The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Dominique on 22-02-2019, 07:59:24</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dominique</strong> on <strong>22-02-2019, 07:59:24</strong>
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				<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 18pt;" class="bbc_size">The Esperanza - Lower Deck</span></span></strong><br><br><hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>The lowest part of the Esperanza. Mainly used for the storage of ammunition, bulk cargo and smaller supplies. A separate area is reserved for the quartermaster's supplies, involving mainly spare sails, rope, etc. Also used to store away prisoners. <br>--------<br><strong>Areas on this Deck:</strong><br>Cargo Hold<br>Sail Room (Quartermaster's Supplies)<br>Brig <br>Ship's Stores (Storage of Daily Supplies)<br>Magazine (Ammunition Storage)<br>Bilge<br></em></span><br><hr><br>(https://i.imgur.com/IM2xqaz.jpg)<br><br>(https://i.imgur.com/tEMj4Eu.jpg)<br></div><br><hr><div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><span class="bbc_u"><strong>Links to Other Threads</strong></span></span></strong></span><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">Out of Character Thread (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300545.0)<br>Accepted Characters (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300519.0)</span><br><br><strong><span class="bbc_u">IC Threads</span></strong><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">The Esperanza - Top Deck (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300620.0)</span><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">The Esperanza - Middle Deck (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300994.0)</span><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">The Esperanza - Lower Deck (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300995.0)</span><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">The Esperanza - Captain's Quarters (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300996.0)</span><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">The Esperanza - Navigation Room (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300997.0)</span><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">Erotic Thread (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=301003.0)</span><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font">Event Thread (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=302780.0)</span><br><br><br></span></div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>arthenwel</strong> on <strong>16-03-2019, 21:02:02</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5zA9G_HrMvY/S9Hh8O3MKnI/AAAAAAAALG8/iuvKDQl0Siw/s1600/brandon_stoughton8.jpg)</div><strong>Name: </strong> Arvad Cree<br><strong>Location:</strong> City-&gt;Supply room<br><strong>Time &amp; Date</strong>: Day 1 | Twilight-afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Open<br><strong>Content:</strong> Sneaking aboard/ starting to wake up<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Arvad had been working in this city for a while now and had been successfully avoiding his father and the Royal Navy for almost 8 years. Looking back, he guessed that he supposed that his luck would have had to run out eventually. Although, that didn't make him any happier when he opened the door, to see who was knocking this late in the evening, only to find his father staring down at him with two Navy sailors behind him. They were most likely there to escort him should he resist. His father was a giant of a man. Although Arvad was larger than average, he came nowhere near the sheer size of his father. "Collect your things, boy. You are coming back home with me and to the Navy the day after. You, follow the boy to make sure he doesn't run."<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Arvad sighed, he supposed that anyone his age would be considered a boy next to those his father's age. "I won't run, father. I'm not a child anymore. I know when I've been beat." He stared into his father's eyes defiantly, not wanting to look weak. His father respected strength and if Arvad was to have a chance to escape, he needed his father to respect him and believe his words. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Good to see you recognize me as your father after all these years. And be that as it may, this man will still follow you to your room and assist in packing your things." Arvad shrugged. It wasn't worth the fight. He simply turned on his heel and walked to his room. Before he entered, he stopped the man.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Don't touch anything. I don't care that my father asked you ro help. I have delicate instruments that need to be packed specific ways to prevent them from being damaged." He then packed every tool he needed, wrapped in a few spare clothes, in a single bag. He then exited the room and returned to where his father was. Seeing Arvad leading the man and not fighting them caused him to let his guard down. It was at that moment that he sprung into action. As soon as his father led him outside, Arvad burst into a sprint and rand the opposite way, heading through the alleyways in the dead of night. The dark neither hindering, nor helping him. He took random turns as he headed towards the docks. If he could get onto one of the merchant vessels, he could get away. The merchants were all familiar with him as he made the maps of the local bay and surrounding waters for them. As he reached the docks, he spotted a figurehead that he thought was a mermaid. The figurehead of a friend's ship, La Siren de Mer. He never realized his mistake. At least not until he was too late.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;He quickly scuttled aboard the ship through one of the small windows. He landed in the supply room full of foodstuff, ropes, alcohol, and such. He settled in for the night knowing that it wouldn't be safe until dawn. He decided to take a nap among the coils of rope, figuring that the crew, being friendly with him, would wake him. However, during the night, an improperly secured cask of wine fell on him, landing on his back and the back of his head, knocking him unconscious and opening a small wound on his head. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; A couple hours past noon, he finally started to regain consciousness with a groan. Blood was dried after running across his face to pool beneath him, by the ropes. The rocking motion of him was somewhat soothing but also caused the pounding in his head to worsen. It took several moments before it clicked that the rocking motion meant that the ship had already set sail. Blood drained from his face. That meant that it would be a while until the ship made port. Several weeks at the earliest. He was still unaware of his blunder.