What would you do with a drunken sailor?

[superg]

Ah she spoke English. I long ago figured she was a slave of Milian's, so this was not anything new for me. I wanted to know about her. Why did she need saving from me? How did she become a slave?

"What is your name? I have met Milian and do not like him, but what can I do to help you?"

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Colleen

Luis's eyes burned holes in the bed sheets as Colleen found him analyzing her intently, bordering on the regions of obsessive. She accepted his words at face value, but couldn't help to internally question his real motives. The few experiences she had had with Spaniards in the past had led her to distrust their slick, accented tones and shifty, penetrating black eyes. He seemed to be laughing at her silently and Colleen was about to dismiss him with a contemptuous wave when her mentioned the less-than-gentlemanly crew members.

"Very well, Captain, I hope you will forgive my most ungrateful manner. Perhaps we can continue these introductions properly over a cup of tea."

Colleen's upbringing had been cast aside only in her momentary anger and indignation, but she regained her lady-like footing with ease. Offering Senor Cortez a shy smile, she doubled the knotted the sheet around her modestly in a makeshift sarong. She felt comfortable in his presence, and was not about to make a trip alone, and half-naked at that, back to her stateroom at the peril of encountering another uncouth ship hand lurking beneath decks. Taking Luis's offered arm, she allowed him to catch the weight of her unsteady steps above the rolling of the ship, and lead her to the door of his cabin.

 

[GageWilliams]

He could tell by the way she spoke that she distrusted him. Perhaps he could change that... if not, he could always chuck her back off the side of the damn boat. He had to work not to chuckle at the idea. He was used to women being ungrateful, what had he done for her? Only saved her life. As she pulled the sheet from the bed to make her makeshift clothing, she apparently didn't realize that he was also unclothed. She pulled the cloth off of his form before he could react, and he caught her momentarily glancing at his nude form. She may have been ungrateful, but still, after he had pulled on his pants, she did stand and give him her arm. He found himself supporting the majority of her weight as she tried to stand and after only a moment, he felt her begin to give in the knees. Knowing it would most likely give him more trouble than it was worth, he lifted her strongly and quickly into his arms.

I'm sorry, m'lady, I just can't allow you to fall and do any more damage to yourself.

She put up a fuss, but quieted down once she realized that he had no intention of putting her down. He carried her easily back to her state room, where her clothing and belongings were. He set her feet lightly on the ground and smiled at her, hoping to look charming and sweet and not disturbing and sly.

I'll wait for you outside to get dressed and then we shall go to the kitchen. Just come back out when you are ready, and I'll help you down.

And with that, he stepped back outside and waited outside of her closed door.

 

[Elodie]

Adara

‘Adara,’ she murmured her name softly, sitting up and pulling the sheets up around her. ‘But there are others. Six of us in total. We are all to be gifts for Milian’s intended wife in France.’

She met the stranger's gaze, the gently flickering light of the oil lamp illuminating her features, bringing a radiant sparkle to her soulful brown eyes. He was staring at her intently. What made her think she could trust this man? Fair enough, he had hidden her when he could so easily have given her up to Milian…but perhaps he saw the opportunity to use her for his own sordid purposes. But looking at him now, she felt herself succumbing to her original impression of this man. Everything about him told her that he could be trusted.

She reached out and placed one of her hands ever so lightly on top of one of his. ‘Milian is a cruel man,’ she said, still in hushed tones. He felt her breath on his skin. ‘He would not think twice about killing any one of us, I am sure of it. I don’t know if you can help us…but please, you must try.’

He frowned slightly, reaching up and gently touching her lip, already swollen and bruised from her earlier encounter with Milian. ‘Did he…?’

She hurriedly turned her face away, and he let his hand drop back into his lap. ‘Please…help us if you can.’

She gazed imploringly into his eyes and he thought for a moment that she might cry. She saw nothing but concern in the gaze that he returned and, if only for a moment, it provided her with some comfort.

