The Pirate RPG !!!! Come one come all!

[Summer Sparrow]

Aimèe stood on the bridge of the ship, and looked beyond, towards the horizon, she seemed almost mesmerized by it, and the gentle splashing of the ocean calmed her somewhat.

"Beautiful in'it?" asked Gibbs, Aimèe was startled slightly, she turned to the old man who was steering with one hand and holding Jack's compass with the other.

"Yer father loved the horizon as well, never stopped lookin at it." he continued.

"Why did he leave us Gibbs?" she asked.

"Yer father was a pirate miss, and to be a pirate means we cannot stay in one place for too long, fugitives we are miss, to be granted pardon is something we might never achieve, lest we resign ourselves to the gallows, yer father would never surrender."

"But has he ever mentioned us?" asked Aimèe again.

Gibbs felt silent and his eyes fell on the compass which he was holding. "He gave you this didn't he?" replied Gibbs showing her the compass. "Ye have no idea how important this compass is do ye miss? To me it seems e' loved ye very much, and ye better not forget that." replied Gibbs and smiled, Aimèe smiled back.

********************************************

Emil and Ana walked around the deck checking the sails, and securing ropes, they now have a pretty good idea on where they were headed with the aid of Jack's compass.

"New Providence is ahead, we better look out for the navy, they be watching these waters." said Emil under his breath, and Ana nodded.

[tancred]

Jose left his room, and quickly shut the door behind him. He made his way to the mess hall/kitchen. The cook was there, and putting the finishing touches on the next meal. Jose turned his nose up at most of it. He was a picky fellow, and the cook did not know how to make good Spanish food. But the fare on a ship would never be all that great. That had to be expected. Jose picked out lots of food, and tried balancing the four trays he had with both hands.

"Hey you," shouted the cook. "Why so much food? And its not even time to eat yet, either!"

"This is for the guests up in the sugeon's quarters," said Jose. "Let me be, and I might be able to score some extra rum for you soon." The cook nodded, and Jose was on his way.

After many a near stumble, the Spaniard made his way to the surgeon's quarters. He kicked open the door to find Emil there with Gavin, Lydia, and Gwen. Despite the fact that Lydia was free from her bars, she still looked a bit frightened. Understandably so, thought Jose. And just as he set down his trays, he noticed Gwen raising her shirt above her shoulders again. It was with that quick glimpse that Jose noticed the bruises and welts upon her back and shoulder.

He gasped at the sight. "I have brought food," he said. Emil and Gavin's eyes all lit up at the announcement. "But not for you three," interjected Jose in a hurry. "For Lydia, Gwen, and myself." The two men's hearts sank at that, and Jose merely chuckled to himself.

Gwen sat there facing the wall, and with her head bowed. Jose knelt beside her, as he placed a tray of warm food and drink next to her. "I can see, " he said quietly, "that you are in great duress, and have been through much. I am very sorry to hear that. Milady, you have but to name the men who did this to you, and I shall render them their just desserts! But think not about that now. You should eat. Replenish your strength. I shall aid you however I may." He kissed Gwen's hand, rose, and walked away.

Jose approached Lydia with a tray of food for her. He whispered in her ear, for she was still technically a prisoner, and he did not want Emil to hear. "Senorita Lydia, worry not. I shall do all in my power to ensure that you are not harmed in any way. And I believe I am not the only one who feels this way." He gave a sidelong nod in the direction of Gavin. "If you need anything, I am nearby." He kissed her hand, rose, picked up his two remaining trays, and exited the room.

Emil looked after him for some time. "Meals for Lydia, Gwen, and himself," the big man thought to himself. "Three meals needed, and yet four trays and meals taken...."

[Niphredil]

"Very strange," said Gavin. He would've followed after Jose to see what was going on, but he felt he should instead tend to Lydia and Gwen. Gwen was quite happily eating the food, but Lydia wouldn't even touch hers.

"Are you not hungry, Ms. Thornton?" Gavin asked, as politely as he could. Lydia looked at him and then at the floor. "It's understandable," Gavin went on, "But you really should eat. You need to keep up your strength." He paused. "Please?" The sincerity behind the "please" caught Lydia's attention, and she somehow felt she could trust this man, at least a little, so she decided to try to eat.

After Lydia and Gwen finished, Emil and Gavin showed them out of the surgeon's quarters to the small room they would be calling home for as long as they were on the ship.

"May I not have my own quarters?" Lydia asked.

"I'm afraid not, miss. There's only so much room on this ship," said Emil. "You've nothing to worry about, you'll be right safe here in this room." He gave her a warm smile, and she smiled meekly in return.

Gavin and Emil said goodday to the two ladies, and left them alone so they could see to other things. Gavin, in particular, was curious about that Spaniard....