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nandy</strong> on <strong>17-03-2019, 07:35:24</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/991d95_6c974e23fa7e44ecb43d0d28de6e2cfc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_876,h_701,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/991d95_6c974e23fa7e44ecb43d0d28de6e2cfc~mv2.webp)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Rachel Reade<br><strong>Position:</strong> Able seaman<br><strong>Location:</strong> Esperanza / At Sea<br><strong>Time &amp; Date:</strong> Day 1 | Afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Arvad, Open<br><strong>Mentions:</strong> Nancy<br><strong>Content:</strong> Discovery<br><hr><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Rachel moved about the deck with an ease born of familiarity.&nbsp; &nbsp;She was no stranger to the sea and rarely suffered from any sort of malaise, even in rough waters.&nbsp; &nbsp;Well, there was that one time, going 'round the Horn, but more than half the crew was puking in their hats over that one.&nbsp; With no further clue as to their destination, and the call of noon given, with the turning of the glass, Rachel headed for the galley, got her plate of stew from Nancy, the cook, a hunk of bread and an apple, and then she was off to find a quiet place to eat.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Moving along the gundeck, she headed for the stairs, pausing to light a candle, and then closed the glass of the lantern containing it before she once more picked up her plate and headed down below.&nbsp; Weaving a path between barrels and crates, and yes, animals she found a place amongst the sheets of spare canvas, and after hanging the lantern up, she folded to a sit, back braced against a beam as she began to spoon up the stew.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She was no more than three bites in when she heard the groan, and she went still, listening further.&nbsp; &nbsp;Was it just a groan of the ship's timbers?&nbsp; Slowly, she set the plate on top of a&nbsp; nearby crate, before her legs unfolded and she rose, moving toward the spot the sound had seemed to come from.&nbsp; Leaning over a crate, she looked around, and then down, one brow rising as, despite the dim light, she spotted the slacker amongst the lines coiled on the deck.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Well you're rather a mess, aren't you?"&nbsp; &nbsp;And since that cask of wine was gently rolling back and forth with the movement of the ship, she scrambled over the crate to get it tied down properly.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"And what have you been doing here, sneaking into the spirits already?&nbsp; Bosun'll be swinging the cat for that."&nbsp; She looked back at him as she got the cask secured and it was only then that she noted the blood on his face.&nbsp; "What have you done here?"&nbsp; &nbsp;Reaching out, she lifted the hair at his forehead to get a better look, but with the dim lighting, she wasn't able to see much.&nbsp; &nbsp; "Let me grab the lamp..."<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gannameade</strong> on <strong>18-03-2019, 16:12:59</strong>
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				&nbsp;<div class="floatleft">(https://marriedbiography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Michael-Jai-White-4.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> <br><strong>Name: </strong>&nbsp; Marisol (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300519.msg14691583#msg14691583)<br><strong>Location:</strong> City-&gt;Supply room<br><strong>Time &amp; Date</strong>: Day 1 | Twilight-afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Arvad, Rachel, Open<br><strong>Content:</strong> Sneaking aboard/ starting to wake up<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>He was finishing up when he heard the groan, but he hadn't turned to it yet reaching for his irons first.&nbsp; It wasn't like he hadn't heard of stowaways and such, looking for adventure upon the high seas but he hadn't experienced it outright but he was nothing if not efficient...not real efficient it seems since the other female seaman had beaten him to the new deckhand.&nbsp; He had yet to visit the new cook, who was more than nice on the eyes at present.&nbsp; But he would see if she was worthy of his attention with her cooking skills first.<br><br>He was able to catch an eye of the woman bent over, not in the most ladylike of appearances, he kept the smirk from coming to his features.&nbsp; He was standing there as he was and would be facing her when she went for the lamp, his body blending into some of the shadows.&nbsp; But it was not like him to seem to appear out of nowhere, it was his job to be where he was needed and to keep track of things that the captain should be made aware of particularly...unscheduled passengers.&nbsp; <br><br>He spoke to make sure he didn't startle her too much.&nbsp; "That would be an excellent idea!&nbsp; What have you found?"&nbsp; He asked politely no smile just the focus of his eyes upon her and their latest passenger.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nandy</strong> on <strong>19-03-2019, 01:04:36</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/991d95_6c974e23fa7e44ecb43d0d28de6e2cfc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_876,h_701,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/991d95_6c974e23fa7e44ecb43d0d28de6e2cfc~mv2.webp)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Rachel Reade<br><strong>Position:</strong> Able seaman<br><strong>Location:</strong> Esperanza / At Sea<br><strong>Time &amp; Date:</strong> Day 1 | Afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Arvad, Marisol, Open<br><strong>Mentions:</strong> Nancy<br><strong>Content:</strong> Discovery<br><hr><br>Pulling up short, Rachel let out a breath, "Bloody hell, you're like a cat!"&nbsp; &nbsp; She shook her head and then stepped off to grab the lamp from the hook, and then started back toward the wounded man.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Appears he's hit his head."&nbsp; &nbsp; Moving around the crate this time, rather than over it, Rachel crouched down beside the man, the lamp brought near.&nbsp; &nbsp;"How many fingers am I holding up?"&nbsp; And yes, she waved three fingers in front of his face.&nbsp; &nbsp;"It looks to be swollen outward, which is good."&nbsp; &nbsp; She shot Marisol a glance.&nbsp; &nbsp;"The goose egg on his head."&nbsp; &nbsp; Yes, she was going to nip in the bud any potential witty commentary before it had a chance to flourish.<br><br>"You look a little too well dressed to be a sea hand."