Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Seraph on 03-12-2010, 03:55:36</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>03-12-2010, 03:55:36</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/7/74/Boudoir-victorian.jpg)</div>At 17, she was married off to the Duke Andrew DuMont, a man five years her senior, in a wedding of convenience. Her family, the Hamiltons, had money, and DuMont… had a Duchy. DuMont was known around town as a man who gambled too much and overindulged in fine wine and cheap women.&nbsp; When he took Gwendolyn Hamilton as his wife, her dowry refilled his coffer to the point where they could live comfortably, and even prosper, if he were to invest it wisely, as Gwen’s father had advised. Instead, DuMont made a token effort before indulging in his usual habits once again, taking no care to hide his activities from Gwen or anyone else. Their entire social circle knew what he was doing, but it was acceptable to them.. Gwen’s parents cut him off from further funding, based on his mishandlement of money, and with his own parents deceased, DuMont became desperate for a scheme to once more have money.<br><br>It would be safe to say that Andrew and Gwendolyn’s marriage of convenience never blossomed into one of love, or even respect. How could a woman be proud of a man like him? Denied the chance at a happy marriage and mocked by rumors of his mistresses, Gwen took steps to prevent pregnancies, her one act of rebellion that she could not get caught at. If he wanted children so badly, he could damn well accept the scandal and take in one of his bastards. Andrew knew little of the ways of women, and would never have suspected that her morning tea actually contained an infusion of mistletoe, used to prevent conception. He would have never known had it not been for her chambermaid slipping him the information in hopes of drawing his favor.<br><br>Furious, Andrew’s first reaction was to beat her senseless, leaving her sprawled on her bed while he stalked out to the bars to drink away his anger. He was within his right to discipline his wife, and Gwen knew she had no one to turn to. This night, he found himself in a slightly shadier section of town than he normally frequented, closer to the wharf.&nbsp; As he sat there drinking, he overheard men nearby discussing their disappointment at not having found any “lovely lasses to take to India”. Their cargo would be short without at least one. The men sat there fretting. Normally they were able to purchase indentured servants contracts easily enough, but this visit had found them no one worth caring for on the journey from England to India.<br><br>It seemed like such a genius idea, that Andrew jumped on the chance right away. He would be rid of his spiteful wife and have money in his pockets once more as well as be free to remarry. Brilliant! He could even find a way to wring some more out of the Hamiltons to boot. He put his head together with the men, and a plan was hatched to spirit away Gwendolyn. <br><br>When Andrew came home in good spirits, Gwen had just been finishing a sponge bath, and was slipping into a soft chemise and loose gown that would be gentle on her bruised body. She knew that given what had happened the night before, she could not trust his good mood. He was simply too cheerful. By all reasoning, he ought to be more upset still. She hurried to finish her dressing, not wanting to answer him when he called for her. It was with reluctance that she entered his study, but she kept her head held high and with a strong force of will, she moved gracefully into the study as though her body were not in pain. Gwen was stubborn and headstrong. While it got her in much trouble, she was a difficult spirit to break.<br><br>Shopping. He had said he was sorry and he wanted to take her shopping to make up for it. She knew better than to fight his moods. When he got something set in his head, it remained there. With calm dignity, she gathered her items and tidied her look, and they set out into town. <br><br>When the carriage rolled past the dress shop she normally frequented, she knew something was amiss. Andrew refused to answer her when she demanded to know where they were going. He kept his eyes fixed on the window, a little smirk on his lips. The carriage came to a stop in the wharf district and before she could react, the door was flung open and a burly man stuck his head in. He gave a nod of greeting to Andrew, and then turned on her with a wicked grin. “Hush now, miss. Wouldn’t want to make a scene.” His strong hands clamped down on her in a vice like grip and he hauled her forcefully from the cabin. She made a scene, but it did no good. No one in the area cared about a woman being loaded unwillingly onto a boat. Andrew’s cold eyes regarded her through the window as the took her away, that smile growing on his cruel face.&nbsp; He reached up to rap on the roof, signaling the driver to depart. Now, all he need do was contact the Hamiltons about the ransom money... He would offer to handle everything, of course. He would be richer for it, unable to do anything to prevent the kidnappers from oh so conveniently “roughing him up” and making off with the money.<br><br>And Gwendolyn... She found herself locked in the hold of a ship, bobbing with the waves of the ocean. She wasn’t sure where she was destined, but at this point, she wasn’t sure it mattered. How could her own husband have done this to her? Perhaps she had deserved it...? She knew that having a son was important to a man... But as much time as he spent with other women, he probably had several little bastards running around. Wasn’t she in the right for denying him this one thing after he spent so much time running around on her, drinking, and wasting their money? She had been sure once, but now, she was unsure. He had overreacted, and sold her... Thrown her away. She heard stories of girls being abducted, never to be heard of again. Those that did get lucky enough to return home had horrible stories to tell. Her family was not highly ranked.. This event would sully her in her parents view. She was used goods. No one would want her as a wife after something this scandalous... What was she to do? <br>For now, she rested, her bruised body feeling every jolt of the ship. She took her meals at first, in spiteful fits, struggling with the men. As the days wore on and the severity of her situation sunk home, she grew sullen, accepting her food quietly if only to keep up her strength. She considered herself lucky that the men had done little more than paw at her. They seemed to want to keep her in good health for the buyer they had lined up. One counts their blessings where they can.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>03-12-2010, 12:16:06</strong>
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				The trade ship sailed on still waters till night fell and then stopped in a lagoon, a place to rest for the night before setting out the next day. It was the kind of night that had no moon to light the sea and with stars so dim that they barely graced the earth with any light. The men of the ship had all retried for the night or were stuck in the ships galley gambling, drinking, partying, or some combination of the three. Even from the cargo hold they could be heard and most of the conversation was taking a turn toward drunk and horny sailor talk mixed with frustration over so little shore leave. The only one not asleep or partying was the captain, the grizzled old lecher was on the deck and in the process of lighting a cigar. <br><br>Yet in the distance there was another ship waiting and spying on them, the single light of the cigar enough to tip off the crew that there was a ship waiting there. Through the spyglass Jacob could see the deck clearly and he knew that they were all oblivious to what was about to happen. After a long time of scanning the ships deck he closed the spyglass and put it away. Jacob was a large man, exceptionally tall and lean, dressed in leathers that seemed to only to cover what seemed needed in most social structures. "Mason, tell the men to get ready. Its time to raid another ship."<br><br>The man behind him was a barel chested man yet shorter and wider as well. He wore a similar mode of dress yet where Jacob wore the pistol and cutlas at his side this man wore a Falchion over his back. He nodded slowly then whistled, the whistle of a first mate which made many of the crew gather round. "Crew's gathered cap'n." Jacob turned to them then pointed out to the lagoon "Listen up gents. Were hitting a trade ship, theyve got no guards on deck so well take it stealthy with longboats rather then a full on battle. If they give up let em go, if they fight cut them down. Just dont get killed out there. The Starchaser doesnt loose sailors in a fight."<br><br>When the men nodded he ordered the longboats dropped. There were thirty men in all, lead by the captain himself. Each boat rowed up to the edge and then each man climbed the anchor rope till they could get on deck. Jacob was the first, and the moment he got aboard he drew his cutlas and approached the single man on deck. It was easy to tell that they man was the captain of this ship from his mode of dress and how he carried himself. Jacob only grinned as he snuck up behind him, one hand wrapping his hand over the man's mouth as the cutlas was brought up to his throat. Then the attack came, as the men went below deck to handle the crew. In a matter of minutes every crew member of the trade ship was either dead or subdued and locked away in the galley. <br><br>Silence, then comotion, and again silence followed in the cargo hold. Then she could hear the heavy boots walking along the wooden floors making that tap tap tap sound echo in the darkness. When the doors opened she could only see the silhoettes of the pirates behind the bright light of a lantern.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>03-12-2010, 19:56:37</strong>
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				The trip had taken it's toll on Gwendolyn Du Mont. What had once been the voluptuous form of a pampered Duchess, had become dangerously thin resembling a street waif more each day. The gown that she had been kidnapped in had been meticulously washed every time she was offered the chance to bathe, though those times were few and far between, and it now hung on a peg on the wall, damp. Earlier today when they had made land at this isolated cove, she had been allowed out into the lagoon to bathe under the leering gaze of a guard. She didn't think she would ever get used to being stared at in such a manner. When she was finished bathing, she was returned to her hold, hurried along with a swat on the rear when she moved too slowly. <br><br>Most nights she found herself unable to rest, and on those nights when she could it was a fitful sleep filled with nightmares. Tonight was one of the few nights that her exhausted mind gave in and just let her have peace. When she woke to the commotion, it was with a jarring realization that something was wrong. She pushed herself upright in her bed, which was little more than a cot with a thin blanket, and she listened carefully. Gone were the sounds of laughter and drunken revelry that she had heard before through the thin walls of her cell. The cursing was ever prevalent, but it was filled with fierce anger now. There were the sounds of things breaking, metal clashing on metal, and the occasional roar of a pistol.<br><br>In the months that she had been on this ship, this was the first time she had heard a commotion like this. The men had been in brawls before, but those had been accompanied by whooping and cheering, clapping hands and stomping feet. She drew her thin blanket around her to cover her bare shoulders, and to keep in the small amount of warmth she had, her cotton shift damp still from the bath. She crept to the door and stood on tip toes, stretching up to peer out the thin slat in the door.<br><br>She saw a crewman she recognized tumble down. He did not rise. A stranger stepped over him calmly and moved on to help one of his mates. Barely visible in her line of sight was a small group of men sitting calmly as they were tied up, all of them men from this ship that had surrendered. And then it dawned on her. They were being invaded.<br><br>A small flicker of hope lit anew in her breast, bringing a light to her eyes. She had given up on any chance of rescue, long ago. Perhaps these men were here to rescue her? Perhaps people had been looking for her! A second glance at the attacking men made her hope falter. They were not wearing any sort of uniform.. They seemed too rough to be part of a rescue group.<br><br>Gwen backed away from the door quietly and retreated to her cot. She had nothing to defend herself with if they turned out to be worse than the men currently holding her prisoner. They might even kill her.. But, no.. If they were letting those men surrender then there was a strong chance that at least she wouldn't die. She sat down on her cot, shivering from both the chill in the air and her fear. Whatever happened tonight, she vowed to herself to be brave. The door to her cell opened, and she glanced up, blinded by the harsh light of the lantern. She raised a small hand to block out the direct light, wincing at the illumination. Finally, she turned her head away from the light, and drew the blanket closer around her, her heart racing with fear. Unsure of what to do, or of what would happen to her, she sat there quietly. Perhaps, at the very least, if she did not throw a fit then they would not hurt her. That was a lesson she learned quickly on this ship.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>04-12-2010, 09:35:32</strong>
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				The burnin lantern light filled the room, blanketing the rest in darkness that was blacker then the moonless night. The man holding the lanten took a few steps inside and then moved to the side, leavin room for another man to come in. As he came into the light she saw his full face and body. He stood well over six feet tall with a toned build that showe he regularily excersised, yet not like a bodybuilder. Instead his muscle mass was naturally formed like a farm hands. He was dressed in leathers, all brown and thick. His feet were covered with thick black knee hide boots and his chest and stomache were fully visible but with a leather vest over it. He had a rugged face that hadnt been shaved in a while yet with handsome features. <br><br>The man took a few more steps forward till he stood at the edge of the bed and then kneeled down, his face serious. She could tell his eyes were wandering over her. This looked like slave labor to him. Jacob had always tried his best to keep t piracy and let people live in their raids, though it always seemed there were hero's ready to throw away their lives. Yet he hated the more&nbsp; extreme crimes and criminal elements. "Miss, could you tell me who you are and why you're on this ship?" he asked quietly as a hand outstretched and set upon her shoulder, as if to help give her some measure of hope
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				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>04-12-2010, 10:12:39</strong>
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				The quiet tone of his voice was the kindest she had heard in months, and as he laid his hand to rest on her shoulder, her frame gave a slight tremble. There was a hiccuping sound from her and she raised a hand to her eyes to rub away the tears that came rushing, unwanted. She pushed back a lock of strawberry blonde hair from her face, and she tentatively turned her gaze up to him. Her voice cracked as she spoke, a struggle to keep from sobbing. A struggle that she won.<br><br>"I am the Duchess Gwendolyn Du Mont, and I was.." She faltered, not giving into the sobbing, but genuinely not sure of how to continue. She was what? Kidnapped? Sold? Abandoned? "I was.. I displeased my husband. He gave me to these men.." She hid her face in shame, shaking it slightly in frustration as anger began to fill her.&nbsp; "They told me I was to be sold, when we landed. That I was their indentured servant.. I have never been indentured to anyone in my life."<br><br>She turned her eyes up to him with a&nbsp; flash of hope, her fingers tightening in their grip on the blanket. "Are you here to rescue me? Has my father sent help?" She knew well enough that he father hadn't the money needed to mount such a search and rescue, but she had allowed herself to hope of it. She would be swept up by a strong pair of arms and carried away from this nightmare. She would be bathed in lavender water and clothed in fine silks. Everything about this dream would come to an end. She would be able to put it behind her. Even if the captain had been telling the truth about having papers on her, listing her as Gwendolyn Dupree, an indentured chambermaid, her rescuer would overlook those facts, or know them to be lies. <br><br>Or so she had dreamed...