‘What is your name?’ she asked, tilting her head ever so slightly to one side, smiling kindly.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Colleen

Colleen smiled at Cortez's light remarks - she had to admit he had the spirit and charm that most so called 'gentleman' in her social circle lacked. Dull brooding types, really, with none of the fire of life burning in their eyes to match her own. But still, he seemed as arrogant and standoffish as any she had met, and she was determined to be civil and nothing more, despite the fact he claimed he had saved her life.

Squeezing between the bed and her trunk, she moved the unfinished needlepoint aside and started pulling on her undergarments. Lacing the back of her bodice tightly, she slowly finished getting dressed, running a pearl-backed brush through the tangle of her crimson locks. In a light, summery frock of emerald green that tied and flared at her waist, Colleen opened the door warily, almost hoping that Luis would have found something else to occupy his no doubt valuable time. He stood idly at the end of the dark passage, conversing in conspiratorial tones with one of the crew.

But when he heard her step lightly over the threshold, he turned and dismissed the other man, striding to her side. Clasping her hands together in front of her and toying with tasseled ends of the sash that wound its way around her tiny waist, she nodded slightly at his greeting. Noting he had found the time to change into some dry garments of his own, she smiled slyly.

"I hope you didn't change clothes on my account, Captain."

 

[superg]

Giancarlo

"Did he?..." She turned her head away. I don't know what that meant. But it was obvious she feared for her life. With what I knew of Milian, it was for good reason. I moved my hand to her face and wiped tears from her eyes.

"I am Giancarlo Medaglia. I'm the first mate of this ship. I do not like Milian and I believe you when you say he is cruel. But there is little I can do. You do legally belong to him. One thing I can do is promise you that for the rest of this journey you and the others will be safe. I will also try to find some way to release you from Milian's control."

I could tell it made her feel better. I know I had to do a lot to be true to my word. But I'd try. Adara's beauty was so overwhelming I didn't even know what if anything I could do. I didn't even know where to start.

"If you wish you may stay here tonight. I will protect you from all dangers, including Milian."

 

[Elodie]

Adara

I closed my eyes as his hand brushed my cheek. ‘Thank you, Senor Medaglia,’ I said softly, the tears beginning to subside. ‘You are a good man. It is a pity there are not more like you.’

She opened her eyes slowly and then she did his face was just inches from her own. He leaned closer and his lips met hers, ever so gently.

Suddenly, as if a terrible thought had occurred to her, she leapt up from the bed and paced towards the door. She seemed to be berating herself.

‘I’m sorry,’ he said, remorseful for his tactlessness. ‘I did not mean to offend you. I was merely overcome with…’

‘No,’ she said, hugging her arms tightly around herself. ‘It wasn’t…I’m sorry. I must get back to the others. With all that’s going on tonight Millian is sure to be awake. If he goes to check on them and finds that I am gone then there is no telling what he may do.’

She paused briefly, seeing that he seemed troubled by her remarks.

‘And I fear I may have also put you in danger,’ she said, her features softening slightly. ‘And for that I am truly sorry.’

 

[superg]

Giancarlo

"Do not worry about my safety madam. I can handle the likes of Milian. But if it is the others you worry about, I will gladly bring you back to them."

How would he be able to keep them safe. Milian had chartered this ship to bring both the slaves and himself to France unharmed. He had paid some in advance, but still most would come when we landed safely in France. If he decided not to pay Medaglia was sure the crew would mutiny and sell the girls themselves to make up the pay. That was it. He could not kill Milian and he could not just steal his slaves. He would have to figure a way to save them and keep them from Milian.

Adara was pleased with his offer. Together Medaglia and Adara walked back to the cargo hold where the slaves were kept. Medaglia tookmost of his blankets and pillows with him. He was sure they were ill equipted for the cold seas. They arrived to the cargo hold when Medaglia figured out plan. It would be hard to carry out and on the surface seemed cruel, but it would work. It had to.

"Adara, you trust me. No? I will sleep here tonight, but tomorrow I will have to do something you may not like."

 

[Elodie]

Adara

‘But what if they find you in here?’ she asked, clearly concerned for his safety. ‘And what could you possibly have planned?’

She immediately regretted overstepping the mark upon asking such a question.
She should have been grateful enough that this complete stranger felt willing to risk his position and perhaps even his life to save her and her fellow slaves.