&nbsp; &nbsp;She looked back at Marisol.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Thought the fancy pants with the captain was the only gentleman we were taking aboard?"&nbsp; &nbsp;Of course that didn't explain why he was down here.&nbsp; &nbsp;Pulling her dagger, she tugged his shirt free of his trousers and cut a small bit of the bottom of it off.&nbsp; &nbsp; He'd never miss it, right?&nbsp; &nbsp; Sheathing her blade, she spit on the bit of cloth and gently started cleaning up the blood around the wound.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I don't suppose you could spare a bit of wine for the man?"&nbsp; &nbsp;She glanced at Marisol between dabs of the cloth on the man's head.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>arthenwel</strong> on <strong>21-03-2019, 20:06:40</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5zA9G_HrMvY/S9Hh8O3MKnI/AAAAAAAALG8/iuvKDQl0Siw/s1600/brandon_stoughton8.jpg)</div><strong>Name: </strong> Arvad Cree<br><strong>Location:</strong> Supply room<br><strong>Time &amp; Date</strong>: Day 1 | Afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Rachel, Marisol + open<br><strong>Content:</strong> Dazed and confused<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;As he was coming to, there was a ringing in his ear that would pulse. Loud at first before fading out to a low ring and then fading back in to the loud. As such, he was only hearing pieces of what the woman had said. "Wai-...Wha?" His head was hurting to much to pronounce the 't' sound. His head was throbbing. He quickly raised an arm to shield his eyes as the lamp was brought around and cast too much light on his night eyes. He blinked repeatedly as his eyes began getting used to the sudden light. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;His vision was blurred at first, probably by whatever had caused the throbbing in his head and the ache on the back of his skull. As the thobbing anf ringing faded, his eyes seemed to slowly clear. He squinted as he saw fingers in his face. He hadn't heard her ask as the ringing had been loud when she had asked. As they came into view, he spoke. "F-four. No wai- three." He was slowly getting his bearings and remembered his bags. He grabbed it and ruffled through it to make sure nothing was broken or missing. Everything was as it should be.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;He looked up to the man and woman, still squinting and blinking awkwardly. He didn't remember their faces as being part of his friends crew. "I do not remember you two. Has Captain Phillip gotten himself a new crew?" He shook his head to negate the question. Wrong move as his head was now spinning and throbbing again. "Never you mind. I need to speak with Captain Phillip. Post haste if you please."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nandy</strong> on <strong>22-03-2019, 06:52:41</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/991d95_6c974e23fa7e44ecb43d0d28de6e2cfc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_876,h_701,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/991d95_6c974e23fa7e44ecb43d0d28de6e2cfc~mv2.webp)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Rachel Reade<br><strong>Position:</strong> Able seaman<br><strong>Location:</strong> Esperanza / At Sea<br><strong>Time &amp; Date:</strong> Day 1 | Afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Arvad, Marisol, Open<br><strong>Mentions:</strong> Nancy<br><strong>Content:</strong> Discovery<br><hr>"I don't know who Captain Phillip is, but I assure you, he's not on board this ship.&nbsp; &nbsp; You're on the <em>Esperanza.</em>&nbsp; Who are you?"&nbsp; &nbsp;It would be a good thing to know the particulars before the captain was approached with this.&nbsp; &nbsp;A glance was given Marisol, and then she looked back at the dazed and obviously confused man.&nbsp; &nbsp; "I think we should have our surgeon look at you, you've taken a nasty blow to the head.&nbsp; &nbsp;What ship were you bound for?"<br><br>Either the man was completely lost or he was up to no good.&nbsp; &nbsp;Or both.&nbsp; &nbsp;In any case it would need be sorted out rather quickly.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I wouldn't suggest moving too swiftly.&nbsp; You've likely a concussion and the last thing we need is for you to fall down."&nbsp; &nbsp;Part of her wanted to run to the captain, and part of her wanted to sort it out and then run to the captain.&nbsp; She let out a breath, blowing her hair out of her eyes in the process.&nbsp; "What are we to do with you?"&nbsp; &nbsp;More a rhetorical question than anything.&nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gannameade</strong> on <strong>23-03-2019, 12:36:43</strong>
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				&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<div class="floatleft">(https://marriedbiography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Michael-Jai-White-4.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> <br><strong>Name: </strong>&nbsp; Marisol (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300519.msg14691583#msg14691583)<br><strong>Location:</strong> City-&gt;Supply room<br><strong>Time &amp; Date</strong>: Day 1 | Twilight-afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Arvad, Rachel, Open<br><strong>Content:</strong> Sneaking aboard/ starting to wake up<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>Marisol wasn't sure if it was his skin that made the woman jump or his smile in the dark.&nbsp; He was going to go with his smile.&nbsp; He was not in the mood to be insulted by the likes of her, even if she was nice on the eyes.&nbsp; His face fell to his perpetual frown.&nbsp; He moved to where he could see what she had found in the corner.&nbsp; He grabbed for the man, he was more apt to kill him than really want to deal with him.&nbsp; But nonetheless, he moved to grabbed him by his shirt and looked him over.&nbsp; He smelled of alcohol but his effects weren't the same.&nbsp; He had given enough concussion to know what was going on.&nbsp; &nbsp;We can help him to see the surgeon but I can't promise he will fare much better with that one. <br><br>&nbsp;"Come on stupid.&nbsp; I don't think you know where you are and when you truly come to your senses..you still don't know where you are.&nbsp; Surgeon Captain...Surgeon...Captain.&nbsp; IF you have any use we need you alive... let's get him to the surgeon first then if she checks him out as fine.&nbsp; He gets an audience with the Captain.&nbsp; Don't fail that one boy, or you will be swimmin wit the fishes!"&nbsp; Come on now.'&nbsp; He moved to help him up and took him with Rachel's help to the ships doctor.&nbsp; Sure he could have done it alone, but turning him over his shoulder right now would not have been a good idea for his clothes or the man's equilibrium