~*~*~*~*~

When Jose left, Gabby again sat quietly on the bed, twiddling her thumbs. Then she decided to get up and have a look at that book. She moved the bed curtain over, stood up, and walked over to the little table. Picking up the book, she saw that it was well worn; obviously Jose had had it for a long time. She opened the cover, and saw a dedication in the front:

"To Jose, our dear son:

May this, your favorite book, be a comfort to you when you are away from home, a friend when you have none, and a constant reminder of our love for you.

Love always, Mama and Papa

That's sweet, Gabby thought. She fingered through the book a little, the pages were as well worn as the cover, and-- there was something on the last few pages, some sort of stain. Blood, thought Gabby. This worried her a bit, and made her even more curious about Jose's past. Just then he reentered, along with two trays of food. At the mere sight of food, Gabby put the thoughts of the blood stained pages aside momentarily to eat.


~*~*~*~*~

After leaving Lydia and Gwen in their quarters, and parting company with Emil, Gavin meandered his way to Jose's cabin. Trying to be as inconspicuous as he could, he slowly walked over and stood next to Jose's door; and he could faintly hear voices inside. Jose's he recognized, but there was another, that of a woman. The captain? No, he thought, not the captain, she's much... louder. After a few moments more, he decided that this voice did not belong to any of the women on the ship, and yet it was familiar to him. But it couldn't be her.... could it?

[eowynangel]

Gwenaëlle had trouble to stay calm and still. She didn't like the idea to be consigned in a cabin. Lydia was very polite with her but she could tell she wasn't very happy to share the cabin with a perfect stranger.

"I'm going out for a walk" she informed Lydia.

"But... are you sure you can go outside ?"

"well I'll see."

Once she exited the cabin, she hurried. She truly needed some fresh air.

While she was on her way, she heard someone call her :

"Where do you think you're going, sugar ?"

Gwen turned and gasped in surprise when she saw the pirate.

"Remember me ?" he said, licking her lips. "How sweet... I know the capt'n don't want to touch you, but with me it's different. I've already done that... quite a time ago"

He approached her and Gwen felt her legs becoming weak. The pirate was now very close to her.

"Can't resist me eh ?" he muttered.

"Please... no"

Gwen closed her eyes, wondering why she had let her dagger in the cabin.

****************************

Will was heading to the kitchen, in order to see his sister. A noise called his attention and he looked to see whatwas going on.

He saw, Ed on the pirates, gripping the french girl, who look frightened.

"Leave her alone !" threatened Will, his sword pointed to the pirate's throat. "Or I will have to kill you"

[Summer Sparrow]

"Gibbs, you never did told me the whole story you know." asked Ana, sitting on deck with Aimèe who was silent through out.

"About what?" Gibbs replied, his eyes focused on the horizon.

"I mean, about Barbossa, what did he really do to Bootstrap?" she asked again.

"Aye miss, shortly after Jack was marooned and you and Emil abandoned ship, Bootstrap and Barbossa had a massive disagreement, so he sent one of those syillings to Will so that Barbossa and his damned crew would stay cursed, fortunately miss I never touch the gold, but when Barbossa found out about it and he tied a cannon to Bootstrap's bootstraps."

"Bastard." Ana muttered under her breath.

"Well, everything is over now that the curse is lifted, well at least we thought it was..." said Gibbs, his voice trailing off.

"Gibbs, do you have any idea why would anyone want to kidnap Jack?" Ana asked again. Gibbs didn't know what to answer her, he just fell silent again.

"What could Jack possibly have that would worth anything to anyone? The Pearl? But the man who attacked you obviously has a faster and bigger ship..." Ana said again, her mind started to ponder the situation.

[tancred]

When Jose brought the tray of food inside, Gabby jumped up immediately. She seemed as giddy as a young girl with no cares in the world whatsoever. Jose could not help but chuckle at the way she bounded across the cabin with that eager smile upon her face. "Calm down and sit down," he suggested. "You must be hungry, but it is not good to eat quickly, and especially not on a ship. It will only make the sea-sickness worse if you've gotten it."

Jose sat down on his bed (for his desk was too cluttered with maps and instruments to want to eat there), and set the two trays down. Gabby sat on the bed also, the two trays on the bed between she and her companion. They said a quick blessing, and began to eat. Gabby was most voracious. Jose ate slowly and contentedly.

After awhile, Gabby stopped in mid-bite. "Oh," she said. "Where are my manners? Thank you so much for the food, Mr. Ortega. And for looking after me."

"Please," said the Spaniard. "Call me Jose. And you're very welcome. It is the least I could do in repayment for the companionship."

Gabby tried not to blush and to change the subject. "I looked through that book of your's," she said.

Jose's face brightened. "Ah," he exclaimed. "And did you like it?" He eagerly awaited her reply.

It was at that moment that the door burst open (his hands full of food, Jose had forgotten to lock it). In strode Gavin with his fist clenched. "Like it," he railed. "What have you been doing to my sister? You fiend!"

As quickly as Gavin was across the room and to the bed, Jose was to his feet and sword drawn all the swifter. In one, easy move, he had tripped Gavin up so that the lad fell flat on his back. Gavin looked up in amaze to find the tip of a sword within only a few inches of his chest. Poor Gavin looked as if his pride was hurt. "You are awfully quick for a mere navigator," he complained.