Adara nodded gratefully. ‘Please be careful,’ she whispered. ‘I would never forgive myself if you were harmed whilst trying to save us.’

She glanced into his eyes. The ship lurched violently and she staggered into him, gasping as his muscular body pressed firmly against hers. She stayed there, leaning into him, for just a moment longer than was strictly necessary. And then she pulled away, blushing slightly.

‘Come,’ she said softly. ‘You should meet the others.’

 

[superg]

Giancarlo

OOC: Congrats Elodie on #100!!

IC:
The ship rocked knocking Adara into me. I held her soft body against me for a little more than needed. She smelled so sweet. I was becoming more and more aroused every second I was with this woman. I wondered if I would be able to control myself, or would I succumb to my incredible lust as I had done so many times before.

OOC: Should I explain that last line more? I have a whole sexual history for my character but it doesn't fit right right now. Oh well.

IC:
"I will stay tonight to protect you and the others. Tomorrow I must lock you all in here for the rest of the journey. Please do not misinterpret this action. I must, to protect you from the evil of Milian. I will use a lock to which only I and the captain have the key, so noone else can harm you. I will return everyday to deliver your food and to do anything else to make your trip as bearable as possible. This is all I can do while on this ship. Do not worry of my safety. No one on this ship will question my actions, if I explain it correctly."

Adara asks if I wanted to meet the others.
The others? What others? Of course the others!!

"Yes I think I should meet them."

 

[GageWilliams]

"I hope you didn't change clothes on my account, Captain."

Cortez smiled and refused to allow his eyes to leave her face to admire the rest of her beautiful form. She was looking for any reason to dismiss him as uncultured and vile, and he did not plan for her to find him so easily intimidated. He smiled at her, a smile that reflected wholesomeness and intelligence.

Well, I couldn't allow myself to accompany such a beautiful lady wearing only soaking wet breeches, could I?

He again took her arm and led her to the ship's upper dining room. It had two, and this was the one where Milian and his upper-class passengers ate. Cortez was allowed to eat here, but only when the others weren't present. Well, damn that rule for today. A servant brought he and the lady some tea, and he took it with a smile. Making sure to thank the servant, he took a sip of the tea while admiring the beautiful woman who sat across from him. He hated the tea, but for this woman, he would suffer through it.

So, m'lady, would you care to share with me some of the history of the life that was nearly ended here today?

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Colleen

Stirring the honey into her tea, Colleen looked around the dining room and it’s attempts to be regal despite the fact it was, beneath everything, merely a floating piece of driftwood. She sighed at Luis's question, wondering if he wanted the usual sugar-coated answer or the truth.

“A life, Captain? I hardly have a life. I’m told what to eat, when to eat, what to wear, how to speak, where to go, what to do, and how to think. My mother, my nanny, the house servants – all of them have their precious own free will. But I, I am the true captive.”

Sipping at the warm tea, she fingered the brooch that crested the top of her bosom, accenting the green silk, looking up at Luis.

“And, like all captives do – whether they succeed or not – I attempted an escape. I’m off to France, to be introduced to Parisian society as Miss McMathis, not – and how I dread the dreary sound of this – the former Mrs. Wilson Franks.”

 

[Guest]

Cortez admired the lady's honesty. She was becoming more and more intriguing to him by the moment. Also more enticing. He smiled at her lovely face and tried to keep his eyes from stealing glaces at her delicious form.

I too am a captive of sorts, m'lady. The owner of this boat has made his captain of me only because I owe it to him. I wish it was as easy for me to escape. I will have some time of leave when we reach France, and would gladly help you find a place to settle, if you would like the assistance. I know that I appear quite simple and probably dirty to a lady of your stature, but that is simply all the outfitting that Milian allows me. I promise you that though I may not match you in culture, I certainly am not lacking funds once ashore. So, any service I can render, I will.

Feeling the urge to touch her soft skin and actually being brave enough to do so, Cortez reached over the table and held the lady's hand. He raised it to his lips and gently kissed it, hoping it to be a sign of goodwill.

 

[GageWilliams]

Luis Cortez

OOC: That was me. Oops.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Colleen

Smiling softly at Luis, I turned away as he raised my hand to his lips, trying to hide the blush spreading over my high cheekbones.