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nandy</strong> on <strong>24-03-2019, 13:47:11</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/991d95_6c974e23fa7e44ecb43d0d28de6e2cfc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_876,h_701,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/991d95_6c974e23fa7e44ecb43d0d28de6e2cfc~mv2.webp)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Rachel Reade<br><strong>Position:</strong> Able seaman<br><strong>Location:</strong> Esperanza / At Sea<br><strong>Time &amp; Date:</strong> Day 1 | Afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Arvad, Marisol, Open<br><strong>Mentions:</strong> <br><strong>Content:</strong> Tending the wounded<br><hr><br>Wasn't his skin or his teeth, it was the fact that he was quiet as a church mouse.&nbsp; &nbsp;He'd make a damned good spy.&nbsp; &nbsp;And yes, he was good looking.&nbsp; &nbsp; Just her luck, caught between two good looking men, on a boat, heading to who knew where in search of who knows what.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Hope its bloody worth it."&nbsp; &nbsp;She was tugging at Arvad's shirt to cut another strip from the bottom of, as she pulled her blade.&nbsp; &nbsp;The poor man may well think she was out to do him harm, but really she just wanted to get a wrap on that skull of his to staunch the bleeding.<br><br>She looked over her shoulder once more at Marisol.&nbsp; &nbsp; "Could you fetch the surgeon, please?&nbsp; &nbsp;I'm not certain he should be on his feet."&nbsp; &nbsp;Mostly because the man, on dry land, would be at risk of falling again, let alone on a rolling deck.&nbsp; &nbsp;"What's your name?"&nbsp; &nbsp;Either, both.&nbsp; &nbsp;She didn't know either of them so now was as good a time as any to get acquainted.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Wait, what do you mean, he won't fare better with the surgeon?&nbsp; Is there something wrong with the man?"&nbsp; &nbsp;That was all they needed, an incompetent with sharp implements in charge of the wounded.&nbsp; &nbsp;"This is getting better and better."&nbsp; Rachel got on the man's other side, hooking his arm over her shoulders and together, they started to make their way to the surgeon.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>arthenwel</strong> on <strong>24-03-2019, 23:00:14</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5zA9G_HrMvY/S9Hh8O3MKnI/AAAAAAAALG8/iuvKDQl0Siw/s1600/brandon_stoughton8.jpg)</div><strong>Name: </strong> Arvad Cree<br><strong>Location:</strong> Supply room<br><strong>Time &amp; Date</strong>: Day 1 | Afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Open<br><strong>Content:</strong><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Arvad didn't hear the name of the ship because of the ringing, which was slowing down and fading but would still block out sounds. Either way, it was perfectly clear that Phil wasn't the captain of this vessel. Had he simply sold his ship and purchased a new one? If that was the case, it would explain the new crew. Captain Phil had told Arvad that he had come into some money and had something to show him. Maybe it had been his new ship. "I was supposed to be on 'La Siren de Mer'. It was captained by a man named John Phillips, whom I had frequent business with." He made to stand up before the vertigo and nausea forced him back to the position he had been in. At her remark, which he had barely heard, he groaned and spoke simply, "No kidding."<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Arvad prickled under the words of the man as he was called stupid. However, given the situation he had found himself in, it would be better to say nothing in response. "Arvad. My name is Arvad Cree." As the man muttered something about not faring better with the surgeon and raised a brow. "That either means he doesn't have much skill or he's a stiff. Guess I'll know soon." As they lifted him up, he had to swallow a wave of nausea as stars shot around in his eyes. His breathing hitched andhad they not been holding him up, he may have fallen on his face. Either way, at least now he'd be seeing the Captain, whoever it was. Hopefully, the captain wasn't a horrible person and wouldn't ignore what he had to say.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gannameade</strong> on <strong>26-03-2019, 06:23:21</strong>
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				&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<div class="floatleft">(https://marriedbiography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Michael-Jai-White-4.jpg)</div><strong>Name: </strong>&nbsp; Marisol (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300519.msg14691583#msg14691583)<br><strong>Location:</strong> City-&gt;Supply room<br><strong>Time &amp; Date</strong>: Day 1 | Twilight-afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Arvad, Rachel, Open<br><strong>Content:</strong> Sneaking aboard/ starting to wake up<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>He found his eyes admiring Ms. Rachel, but he could see her as she couldn't see him so well as his eyes were better adjusted to the darkness of the hold that they were in.&nbsp; She was nice on the eyes.&nbsp; He could see her apprehension about going to the surgeon he knew of the nature of the woman, without knowing her.&nbsp; He didn't believe she was incompetent but was a bit on the dangerous side.<br><br>He could see the look in the man's eyes as he said 'stupid.'&nbsp; "Please don't take offense cause I called you stupid.&nbsp; I would say that to everyone that had been pushed into a cargo hold, that had maybe been beat up to the point of having a concussion.&nbsp; Hence someone wanted to get rid of you and thought you were expendable.&nbsp; You weren't aware of your surrounding which in a word can be 'stupid' to trust the wrong people.&nbsp; You could very well be extremely smart...your actions definitely were not!"&nbsp; He said as he moved to help hoist the man up and move him, with her to the surgeon travelling under deck to stay clear of the others that were considered in charge, not many liked stowaways...especially uppity stowaways.&nbsp; This one seemed like he would say the wrong thing particular in the area of being or seeming in charge.&nbsp; Which really wouldn't bode well for him with this lot.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nandy</strong> on <strong>27-03-2019, 08:28:50</strong>
