more.

"And you may think you have it made here as well Thomas, but I know differently. Not everyone you trust here is worthy." She flashed him a little sympathetic look, turning, her eyes landed on Krysta high on the mast before sliding away.

"We'll be ready soon." She walked down the stairs and down the plank, her heart hammering harder than it ever had before. She was placing everything once again into his hands, would she be burned yet again? She felt like screaming and she felt like crying both at the same time. She had little faith in Thomas and his word for the longest time, now she had even less to count on. After all that had been said and done...

"Ready the Ship! We leave within the hour!" She issued the orders as she jumped on board the sloop. "We're going to get my ship... " Only death would stop her now.

All the lies and deceit was eating at her. Krysta has known for years who she was and told no one, she was betting not even Thomas knew exactly who Krysta was. Vallen, this Sophie, her father.. Why did she ever leave France?!

"I'm going to check on Sally and see how she fairs..." In truth she needed some sane advice, someone who would be brutally truthful with her. She vanished below decks and found the galley.

"sally?" She peeked inside looking for signs of Sally and her temperment.

 

[poohlive]

Thomas stared down at the map, unsure just what to do with it. He felt like a child who had been given a gun, but hadn't the foggiest idea how to use it. For a moment, he completely stuttered, and shook so badly the map almost dropped.
After all this searching, all these years. All of the suffering and dimentia that had come and gone to get this stupid little piece of paper, he finally had it in his hands.
"AYE!!!" He screamed, gripping it tightly, and running around the deck like a chicken with his head cut off.
"It's ours, it's ours. The treasure is ours. Boys, we are on a mission from God. Nothing but time can stop us now."
He paused at the bow, looking at the little ship Ashley had taken for her own. He had to go help her. The only bubble in his soup. He would have gone anyway, without the thought of treasure, but this was definitely an added bonus.
It wasn't the Bilge Water mind you, it was the principal of the thing.
"Timothy!"
"Aye boss," A soft spoken mate looked up from tarring part of the deck.
"Go aboard the ship over yonder. Make sure they have enough supplies to last them a few trips. Good food, good water, and anything else they might need."
Thomas threw him more than a fair share of what was left of the merchant's gold. The man rushed off, seeking to the Captain's aid.
Now that they had a map, a real life honest to God treasure map in their hands, Thomas' crew didn't seem so hateful towards Ash and her company anymore.
Thomas smiled, leaning up against the mast. He looked up, amidst the sea of sail and rope, watching as Krysta shimmied her way through them, tightening ever so often.
Something pulled deep in his stomach.
The way people spoke, he felt as if he had been left out of some secret joke that wasn't funny.
"Krysta," He spoke, from his position, "You wanted to speak with me?"

 

[Why]

...........

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

"Danny, danny, danny.. Always the pessimist." Sitting down next to him, I unrolled the wrap on his arm and checked his wound. "It's healin' pretty nicely. You should be fine in a day or two."

Just in time to make war yet again. I wondered if the captain really knew what she was doing? I doubted it and I doubted my sanity for remaining on board in this crazy quest to get back a ship that could blow us outta the water. In my opinion it was best to lay in wait for them to port and sneak on..

"God damned gold!" I tugged the wrapping a little tighter than I should with my anger and heard Danny suck in a breath.

"Sorry hun." She loosened it a little and smiled, "She won't be blowin' holes in her own ship. I am sure she has some sort of plan." Speak of the devil, she was back from visiting Thomas and looked a little angered?

"Ready the Ship! We leave within the hour!....We're going to get my ship... " The captain vanished below deck in search of Sally, but I had to have some words with her.

"Captain! Wait up!" Moving, I followed her down below and stood at the bottom of the stairs, hands on hips and brow cocked.

"Just what are you up to?" I felt I deserved an answer, she couldn't keep us in the dark forever or she'd be less a crew mate.

"I traded the map for help getting back my ship. As I said I would do." Ashley looked a little tired and older than her years today.

"You did what?!" I felt like laughing but held back, merely smiled instead. "And how do you guarantee he will?"

"He gave his word." Ashley mumbled, "Where's sally?"

