Dark Continent

[Jonas]

OOC: No problem, glad your back.

Stephen Rosewall was a warrior. He had survived many bloody battles. The Cook with a pistol did not slow his charge. He watched as the Cook took aim, but as Cooky fired he lunged forward. Stephen heard the bullet scream past his head. Cooky fell forward in the basket, behind him stood Lucinda. Her hair wet, blowing in long strands in the wind, a grim determination in her eyes, she struck at the fallen Cook again and again.

The starboard door fell over full open releasing the gondola. The balloons started to rise when suddenly they stopped and bounced, as if held by an unseen rope. The gondola was over Stephen's head. He made a jump and managed to grasp the ballast line skirting the basket. His tendons strained as he pulled himself up toward the basket and Lucinda.

[Edited by Jonas on 10-05-2000 at 08:37 AM]

 

[Jonas]

Cooky

Cooky fell forward into the basket and before he could stand he was struck repeatly on the head. He managed to get his hands up and deflect the blows.
"You bitch!" Surprised and angered that a woman had downed him he viscously attacked her. Swinging his leg like a whip he tripped Lucinda. Before she could catch her balance he was on her, three brutal blows to her abdomen doubled the woman over. His anger still not abated, he struck her in the head with the butt of his pistol. She fell lifeless. Cooky felt the basket start to rise.
"Good work Miles, we'll get away yet." Miles went to the fallen woman.
"Ya didn't have to hit her so hard Cooky..." Cooky kicked the youth in the head.
"Don't question me you...what's this..." The balloon had stopped again. Cooky looked over the side and saw Stephen.
Using the pistol as a club he swung at the hanging man.
Stephen hanging on with one hand fought back as best he could deflecting the blows, while trying to grab the cooks arm. "Let go a my balloon or I'll kill ya'" Cooky attacked again, this time Stephen grabbed his arm half pulling him out of the basket. The men battled on 10 foot above the deck.

 

[Moneytalks]

Miles...

Miles knelt by the unconcious woman cradling her head in his lap. He could see blood where the gun had finally knocked her out. He had been amazed by her courage. He stroked the wet strands of her hair from her face. She looked so beautiful. Like a porcelain doll his mother had had standing on the mantel.

He glanced up as Cooky started shouting over the edge of the basket. Waving his gun in a threatening manner. Lucinda groaned as if in pain but her eyes remained closed and her skin was awfully pale.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

i felt some of the pressure of the storm lift off of me. out of the corner of my eye i see thorn. a woman, thorn? obviously not the time to think about it, i just noticed screaming. i yelled to thorn next to me. "im going to send a strong wind from the south, there is a storm there too, it is faster though, and it will take this storm with it, all i need you to do is hold the ship together." i shout a few words, when i finished the last word, i gasp clutching my chest. above me, the sky and clouds flew past as if in fast forward. (they didnt have vcr's but hey, whose payin attention). still clutching my chest, i half whisper a spell i have known all my life. i used to use it as a child, to show my friends i could 'fly' it wasnt truelly flying just manipulating the wind. and we had plenty of wind. a small spell, but it took a lot of energy to control it. i didn't use it for me, i didn't need to. i used it to lift the gun from the man's fingers. i fought the urge to toss the man into the sea as i did with the gun. suddenly i saw a crack of fierce lightening, loud crashing thunder. the storm from the south had arrived. it pushed and fought with the existing storm. a few moments passed and the storm was pushing it's way through. i saw thorn struggling to hold the boat together. i didn't know what to do, help stephen, or help thorn.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen's grip slipped on Cooky's arm. The cook leveled the pistol at Stephen's head. Stephen prepared to jump out of the line of fire, when the pistol flew from the surprised cook's hand over the side of the basket. Pulling up hard with his left arm, Stephen reached up and got hold of Cooky with his right hand. Before the cook could react Stephen yanked him from the basket. He fell the ten feet landing on his back. Stephen climbed into the basket finding Miles by the unconscious Lucinda. His heart sunk as he took her hand.
"She's in shock. Can you get this thing down man?" Miles looked up from the woman.
"No Sir, only Cooky can operate this infernal thing."
Stephen jumped up to the rail. He knew something was holding them back. The storm was rolling away he could see the clouds moving, that was Gaia's work...Rose!
"Rose," he hollered down to the girl, "can you bring us down." Stephen saw Cooky starting to stir. "Watch out for that one, bind him." He knelt back by Lucinda and grasped Miles shoulder. "Get any thing you have on board to wrap her. We must keep her warm." He cradled her in his arms
laying her head on his shoulder. The rain hid the tears on his cheeks.