			</dt>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/991d95_6c974e23fa7e44ecb43d0d28de6e2cfc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_876,h_701,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/991d95_6c974e23fa7e44ecb43d0d28de6e2cfc~mv2.webp)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Rachel Reade<br><strong>Position:</strong> Able seaman<br><strong>Location:</strong> Esperanza / At Sea<br><strong>Time &amp; Date:</strong> Day 1 | Afternoon<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Arvad, Marisol, Open<br><strong>Mentions:</strong> <br><strong>Content:</strong> Tending the wounded, seeking the surgeon.<br><hr><br>Smart move, keeping out of the fray of things.&nbsp; &nbsp;Rachel had no issue following Marisol's lead and as they carried the man up the stairs to the mid deck.&nbsp; "Whatever you do, do yourself a favor and answer the questions put to you wisely.&nbsp; &nbsp;Otherwise you may well be getting off the ship a might sooner than you'd anticipated."&nbsp; &nbsp;Her eyes cast to Marisol as they moved through the ship, there was some concern there for the man's well being, but it wasn't up to her.&nbsp; &nbsp;Only the captain would be deciding his fate.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>As soon as they stepped up onto the mid deck, the lighting improved.&nbsp; &nbsp;Arvad was likely not going to be happy about that, with the pain in his head, but really, there&nbsp; was no helping it.&nbsp; &nbsp;She only hoped that if he puked, he managed to not get it on her or Marisol.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Tell me, have you ever sailed before?&nbsp; And I mean as part of the crew, not as a passenger on some ship bound from England to Port Royal."&nbsp; &nbsp;That would explain his being on the wrong ship, if he'd never crewed one before.<br><br><hr>https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300994.0 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300994.0)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dominique</strong> on <strong>11-04-2019, 11:37:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/FsSwBxR.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Rosette de Courtenay (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300519.msg14691423#msg14691423)<br><strong>Position:</strong> Captain<br><strong>Location:</strong> The Esperanza | Moving from Top deck to Lower deck<br><strong>Time &amp; Date:</strong> Day 1 | 11 PM<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Liam | Argus<br><strong>Content:</strong> Making bad decisions<br><hr><br>She wasn't quick to upset, and that counted tenfold for the people she held dear. People like Liam Scott, which made it all the more disconcerting that Rosette was staring with something akin to disdain when he informed her of an unexpected addition to their crew. Rose stood opposite him with hands digging hard into her hips, trying to wrap her mind around the fact that a ghost from her past had caught up to her. <br><br>“<em>Argus</em> is here?” she repeated incredulously. “How-- I mean, did you seek him out? And why didn’t you…” Rose, aggravated that she was stumbling over her own words, shook her head, her finger and thumb pinching the bridge of her nose as she collected her thoughts. <br><br>“Where is he?” she inquired sharply. Liam, who looked less comfortable than he had done at any point since his return to the Esperanza, gestured towards the stairs. <br><br>“I told him where you stored the still,” he replied, a hint of unease crossing his features. “Haven’t seen him since we took off, so reckon he’ll be in the bilge by now.” He hurriedly stepped out of the way when Rose barged past, an uncharacteristic annoyance darkening her facial expression. She rushed down the wooden steps with the ease of someone who could manoeuvre around her ship with her eyes closed, descending to the middle deck and brushing right through to the bowels of the Esperanza. Her steps were agitated, her bootfalls heavier than her lithe frame would warrant. As she stepped into the cargo hold, Rose weaved between the crates and barrels, descending to where a shallow layer of water covered the bottom. It wasn’t so much Liam’s instructions that guided her there, however, but the irregular noise of either the woodboard being sawed in half… <br><br>...or very familiar snoring. <br><br>Her face was tense as she slowed to a halt, the lower part of her boots submerged in water as Rose allowed her eyes to adjust to the darkness below. There was a light burning, stood on one of the crates but it was on the verge of burning up and no doubt had the man who carried it down here left it there for several hours. Rose didn’t know how she felt as she caught sight of the sprawled figure, half slumped over a toppled barrel and half laying on the wet floor, but frustratingly, she found her anger already dissipating. <em>He’d always been impossible to be angry with.</em><br><br>Rose shifted her weight from one leg to the other, and although she perched her right hand on her hip again, this time it had a tentative appearance, not one of quiet aggravation. <em>“Argus?”</em> she called out, as if there was any doubt to who could possibly have the audacity to hide in the belly of the Esperanza on the first night, tanked and not any use to anyone at least until sunrise. <br><br>A sigh escaped her, then the Captain slowly approached the slumbering figure. She had half a mind to prod the toe of her boot into his side, topple him over and let him taste the murky water rather than his beloved rum. Instead she crouched down by his side, and she cupped her hand into the water, splashing his face in a slightly more merciful way. <br><br>“You old son of a biscuit eater,” she said with a surprisingly subdued voice, watching him stir to life again. The look on her face was a mystery, with no smile nor look of anger to give away how she felt. “What the hell are you doing on my ship?” <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Thunder Splash</strong> on <strong>11-04-2019, 15:15:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/sivThwe.jpg)</div><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Name:</strong> Argus McFinnegan<br><strong>Position:</strong> Master Brewer &amp; Cooper<br><strong>Location:</strong> Esperanza, forward deck<br><strong>Time &amp; Date</strong>: Day 1 / 11PM<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Captain Rose<br><strong>Content:</strong> Pains of the past return</span><br><hr><br>After Liam had attempted to sober up his old friend it had become obvious that Argus would not be restored to his faculties so easily. The old drunkard seemed to have alcohol coursing through his veins. The only course of action the pair had seemed to have left was to stow Argus away until the morning and hope for the best. It was then that Liam had told Argus exactly where he could find his old still. <strong>”Nah tha’s more like it! You can git back to your duties while ah go and git reacquainted with an ol’ friend.”