I glanced over her shoulder and pointed, "In there brewing up some witches concoction no doubt. Cap'n I mean no disrepect here, but you can't guarantee he will do as he claims.. And you gave him the only bartering tool ya had... He has the upper hand and can easily sail right outta port..." I would if I was him. What did Thomas care about our ship? Nothing, not compared to the gold to be had.

"I know Thomas and he'll keep his word! Krysta is.."

"What has that tramp got to do with this? She's his new bed mate, why would she care about you? Hell, she wants you dead.." So did a few others.

"I didn't think about that.. Excuse me Mia." Ashley brushed by her and back up on deck. Turning I followed her to see how she'd explain this one?

"Preach, I need you to captain the ship... What's the name of this bucket? Fuck!" Ashley was swearing? It was cute, but sounded too lady like to me.

"Smuggler's Run, Cap'n.." I offered.

"Yeah, well captain this ship, to assure what needs to be done gets done I will be sailing with Thomas and his crew."

Giving her a little look, I said nothing just shook my head and sat back down.

"Permission to come aboard!" Glancing over my shoulder with the interrupting voice I was a bit amazed to see someone from the War Hammer.

"what's he doin' 'ere?" I pointed over my shoulder at the boy.

"I don't know, go find out.." Ashley waved me off as she told Preach what was going on. Grumbling at being dismissed, I waved the boy on and stood waiting to find out what his business was with us?

"Captain Thomas asked me to see to your supplies and what nots and get you whatever was needed."

"He did huh?" Curious what a bit of gold, sight unseen, will do to a man. "Well let's go search this bucket and find out what we need shall we?" Moving off, I left it to the boy to follow me. Temper was sparked, I hated being left out of this shit.

"I need you to command this ship Preach, I need to make sure Thomas keeps his word. We won't be hunting Gold crew. sorry but I want my ship back whole and sea worthy." Ashley met Preach's glance and then Daniels. " I know I bartered away the map and that might upset you, but we can replace the gold later, with hard work.. I just can't stomach Vallen having my ship. Everyone here is loyal and proven themselves tenfold, so I am asking for your help." She met Preach's gaze again and waited for his answer.

 

[Why]

.........

 

[Why]

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

 

[Sweetp4u]

Captain Ash

"Aye, we're sailing after my ship and not stopping until I'm dead or standing on my deck. The treasure can rot for all I care." She noticed the blood but said nothing about it, leave it for someone else to discuss or dwell over. There would be a lot more spilled before this was finished.

"We're going to try and take the Mystique without doing harm, that is why I enlisted Thomas's aid. With two ships, we stand a better chance between trapping, holding and crew. He has sworn to see me back on my ship and will do all in his power to assure that. In exchange, he gets the cursed map and all it's entitled. I would command this ship, but frankly no one's word means shit to me right now over there. So.. I go with them to see it done." and settle some business between herself, Krysta and Thomas once and for all.

"Krysta heard rumor than Vallen and my ship are in port at the next Island, if we hurry we'll be there by tonight and maybe have my ship. If not we sail towards the island and wait for them to go on shore and look for the treasure. Then we'll strike. If we meet on the seas, well may the best crew win." She sighed heavily, a little nervous and very drawn today. She had not a wink of sleep, she hadn't eaten anything and she was feeling the fatigue.

"What say you?" She spotted Sally and smiled, a face she was thankful to see.

 

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

He stared at Ashley for a moment. He sighed, and looked around, before shrugging. He stretched. "Well, Capt'n, I just man the cannons. If I din't like the way you did things, you wouldn't still be the Capt'n."

He looked around the liitle ship, and off into the horizon. The runner was fast, but the Warhammer had the arms needed to cow the Mystique. They could always use the runner to pull across the Mystique's stern, try for the rudder.

He looked around, and yawned.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

I ended up takeing all my emotions out on the poor ropes, if they could bleed, they probably would be with how tight I had some of them. Knowing it was coming close to the time I would have to speak to Thomas, tell him at least how I feel. Still wasn't quite sure if I'll tell all the details about Rodger, but he did need to know something of that.