“I would be most grateful for that, Captain. Have you spent long in France before?”

I sipped at the remainder of my tea, listening to him intently, but finding my attention wander to his eyes. Beautiful dark eyes that reminded me of moist black velvet and the void between the pinpricks of the stars.

“I have heard talk of the sky at night over the ocean, and how not even the most talented artist's brush cannot live up to it's beauty. Perhaps you would accompany on deck this time, and educate about the seafarer’s lore of the stars. The heavens have always fascinated me, you see, Captain.”

 

[GageWilliams]

Luis Cortez

He noticed her gaze lock onto his eyes and Cortez smiled. Surely she was truly as interested in him as he was in her. He followed her gaze and smiled at her with his face and his eyes.

I have spent time all over this world, Ms. McMathis. And I am familiar with most of it. France is no exception.

And as far as the stars are concerned, you have heard correctly, there is nothing that can compare with their beauty, well... except possibly for you.

Cortez focused intently on her eyes, letting his soft, friendly gaze burn into her soul.

Though, if you want a look, please let me escort you, seeing as you don't seem to have completely developed your sea legs.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Colleen

“Does flattery get you everything you want, Captain?” I asked crisply as Luis led me onto the deck, allowing myself to indulge in the pleasure of a sly smile.

The timbers moaned softly, echoed by the melancholy restless sighs of the wind. Inhaling deeply the salty air, I amended that it smelled far better than it tasted – speaking from my own first hand experience.

The stars peppered the moist black velvet like pin pricks in milky black construction paper. Above us, the blackness seemed as thin and whimsical as lace brocade, its pattern fluctuating yet somehow remaining constant.

Here I lost any airs I had retained previously, and I could, for a moment at least, see why sailors chose the life they did.

“It’s….beautiful. And to think, of all those city-dwellers who walk, heads down, and miss…all of this…”

 

[GageWilliams]

Luis Cortez

He walked next to beautiful woman and smiled.

I don't really want much, but I suppose that flattery serves just as well to get me what I need.

He looked up at the skies and remembered why he loved the sea. He put his arm around the back of the lovely lady and pointed towards the stars.

Are you familiar with the heavens, m'lady? I can point out a few things...

Over here is the big bear...

As the constellation comes into view, the beams of the moon hit the beautiful lady's face and Cortez can't help but lean forward, hoping that she will be receptive to the muses desires, and his, to give her a kiss.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Colleen

“I have a feeling there are many things you want, Captain. And I also have a feeling those that you do not get are few and far between.”

Taking his advances in stride, I turned my face slightly into the breeze so his kiss fell gentlemanly on my cheek.

There were the tell-tale signs that my mother, a lady in every grace, had warned me of in a "rouge of unpleasurable disposition" - his gaze slipping from my eyes down to other regions of my lace-confined body, his gestures, his tone, and his movement. And Luis showed all of them, loud and clear.

But instead of being repulsive, as they should to a gal of my class, I found myself clenching the deck’s rail to rein my true feelings.

“What do you see in the stars?”

 

[GageWilliams]

Luis Cortez

Cortez kissed her cheek when she offered it to him and then resumed his stance behind her, gently taking her in his arms.

If you allow me to help you fight the chill of the evening, m'lady, I will point out what I see.

He raised his arm towards the heavens and pointed at a cluster of stars.

When I was a child, and I would sail with my father.... he would point at that cluster of stars there and tell me the story of them. If you look closely you can see the great ship Cortez, named for my family, where a great grandfather of many years back rode the sea and tasted all the sensations of the known world. He was a free man who's only companion was the sea.
That is until one day when he came to a small island that had previously been very scarcely explored. His boat had run ashore in a storm and he and his crew had gone aboard the island to try and find food. While there, they found the islands inhabitants, a group of cruel natives who did not take well at all to newcomers. After being bound and taken to the native's village, my ancestor new that he was not going to live out many more days.
Luckily, he and the chief found a common language and were able to rudimentarily discuss things. Just as the chief made it quite clear that nothing could prevent my ancestor's impending death, the chief's daughter approached claimed to have seen Cortez in a dream and that the spirits commanded that they be wed.
They were supposed to be wed the next day, and were, but as soon as the chief slept, my ancestor, his crew and his new wife snuck back to his boat and took off into the inky blackness of the night sea. From that day on, the two shared the adventure of the sea, and it is said that she learned to love it possibly even more than he.