</strong> The pirate clapped Liam on the back perhaps a little too forcefully before turning around and stumbling towards the stairs to the lower deck. <br><br>That had been hours ago. Argus had found his precious still among the crates and barrels and bilge water in the belly of the Esperanza in much better condition than he had thought he would. Bringing down a lantern with him for light Argus had spent the past hours inspecting and reaqainting himself with copper beauty. Checking to be sure all hers parts were still there, that she was properly cleaned, and that all three of the stills that made up his whole operation were ready to begin brewing again. Argus had worked well into the night making sure everything was just right. The Irishman May have been drunk out of his mind most of the day, but this was all muscle memory. Even all those years apart couldn’t dull Argus’ memory of the workings of his precious still. He had been close to finishing everything, all that was left was to inspect the casks and he’d be ready to begin brewing. But as he’d started on the old barrels his fatigue and drunkenness had finally caught up with him. In the middle of looking one of the barrels over Argus had leaned down to look closely at it and never came back up. His snoring filled the belly of the ship much like it used to four years ago.<br><br>The big lug lay there sawing logs until a wetness stirred him from his slumber. The deafening snoring was interrupted by sputtering as the old man was roused from sleep. <strong>”Huh? Wazat?... Who zere?”</strong> he slurred out as he awoke. The barrel he was laying on nearly pinched him into the bilge as he abruptly sat up. It was then that a familiar voice caught his ears. A voice he hadn’t heard in four years. It was a woman Argus wasn’t sure he was ready to face yet, someone very dear to him, Rosette De Courtenay. He hoped that maybe he was dreaming, but standing there before him in the flickering lamp light was the captain herself. Her expression was softer than the last time he’d seen her. Of course, the last time he’d seen her she had been furious, hurt, and spiraling out of control. The memory of it all came flashing back and for a moment the pain from all those years ago flashed across the Irishman’s face. Argus tried to burry that all deep down again, though it was harder with his captain standing before him. She had asked him something, a question he honestly didn’t fully know the answer to himself. <strong>”Ahoy there cap’m...”</strong> he said with a similarly subdued tone, his usually jovial and happy go lucky demeanor gone. In its place a mixture of melancholy and tenderness. <strong>”I’d heard the Esperanza had finally come back to port... and well...”</strong> he paused trying to figure out what the right words would be. <strong>”Heh, to be honest I’m not entirely sure why I’m here... I guess you could say this ol’ salty dog just missed havin’ a place tah call home. And after all these years nowhere else quite felt like home like the Esperanza.”</strong><br><br>Argus sat there silently for a moment longer. He was looking at the captain, but he was unable to make eye contact with her. He looked at her boots, her hat, her tattoos, but he couldn’t look he square in the eye, afraid of what he might see there. <strong>”It’s... it’s good to see you again cap’m. All these years I wondered if we’d ever cross paths again...”</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dominique</strong> on <strong>18-04-2019, 23:00:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/FsSwBxR.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Rosette de Courtenay (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300519.msg14691423#msg14691423)<br><strong>Position:</strong> Captain<br><strong>Location:</strong> The Esperanza | Lower deck<br><strong>Time &amp; Date:</strong> Day 1 | 11 PM<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Argus<br><strong>Content:</strong> Making amends… maybe<br><hr><br>The stare she gave Argus was long and hard and filled with contempt, compassion, love and hate and everything inbetween. Even though he would not be able to see, he would be sure to pick up to some measure of those sentiments, as they clung to the captain like a second skin. It took away from the bright, sprightly demeanour she had so persistently displayed and for the first time cracks were showing in that perfect image of a dauntless pirate Captain that Rosette had once been, but probably never would be again. Not really.<br><br>Ultimately she relented though, and it was with a sigh that she pushed up from the slight crouch she’d sat in, elevating herself just high enough to take a seat on the same barrel that had Argus slumped over it. Careful not to touch him - somehow that seemed too much, too familiar right now - she placed her legs a bit apart, let her elbows rest on her thighs. Her hands clasped loosely together and for some time, even she was lost for words, incapable of making eye contact because of the confrontation that accompanied it. <br><br>An audible exhale through the nose ensued, and the captain, deflated, raised her shoulders in a haphazard way. “I would have asked you to come,” Rose said, quietly, the words leaving her lips in an odd monotone. There was something final about the way she spoke, decisive. “If I had thought you should be a part of this. Argus…” A grave expression littered the crimson-haired pirate, and she agitatedly raked her fingers through her curls. “You don’t know what you’ve signed up for, sneaking onto the Esperanza. I would have…”&nbsp; Rose shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.” <br><br>Another silence ensued, and it took her longer to speak up this time. Rose agitatedly rubbed her hands together, a gesture betraying her anxiety. “Look,” she began, changed her mind, started over. “Back before… back four years ago…” Another haphazard shrug. “I wasn’t myself then. I’d lost focus. I shouldn’t have done what I did.”&nbsp; <br><br>She didn’t apologise with so many words, for sure, but it was implied, and God did she owe the man next to her one. Even though he did not look the part, Argus had been so many things to her at so many points in her life. He’d been her sailor, but more than that, he’d been her friend, her drinking buddy, her guardian, her confidant, her lover, her family… And he sure as hell had never just been the drunkard that so many people reduced him to in their narrow opinions; Argus McFinnegan was someone who Rosette owed a lot, maybe even her life. <br><br>“I shouldn’t have left you behind,” she said grimly, the most genuine remorse in the small admission. “But you shouldn’t have come back.