Then suddenly my name pierced me when I relized it was Thomas calling me. Almost instantly started to cry, but I forced it back. Takeing a moment to breath and tie down the rope I was working on. Thought about what and how I was going to say things as I slid down a rope. Slightly hesitate as I approached Thomas.

"Aye, we need to talk. But not out here, no-one needs to hear of this."

He agreed and we walked to the captains room, I kept my back to him once in the room. More of the fact that I couldn't look him in the eye right now, listened as he closed the door.

"There's no real easy way to start this...so here it goes..... I need to know how you feel about me. It seems ever since she came back into your life, you've been pushing me away and keeping her close. The night I needed you most, you were with her....."

Paused for a moment, trying hard to not break, to keep focus on what and how to say what I had to say.

"That scavanger you had me watch, was there instead of you, he spoke of things. And because of him and his words.......... You could have lost me..... but I couldn't leave you.... Not after everything we have been through.. Only way I will leave is if you tell me to.... Is that what you wish of me?"

Details were not needed just by the simple fact that I had told him that he almost lost me, that alone should be enough. I didn't really want to say that much right away, though it was better to get most of out right then and there. I still hadn't turned around, mainly because I wasn't able to stop the tears anymore. It was bad enough I had to keep these feelings hidden and now to finally let them out to the one person who matters most to me.

"To have me leave so you can be ....."

I was feeling sick of what his answer might be, wanted to fall to my knees or anything that didn't require standing. Yet, I stood there, shivering with conflicting emotions, forcing myself to stay put, for as hard as it was.

"All I ever did was love you.... All I ever wanted was to get her out my life..."

Last sentence was barely a whisper, though I knew he heard it none the less.

 

[corbetphantom]

Rodger Flint

He saw his captain return to the ship and give the order to make ready. He untied some of the moorings and then ascended the rigging like a monkey. As he worked unfastening the lashings, he thought back to when he had done much the same work with Krysta. He growled to himself and worked himself into a frenzy, screaming off any hapless sailor who offered to help. His agile form fairly flew across the sails.

When he was done, he went to the crow's nest. The rum runner had a much smaller on than the one he had shared with...her. This one was simply a place to stand with a rail to hold on to. No blankets, no place to sit. He leaned heavily on the rail and awaited the ship's movement.

 

[poohlive]

He'd be lying if he didn't know part of it was true. He had spent more time with Ashley, behind closed doors. Krysta could have been mad with fright and thoughts of them.
He tried to think of a way to explain it to her, how he hadn't wanted to speak with her at all. She forced him.
But Ashley hadn't forced him much at all. She didn't need to twist his arm to gather his attention. Every time she came a calling he always looked on her with that same boyish grin as if he were about to recieve some sort of christmas present.
"I know it must be hard on you through all this. I didn't mean to hurt you though. To be honest, I never thought anything like this would happen. She sort of came spinning back into my life, and for a moment it felt like old times, and I forgot..."
He drowned on the words, biting his lower lip.
"I forgot us..."
Thomas walked up to her, putting his hand on her shoulder, nudging her neck with his own.
"I will never hurt you. She'll go away, ok? She's already on her own ship. We can sail off now. I have the map. After we do this stupid little errand, we can get the treasure, and never have to see her again. I'll forget about her. I'll forget everything."
Stopping, Thomas knew he couldn't go on. He loved her so much, but he couldn't lie to her like this. It just hurt them both in the end. He tried to hold an impossible promise, and she thinking he didn't love her.
"I told you I loved her. I still do. I can't deny that. She left me in such a way, but now... things have come up. I don't know. It's like I don't understand what happened that long ago. I hated her for hating me, but she doesn't hate me anymore. I don't know what to do."
He grabbed for her hand, as a tear streamed down his own eye.
"I can't ask you to leave me, but I don't know what to do. If you love someone else, you should be with him. You should show him how much you care."

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

The sick feeling only got worse at his words, his touch felt good. Though his words brought more fear.

"You.... you forgot about us...."

Tried even harder to not cry at those words alone. And love someone else? Did I really love Rodger? It could be possible. And I would be lieing to myself if I said I didn't feel anything for him.

"I can't deny that there maybe someone else.... but my love for you kept here.. I had already sent him away, makeing sure I will never see him again in fear of hurting you.... Sadly..."