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				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>05-12-2010, 12:58:44</strong>
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				What a terrible fate, one that he wouldnt wish on his worst of enemies let alone a fine woman like this. He wondered why any husband would want to be rid of her, duchess or not she was a looker and unless barren could provide many strong children. It seemed ludicrous but then he never could understand the minds of nobility or even the wealthy. They didnt appreciate life as much as people like his crew for they didnt really live it. <br><br>"Im sure your family sent someone." he began though it was obvious that it was a lie. He doubted anyone was looking for her family, friend, or otherwise. "However Im not in your family's employ. People call me a pirate but Im more of a privateer. I cant garantee that you'll ever get home...in fact judging by your accent I dont think we could take you anywhere near your home. The navy has far to great of a presence. Still, I'll give you a choice. I could use a cabin boy on my boat, you'll sail and get a fair share of the plunder. Then when you want to leave the boat you can take your coin and go, maybe head back home...the other choice is I can leave you here with those men. You can do whatever you want with them. Kill them, sell them into slavery, whatever you want but I can tell you for sure youll need a few of them to sail this boat."<br><br>After a moment he shrugged and looked back at the crew, standing up and turning the lantern toward the cargo hold. "Well boys, it looks like we've got some fine goods here. Couple of bushels of apples, fresh water, smoked meats, and plenty of coins. Lets get to work. Mason, go signal the Starchaser when they pull over start loading the goods and set a bushel of apples in my quarters." As the men moved to start packing things up on deck he turned toward her and smiled again, though it was hidden by the darkness. "I guess you have about an hour to decide what you want to do. Then we'll be gone."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>05-12-2010, 23:43:44</strong>
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				Gwen bowed her head in silence at his false words of comfort, her knuckles whitening as she gripped her blanket tighter. She felt some measure of gratitude that he had taken even such a small effort to comfort her. These past few months had been hard on her, making her welcome any solace she could find. As he proposed his offer of how he might help her, her chin lifted in hope, her eyes fastening on his. Each word was carefully weighed, compared to the nuances of his body as he spoke. He seemed to be a rather straightforward chap about this topic, at least. If she were to trust him, she would basically fulfill her ultimate role of indentured servant and work her way free, or she could be left on this boat, to face who knew what fate.<br><br>She opened her mouth as though to reply, but her voice caught in her throat and she closed her lips again, simply nodding her head in acknowledgment. She didn't need to think on it long to make up her mind. She would take his offer of work, but first she wanted the chance to get dressed properly, even if her dress was still damp. Once, the fabric had been a deliciously soft satin, emerald green. The bodice had been laced over crushed black velvet, and hints of gold filigree were worked in along the ruffles and gatherings of the dress. It had been a beautiful winter dress but now the fabric was limp, ragged, torn. It was a ghost haunting her.<br><br>Once unnamed man had turned from the doorway, she rose and retrieved the dress. She did the best she could to wring more water out of it. It was heavily damp, but it was better than walking around in the cotton under dress and petticoats. She ran her hands nervously through her hair and begun to gather up the long tresses, twisting it up in a simple tail. It was a mundane motion to help calm her nerves, and she had no looking glass to use to see if she looked even remotely passable, but she did feel calmer.<br><br>Taking another moment to gather her courage, Gwen stepped from her cell on her own initiative. She hesitated just outside the doorway, taking a moment to search the deck for the man she had spoken with before. She didn't see him down here in the hold. There were some men hustling to and fro with sacks and crates of items, but none of them appeared to be the man she had spoken with before. The sound of voices came from overhead, footsteps heavy on weathered planks overhead. A commanding voice boomed occasionally over all others, and she assumed that it belonged to the man she had just spoken with previously.<br><br>With mincing steps, she stole across the open area, skirting around the splashes of blood seeping into wood. She crept up the stairs nervously, and had to force herself to keep moving. Eventually, she found herself on the main deck of the ship, wind whipping loose strands of hair across her eyes as she emerged. She took a moment to glance around, unsure of just where to find the man she had spoken with. Anxious, she dared to stop the next sailor that passed close, proud of how she managed to keep her voice firm. "Sir. Would you please be ever so kind as to direct me to your Captain?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>06-12-2010, 12:05:03</strong>
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				The man was a grizzled old veteran with thick yet short dark brown hair on his head, except for the increasing size of his bald spot. His face was weathered but covered with an even thicker beard that was braided into two seperate braids and held together with a pair of bronze clasps. He was dressed much like the captain was earlier and armed just as well. The man looked over her showing a disapproving look though what he disapproved of could have been anyones guess. He pointed out to the sea at the other ship pulling up. "Cap'n took a longboat back aboard the Starchaser. Soon as we start loadin' cargo you can go over."<br><br>It didnt take long for the ships to come side to side and it took even less time for the crew to prepare a sturdy rope bridge over the water. Each sailor took over sacks, boxes, or other items and set them in the cargo hold then returned and the process continued till the very last of it was taken over. As they did so Jacob came back out, slipping his hat on, yet he let his first mate Mason supervise the raid. He saw her, standing on the bow of the spice trader ship and smiled <br><br>There was no way that she or really anyone in her position would stay there. It was far to risky without having the knowledge to set sail yet the irony was if she had sold those men off she could have gotten home within a week. He walked over to the bridge and waved her over, knowing that she had indeed decided to join his crew.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 04:31:22</strong>
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				Gwen kept her chin up under the disapproving look, her blue eyes meeting his daringly. She had no idea what he found so distasteful about her, though she could hazard a guess. She had heard tell that a woman aboard a ship was often viewed as bad luck. Perhaps he found her to be a bad omen. She gave him a nod of thanks, and a small smile as he pointed out the other ship pulling up. Her heart skipped a beat as she stepped up to the railing, wrapping her fingers around it. This was really happening. She was really about to let go of the life she had known and abandon all hope of ever being rescued. She knew there was no one looking for her.. No rescue coming. Logic dictated that she was on her own. She did not know how to sail a ship so If she had&nbsp; let the men free to sail the ship, then she would be right back in her previous situation. She did not want to accept the offer, but she was a practical woman and she knew this was her best bet.<br><br>She watched the men set up the rope bridge between the two ships and a shiver danced down her spine. She could see the water churning below the bridge,&nbsp; hungry entity that would surely claim any who were unlucky enough to fall. The men crossed the bridge nimbly and without fear, earning a spot of admiration from her.&nbsp; In watching, she spotted Jacob step into view, settling his hat on his head. She wondered briefly what sort of man he was. If he was as fair as he had seemed earlier, than perhaps she stood a fair chance of surviving this whole ordeal. She might be able to make it home on her own. But would she be welcomed home? <br><br>She watched Jacob walk across the deck of the ship, stopping at the rope bridge. His casual smile and confidant gait seemed somehow reassuring. When he waved her over from his side of the bridge, she took a deep breath and moved opposite him, pausing at the flimsy bridge. Could she do this? She really had no other choice. With great trepidation and no small amount of anxiety, she forced herself to step out onto the swaying bridge, grasping at the railing with tense fingers. She took one step and then another, her gaze fixated on where she was putting her feet. <br><br>A particularly strong wave caused the boats to rock, sending the bridge to swaying, and she let out a most girlish squeak of fear and froze in her spot. Eyes closed, she begun to utter a soft prayer, trembling. The swaying was not getting any less, and she opened her eyes and continued her careful, dainty steps. She thought she was being rather brave for a woman of her stature.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 11:54:05</strong>
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				As she walked across the bridge Jacob stood there, talking to one of the men as he watched her. He noticed her apprehension from the beginning and wasnt in the least bit surprised when she nearly fell due to a strong wave. He walked forward, standing at the edge of the bow and kept watching her. "Come on now! If you want to be on this boat you've gotta learn to do things like this. Even the most pampered queen could pull herself up from that little swell." <br><br>There was something in his voice, confrontational but at the same time reassuring. The only way he was going to intervene was if she fell off the bridge altogether, for now he expected her to pull herself up and walk over here just like any new sailor. Once again he smiled and crossed his arms over his chest, calling out to her as she struggled "I dont expect you to have the skills of a veteran but I do expect you to get up when you fall!"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>07-12-2010, 12:23:41</strong>
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				Her eyes flashed up to meet his in irritation, no longer watching where she placed her feet on the bridge. Lifted some by his words, she was at the same time irritated by them. She knew very well that she had to get used to this sort of thing, and here she was thinking she was doing well only to be chided. A determined look settled on her features and she straightened her back, refusing to look down as she crossed the rest of the way. Another swell did cause her face to whiten and her step to falter, but she made it across the flimsy bridge. She stepped onto the deck, grateful for the solid, if unsteady, footing.<br><br>"Sir, you might find that very little can keep me down." Her words held a haughty air to them, sure of herself. She had set her mind to this task, and like it or not, she fully intended to see it through to the best of her ability. She had been raised in a life full of culture and finery, but that did not mean that she was weak. "I have decided to accept your offer in regards to a position on this ship."<br><br>Standing there looking like a street urchin playing dress up in a noblewoman's castoffs, Gwendolyn Du Mont did not strike an impressive figure. It was a wonder that this offer was even made to her, and she set her resolve to make sure she did well enough that the offer was not rescinded. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>08-12-2010, 12:27:21</strong>