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Thunder Splash</strong> on <strong>19-04-2019, 11:44:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/sivThwe.jpg)</div><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Name:</strong> Argus McFinnegan<br><strong>Position:</strong> Master Brewer &amp; Cooper<br><strong>Location:</strong> Esperanza, forward deck<br><strong>Time &amp; Date</strong>: Day 1 / 11PM<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Captain Rose<br><strong>Content:</strong> A painful truth</span><br><hr><br>Argus watched the captain as second after painstaking second dragged by. Time felt like it was slowed, like the sweet molasses he had in some of the barrels around them had spilled out and clung to the passage of time itself. His captain, the unstoppable, unflappable, unwavering captain Rosette de Courtenay, seemed lost for words. And what was stranger to the man was the air the captain had about her. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but something seemed...different. Something was off. The captain’s usual presence, the confidence she exuded wasn’t quite there. Argus tried to chock it up to his drunkenness or his nerves at seeing the captain again after all this time, but he couldn’t shake the feeling she was somehow different.<br><br>Argus remained seated on the floor boards as Rosette sat down next to him. He could tell his feelings were not entirely off when even she seemed at a loss for words. Rose never stumbled over herself like this. She always knew exactly what to say, and she’d never had any issues telling him off in the past. He didn’t understand what she meant by what he’d signed up for. This was the Esperanza, with captain de Courtenay. He knew exactly what he’d signed up for coming aboard. This ship would go down in legend as the greatest vessel to ever sail the seven seas. And as he’d said before, this was home and likely the only one he’d ever truely know or fit into again. With a grunt Argus stood up, using the barrel to steady himself as he rose. <strong>”Aye, you’re right about that. You shouldn’t ‘ave done that...”</strong> he said as he dusted himself off and sat down next to Rosette on the barrel. His tone came out harsher than he’d intended, but it was true. His words dripped with a pain behind them that still showed his wounds from the past hadn’t healed. <br><br>As she sat there at a loss for words he understood the apology that was implied behind what she had said. Rosette wasn’t one to admit wrong doing often, and even less so to say she had done wrong outright. Argus knew this, and her words were an olive branch he could tell she was extending. But could he grasp it just yet? He raised up his hand and was about to place it on her’s, a comforting gesture he’d shown her to try and comfort her many time in the past. His hand lifted, but it never touched down. It hovered over her hand for a second before he tentatively placed it back down on the barrel. Touching her was still too much right now. As much as he hated to admit it things were different now. How could they not be after four years of pain?<br><br>And then she did what he didn’t expect. Rosette de Courtenay, scourge of the seas and the mighty captain of the best ship on them, a woman who never admitted she was wrong... did just that. And for a brief moment, in the flickering candle light, a slight smile could be seen on Argus’ face before it disappeared just as quickly. He sat beside her in awkward silence for a few moments trying to process her admission of wrong doing. What did he say after that? After a few seconds that felt like an eternity Argus spoke up again. <strong>”You shouldn’t ah left me behind... I could ‘ave helped ye cap’m. I... I’ve been through the same don’t ferget. Heh...”</strong> he gave a mirthless laugh as he looked down to the bottle beside the barrel they sat on. He reached down and picked up the container, swishing the liquid in it around a little as he looked at it rather than his conflicted captain. <strong>”I could ah helped yah... tah avoid the same dark hole I’ve lived in nigh some twenty years now.” </strong> A heavy sigh was released before the Irishman brought the bottle to his lips, hoping to wash away those painful memories that were a little to close right now. As the bottle lowered and he held it between his legs a moment Argus offered the bottle to Rose, still just starring down at the bilge by his boots. <br><br>The silence between the two spoke volumes. Four years ago Argus remembered a time that he and Rose couldn’t sit together silently with a bottle between them if they tried. Too busy spinning outlandish tales that grew in grandeur as the night went by. How Argus longed for the chance to spin those yarns again with her. Something was broken now though. Something he didn’t know how to fix. <strong>”You know why I drink cap’m... and all those years ago...”</strong> he paused as he fought back in vain to keep a tear that had formed in his eye from rolling down his cheek. <strong>”Well... ye gave me one more reason fer it...”</strong> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dominique</strong> on <strong>24-04-2019, 11:51:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/FsSwBxR.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Rosette de Courtenay (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=300519.msg14691423#msg14691423)<br><strong>Position:</strong> Captain<br><strong>Location:</strong> The Esperanza | Lower deck<br><strong>Time &amp; Date:</strong> Day 1 | 11 PM<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Argus<br><strong>Content:</strong> Making amends… maybe<br><hr><br>The words that were exchanged between them were reserved at best, but Rosette thanked the Gods below that at least they were talking. It hadn't been a certainty; Argus was a hard-headed man and whilst that had never deterred her before, Rosette knew damn well that she had done enough to ruin what trust had existed between them - tenfold, if not more. She heard the pain that hid behind words spoken so crudely, they belied the underlying meaning. Rosette had hurt her, her <em>friend</em>, and although she hadn't been entirely certain she was even still capable of such a feat, now she found herself feeling a pang of remorse for having made a decision that might have been the only viable one at the time, but that had come at a cost that, in hindsight, might have been too great. <br><br>Wordlessly she accepted the bottle, and there was no restraint in the way she craned her head back as she brought the - not particularly full anymore - bottle to her lips. She didn't sip, didn't quite chug either but there was no denying that when the bottle returned to its owner it was relieved of a considerable part of its contents. Rose had never been one to seek comfort in alcohol, but she could understand