Tried to keep my breathing steady, those first words still ringing deeply about him forgetting us. There was definatly no reassurance in those words.

"Sadly I know you'll never rid of her..... My entire life it has been about her, and to this day I still cant rid of her.... Whats worse is I fall in love with someone who can't get over her."

More than ever I wanted her dead now, this very moment I for once truely hated her. Mostly because she held his heart.

"I wish I had answers for this one.. Thomas.. for once I'm hurting a great deal.. I don't wish leave you, more than anythink I want to be with you. Knowing you can't rid of her. I am not sure how much more I can take."

Wanted to run away at this point, still unable to swallow the fact that he could forget about us like that.

"I will stay for now. Will help you on this little treasure hunt, even though I could careless about the money itself. But because I wish to be with you. I got rid of the scavanger for you... If only I can get rid of my........ get rid of her.."

"I know you love her, but I don't know where that will lead us. Specially if you can forget about us just like that."

I needed to be alone more than ever right now, wasn't sure where to go. Go running back to Rodger would be bad right now, plus I didn't know where he was, even though now all the sudden I didn't regret what happened as much. Only other place would be back to the tavern, running the risk of missing the launch of the ship. Suddenly feeling trapped.

"What is so damn special about her? Ash this, Ash that. All my life everything was about Ash... when the hell is it my turn.. All I want is for you to love as you do her, as I do for you... is that so impossible? I have been there for you all these years... where the hell was she? Then she comes back out of no where, cussing you out, threatening youu at every chance she gets. After only a few days, you just simply forget about us? How? She drives you to drink yourself to sleep, she upsets you every chance she gets..Now she comes back asking for your help as if it was nothing... All I have done was be there for you... How the hell can you just so easily forget that? HOW the hell can something we have shared all these years be so easily forgotten?"

Broke away from him, tears from anger and fear. Walked torwards the door.

"I'll be at the tavern.... if you don't forget about me that is.."

With that I took off, not even giving Thomas a chance. His words told me more than I needed to know.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Captain Ash

With everyone's approval, she smiled a little easier. Something still felt wrong however, Mia seemed a little angry with her? Well, she was captain and people had to make sacrifices in life, she'd learn eventually.

She moved over to Sally, "Keep an eye on these pirates, make sure they mind properly." She teased them trying to lighten the mood. "Soon enough we'll be back home on our own ship and sailing out of troubled waters." She longed to speak with Sally, get her advice on things, but she was out of time now.

"Carry on men, we leave in a half hour." She had nothing on board to take with her, so she would go get some supplies. The young man came back up looking a little red faced but mumbling off a list. Had Mia been toying with him? It wouldn't surprise her any if Mia had. "Make sure you have cannon balls on the list and musket rounds. And fresh water." She would have to thank Thomas personally for his help.

Glancing up she watched as one storming Krysta came striding by looking as if someone had killed her favorite pet. "I wonder what that is about?" She had some gold left and she needed some weapons, a change of clothes.. Which meant, she had to barter somewhere.

"Jack has some whiskey and rum below, sell it and arm yourself and whatever else you need. If you need anything raise a latern and flash three times every ten seconds and I will come." She didn't need to say anything else the crew knew what they were doing with or without her, so she hugged Sally quickly even though the woman protested and saluted Preach, "Carry on men." She grinned, her spirits lifted as she ran off to see to her weapons.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She had a change of clothes, thanks to one gentleman's pissed off doxy and a cheap price and a musket finally. She also purchased food stuffs and a satchel to carry everything. She stopped off and traded her last bit of coin for a bottle of whiskey and slowly boarded Thomas's ship.

A man walked by carrying yards of material, she assumed the old sails, calling out to him he stopped, "I need to see the captain, where might I find him?" The sailor pointed at the helm and walked off. Not seeing Thomas anywhere in sight, I ventured down below to find the vacated room we used only last night.