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				"Welcome aboard the Starchaser." was all he said in response but something about the look he gave her said he was impressed that she hadnt just given up and called for help. Just then one of the other men came up, paying both of them a look before he butted in. "Cap'n Mason wanted me to tell ya the cargo's set."<br><br>Jacob nodded in return "tell him to weigh anchor, I have to see to our new crewmate." Then he turned toward her, setting his hands on his hips as he gave her an appraising look. "Well first things first, gotta get you a change of clothes and a bunk. Come on." he said before turning away from here and heading down into the holds. They didnt go very far down till they came to a storage area where he started digging around in the crates. <br><br>It took awhile but eventually he threw out a change of clothes simialr to what the rest of the crew wore as well as a hammock then stepped outside. He left the door cracked but kept his back to it, giving her some mediocre semblance of privacy. "Go ahead and get changed. Were gonna treat you just like a cabin boy, you'll be under my wing mostly and you'll learn the finer points of sailing. If you got a problem with the ship or crew you talk to the first mate, Mason. If you ever arent sure who to talk to about other issues, talk to Mason first. Like cabin boys, you'll set your bunk up in my quarters."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>08-12-2010, 15:24:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Thank you. I wish I could say it was a pleasure to be here," she said dryly. Gwen followed Jacob across the deck of the ship and then down into the holds. She made sure to pay attention as they went, doing her best to memorize the layout and remember where things were. She knew that if she was going to stand any chance at making this work, she was going to have to prove her worth.<br><br>She accepted the supplies that he handed her, watching the small pile grow in her arms. Not a dress in sight. Her inner voice wailed in sorrow, though her expression showed only a hint of resignation. She would have been a fool to think she could continue to wear dresses while actively working on a ship. When he stepped outside and pulled the door to, she could still hear his voice just fine, and she waited patiently for him to finish speaking, one hand on the door. Wait.. Had he said she would be sleeping in his room?<br><br>Gwen drew the door open, poking her head out, the bundle still clutched to her chest. "Pardon me. But I must have heard you wrong. I am to be residing where?" One slender brow raised in an inquisitive motion. "Certainly not in your room. That would be highly improper." She did not even try to keep the indignation out of her voice as she spoke.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>09-12-2010, 09:45:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Improper by whos standards?" he questioned as he leaned against the frame, watching the hall and a few of the men walk by on their way to the galley, the barracks, or on deck. He let the question sink in before he spoke again, in a matter of fact tone "If you're speaking about the kind of family you come from then you're right. However you arent on some nobles land with servants waiting on you. You are on the sea a far more dangerous and savage place. We have our own rules here and our own expectations. If you cant do what any other cabin boy could then perhaps it was a mistake to come on board."<br><br>There was no question that this was something she would have to deal with while on board the Starchaser. It had been a tradition for centuries before and worked well for all concerned. Jacob wasnt one to shy away from traditions that worked, and countless ships throughout the past had proven it was for the betterment of new recruits to be near the captain at all times as they learned. Just like all other apprenticeships.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>09-12-2010, 17:28:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen's lips dropped open in a retort, though they quickly closed again as she bit it off. While she was a headstrong woman, she was able to keep her temper in check better than most. Her expression read quite clearly that she was not pleased, and she stepped back, promptly shutting the door in his face. She did not slam the door. That would have been unladylike. But once that door was shut, she did utter a most unladylike swear of frustration. <br><br>Setting the pile of supplies down on one of the crates, she begun the chore of shimming out of the damp swaths of clothing, hesitating as she got down to her shift and corset. Was she supposed to wear nothing under these clothes? It made sense. Men wore nothing.. She hated the thought of giving up her last shred of femininity, but she did so. Off came the corset. Off came the shift. She drew on the shirt and then the pants swiftly. The material wrapping around each leg felt odd, and made her feel vulnerable. Exposed.<br><br>When she was finished dressing, she neatly folded her own clothing and snagged the remained of the supplies he had given her. The clothes fit remarkably well, save for the shirt being overly large. The vest did well enough to help hold the shirt in place. The britches would need to be taken in in places, but they fit. The remarkable feat was that the boots were a comfortable fit. Her hair was easily pulled back from her face with a length of red ribbon, and in all, she thought she looked the part of a pirate rather well.<br><br>Finished, she gathered up her gear and pulled the door open, stepping back out into the hall with the Captain. "Well, what next?" She gave him a look of defiant challenge, refusing to be discouraged by his prior words.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>10-12-2010, 11:10:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Before he said anything he looked over her in detail, taking in every inch from her toes and all the way up to her head. The entire look was like he was sizing her up, already judging wheather she looked the part of a sailor or not. After a long pause he nodded his head, giving an approving smile as he looked at her face. "All things considered it looks good on you. Remember that looking the part is important, the infamy of Pirates can be one of the best detterants. If someone see's you sporting that style of dress they'll think you have a bunch of the crew nearby and then think twice about doing anything stupid. We'll get to port in two days and then we'll spend some coin and get you a weapon too. Just in case someone does do something stupid..."<br><br>He shrugged then, noting the rest of the gear piled in her arms and took a moment to light a lantern to take with them. "Right then, come on. Lets get your bunk set up." he said before leading her back up on deck. At the end of the ship was a raised level and under it was a single door. The captain opened it up to show a large room within that was undoubtably the captains room. There was a huge bed set against the far wall with the light of the moon and stars shining in. By the lanterns light she could see a book case stacked full of books and with rolled up papers. Yet there was also a long table with all manner o fmaps and mapping tools laid out. "Welcome to my bunk." he said as he walked in, then held the lantern up and pointed toward one corner where there was a post. "You can set your hammock up there. Thas your bunk because I would rather not have a woman staying with all the crew. If were out at sea for awhile they might get some...unpleasant ideas "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>10-12-2010, 12:31:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen stood still while he sized her, a slight smirk twitching at the corners of her mouth as she almost opened her mouth to speak, but then thought better of it. <em>Would you like to check my gums too?</em> His appraisal was so thorough, she felt pleased when he gave his nod of approval. The promise of land in a few days brought a little flutter of excitement to her chest, and then she considered his next words. Her mind thought of all the 'stupid' things one might try with a pirate, and suddenly, she wasn't all to sure that she wanted to leave the ship. Already, she was beginning to feel as though the ship offered her some measure of safety that the rest of the world did not. "I do so hope that if someone does do something stupid, it will only be at a time when I am well learned enough to properly handle myself," she mused, frowning slightly.<br><br>She followed him across the deck, again marveling at the feel of wearing britches instead of her skirt, and stepped with him through the door. She stood just inside the doorway, glancing around the room and taking in stock of all the details. Her eyes stopped on the bed and for just a brief moment, that outer wall of toughness and haughty composure crumbled. For just a moment, a flash of yearning appeared, softening her features. How long had it been since she had enjoyed the comforts of a genuine bed? <br><br>As his words reached her, telling her where to set up her bunk, her hammock, her features closed again. That protective shell of haughty composure fell back in place and she stiffened her spine as resolve settled in. He had a good point about her not staying with the rest of the crew, but could she trust him to be any better? Her glance at him asked as much, though she did not voice her question, not wishing to be rude. "I trust you will allow me some semblance of privacy in here for changing and bathing? And perhaps be willing to help me with setting up this ... bunk...?" Truthfully, she had never before so much as sat in a hammock. <br><br>She walked further into the room, crossing slowly to the area he had appointed as hers, setting her stuff down. She grabbed the hammock from the pile and shook it out, unsure of what to do with the mess of netting. She glanced back over her should at him and gave him a hint of a smile. "I promise, you will need only to show me once, sir."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>14-12-2010, 08:00:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He kicked out the two ends, pulling the netting open so she could see the cloth inside that helped make it comfortable. "I suppose nobility wouldnt know how to set such a thing on. First thing is first, the rope ends. Wrap them around the beams just under your waist height." He did exactly that, wrapping the rope around one beam a few times. "Now watch, you want a slipknotso that when you lay down in it it will get tighter." With that he slowly tied the rope to the beam, making sure to give her plenty of time to observe.<br><br>"Now its your turn." he said while walking over to his own bed. By the side of it was a few barrels secured to the wall and he pulled out a pair of green apples from it. "You can have one when your bunk is ready." he said as if expecting her to fail several times. No one ever got it the first time. Still as she worked on her bunk he took his own apple and chowed down, waiting patiently for her to finish up. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>14-12-2010, 08:41:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am not quite sure that I would qualify as Nobility in any sense.. Generally that is a title reserved for the queen and her family.. My family had nothing but money before they foisted me off on the Duke." She kept her voice calm, her words curt as she attempted to mimic his knot. It seemed sturdy enough and she gave it a test, sitting down gingerly in the netting. It begun to slide almost immediately on her end of the post, and she stumbled to catch herself before she fell on her rear. Her face flushed in embarrassment and she spared him a sheepish look before she sorted herself out and tried again.<br><br>"The Duke, however, is a spoiled cousin, whose failures are overlooked and allowed at great extreme." Her words remained clipped, a touch of bitterness creeping in to them. "It would seem he can do no wrong." She finished tightening the rope again for the third time now, and again gave it a testing tug before sitting. This time when she sat, the ropes creaked and sagged slightly, but supported her weight. She glanced up from her perch with a triumphant smile on her face, swinging just a little. <br><br>That gentle motion was all it took to loosen the ropes and send her tumbling to the ground in a most undignified manner. She sat there with a rather startled look on her face before sheepishly standing and rubbing at her backside. Her face held a wince of pain, but she bit her tongue as she tried for the fourth time to get it right. "I've half a mind to sleep on the floor," she muttered under her breath. The simple exertion of struggling with her task had left her cheeks flushed, a testament to how active her life had been on the trader ship these past couple months. Still, she finally managed to secure the dratted contraption and have it remain upright. She rested where she was for a good long moment, sighing heavily. <br><br>She turned her head a bit to glance across at him, a small measure of curiosity in her voice as she spoke next. "Thank you for giving me this chance.. But why did you do it? I thought most sailors viewed a woman on board as bad luck.." Clearly being off of the other ship and away from all the men, combined with her chore of setting up her bed, had relaxed her and calmed her enough for her to be at ease around him for the time being.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>17-12-2010, 19:45:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He had to stifle a chuckle each time her knot failed, though even through his politness she could see he found each failure amusing. That was the thing about comedy, when a person was looking at a situation from the outside it was funny and yet when they were in that position it wasnt. <br><br>As the knot seemed finally secure he returned to his bed, taking a few more bites of the apple while she tested it, thought a moment later he found her question catching him off guard. At first he only smiled and shrugged, but later as the last bite of the fruit fell down his throat he spoke clearly. "Theres a lot of reasons. I believe in trying to do the right thing and loving ones neighbor, like Christ taught us. Taking you away from that boat certainly qualifies...but then why are we pirates? Im sure that question just poped into your head. The answer is, its not by choice but necessity. The shipping lanes, ports, and waters of most countries across Europe have become so drowned in taxes and tithes that its impossible for an honest crew to make a living. To be a captain today you have to bribe politicians and criminal overlords, I'll have none of that and neither will my men. We try to do more legitimate business like shipping goods and transporting people but usually we have to raid merchant ships just to stay alive and be free. Most of us would do anything for one more day of feeling the wind on our face or smelling the salty air of the seas."