Cortez raised his arm once more and pointed out another cluster near the first, before bringing his arm back down so that his arms were on the railing on either side of Ms. McMathis. He said his next words whispered on her neck, his breath warming the flesh there gently.

There are the two of them, on the bow of the ship, looking out around them, lovers of both the sea, and each other.
He let his arms tighten slightly, still gently to hold her and keep her warm.

That, Ms. McMathis, is what I see in the stars.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Colleen

“A romantic at heart, are we, Captain?” I glanced at him, his gaze still fixed two notches above the misty horizon. The waves splashed against the wooden hull, the planks under our feet glistening with the salty spray.

Inching my hand along the well-worn, smooth top rail, I slid my fingers delicately over his.

“I remember as a child, lying in bed, I could see the stars over the rolling meadows of my family’s land. They were the taste of freedom in a confining room, and I would think nightly if I could only sneak up, barefooted, on one star and grab it, I would be free…forever…”

Removing my hand from his grasp, I pinned back a piece of wispy hair, refusing to meet his eyes. The conflict between what I was feeling and what I knew a lady should be feeling was far too overwhelming.

“But then again, real life isn’t the foolish dreams of children, now is it Captain? In the scheme of things, they never really matter anyway. And on that note, I think I’ll leave you to commune with the stars solitarily, Captain, and retire to the land of dreams myself.”

 

[GageWilliams]

Luis Cortez

Cortez gently put his hands on either of Colleen's shoulders. He looked intently into her eyes.

You call them the dream's of children, Ms. McMathis, but I say they are quite within reach. Why must you go elsewhere in search of dreams when you have the possibility of them here on this ship, below the great infinite heavens. I don't want to commune with the stars, Ms. McMathis, for I have made a life of doing that, I want to commune with you.

With that he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. He didn't know how she would respond, but he knew that it was what he must do. He had seen a vitality in her that had called to him from the very beginning, and he could no longer sit idly by and hope that she would express some interest. It was a time for action.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Colleen

I felt the smooth railing dig into the small of my back at Luis’s advance. Gasping slightly as he smothered me with his kiss, warm breath raising the hairs on the back of my neck, I put my hands up to his chest. My intention was to push him off me, but as he persisted I began to melt to his embrace.

The memory of how he had seen me earlier had me blushing as his fingers strayed suggestively low over my hips. It was not that I was tentative to show my affections physically for another man, it was more the sheer overwhelming desire I felt boiling close beneath my utterly placid surface.

The ocean wind caught my hair, wrapping it around us like a spider making its silken web. Luis’s eyes, dark and hypnotic, met mine causing me to shiver with anticipation beneath his heady touch.

 

[GageWilliams]

His hand moved to the soft skin of her throat, and was soon followed by his lips, where he kissed her flesh before moving down to where her throat met her body. His arms found their way around her waist and he lowered her to the deck of the ship while his lips explored the warmth of her flesh. He kissed his way back up her throat, over her chin and back onto her lips. His dark eyes penetrating hers the entire length of its duration.

Do you feel the same way I do, Ms. McMathis? Do you want this as badly as I do?

His face was one of honest and true love, he felt it through all of his being. This woman had control over all of him. She was the one.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Colleen

I felt my legs give way as Luis lowered me softly to the deck of the ship, my back still resting against the railing. The polished wood beneath me was cool to the bare skin on the back of my legs where my skirt had fanned out. Shivering at his tentative kisses, I moved closer to him, letting my parted lips hover close to his sweet mouth.

“Perhaps some dreams do come true, Captain.”

Speaking softly, I glanced at the stars specking the vast black canvas above the slicing horizon. My eyes gleamed dimmly in the pale light, the hint of a not so refined and ladylike creature lurking behind their placid, intelligent exterior.

“Indeed, perhaps they do…”