 

[poohlive]

Thomas pushed with all of his might. Water began to spray out of the leak inside the hull. One of the outer baseboards, upon closer inspection had been bad, and needed serious treatment.
He pressed against it, his feet slipping in the water that now trickled down his legs.
The entire hull, a mass of huge load bearing long elegant curved wood that held this entire ship together. IT had been cleaned up very nice, but now as the board was about to give and let half the ocean in, Thomas tried desperately to stop it.
Two other mates came to help, but their efforts did little else.
Water came barging in, soaking Thomas and the two mates. It gathered around them, making tiny ripples as it formed pools, and then a bigger single pool, and then began to fill the bottom of the ship.
Somewhere, above them, amidst the forest of long timber that held the ship up, something groaned under all the added weight.
"Put yer backs into it, men! We're not going to let some rackety board stop us now."
The old board, which had been cracked and was leaking a good deal in the first place, now looked awkward and out of place as it bent further in. The pressure of the water from outside made it bend beyond anything. It looked like a rotten tooth ready to be pulled. If the ocean weren't on the other side, Thomas would have pulled it without any trouble.
"COME ON!!!"
With a final heated grunt, the baseboard slid back into it's spot, and hammers with nails stopped the spraying of water. The small leak nearly stopped, only a light trickle from the crack remained.
Thomas stood there, looking at it, and the now ankle deep water that was on the bottom of his ship.
"Get the pumps, and some buckets. I want this place dry by the time we set sail. Tar this entire hull, every single inch, especially this place. I want 3 layers, you get me?"
The ship mates, not wanting to stay down here any more than possible, ran up the stairs.
Thomas didn't move. He was soaking through. His hair, clothing, everything. Not a dry spot on him. Drops of water came off of him, adding to the water already in his ship.
He breathed hard, unsure about anything anymore.
With a heated force, he hit one of the hull boards, long and skeletal in the inner reaches of the ship. The pain was bright and sharp in his mind and fist. He did it again, just to feel it, just to feel something.
"Sir."
He stopped, looking at the fresh blood pouring down his knuckles.
"Yes..." Thomas said, not looking behind him.
"Ash's on the ship. She's looking for you."
No. Inside, he could just imagine the possibilities. Too many to count, too many to number. He wanted to hit the hull again.
"Tell her to go away. We're shipping off soon. We've got a lot of preparing to do, I have a lot of preparing to do. Get the crew ready to set sail. We'll be leaving within the hour."
The man paused, then nodded, "Aye sir."
Thomas dropped to his knees in the water, his bleeding hand forgotten. It dripped fresh and bright blood into the seawater. The lower bowels of the ship groaned once more, as if to sympathize with his own grief.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

"...He said all that?" She chewed her lip a moment and stared at the sailor delivering the message.
"Aye miss.. " He waved some others by, insisting they hurry with those buckets before turning his attention back to Ashley. "I need to escort ye on the ship miss."
"I am a captain and I would expect you to address me properly." She sounded not like a threatening captain but a haunty debutante. "And further more, I am a partner with your dear Captain and I wish to speak with him but a moment."
"But.."
"It is imperitive that I do, there are many secrets and dangers lurking ahead, i must speak to him."
"But.. Miss.."
"No really, I must. " Her wide eyes looked at the young man as she scooted closer to him, bending forward she whispered, "You wouldn't want to tell the captain you send away his lady love and unborn babe now would you?" He gasped and she smiled. She was going to burn in hell for lying like that.
"Nay, miss." He shook his head and checked her from head to toe.
"I do not look so yet Sailor, eyes up top!" She snapped.

"Will ya get the bloomin' tar, mate!" A man bellowed at the boy, distracting him enough that Ash slipped from around him and down with the others moving towards the Hull.

He was not going to just toss her off because he was busy. She hadn't thanked him properly yet.. And she hadn't.. Whatever it was, it was an excuse and she knew it. But would Thomas know it? She grabbed a bucket and headed on down the stairs.

He was down there alright, but looking very unhappy? Had Krysta told him the truth? He didn't look that devistated, she was betting he did not know. She didn't alert him to her presense just yet, just watched him. The years had been kind, he still looked as handsome as before. No scars but his face matured more ... Her eyes roamed over him slower this time, not clouded by anger. She smiled a little and started down the steps.