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>17-12-2010, 20:12:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His reasoning brought a smile to Gwen's face, a little seed of respect having just been planted. She believed him when he spoke. Something about what he said was just so sincere, she couldn't help but trust him. "I respect that. You do have a hard life out here. I do now as well, I suppose. It's easy for someone to look and not see all of the details in a picture." She sat up, placing both feet on the floor to steady her swinging motion and stood, crossing the cabin to stand before him.<br><br>Gwen held out one hand, palm up, still smiling a little. "I do believe I have earned that apple now." She hadn't had fresh fruit in so long, her mouth was moist at the thought of how delicious it would taste, tart and sweet at the same time in her mouth. She glanced down at him with a thoughtful expression, her smile broadening just a bit. Perhaps being on this boat wouldn't be bad at all. She had gone through an awful lot in the last few months, and she had desired to be free of her husband for some time.. But how could she have ever guessed that it would be like this? For the first time, she genuinely felt.. free.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>20-12-2010, 17:34:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The moment she mentioned the apple he tossed it right to her with a smile, shrugging a bit as he felt genuinely pleased with how she was acting. It seemed that she was going to get along fine with the crew and he couldnt really ask for more at the moment, though he wondered how she would start to act when things got harder. Only time would tell. <br><br>Still with darkness already having come and it growing late he had to see to the last few things before the day was done and the night crew took over. "How longs it been since you ate?" he asked, as he got up and stretched. "The galley should have something ready for us then its to bed. You have a hard day ahead of you tommorrow and with the storms coming youll need all the strength you can get."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>20-12-2010, 21:44:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She took a bite of the apple, savoring the tart sweetness of it before answering. "Not counting this apple.. I had a little bread this morning. It has been a while since I have had a substantial meal.." She pursed her lips in thought, and then smiled wryly. "On the bright side, I'm getting my girlish figure back." Before her two month ordeal on that horrid ship, she had been safely on the plump side. Now her figure had evened out, was much leaner. She personally thought she could stand to gain weight at this point.<br><br>At the mention of storms, she gave Brandon a nervous look. She counted herself fortunate to have been able to ride out the storms in her cell on the other ship. Would he be expecting her to be up in the thick of things when the storm hit?&nbsp; "Well, I guess I better eat and then try to get some sleep.. I have a lot to learn, I suppose.. When do you think it will storm?"<br><br>She wasn't sure how adept he was at forecasting the weather, but she hoped he had at least some clue. She wanted to make sure she learned as much as she could before the storm hit. If she were washed overboard it would be a sad end to her story. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>21-12-2010, 18:22:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Judging by the clouds, three or four hours. Could be less or more, out here predicting the weather is never a sure thing, best we can do is make educated guesses." He got up and stretched again, breathing in heavily while giving out a slight groan that told he was a bit tired as well. "If you're ready lets head down to the galley, see what cooks worked up tonight or you can go without and get some sleep. Its up to you."<br><br>With that he stepped out, letting her follow or stay as she desired. He went below deck and stopped at a wide open breach that lead into a mix of long tables and benches set out. The smell of a hearty stew filling the room as well as talk from the crew that had gathered. As he walked by he gave many of them a wave, a nod, and some even a verbal greeting but found himself stopping to get a bowl of the stew and then sat down at the captains table to eat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>21-12-2010, 18:34:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She followed him, of course. Hunger dictated that she would get no sleep on an empty stomach, and he had been right about needing energy. As they walked into the dining area, she was assaulted by the scent of the stew. Food had never smelled so good before. Her stomach gave a rumble of anticipation and she felt some small measure of embarrassment. <br><br>She paid attention to the way the crew greeted him as they walked, and she tried not to feel self conscious about her clothing. A woman in mans clothing was simply unheard of. The way the clothing clung to her curves, putting her on display, left her feeling naked. She felt vulnerable. Still, she kept close at his heels, fetching herself a bowl of stew as well. <br><br>Unaware if it was proper or not to sit with him, she took a seat at the table. Gwen muttered a soft prayer of thanks before dipping her spoon into the bowl and lifting a bite to her mouth. The savory sensation hit her tongue and she sighed happily. Two months ago she would have found the meal crude, vile. Now, she was simply grateful and she ate in silence, wondering what the storm would bring.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>23-12-2010, 02:32:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked up a bit surprised, noticing the rest of the crews looks of uncertainty. Many of them muttered something under their breaths about the new cabin boy, but the captain payed the group a dirty look as he heard it. They would have to work those problems out when on duty but for now he was content in letting them know to drop it. <br><br>After a moment he took a long drink of water to help wash the meal down and breathed in deeply. "Annabelle, you're a member of the crew. Unless invited to the captains table, you should eat with the rest of the crew. Its not an issue this time, but keep it in mind for the next time. "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>23-12-2010, 06:16:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She felt her spine stiffen in a mild anger at the words flowing around them. She ignored them though. They were to be expected. No matter what, she knew she would always be viewed as a woman, and she would be the newest, least experienced member for a long time, she imagined. She understood all this, and struggled with a feeling of helplessness. All her life it had always been a man's world. Now, it was even moreso than ever. <br><br>Gwen's cheeks were flushed in what might have been mistaken for a blush, but was truly anger. "It's Gwendolyn. Gwen, if you wish. I apologize for the mistake." She grabbed her items and stood, giving him a polite bow. She knew he said she could stay this time, but if she did that then it would just be that much harder for her to find a place to fit in with his crew. She made her way to the closest empty seat and set her dishes back down again.<br><br>As she spooned the stew into her mouth, she did her best to ignore what was going on around her. The looks, the whispers. She let them roll off of her. She had not taken much to eat, given the fact that her belly had shrunk over the past couple months. She couldn't eat much at once. Her food was finished rather quickly and she waited a moment, watching to see what another crew member did with his utensils before doing the same herself.<br><br>She wanted to get back to that hammock and get settled in before the Captain, if possible. She was miserable and some sleep would do her well. <em>Take it easy Gwen. It's going to be hard, but just stick with it. You can always leave at the next port ... though the ports that these men may frequent probably wont be good..</em> She tried to give herself a pep talk, but it was hard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>28-12-2010, 19:21:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she left he looked up, paying her a handsome smile as she made her way over to one of the other tables. He could only sit there and think that it was best for her to go and make some friends with the crew. The more of them she knew, worked with, and saw around the ship the more they would depend on her and the more she could depend on her. <br><br>Most of them were having conversations between themselves and a few were spending their times with a pair of dice as they gambled to pass the time and wind down from the day. The captain sat quietly at first till his first mate came to take a seat and then it was business again. Jacob never got much of a chance to wind down himself, the only time he wasnt working was when he was in port and now was no different. He spent almost an hour at the table going over plans with his first mate but eventually he set his things in the wash basin and headed back upstairs to his cabin. <br><br>When he arrived he didnt pay much attention to anything or anyone, instead he just slipped off his clothes and fell forward on his bed, laying there nude as he felt tired from the whole day. The raids were always hard on him, for he always worried about loosing a crew member and damaging the ship. His only comforting thought was perhaps tommorrow would be better<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>29-12-2010, 22:59:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dinner was over quick enough and she had managed to return to the cabin before the captain, grateful for the brief moment of solitude in the room. Today had been a long chain of events that had her feeling weary, yet alert. Her nerves were too high strung to properly rest, and she had taken a book from the bookcase to read as she lay in her hammock. She had been sorely tempted by the bed, but had refrained from lounging on it. Her muscles missed a soft mattress but she was stubborn and ignored the temptation.<br><br>Sleeping attire was something she had been unsure of. She hadn't many clothes to wear, and didn't wish to sleep in what he had given her. She could change into the shift she had been wearing when he found her, and sleep in it, but then there was the uncomfortable thought of having to get dressed again in the morning when he was there. In the end, she settled for the uncomfortable option of keeping just the shirt and pants on to sleep in. If he was right about storms coming, it would be easier to get up and about if she were already clothed.<br><br>When he finally entered the room, Gwen glanced up from the book, curled up in the surprisingly comfortable hammock. She expected a greeting of some sort, informal or no, but it was as if he had forgot she would be there. His clothing was left in a trail from the door to the bed, and she blushed as she saw he was completely nude. She should have looked away, but she caught herself admiring his lean form. <br><br>Gwen drew the book up, hiding the blush on her cheeks as he lay on the bed, not moving. "Ah... Captain?" Surely he wasn't asleep already. "Is this.. a regular occurrence?" As indecent and improper as it was, at least he was pleasant to look at if it was.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>01-01-2011, 10:01:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the time she had said something his eyes were already closed and he had just begun to drift off into that peaceful state before he would really be asleep. Yet her voice made his eyes snap back open and he lifted his head, looking over into the shadowy corner. He knew what she was getting at though as tired as he was he felt a bit annoyed. <br><br>After a moment he lifted himself up and slipped between the sheets, though the sheet only stayed over his legs and waist while the rest of his upper body was completely visible. "It is, get some sleep." he answered as he laid back, the tone in his voice sounding like he had been up for three days straight without even a nap. Something had exhausted him since they last spoke and it showed mostly in his voice but also on his face, even when draped in the shadows