 

[Jonas]

Cooky

Cooky watched amazed as his pistol flew off. Then he felt the fall. His vision was blurred, he was gasping to regain his wind. He saw the basket above him and rolling his head he saw Rose. Moving slowly he reached to his boot for a knife.
"I see you...you little two faced liar." He whispered to himself, "Come close...yes, I'll have your ears yet."

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

gasping for breath, i felt like the wind was being knocked out of me and pushing the clouds away. i turn to the oncoming storm, i notice the man who had the gun reach for his knife, he was going to use it on Rose! she had to hold the boat together, i didn't have the energy to do it myself. i lunged forward, half throwing my body, at him. his eyes opened wide in shock. i struggled with him a bit. both of us dissallusioned, him by the long fall, and i from the strain of the storm. i felt him sink the knife in my leg. i screamed. a bolt of lightening struck near his head. the shock going through his body, and causing him to lose consciousness.

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose barely heard Stephan but nodded, slowly concentrating some the shadows on slowly lowering them down she turned back to the ship, blinking in surprise at the fight between Cooky and Gaia.

"Thanks..." she murmured weakly. Shadows moved quickly and wrapped the wound on Gaia leg. Rose sighed and looked over at the balloon, the shadows said everyone was alive. Good. It was almost to the deck. Ropes were tied to it and held it down. Her gaze flicked to the unconciouse Cooky and the shadows looked through his pockets and shirt. A journel was quickly absorbed away from the weather. Done. Rose turned full attention back to the ship.

OOC: I didn't think anyone got the journel, yell if you did and I missed it

 

[Jonas]

Stephen

Stephen carried Lucinda from the balloon, leading the battered group below decks. Lucinda had regained consciousness, but was still suffering from mild shock.
They settled in the dining room. Stephen sat Lucinda in the plush Captain's chair. The Captain and his mate sat the bound Cooky on the floor. Miles was allowed to remain free, granted parole by the Captain.
"Mr. Rosewall," the Captain looked weary from battling the storm, which was dwindling rapidly. "We have rode out the storm, unfortunately the ship is unable to finish the trip.
We must turn back to the nearest port for repair."
"Is the no other way Captain?" Stephen slumped in his chair when the Captain shook his head and left the room.
"Maybe it's for the best," Stephen sighed, "the dangers we would face in Africa..."
Cooky cleared his throat and spoke.
"I'll take ya' to Africa, all I want is a fair share of the loot."

 

[Jonas]

Cooky

Cooky sat back against the wall, bound hand and foot.
"Why should we even listen to you!" Stephen's eyes raged as he stared down the brute. Cooky humbly lowered his eyes.
"Gentle Sir and my lovely Ladies, I most sincerely apologize for my terrible actions. I've not the breedin' of you wonderful people. I grew up wantin' an' the greed got the better a'me. Please, I'm not really a cook, but I'm a master with a balloon. I can get us there...fast and safe.
I'm really a honest man, jus' ask ol' Miles there he knows me." Stephen looked to Miles who was tending to Lucinda.
"Well Sir, Cooky has a...well he's always done exactly what he said, but I'd not trust him." Cooky's face turned hard at Miles, then catching himself he smiled sweetly and nodded agreement.
"Ey' Sir, the lad speaks true. I'll work completely supervised by your crew. All I need is the book to guide me and a fair breeze." Cooky's eyes pleaded with the travelers.
"How many can you handle in your balloon?" Cooky's smile broadened.
"I can take 5 passengers, not counting me an' Miles as the crew. Seven total, we can't take all your gear Sir, but with the crew ya' got here..." Stephen waved him to silence. He faced the others.
"Will you go? I feel I have to..."

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose was leaning against the wall and felt dead on her feet. She listened to the conversation.