"Is that anyway to treat a lady, Thomas?" She stepped down into the water and walked towards him. The ship was groaning, protesting greatly this movement, but she was a tough old broad with an even tougher captain.. It'd float.

 

[poohlive]

"Is that any way to treat a lady, Thomas?"
Thomas didn't move, didn't even blink. His mind whirled around the impossible worfds spoken earlier, as as he heard this, he just uttered the first thing on his mind.
"No, no it's not. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
He blinked, realizing he was having a conversation in the actual world.
"Ashley," Getting up, Thyomas growled something deep in his throat, irritated and haughty. He reached to climb the stairs.
"We're setting sail very soon, and if I'm not mistaken you are too. Do you mind? I'd like to get through one day where we don't have 5 or 6 meetings about each other."
Krysta.
No.
Thomas closed his eyes, whispering a prayer of hope. He could just imagine Krysta coming back, and seeing Ashley get off the ship, a smile on her face. Or something worse. Something much worse.
"Please. I don't want her to see you here. She doesn't like you being here."

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Once I walked off the walkway there was a bunch of yelling, something about a leak and everyone was scrambling to get buckets, tar, whatever was needed to fix the problem. I was tempted to get back on and help, but right now all I wanted to do was get cleaned up and go apologize to Thomas. Granted his words didn't please me, but I understand to much of what he is going through, he didn't need me to say such things.
Did he?

Walked slowly back the tavern, thinking about what he had said prior to forgetting about us. Said the she will be gone soon enough, never having to see her again. Wondered if she would allow such things? Part of me knew she wouldn't, specially if there was still strong emotions built between them. He had admitted to still loving her, I had admitted that it's possible that I may love someone else. Still doesn't change things, I been with Thomas to long to run off with some stranger.

Matt and I talked for a bit, he gave me change of clothes and the use of his room. He always seems to have the hot bath ready at all times, never understood why, but I never complained either. It just felt wonderous to get cleaned up. He had some of my favorite drink ready for me, a couple bottles to last me sometime. I refused to let Ash drive me to drink, yet, suddenly it does sound good to drown my troubles for a bit. I didn't want to leave the tavern right away, though I knew I had to. Something didn't feel right and also we still had a lot to do before we set sail.

Weaved through people that were running around from the ship as I got back on. Stuck the mead in the captains quarters for now till I found a better place for them. Noticing that Thomas wasn't around on top, crew was pumping water out from below. Having a guess of why the crew was yelling earlier, I went down only to see her........

I couldn't take it any more, couldn't take seeing her near any longer, I didn't care what she knew about me. Granted I feared that he would believe her over me, that would be something I had to deal with later. For now, pulled out one of daggers wasn't going to kill her, though that is the one thing I wanted to do.
Just held the blade in my hand as I heard Thomas telling her to get off. Almost pushing past Thomas to get her as I growled through clenched teeth. Straining to not go past him,

"Get the hell off this ship, you have no reason to be here any longer. You have his help, you have your crew, another ship.. Get off this one...."

There was no fear in my gaze, she had hit a nerve that I have been holding back for sometime.

"I do not care who are to me, least of all, care if you are a captain. You have overstayed your welcome."

Kept the blade within my fingers, ready to strike, even if Thomas told me to back down, had a feeling I wouldn't at this point. Not till she was back on her ship and sailing away.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Captain Ash

damnit!

 

[Sweetp4u]

Captain Ash

"Thomas..." She stopped herself as Krysta came storming up. Good ol' Krysta, always in the way.. Always!

That was the last straw, Krysta should have known not to press her buttons this way, but obviously the girl lacked sense.

Folding her arms, she leaned against the railing, her eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. What stood in the way of her happiness, her perfect happy world was Krysta.

"I see.... Well I plan on staying right here, to assure there is no more trouble or grief between ships.." Both opened their mouth to protest, infact Krysta stepped towards her with the knife raised.

"Did you tell him Krysta?" She smirked as the knife waivered in mid-air and Krysta lost some of her coloring only a moment before her face reddened.

"No, I didn't think you would. Deceitful little gutter snipe that you are." Ash knew she was pressing her luck, but she was well armed and more trained than Krysta had hoped to be.