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>01-01-2011, 16:51:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was little warning as he shifted his body to slide between the sheets, allowing her another glimpse naked flesh. He seemed so tired now, when he had seemed fine earlier. Had he been hiding his weariness? Compassion warred with propriety as Gwen watched him settle once more. Even though to her the room felt chilly, he only bothered getting the sheet as far as his hips before passing out.<br><br>Moving quietly, Gwen swung her bare feet out of the hammock, setting them to the chilly wood floor with deliberate slowness. He was right, she ought to get some sleep instead of struggling to read by a tiny lamplight. She tiptoed across the floor, wincing at every creak, and shelved the borrowed book. Today had been long and tiring for her, and though the book had helped her to take her mind off of things and unwind, it hadn't worked well enough. <br><br>She hesitated by the bookcase, watching his sleeping face for any signs of waking. She may have also been slightly guilty of admiring, but there was no one to give away her little secret. As tired as he seemed, she worried a little about him. It was much easier to get sick when your body was wore down from exhaustion. She watched him another long moment, before decided that he seemed to genuinely be asleep, and then she crept to the edge of his bed.<br><br>Gwen drew the covers up over him to his shoulders, warding off the slight chill in the cabin. She wondered what had made him so exhausted, but her mind could come up with few explanations that satisfied her. Hopefully he would get a decent amount of sleep tonight. She turned and begun gathering the clothing he had strewn on the floor as he came in. She folded it all neatly and placed it in a little pile on his table, then set the boots just under it. This done, she crept back to her hammock and settled herself into the netting with a little sigh. She was warm enough with her blanketing, but as she closed her eyes to try and drift to sleep, she still wished for a bed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>04-01-2011, 09:34:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				If he even realized her walk across the room or her covering him up he made no indication of it. All she would see was him laying on the bed, his chest rising and falling. He had passed right out into a peaceful but very needed slumber and almost nothing would wake him from it. Soon dreams would come, beautiful dreams of himself experiencing all those things that young men dream of. Being the hero who fights down an enemy and saves the day. Spending a day and night with a caring lover. Those were his dreams, common but they were still his. <br><br>He would sleep all night without waking even once, yet just before dusk the ship would begin to sway and become colder as the skies became stormy ones with heavy winds, rain, and huge waves. Then without warning the entire ship wrenched to the side nearly sending them both tumbling toward the wall!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>04-01-2011, 23:43:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The rocking motion of the ship had eased her asleep quickly once she had the light extinguished, and she had been sleeping somewhat heavily, not dreaming. It was the first night of relaxed sleep she had in a long time, and her body was welcoming it. When the temperature fell and the boat begun to pitch in the angry sea, she was slowly stirring awake. The next angry swell of water that threatened to dump her from her bed brought her fully awake with a startled cry and she clutched at the netting around her, terrified of being dumped on the ground.<br><br>Looking around, she could make out little in the darkness of the ship. There was a crack of lightning outside, and in the flash of light, she took note of where the lamp was. The clothing she had folded so carefully was strewn across the table it had been placed on, and the floor as well. The captain must still be in the room then, though she had heard nothing from him. <br><br>Gwendolyn could almost laugh at herself as she struggled to get out of the hammock and put her boots on. She had been on this ship for how long now? She had dressed and eaten and slept.. and she did not, for the life of her, know the Captain's name. Other things had seemed more important at the moment than finding out the name of some low life sea dog. The duchess found herself hanging on to the post the hammock was anchored to for support as she watched one boot slide away when the ship pitched again.<br><br>Frightened, Gwen waited then pursued the boot across the floor, determined to get it. The ship pitched again and another crack of lightning illuminated her slim form tumbling to the floor. She gave a girlish shriek as she tumbled and slid, only to find herself reunited with her boot. She slid the boot on, and then grabbed hold of something sturdy, nervous. <br><br>When she had been down int he hold of the previous ship, the few storms they had sailed through had not seemed so bad. Being up above the water made the pitching of the boat more pronounced, but she found that she was not as frightened as she had been during her first storm. She would get through this.<br><br>"Captain?" She called out to Jacob, wondering if he was awake, and if so, what she needed to do.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 10:59:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He had slept like a baby throughout the entire night and had good dreams, overall it gave him the chance to refresh himself and now that he was rested his senses became sharp again. With the sun just beginning the rise over the horizon Jacob sat up, letting the blanket fall away to show his entire body in all its glory once again. Yet as another wave crashed against the ship he nearly went barreling toward the wall. <br><br>He took only a moment to look outside the window before a bit of panic showed on his face. Then he quickly slipped on his pants and arms before charging outside, his only parting message was "Get dressed, theres work to do!" <br><br>It was a heavy storm outside, a monsoon in fact with winds that would tear sails in twain with a single gust and capsize the largest of trading vessels but as they came outside there was yet another problem. The largest lurch of the ship wasnt caused by any wave but by another ship that seemed to be floating just next to theirs, not a soul on deck. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 12:10:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen directed her gaze out the window after Jacob's look of fear, and the sight of the other ship so close gave her quite a shock. In the dim light outside she could also see no one on it trying to control it in the storm. Could the storm have claimed them all? Or perhaps the ship had been abandoned by other pirates and it's belly was full of the dead.<br><br>Gwen shuddered at the thought and when Jacob was dressed, she followed him out of the room in a hurry. She had no idea what to do, but she knew she was expected to contribute. She only wished that she had been given a chance to learn something of the ship before such a storm had hit. Lives could easily be lost in a mess like this with just one mistake, and Gwendolyn had no desire to be that mistake.<br><br>"Sir! What do I need to do?!" Her voice held a pitch of panic to it and she struggled to keep her footing on the wet deck as it pitched and rolled in the sea.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>07-01-2011, 10:54:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was looking over the side of the ship, assessing the damage. There were broken beams from the impact but nothing bad enough that it had to be fixed immediately. With that done he looked about at the gathered crew and called out three names: Jenkins, Grant, and Nicholas. "You three are going aboard with me, well take a look at the ship and if its as bad as it looks we'll salvage it."<br><br>He turned back toward their new cabin boy and shrugged. "Stay here Gwen. Its a good chance for you to learn what we do here when we salvage a vessel." he paused and looked about before pointing to one of the veterans of the ship. In fact it was the same man that paid her the less then hospitable welcome back on the ship that was taking her to India. "Garrath, see to our cabin boy here. Take her under your wing and show her how we prepare for these things."<br><br>The man looked a bit rough just like the last time they had met but he nodded. "Right. I'll put her to work cap'n. Alright lass, lets go. First things first&nbsp; we need to drop the sails b'fore the winds push us to far out. Ya ain't afriad of hieghts are ya?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>07-01-2011, 12:22:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doing her best to ignore the vessel beside their ship for now, Gwen followed along with Garrath. "I would like to think I'm fine with heights.. But I have never had to test that theory on the open sea. I suppose we will find out, will we not?"<br><br>She was afraid of doing something wrong and causing harm to the ship or it's crew, but Gwen followed Garrath's lead well enough. It seemed as though she had truly put her mind to doing her best while on this ship. The strength needed to handle some of the rigging would come later. For now, she focused on knowledge. She had to remember which rope went where and when, as well as where various movable parts would go as well. It was a lot for someone of her upbringing to learn.<br><br>While at first she was scared from the whole situation, her fear ebbed away as she focused on what needed to be done. She was a strong woman at her core.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>09-01-2011, 12:42:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Just remember three points of contact on the rigging. Any less and you gotta good chance of falling off into the sea or breaking something when ya hit the deck. Lets get to it." he said before making his way up the ladder like rigging over the side. He stopped on occasion to look back down, making sure that Gwen was following. When they got to the top he pointed to a set of knots in arms length and spoke agian, this time raising his voice so she could hear him over the wind and rain. "Alright its simple, ya grab that rope and pull it loose. The sail will fall to the deck. Everyone knows were up here but in the future check to make sure the decks clear." With that he grabbed one of the low hanging ropes and swung over to the other side, stopping where he could untie the other side with a single tug when she pulled hers loose<br><br>While they were busy Jacob and the other men swung over on some low hanging ropes and entered the holds<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>10-01-2011, 15:24:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen hurried across the deck after Garrath, listening carefully to his instructions. When they reached the ladder, she was suddenly not so sure about her claim to no fear of heights. The warning to have contact with the ladder at all times was not in vain. With the pitching and heaving of the ship, Gwen found herself tossed about quite easily as she worked her way up the ladder.<br><br>She was quickly finding herself drenched from the rain and she was very glad her hair was tied back out of her face. She reached the knots he was instructing her to loosen, that two foot span seemed like a twenty foot canyon. Garrath swung away on one of the low hanging ropes and Gwen was amazed that he didn't fall to the deck.<br><br>She hooked an arm over the mast as she scooted out to tug at the knots holding the sail in place, her fingers cold and wet in the rain. She got the ropes loose and the knots undone and watched the sail begin to fall from where it was attached, then her gaze swung to the other ship. She tried to make out what was happening on it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>11-01-2011, 15:12:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sails dropped easily, making a loud crack against the deck that could be heard even all the way up the mast. On the other side Garrath waved to get Gwen's attention before pointing toward the deck and making his way back down the rope ladder. Then just as they started their descent the cannons went off. Not the cannons of their ship but the ones of their salvaged ship. Each cannon ball slamming into their hull and rocking the ship violently. <br><br>The entire situation made the rest of the crew nearly panic, though down on the deck the first mate pulled them all together, making orders to invade the ship with everyone on deck as well as everyone below. There was no telling what was really going on aboard that ship but with the sails now down it was clear they could only board the ship and fight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>11-01-2011, 22:27:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Terror gripped her and Gwen was unable to still the shrill scream of terror that rose from deep inside as the cannons thundered and the boat heaved violently. She clung to the ladder tightly, and even still, she found her grip slipping. She felt the rung slip from her fingers and her body pitched down a good five inches before fate was so kind as to allow her to grasp the next rung, saving her from a hard fall.<br><br>"Garrath! What's going on?!" She could see the men below, armed and ready to fight. Some were already beginning to board the other ship, their rowdy cried lifting into the air with a savage cadence.<br><br>Oh no. The captain had gone over.. Was he dead? In trouble? Gwen hurried down the ladder after Garrath. For all of her fear, she was not hesitating to keep moving. Still, she had been issued no weapons yet. What if she needed to defend herself? Other women might had been cowering in fear, bawling in terror. Gwen had taken the terror and balled it up, tucking it away for later. Right now, she wanted to survive.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>13-01-2011, 09:53:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The grizzled veteran looked down at the deck, scanning both ships from their high perch and paying careful attention to the crew boarding the other ship. "I think we got caught in a trap. No telling who set it, just get down to the deck and well figure it out then." With that he climbed down quickly, his experience clearly showing as he was like a spider<br><br>When on deck he pulled the pistol from his belt, loading it up and then taking the cutlas on the same hip out. Each one held ready in each hand yet he still waited for her to join him. The second she came down he would hand the pistol to her. "Here, now were going over. Someone comes at you you point the barrel at em and pull the trigger."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>13-01-2011, 12:25:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She made it down the ladder without the nimbleness that Garrath had shown, but she made it down safely and that was all that mattered to her. When he feet touched the dock once more, she turned, moving up behind Garrath. He passed the butt of the gun to her and she accepted it, one small hand wrapping around the stock.