"I could shadow the the gear there..." she said softly. Not answering whether she would go or not. She'd already said she would after all.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen

"That excellent Rose, I'll pull out what's really necessary and place it on deck. Miles can I trust you to watch your friend there?" Miles agreed.
"I'll watch him, that you can count on."

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda...

Sat frozen in the chair vaguely aware of what was happening around her. In her mind she tried desperately to calm everyone, tell them she was fine. It was only after finally being warmed by blankets and listening to Cooky's words that she started shivering violently. She moaned and then the fear she had put aside from her ordeal hit her fully. She sobbed clinging to Stephen desperately.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

(ahhhhhhh ive been forgotten, have i been gone that long? oh by the way, is stephen and cookey and miles the only men on the ship, i thought we had more explorers in the midst, am i wrong?)


laying on the deck, (you are all still on the deck?) i just shivered and stared at the calm night stricken sky. it was beautifully calm. realizing i wasn't fully dressed, my robe began to form from the small pieces that still clung to my body. i was surprised no one had really noticed me still there. i heard them talking about using the balloon...AND WITH THE HELP OF THAT HORRIBLE MAN. i slowly pull myself to my feet, i brace myself with a railing. the sea was still terribly upset, the boat rocked a bit too much for me. i felt sick. i angrily shouted for the sea to calm. it did. everyone was startled and turned around at my outburst. i had interrupted their conversation. i said weakly, "please excuse me for interrupting, im a tad bit upset and weary of your plans. stephen i know your excited about this, but you are trusting your lives to the very man who was so eager to take it moments ago." putting my hands to my temples i squeezed my eyes shut for a moment, my head was pounding as if the storm itself raged inside my head. regaining my composure, i opened my eyes. " i can guarantee good weather from now on, but i will not be accompanying you on this voyage where this man is concerned." i had never been so angry. my fists tightly clenched at my sides and my breath ragged. "i have every intention of staying with you, but i will not jeopardize your health or mine." i said refering to the poor lucinda and my deeply wounded leg. my healing powers began to lightly mend it, but i had a feeling this ache would be there for a long time. i sighed, again i braced myself on the railing.

 

[Jonas]

OOC: Had 2 other men at one time however they quit posting.
Scene is in the Captain's dining room at a table.

Stephen

Stephen ran to Lucinda and held her firmly in his arms. He nodded as Gaia admonished him. His eyes found Cooky and blazed with ire.
"I hear your words Gaia. This man is dangerous, maybe I'm wrong in using him like this...but all I intend to do is use him. I'll not trust him or give him opportunity to harm anyone again. We can travel closer to our destination this way, and faster." Miles set a cup of tea on the table in front of Lucinda.
"Sir I have worked with Cooky and learned much about the operation of the balloon. I can tell if he's not cooperating." Stephen stood picking up Lucinda. He carried her to the door stopped.
"I'm taking Lucinda to her cabin. Gaia I ask you to trust me. I can handle Cooky."

 

[Jonas]

Cooky

Cooky watched Stephen carry Lucinda out of the room. He turned with teary eyes to Gaia.
"Oh please My Lady, give this old blackguard a chance to make amends for his past transgressions." He looked to Rose and smiled, "And you young lady I cannae but hope you'll let me prove hg..." Miles ended the speach by kicking Cooky in the ribs. He shock his head.
"Gaia, Rose...please pardon me, but I have to pay Cooky back for his transgressions myself." Kicking him again, and smiled.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

(maybe someone will be interested in being an island native or something...when we get there...)


storming off, i needed to calm down. i followed after him towards the door, but i turned the opposite direction at the hallway, "im going for a swim." i said quickly. on the deck, i noticed the sky calm, there was no indication of the violent storm from before, it was as if it never happened. the water was calm due to the fact i told it to do so before. i took off my clothes and lept into the water. it was so refreshing and it gave me time to think.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Malone

rested her head against Stephen's shoulder and trustingly relaxed into his arms as he took her to her cabin. Once there he lay her gently on the bed. His hands were so warm and comforting as they delicated pushed aside her mussed still damp hair from her cheek. She looked up at him. Too tired to hide the emotion in her eyes.

"Stephen..." she whispered his name. Not really intending to say anything... just as if she were confirming his existence. He looked down at her with concern. "Do you need some tea?"
She had to smile at this. She shook her head gently, wincing a little as she did. "No... no..." her voice had a faraway quality to it. She realised his hand still lay against her cheek. She turned her face to it so that she inhaled the scent of his cologne. His hand jerked slightly startled as he watch her lips press against his wrist.