why others, why Argus, had. She'd need more than what she'd gulped down to feel that blissful haze cover her conscious mind, concealing all those things she didn't want to think about or at least made them that much easier to ignore, but the burning sensation in her throat offered a momentary distraction. <br><br>"You know what it is, Argus?" she said, staring off into the dark far end of the ship's lowest deck. "Maybe I needed it. Maybe I needed to hit the bottom of the pit to have something to crawl out of. And I did, I really did." The words sounded a little strained, as if she were trying to convince herself more than she was her old friend - former friend? But they rang true though; in the four years that had passed, Rose&nbsp; had gone to hell and back, had grieved, had raged and had learned to accept what had happened. There was no denying the truth anyhow, but it had taken her a long time to face it. After that, she had begun planning again, had begun thinking about a future doing the thing she loved most. And being a pirate was in her blood, and so returning to that kind of life had been as inevitable as it had been for Argus to return here, too. She could hardly hold it against him that he had made his way on board without seeking her out in advance. In fact, in spite of their rivalling stubbornness, Rose was mostly impressed that he had come back in the first place. <br><br>"There's no use in denying what I said or did," she continued, and she reached out again, opening her hand in need of that belly warming drink no one could craft quite as well as Argus could. "And no apologies are goin' to change the past so let's move past that. You wouldn't be here if you didn't still want me for your captain, and I need to know if you'll still have my back. In spite of what happened Argus, this time I need you more than ever. And I won't send you away." Rose shook her head. "Not this time."&nbsp; She knew she was asking a lot, and also knew that his unwavering loyalty might be clouded by pain and grief that she herself had caused. "I need you out there tomorrow, Argus," she pressed on relentlessly. "And if not with a sword, then at least with a clear enough head to get that treasure off that merchant ship."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Captain's Secret - The Esperanza [Lower Deck]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Thunder Splash</strong> on <strong>24-04-2019, 23:32:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/sivThwe.jpg)</div><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Name:</strong> Argus McFinnegan<br><strong>Position:</strong> Master Brewer &amp; Cooper<br><strong>Location:</strong> Esperanza, forward deck<br><strong>Time &amp; Date</strong>: Day 1 / 11PM<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Captain Rose<br><strong>Content:</strong> A painful truth</span><br><hr><br>Taking the bottle back from the captain Argus listened intently to her words. There it was again, she truly must have regretted her actions to be so forthcoming with her guilt, with her regret of doing what she’d done. Right? Maybe, he could hear in her voice a familiar tone. A tone someone used when they were trying to convince themselves of what they were saying as much as the person they were saying them to. But she apparently had convinced herself, and for a moment Argus saw the old determination he remembered so fondly of his fearless pirate captain return. She may not have been exactly the same, but if anyone could claw their way out of the abyss that Argus struggled through day in and day out, it was Rose. Argus took another swig of rum as he tried to digest all she had just admitted to him. As Rose continued on with her plea the Irishman handed the bottle back to her. And if he pretended, just for a second, it almost felt like the beginning of one of their olds nights of drinking together. If only, he thought. <br><br>The captain had laid everything out there now. Bared her soul as much as a grizzled old pirate captain could and told her sailor that he was needed. But more than that, she had told her friend she needed him. His chest swelled a bit and the faintest hint of a smile returned. She needed him. Argus McFinnegan, drunkard of legendary proportions and general fuck all when stuck on dry land, was needed again. It felt good. But that good could only bolster a man so much. <strong>”Aye... no one else could ever be me cap’m.”</strong> he said followed by a small chuckle. It was true, once you’d sailed with the best no other captain could ever measure up. <strong>”I’ll always ‘ave your back Rose.”</strong> He used her name for emphasis, for she was so much more than just his captain. <strong>”And ye couldn’t kick me off this ship again if you tried. I’d swim behind er if’n I had to.”</strong> There was a conviction in his words, and he meant it. She needed him, and she knew it now. Davey Jones himself could come try and tear Argus from the Esperanza, and he’d punch his way through the legions of the damned to stay where he belonged. Those words had struck a chord, a salve on a deep wound from years ago so it could begin to heal.<br><br>But it wasn’t something that would ever completely heal was it? It would scar, and it would never truly go away. No matter how badly he wanted to look past it like the captain said she had cut him to his core. His heart wasn’t willing to open up just yet. His next words didn’t come out as strongly, <strong>”And don’t ye worry. Even if I have to take that ship apart with me bare hands we’ll find whatever it is yer lookin’ fur.”</strong> Argus meant it, but his tone still held onto a sadness. Letting out a sigh the fiery haired man finally turned towards Rosette and looked her in the eyes. <strong>”Ye have me trust Cap’m, and me loyalty...but I’m... I...”</strong> He stumbled over his words, unable to find the right ones. Another deep sigh escaped him as he looked away for a second, but got back his nerve and looked into those beautiful eyes again. <strong>”But I don’t think ah can offer me friendship... not yet. You cut me tah the bone last time... I’m sorry cap’m...That one’ll take some time.”</strong> And there it was. He couldn’t take it back now. In his eyes shown the deep sorrow that had grown over the years he’d been adrift on the shore. And along side it the terrible conflict between his yearning to hold the captain and take back what had been said and the knowledge that they needed this. For the two of them to move forward and reclaim what they’d lost they needed to start fresh. At least Argus hoped that was the case. He watched to see what his captain’s response would be, dreading what could come next.
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		</dl>
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