<br><br>"Oh God.. I've never shot a gun before, let alone a person."&nbsp; Still, she kept the weapon, pointing it down as she followed closely. She prayed she would not have to use the gun, but she was willing to do so. <br><br>"A trap by other pirates or by a military force?" If it was a military force and the military won, maybe she could go home.. She wasn't considering betraying the crew, but there was still a part of her that wanted off the boat pretty badly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>15-01-2011, 11:21:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Dunno. Could be pirates, could be military, could be privateers hoping to pull a fast one, could be a big misunderstanding. Theres only one way to find out." he replied. He made sure to limber up his right arm carefully then looked back at her. "Remember, you watch my back and Ill watch yours. Someone comes at you with a weapon you shoot em...and make sure it aint one of the crew...right lets go!" he commanded. <br><br>He lead her across the rope bridge the others had made while they were bringing down the sails and then down into the holds. There were sounds of battle everywhere, a few crew members dead but most of them of them either fighting or incapacitated. There seemed to be more dead men from this ship then anything, each one dressed in black robes and each one abnormally skinny, like they had been suffering from starvation for weeks. Garrath stopped to examine one, moving the limbs with the end of his cutlas before he pointed out odd marks on the flesh. "Are those bite marks..." he questioned, though the pattern didnt match human teeth.<br><br>Just then three burst through a door, each man and woman obviously malnourished but also driven mad as the lumbered toward the pair. "Time to see what yer made of lass, use that thing!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>17-01-2011, 21:49:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Crossing the rope bridge was easier the second time around. Driven by fear, she crossed it quickly, keeping close to Garrath. She felt overwhelmed as she set foot on the other boat. The sounds of battle were all around her, and visible here and there, were the results of it as well. The dead men in robes gave her pause. Had this possibly been a vessel on a pilgrimage for some religion? The robes struck her as similar to those of Monks, yet different.<br><br>Garrath had stopped to examine one of the fallen, and Gwen stood at his back, gun held at the ready while he examined the body. She took a curious, yet horrified glance at the form, but when Garrath exposed the bite marks on the flesh, she had to force herself to look away. She had never seen a body so savaged by death before.<br><br>As she tore her glance away from the corpse, the door burst open and she raised her gun up in a frantic gesture. "Garrath!" She called in warning, her voice tinged with a hint of fear. The three heading towards them were definitely not crew, and Gwen's gun was exploding in a burst of firepower before Garrath had even finished speaking. Oddly enough, her hands were steady despite the racing of her heart.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>19-01-2011, 09:40:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The blast from the firearm echoed and the poweder filled the air, seeming to blanket everything in smoke for just a moment. Yet there was also a haze of red filling the air and one of the people fell easily. Garrath didnt miss a beat either, he even had a chance to say "good job girl, now reload." before he rushed forward. She could tell that he was a veteran aboard the ship, not just at ship handling either. With his free hand he thrust open palm upwards, slamming into one of the peoples chin so hard that snapping bones could be heard and then his armed hand shot forward, blade sinking deep into soft flesh and cutting the other in twain. <br><br>He seemed fine as he looked back half smiling but then he fell down to a knee, setting his hand over the right side of his stomache. Under his hand was a fine wooden handle, nothing more then a kitchen knife buried to the hilt in him. He groaned a bit as he took hold of it, yet he didnt pull it out. "Come on girl...we gotta find the captain while my legs are still good."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>19-01-2011, 12:24:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It happened so quick, and yet so slow. Garrath was an impressive blur of action as he made quick work of the fiend. When he sank to a knee, she felt her heart sink, and she rushed to his side, the gun still empty. She hadn't the tools to reload it with. She had watched him load it and might be able to make it work in a pinch, but had no supplies.<br><br>"Garrath! You're hurt.." She dropped to her knee beside him, one hand on his shoulder, the other on the knife in his belly. She made no attempt to pull it free, knowing that right now it was likely keeping his bleeding down slightly. "I could wrap this for you quickly before more come, it would be better than leaving it in. It wouldn't take long, then we can find the captain."<br><br>There was obvious worry for him in her voice. They had been crew mates for only hours, and she felt the drive to care for him. She would do anything in her power to assist him. She was loyal like that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>21-01-2011, 12:38:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He groned a bit as he saw the concerned look on her face, yet it was comforting in a way too. He was never a man who got emotional or sentimental though now it seemed like a welcome addition to the hard life at sea that he loved so much. Still he had to think about it, the priority of finding the captain was clear but at the same time priorities seemed to be the last thing on his mind. Finally he nodded slowly and braced his back against the doorway while sliding the leather vest off his frame. "Alright, I'll load the gun. You take care o' the wound. Just be quick about it lass, another bunch could come chargin through that door any second."<br><br>Unlike most of the men, he preffered to stay bare chested, much like the captain though it was clear Garrath had spent more time in the galley over the years then training hard. As he stood there he pulled the powder from his pouch as well as a ball bearing though his hands were already shaking slowly, his eyes showed a bit of worry though he kept up a tough front. He knew something wasnt right with this whole situation but he didnt want to worry the cabin boy, let alone any of their crew
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>21-01-2011, 22:52:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen nodded and reached for his vest as he slipped it off. The leather was good material that would work well for packing a compress against the wound, and she started to fold it up. "I hope you're ok without the vest. I'm going to need it."<br><br>She first thought to use some of the material from the robes that the gaunt people were wearing, but then she considered that she didn't know how clean the material was. It would be fine however to wrap around the compress. The leather alone wouldn't do against the wound. It likely wouldn't be absorbent enough. "Let me see your sword." The blade was sharp and she used it to cut the sleeves from her shirt, leaving bare pale flesh exposed. <br><br>She was quick about it as she folded the material up and placed it with the leather, then proceeded to cut long strips of cloth from the robes of the dead. She tried to use the cleanest areas of cloth that she could find. "Ok, Garrath.." She didn't bother telling him that this would hurt, like she might a child. She knew that he knew pain, given the life he lived. She pressed the leather and linen bundle up against the knife, and drew it out in a swift motion then pressing the bundle against the wound in the next motion.<br><br>"Place your hand here. Hold it down tight for me." She ignored any sounds of discomfort from him as she worked, winding the strips of black fabric around his torso, and the bandage. She made sure to tie it tight so the cloth would be held in place, and then she handed him his sword back. "See. No time at all." She gave him a forced, cheerful smile and patted him on the shoulder. "You're a step better and we can find the Captain."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>23-01-2011, 12:05:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He let out a few small sounds of discomfort, resembling groans of pain. When it was all done he took in a deep breath and forced himself back on his feet, taking in a deep breath as he took a few steps forward. His body felt heavy, or rather heavier then usual though he didnt say a word about it. Instead he handed her the pistol again, ready to fire despite the difficulty he was having. "Alright, lets go. Knowing the captain he's heading to the cannons. He's gonna want to disarm the ship and so we can make a run for it."<br><br>He didnt really wait for her before he started walking down the hallway, keeping the cutlas ready yet he was also swaying back and forth like he had spent a night out drinking. A few yards down the hallway there was fighting going on, and as they came through the doorway they found Jacob and the two other members of the crew covered in blood with bodies laying on the floor. Garrath breathed a sigh of relief then "Hey captain, we gotta hurry up."<br><br>Jacob looked back at the pair of the, a little surprised to see anyone from the crew this deep into the ship. "Right, Garrath and I will stand watch. You three, load a cannon up and punch a hole through the wall. Were throwing these cannons overboard and making a break for it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>25-01-2011, 05:51:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen found herself worrying for Garrath as she followed him into the hold, gun firmly in her grasp. Watching the man sway like he was drunk, she wondered if he would survive. It had been a small knife, but it was still a belly wound and those were often fatal. Gwen did not voice her worries as they stepped through the doorway, spotting the captain and some crew.<br><br>The men were covered in blood, and she wondered if it was theirs or the the robes ones. No time to ask about that now or worry too much. The captain was asking her to help load a cannon and she was clueless as to what to do. She tucked the pistol into the waistband of her pants, at the small of her back, and looked to the other two men. "Tell me what to do, and I'll do it."<br><br>They kept her busy enough with fetching the cannon ball and gunpowder, and she helped them position it against the hull. She paid attention to what they did, and how they did it, doing her best to commit it to memory. She was doing her best to learn things as she went, and she was finding today to be one hell of a crash course in piracy. She strained and grunted at the weight of the cannon, even though the three of them were moving it, it was still difficult.<br><br>When it was done and loaded, she stood back, her eyes going to Garrath again, and then to the Captain. She assessed both of them with a critical eye, drawing her gun once more. If more of those robed figures came in, she wanted to be prepared.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>26-01-2011, 14:08:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A few more of the robed men and women came in but between the captain and Garreth they were all dispatched easily, that kept the place noisy but left them to work in safety. The gunpowder, cannon ball, and fuse were easy enough to find and both men showed her how to load the cannon properly, paying special attention to how much gun powder was used. Each one remarking that to little wouldnt do the job and too much would blow the cannon apart and probably kill the one firing it. <br><br>Finally after a few minutes it seemed everything was ready and the men pointed it right at the wall, yelling out "Firing!" before they lit the fuse. A moment later the sound echoed and the wooden wall shattered like glass that had been dropped from a tower. Jacob looked back and smiled before giving his next order "All right shove every cannon overboard! We may not kill them all but we can sure as hell stop them from hurting anyone else!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>26-01-2011, 15:41:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sound of the cannon roaring was deafening even though Gwen had clasped her hands over her ears. She found herself keeping her eyes open to watch the wood shattering outwards into the ocean, and a thrill of excitement touched her. She had never fired a cannon before, nor seen one fired. For her, this was an adventure and it brought a grin to her lips.<br><br>She worked quickly alongside the other men as Jacob gave the order to shove the cannons out into the ocean. Though she was sure she contributed less than the others when it came to shoving the weight of the cannons about, she did her fair share to help. She cleared the path on the floor to make things easier, and one by one, the cannons plunged into the icy depths of the ocean.<br><br>Gwen tried to keep an eye on Garrath as she worked, still worried about his condition. He seemed to be holding his own, for now. Hopefully once they were all safely back on the ship, one of the crew would be more skilled with first aide than she was. If not, then that would mean they would be making port for a doctor, if Garrath lived that long. Gwen said a prayer for the man, hoping that the Lord was listening.