 

[RoseThorn]

"Don't." The shadows closed around Miles pulling him back. She didn't like Cooky much right now, but she wasn't going to let a bound man be beat.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen

Stephen again felt the stirrings in his body. He felt queasy but not sick, his knees trembled, his strong voice grew soft...timid. He gently turned Lucinda's face towards his. Slowly he lowered his face to hers. Their noses brushed, Stephen could feel her breath...a nervous tingle started in his hands and crept up his arms to his shoulders.
"Lucinda I...Luci." He kissed her lips. They felt cool and soft on his. The blanket on his shoulders slipped away, his chest was bare. Lucinda's palm touched his flesh. Stephen flushed, embarrassed of his reaction. She smiled. "I'm, I..." He kissed her again, laying beside her on the bed.

 

[Jonas]

Cooky

Cooky tried to roll with the blows. He watched amazed as Rose moved Miles. Miles stood shocked his mouth open.
"How..my God, how did you do that?" Cooky sat up and spat blood.
"That's my girl Rose! I knew you'd not let ol' Cooky down. Now don't hurt Miles, he jus' lost his temper that's all."
Miles still held by the shadows looked honestly penitent.
"Rose, thank you for stopping me, I don't know what came over me. Cooky, forgive me I.."
"Don't worry about it boy, I'll be fine." Cooky's sharp eyes caught Miles looking at Rose in a different way.
"Starting to like what you see boy! He always was impressed by a strong woman. Will ya' let him go now Rose.
He'll take ya to the supplies ya be carryin'. He's really a sweet boy feeds all the ships cats." Rose released Miles and warily followed him out of the room. Cooky alone now, worked his way to his feet. He hopped toward the door stopping by a portal. His lips broke into an evil smile as he saw the naked Gaia swimming.
"Can't see how you can be near me eh..." he laughted loudly,
"I'll get me hands on that sweet behind a yours for this is over, of that you can be sure."

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

after pulling myself out of the water, my body dripping, my hair soaked, i felt calm, at one with myself and i made peace with the sea. i dragged myself back on board. i had done some thinking. i walked back downstairs. i went into the room in which i had left cooky, miles, and rose. they looked at me in shock when i was all dripping wet, standing there, determined looking eyes. "i've decided if stephen wants to go along with this, YOU" i said pointing towards cooky, "are not getting out of my sight. i pulled my clinging robe away from my body, i flung my hair back and just raised my eye brows, i leaned against the wall.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Malone

felt Stephen's warm hard body lying beside her. She felt like she was in some kind of dream. This man who she had thought of consistently for so long, beside her. She felt... happy... his lips on hers had been so warm and firm... she snuggled closer to him, unaware of how this was affecting his libido.

Stephen murmered softly before capturing her lips with his again. Lucinda felt the shivering stop as a warmth invaded her veins. She felt her heart pounding loudly as she returned his kisses. The two of them blissfully unaware of the potential dangers occuring beyond their small cabin.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

sorry guys i didnt read very carefully. i will redo my last post...


here we go. ....

the water was so refreshing, my anger had subsided, and i wasnt sure how much time had gone by, therefore, i decided to get out. pulling myself on board, i reached for my robe, it wasnt there. i heard a man's voice. seawater dripped into my eyes, making it difficult to see, i pushed my hair out of my eyes, and squinted, i brushed away the water. before me was cooky? what? i tried to cover myself with my arms, not succeeding very well. i reached out my arm. "give it to me." he just smiled..."you little..."

 

[Jonas]

Stephen

Stephen felt the chill leave Lucinda's body. He began to relax, the passion turning to compassion, or something more.
Her eyes closed. Her breathing became deep and even. Stephen gently released her, thinking her asleep.
"I love you Lucinda Maolne. If only I could say it when your aware. Rest well, I'll prepare the balloon and return for you."
He quietly left the room and met Rose with Miles.
"I see you have been loading, good. I'll pack my personel things and meet you at the balloon." Stephen returned to his room, finding the journal gone. He fought panic, dressed grabbed a bag and went after Cooky.