"Did you know I have two new members on my crew?" No response.

"Did you know one is the scavenger? And one is one of your own Thomas.. Beaten black and blue from the scavenger's fist until the poor lad was made to silence himself... Did you know this Thomas?" Krysta was swearing, and Ashley was grinning.

"Or did you know she had a wonderful night last night up in the crow's nest with said Scavenger? Even now it is possible she carries his bastard.. The boy and Flint confirmed this. Or did you know she is really my sister? A sister I had no knowledge of until not twenty minutes ago..... Did you know all this Thomas? Did you know she is so jealous of me that she would take everything I had if given the chance... Including the man whom I love!.. did you know?" Ashley was growling the last few words out, her hand moving towards her own set of knives.

"Did you know that your little bed mate here has alot of secrets she keeps hidden from all.. including the man she supposedly loves?" Krysta went to lunge at her and with Thomas between them, she quickly backed up a few steps and out of range.

"I'm not going anywhere Krysta.. get used to seeing me on this ship, or walk. But I am not letting you at him, not unless you care to try and go through me!" Her knife pulled, Ashley started to advance.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Her words were no surprise, in fact I was expecting some of them. Though, the boy wasn't beaten to silence. Stood there for a moment as she spoke. Getting even more upset by her words.

"My business is none of yours. One who lets Vallen live, Leave it up to Ash to believe rumors about people she knows nothing about."

Held the dagger tightly, wanting to strike at her even more with every second she stood there. I wasn't about to explain myself to her least of, if Thomas believed her enough to ask me about it, then to him I would explain. But not in front of her.

Gut instinct was telling me that Thomas would believe her over me though. Despite everything she has done to him, his love for her was stronger than it was for me and would make him believe her.

"As for me being your sister, least of all being jealous of you..."

Fell silent a moment, keeping the blade steady within striking distance when she moved away. Wasn't going to let this fear show.

"That has been a secret all my life.. I had no reason to tell of it, besides I don't know you well enough to call you my sister. I'm beyond being jealous of you. Everything as always been about *sweet, little, innocent Ashely*... I'm not trying to take anything away from you. Nothing that I didn't already have. Hell you were the one who left him, the one that hurt him for years. Is that what you call love?"

"Hell with this....You are the cause of the grief between the two ships, most of all the grief on this ship. I bet you even lied to get aboard here."

Was praying that Thomas would make her leave. If he didn't then there wasn't much I could do. Course I wouldn't know how to keep Thomas from believing her. It has always been her little world, now she claims to love him. I was so trapped with no where run. And if she stays on this ship, I didn't have chance to make things right with Thomas.

"Just leave...You don't know me.. How the hell can you speak of such things about someone you know nothing about?"

I growled with so much anger, most of all fear. Though, I didn't allow the fear to show. Not in front of her.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

Not only did she just spill the beans, so to speak, she also just admitted she loved Thomas.. Could this go any worse?! And to make matters even more tense, the little brat had the gall to LIE!

She moved forward another step and glared down at Krysta, "And what, pray tell, did I have better than you, Little Sister? Name something... I am waiting!" She threw back at her just as quickly as Krysta could spout off her mouth.

"And I dont care what you were doing with that scavenger up there, be it petting, kissing or screwing! But know this, I never let another touch me. It is called morals.. read about it sometime!" She wanted to laugh at Krysta and she wanted to strangle her at the same time.. If Thomas would just move! She'd be rid of this little twit forever!

Some small part of her blanched at the idea.. After all Ash had no family living.. well, before now. Now she had a sister, something she had never thought possible was. And to toss it all away? Blood meant something to her, even if it didn't to Krysta.

"You are not captain of this ship missy.. Thomas is. And two captain's made a deal. This does not involve you, please excuse us." She smiled as sweetly as possible at Krysta and waited for the girl to vacate the room. She would be damned if she was going to sit and let this leech suck on Thomas a moment longer!

"Thomas?" She glanced at him now, ignoring Krysta completely. "I have no desire to argue and fight here.. I just would like a little of your time is all.. alone." She pointedly as she glanced back at Krysta. "Please?" She said softly, pleadingly.