<br><br>"That is the last one, Captain." Her body was aching from all of the work they had done today, and she still had a long day left ahead of her. She drew in a deep breath, wincing a little. What she wouldn't give for a hot bath. A soft bed. A warm fire.. She cut off that train of thought and steeled herself for reality. They weren't out of this mess yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 11:34:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Good, time to get out of here." he commented as he and Garreth backed toward the opening. Jacob leaned out and shouted something up toward their boat. A few seconds later some ropes dropped, allowing him to grab one in each hand. With a cunning grin on his face he pulled them in and looked back at them. "Alright, you two help Garreth. Ill take our cabin boy...". With a short break in the fighting the three men took hold and started climbing the captain stood there for a moment as he considered how to go about the situation. <br><br>A moment later he shrugged as he beckoned her to come toward him and the rope. "This is our only way out now. You got two choices, climb with me or wrap your arms around my neck and I climb for both of us. Whats it going to be?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 12:13:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen didn't have to think long to come up with the answer to that. She was sore already from today. "Captain, as much as I would like to climb that rope by myself, I do not think that I can. Here is not the time for practice." She leaned out enough to watch the other men climbing, a look of worry on her face for Garrath. He seemed to be doing alright, but she was tender-hearted by nature.<br><br>Gwen stepped up to Jacob's back, and slid her arms around his neck after a moment's hesitation. She didn't think she had been blushing, but there had been a hint of color to her cheeks as she pressed her chest against his back. Her laughter came spontaneously, and she smiled in amusement. "I still don't even know your name, and here you are toting me off to safety yet again."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>30-01-2011, 10:55:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I save my name for people I intend to know for awhile. Last I heard, this is just a temporary stop off before you go off to the next stage in your life." Smiling he held the rope tightly and swung outward, letting his feet hit the side of their ship to cushion themselves before he started climbing. Just behind them were the sounds of the other crew, speaking curses in some unknown tongue.<br><br>It wasnt long till Jacob had pulled them all the way up the side and as soon as their feet were on the solid floor of the deck he shouted out "Set sail!" The crew was already going to work but rather then leave easily he was ready to give them a parting gift and went over to their own cannons "Give me a hand here Gwen. Grab some gun powder." He walked over toward a box and pulled out a small set of cannon balls with a chain attached to each side, then waited for her to load everything else 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 07:38:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen felt a flash of irritation strike her and her words came in annoyance. "A name is a name. It is meant for addressing people." And then they hit against the side of the Starchaser with a little thud that made Gwen's face pale. She was quiet as Jacob climbed, unable to tear her gaze from the churning water below them. Now was not the time to pick a fight over something she viewed as silly and childish.<br><br>They were upon deck finally and she had released her hold of his neck when the next order came. She found she was pleased to be able to fetch the gunpowder for him in what she believed to be the correct amount. A double check showed her she had indeed got it right and she tamped the powder in place, readying the cannon for the special treat Jacob was about to give the other ship.<br><br>"Just because I do not intend to spend my life as a pirate does not mean you could not at least be courteous to me as a fellow human being and offer a name." She straightened from&nbsp; her task at the cannon, and backed away a couple steps, hands resting in fists at her hips. Would every day be as exciting as today? She couldn't help the smile that curved into place on her lips.<br><br>Her eyes scanned the deck, looking for Garrath, a brief flash of worry in her look. "Captain," her annoyance was dropped now as Jacob loaded the cannon balls, "Is there a doctor of any sort on this ship?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 15:31:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He didnt say a word till he had finished loading everything up, then with no hidden amount of hatred showing on his face he lit the fuse and waited the few seconds. Again it fired out but this time the enemy ships mast shattered, toppling down a moment later and slamming hard against the deck. Not a moment later he looked up at the wheel and shouted "Set sail!"<br><br>As everyone went to work he looked back at her, his face showing some concern as she had addressed Garrath. "There arent many who know anything beyond nursing a cut or broken bone so well be setting sail for a small island. Its little more then a fishing village but they might be able to help him. For now he'll have to make it on his own endurance, all we can do is try to keep him comfortable till we get there...well that and pray."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 17:21:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was silent for a moment, the frown tugging at her lips. "I wish I could have done more for him. He seems like a decent man." She turned her attention back to Jacob, heaving a tiny sigh. "Are you hurt at all? I may know next to nothing about sailing, but I can dress a wound. Unless you have another task for me?"<br><br>Her gaze strayed back to the demolished ship, that frown deepening into a few wrinkles of worry on her forehead. Her voice was soft when she spoke, almost a whisper as she thought back about the people on that boat. "What was wrong with them? Who were they?"<br><br>She had seen monks before, and though the clothing reminded her of monks, nothing about the manner of those people made her think of the church at all. They had been wild, vicious, deadly.&nbsp; "I've never seen anything like them before."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>06-02-2011, 08:56:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He walked past her, reaching over to give her shoulder a pat as he looked out over the waters and south to the horizon. "You're right. Garrath is a good man but right now were powerless to help him. He has to keep going on his own endurance till we reach port. All we can do is try to keep him comfortable...but knowing him he already wants to get up on deck so he can smell and see the sea. Just have some faith, and saying a prayer or two wouldnt hurt either."<br><br>After a moment he reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a small piece of parchment. On it was a symbol of an angler fish with pointed jagged teeth. "I pulled this off of...their leader I guess. Does it mean anything to you?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>07-02-2011, 15:39:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A faint hint of a smile touched her lips as he patted her on the shoulder, and she nodded in understanding at his words, turning to follow him as he walked. As her eyes drifted out over the southern horizon, she wondered for a moment just what it was he saw out there. hat he might be looking for.<br><br>She glanced at the paper when he offered it to her, making a slight face at the symbol. The wicked teeth took up most of the face and while it seemed to lack detail, she could tell that to someone it had meant something. "All it looks like to me, Captain, is an ugly fish with big teeth." Her posh British accent seemed to punctuate the words precisely, thoughtfully, as she spoke next. "Do you believe it to be a symbol of their organization?"<br><br>Standing beside him, she admired his profile for a moment. He looked strong, confidant. She had seen him collapse the previous night, and she knew that right now he had to be exhausted. Yet here he was still standing strong after such a fight. She admired him for his strength, finding it a quality of a real man. A quality her husband had never come close to possessing.<br><br>"Captain.. If we are clear of this mess.. Perhaps you would go lay down again?" She kept her voice quiet and polite. "You need the rest. If there is anything that I need to be doing, please just let me know." There may have been a hint of worry in her eyes as she gazed up at him, but if it was for him or Garrath or even herself, was a mystery. She needed sleep herself, but for now she put that out of mind. She may have lived a pampered life, but she was a practical woman and she knew she needed to stay on her feet and keep learning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>09-02-2011, 20:47:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked over at her, a bit surprised at first but then he reminded himself that she had seen him last night. Tired and exhausted from the days events, today would be no different. Again he reached over and patted her on the shoulder, speaking quietly "Try to keep that a secret, the crew shouldnt know that Im mortal. At times they need an inspirational figure, I cant be seen as anything less then a superman."<br><br>He took a step away and stopped, looking back for a moment "Come on, we've got a tradition on the ship. When a mans injured, whether on his death bed or just limping I pull out a bottle of spirits and the crew each gets a drink. The wounded man gets whats left...so I've gotta go find that bottle of brandy I hid away. Then we'll pay Garrath a visit and see how hes holding up."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>09-02-2011, 23:50:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hand on her shoulder was strong, and provided her with a small sense of safety as he patted her. She felt a smile creep into place at his quiet words and she shook her head slightly. "Why are men so afraid to show a little weakness? I'll keep my lips sealed, Captain." The amused smile didn't fade, but there was a truth to her words. <br><br>"Ah.. Brandy.. I haven't had a good drink in ages!" She was at his heels quickly, following him the length of the ship. It was good of him to treat his crew so well, and perhaps a bit of liquor would help him to relax and sleep sooner.<br><br>"Is every day as exciting as these last 24 hours have been, Captain?" She was worn out herself, and now that she thought about it, a spot of liquor might send her right off to sleep if she stopped moving for more than a minute.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>12-02-2011, 08:24:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"To them Im a symbol. Incoruptable, everlasting, inspirational. Thats how most sailors see their captain and I have to continue to be seen in that light. That said, lets go find that bottle." he shrugged as he walked away and to the captains cabin. He left the door open for anyone to come in but mostly for her, yet at the same time he didnt pay her any mind when she did come in. He just kept looking through the old armoire<br><br>While he searched he pulled out a few sets of clothes, some more gentlemanly and others similar to the sailors garb he wore all the time. Everytime he took out a set he searched the pockets and folded them neatly before returning to the armoire. Eventually he took out a small wooden box and opened it up, inside having several brown glass bottles. "Know anything about spirits?" he asked quietly as he looked back at her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>12-02-2011, 15:33:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gewn did follow him in, lingering just inside the room as he searched through the clothing. She watched him for a moment, quiet, unquestioning. He seemed to be looking for something.. but what? She tried not to let curiosity get the best of her, letting her attention be drawn to the cask of liquor instead. There was nothing about the case or the bottles to mark them as familiar, and she gave him a curious look. <br><br>"Spirits? I can't say that I do. I was never a heavy drinker. I suppose I do know about what my husband" the word was said with distaste and bitterness, "used to drink at home. He was a fan of bourbon and scotch.."<br><br>She quickly chased the memories of home away with a little sigh, then smiles at the captain, forced and strained. When it came to memories of home, she would rather not go there. That surprised her. At first she had missed the lifestyle fiercely. After the first month on the ship however, she had realized the benefits of finally getting rid of the man. She didn't want to go back, but she didn't exactly want to stay at sea, either.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>14-02-2011, 08:33:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sounds like theres a story in that...also sounds like its one you want to forget." he commented before pulling out one of the smaller bottles. It was a clear glass bottle without a lable and was filled to the brink with a golden liquid. He took out his knife and cut open the cork, taking a long whif of the contents and had to pull his nose away for a moment. "Whisky." he said before handing it to her. "What do you think? Garrath likes his alchohol really strong, I figure this might be just what he could use."<br><br>He would then dig through a few more and pull out another bottle made of brown glass and full of liquor. He payed her a smile as he held it up "I thought so, you'll have to share with the crew but I found the brandy. In fact I might join you all for a drink or two."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>14-02-2011, 21:07:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen mulled over his words thoughtfully, considering her own before she opened her mouth to speak. "The Bible tells us to turn the other cheek. Forgive and forget. Some things... Some things deserve to be remembered. I hope one day that he gets what is coming to him." The words were bitter, but passionate. It looked as if she would say more, but she cut herself off.<br><br>She accepted the bottle of whiskey, not bothering to sniff at it as he had. "I'll bet he is grateful for this." Her voice held a smile and she secured the bottle, her prayers going out for Garrath again. She genuinely hoped the man would survive.<br><br>"You know.. I have been here such a short time. Feels like days, really. I think you'll need to step up my training if this is the sort of adventure we can expect" She gave him a little grin, a feeling of bravado spilling over her. "Though.. Not right now.." The grin faded to a hesitant look. "Please may I lay down after this?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>17-02-2011, 11:59:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked over at her and gave her an appraising look as if trying to read her thoughts as well as her face and after a few moments he shrugged. "Usually the crew likes to grab a bite to eat before shift change but yeah, if your not hungry that should be fine...oh, and dont worry about adventure too much days like today are one of the rare ones. We wouldnt be much of a crew if we were fighting for our lives everyday." With that said he tucked the bottle of brandy under one arm and lead the way down into the holds. The crew stayed at the opposite ends on makeshift hammocks and bedding but this area was reserved as a quiet place for wounded men. There was only one bed, an actual bed with an old wooden frame and clean linen. Garrath lied back and there were a few crew around, most of them talking with him and eachother. <br><br>The moment Jacob entered Garrath shouted out "Captain on deck!" forcing all the others to jump up into a state of readyness. Jacob only laughed as he walked in and took a seat next to the bed. "At ease...still riding them hard old man?"<br><br>There was a weak but jolly laugh from Garrath as he nodded "gotta keep them on their toes or they'll be slackin by days end."<br><br>The captain just nodded and motioned for Gwen to come closer as he leaned back in the old chair. "Well you all know the rules, when a man gets injured we drink. I brought a bottle of brandy for the crew, Gwen's got yours Garrath." With that he waited for Gwen to give the bottle to their injured man and then uncorked the brandy, taking one long swig from it before he handed it to Gwen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>19-02-2011, 04:37:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen wondered what the look was for, but stood fast under it, smiling once he gave his agreement. "Thank you, sir."<br><br>She followed Jacob through the ship to the sickbay, and she sighed a bit in relief at hearing Garrath's booming voice. She remained standing beside him, unable to wipe a silly little grin off of her face at Garrath's jovial attitude. "Here you go. Captain picked this out special for you." She placed the open bottle of whiskey in his hands.<br><br>She watched the gathered men covertly, noting the overall concern for their fellow shipmate, and it struck her that here was a family. A family as it ought to be. They cared for each other and supported each other. As the bottle was passed to her hands, she raised it slightly towards Garrath in salute, and then tipped it back to let the warm liquid burn her throat. A swallow was enough for her and she struggled not to cough at the burn as she handed the bottle off to the next man.<br><br>She let the burn ease for a moment before closing her eyes and whispering a prayer for the injured man. She would honestly be surprised if he lived through the wound, but she sincerely hoped he did. Her eyes slid to Jacob for a moment and she couldn't help but smile. He was the glue holding them all together, and suddenly all that he had said earlier made sense. She understood his need to seem strong for them.<br><br>"When you're up and about, Garrath, I'm ready to continue my training with you." Truthfully, she wished to learn to use a sword and to load a gun on her own. She hoped to never go into a fight again as useless as she had been today.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>20-02-2011, 12:53:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Give it some time lass, the other boys'll be ready to teach ya how to handle yourself on deck while Im stuck down here." he replied before taking a long chug of the whiskey. He was certainly a veteran of drinks like these and though it was obvious he was in pain it was equally as obvious that he was trying to surpress it. "Alright crew, ya know what they call this?" he said as he pointed to the bottle in his hand, following with a brief pause. "The nectar of the gods!" Everyone had a good laugh at that as the bottle of brandy was passed around and more of the crew came in, some passing by and others to stay for a few minutes before going back to work, and still others staying.<br><br>Jacob patted the wounded man on the shoulder once and stood, adjusting his vest. "Well Ive gotta see about setting a course to Shalka. Get some rest ya old dog, or I'll swim down to your locker and pull you back to the world of the living." With that Jacob made his way out, heading straight for the wheel where he would instruct the shift and then head back to his cabin. Once there he would just lay back on the bed, not asleep but certainly tired from the day.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>22-02-2011, 14:37:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwen remained with Garrath for a long moment, despite her weariness. She hadn't expected to like her company on the ship much, but she was beginning to suspect that she had misjudged the crew of the Starchaser. The men were obviously as close as any proper family should be, and she found a small part of her welcoming it. Their language was, at times, unfitting for a woman of her stature, but she found herself growing accustomed to their speech.<br><br>It was some time later that she finally made her way back to the room, her mind heavy with thoughts. She very nearly didn't notice Jacob laying on the bed as she shut the door behind her and crossed the room quietly to her hammock. She sat down in the gently swaying mesh with a weary sigh and gave Jacob an envious look as she hoisted a foot to her knee, tugging at the boots one by one.<br><br>"You look rather pensive, Captain." She loosened the ribbon she had used to gather her hair up, letting the strawberry blond locks tumble around her shoulders. If she could but have a hot bath with scented soaps, oils, and herbs, she would consider herself in heaven, she mused as she eased her aching body back into the gentle cradle of the hammock. It was easy enough to see he was still awake, and she didn't feel bad for disturbing him with her speech. Truth be told, after so exciting a day, as tired as she was, she couldn't bring herself to fall directly asleep. If she tried to close her eyes she saw the emaciated forms of the odd crew. Saw the blood and the horror of the day. So long as she was active, it wouldn't bother her, but she feared she would have horrible dreams.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>24-02-2011, 12:09:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He sat up as he heard her voice, looking off into the darkness as the days events went through his mind. None of it sat very well with him, especially the outcome. "I have a man wounded in the holds and who will likely die. If not from the wound then from the poison they were using. We lost a few crew during the fighting...and worst of all whoever was in the crows nest is responsible for it all. I either have to flog him in front of the crew or kick him off the ship entirely. Theres a lot to think about and none of its pleasant."<br><br>He let out a little sigh as he slipped off his vest, cutlas, and pistol, setting them all to the side before he slipped out of his pants and then between the sheets of his bed. Yet he knew he wasnt going to sleep very well tonight, if at all. It seemed like he needed some way to deal with it all, a little stress releif so he didnt feel like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>24-02-2011, 14:56:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She listened to all of this with a serious face that betrayed no emotion. He did indeed have a lot to worry over and she sympathized with him to some degree. He was Captain of the ship though, and dealing with such things were his duty. No doubt he'd had to deal with such issues before, and would again in the future. She would be rather lucky if she wasn't here to deal with them as well, she mused. Still, nothing in what he said surprised her and she felt the weight of it from her sympathetic view.<br><br>"It certainly is a bad hand you have been dealt captain.. But pray do try to look to the best. You didn't lose your ship and entire crew to the attack. There will be a tomorrow." She wished she had some way at her disposal to ease the tension from his shoulders but she could think of nothing proper for a lady to suggest to a man in such private company. Especially a man she had known scarcely over the course of a day or two.<br><br>"If there is anything I might do, please do let me know and I shall try my best at it." She eased her body back into the hammock, groaning softly as her own tense muscles complained. She stifled the sound of complaint, drawing a blanket up and over her. He might be so comfortable as to strip in front of her, but she could not so quickly abandon her proper upbringing to feel as relaxed, especially when she found him rather appealing to look at. Of course she would not let herself be caught looking, instead casting her gaze demurely aside, cheeks flushed pink. Perhaps in time she would grow used to his ways.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>27-02-2011, 11:24:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There wasnt anything to say after that, but her willingness to help however she could helped ease a bit of the stress. She was right, they didnt loose the ship, only a few of the crew and one of the ships oldest and most compitent men was laying down in the holds fighting for his life. He couldnt let the situation slide either, there had to be punishment of some kind yet he had a hard time thinking of what was appropriate punishment. <br><br>A long sigh escaped his lips as he blew out the lantern that dimly lit the room and then he layed back, closing his eyes as he thought. He knew he wasnt going to get much sleep tonight, not with everything burning so brightly in his mind. By sunset they would reach the coast again, he would have to deal with things when they finally reached port. For now he tried to get some sleep, though as fate would have it such a task would be impossible this night
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seraph</strong> on <strong>04-03-2011, 17:14:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The darkness fell over her and Gwendolyn sighed softly herself. She shut her eyes against the blackness of the room and tugged the blankets up to her chin. The gentle rocking of the boat, combined with the alcohol was doing wonders to cause her body to yield to the demands of sleep. Still, she found the strength to speak softly after a yawn. "Goodnight, Captain.."<br><br>Sleep wasn't as restful as she would have liked. After all the gruesome acts she had witnessed today she couldn't help but have nightmares. The toothy angler fish that Jacob had shown her loomed in the backdrop of her dreams and she had to wonder at what it meant. Surely they would be able to turn up some clues in the next port. Hopefully Garrath would live through his wound to see the mystery of the ship laid to rest as well. Poor Garrath. That could have just as easily been her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Aboard the Starchaser [Brandon and Seraph]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brandon</strong> on <strong>06-03-2011, 13:15:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When morning came they were only a few miles from the coast, the large island readily visible from the ship. It was a jungle, literally, with a massive stretch of land sporting a dense tropical rainforest that even seemed to be encroaching upon the sea. The birds were really the first clue that anyone might hear as they neared the coast many of them would fly out to land on deck, looking for scraps to eat. <br><br>Yet on his bed Jacob sat quietly, his nose buried in a small book with faded pages. He looked like he had aged ten years in the few hours that she had slept but it was because he hadnt slept a wink that night. He had laid there quiet in thought until the sun began to rise and only then took one of his books from the shelf. He had been reading quietly for the last hour beneath the sheets but really he was more thinking then reading.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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