Jose smiled crookedly. "I am just a very good navigator," he said with pride.

"Still," said Gavin in maintained anger. "You've affronted Gabby! How dare you touch her!"

Jose rolled his eyes. "Idiot," he said under his breath. "Does it look like I'm doing anything with the fair Gabby other than feeding her?"

At this, Gabby poked her head around the post of the bed as she innocently munched on some chicken. It was then that she saw that Jose had drawn his sword. She swallowed and jumped up. "Sheath your sword, Jose, and sheath your anger, Gavin," she commanded. "We've done nothing, goofy brother. I am neither kidnapped nor in danger. In fact, I'd say that Jose has saved me from harm." She then explained to her brother how she had stowawayed to find him, how she had swooned, and how Jose had taken her to his room to protect her from any lusty pirates.

While brother and sister sat on the bed conversing, Jose had reshut the door, locked it, and stood with his back against it.

Relieved, Gavin said, "Well then, it seems as if you are not a prisoner here. Some pirates from another ship had beaten me up and threatened the chastity of Lydia Thornton, the young woman we helped out at the inn. Luckily, the crew of this ship saved us. But they had to bring us aboard as they were being pursued and chased out of port. Probably by the same pirates who attacked Lydia and I."

Jose grunted at this statement. "Don't be so sure of the benevolence of this crew towards you, Gavin," he cautioned. "They are pirates, after all. Notice how they've not given you any weapon at all, despite the fact that all hands on deck are armed? Keep your wits about you, and be careful." Jose went to a trunk he had, rummaged through it, and came out with two daggers. He handed one to Gavin and one to Gabby. "Both of you be careful," he advised. "Keep those blades well-hidden. In the meantime, I can see no other way to keep Gabby safe and unnoticed than to keep her here with me. We were a bit overexcited and carried away by the food. But we shall have to be more quiet in the future. I think its safe to say that neither of you belong on this ship. I shall do my best to see that you both get off it and can return home in perfect health. The same goes for Lydia and possibly Gwen. Help me keep an eye on them in their quarters, Gavin, and Gabby can remain hidden here. Sound good?"

"What assurances do I have that your intentions are honorable towards me and especially towards Gabby," asked Gavin.

Jose knelt on one knee, and said solemnly, "I would risk my life for Gabby. And as you are her beloved brother, you as well. Any dame in need has my protection, and hence Lydia and Gwen can count on me as well." He crossed himself and bowed to show that he was sincere and in earnest.

[Mrs Dan Hawkins]

Calen had come up from the kitchen as her brother was heading down and saw her crew members lust and her anger surfaced does no one listen to me ! she thought

"Leave her alone !" threatened Will, his sword pointed to the pirate's throat. "Or I will have to kill you"

" no you won't Will " she said calmly
Will gave her a disbelieving look whilst Ed smiled he knew the captain would understand

"Ed do you know how to swim?"v she asked the now confused pirate

"Yes Cap'in "

" good because if you don't leave this woman alone then you will be swiming until you find land understood?"

"Yes Cap'in"

"I WANT EVERYONE ON TOP DECK NOW!!!!!!!" Calen yelled she was answered by the sound of scurrying feet.

Soon all the crew aside from Jose and Gavin were present .

"Will could you find Jose and Gavin for me i want everyone aboard this ship to hear this"

"sure cal" Will ran off to find the 2 missing men

**********************
Will walked up the stairs to Jose's cabin and knocked on the door and was surprised when Gavin opened the door .

"Its only Will " he called out as he let will through the door
Will was even more surprised to see Gabby sat on Joses's bed.

"What did you let him in for he's the Captains Brother for gods sake he will tell her Gabbys here" Jose yelled

"No he won't will you Will?" asked Gabby

"Yes i will" he replied " what's more i'm taking you to the top deck Gabby"

Jose drew his sword

"You will not Take the lady Gabby to the hands of those lusty and Evil pirates"

Will slowly and deliberatly brought his sword to jose's stomach .

"You will take that comment back because i do not aprechiate anyone refering to me or my sister like that and i believe that Gabby won't be harmed , my sister won't allow it"

************************
Will returned and was pulling along the girl from the shop.
Calen gave her brother a confused look

" A stowaway she was hiding below deck"

"WILL!!" Gabby exclaimed

Gavin and Jose stormed up the stairs shooting Will evil glances

" if she be a stoaway i think you should let us deal with her Cap'in" jon suggested

Gavin and Jose began to move foreward but Calen beat them to it .She moved in front of Gabby shielding the girl with her body .

" This girl is under my protection you touch her and you will forfit your life , the same goes for everyother woman on this ship . Listen to me this time because this is your last warning understand"

There came replies of "yes Cap'in"

"Good now any questions?"

****************************

[~Kawaii~]

Aimèe was still stood next to Gibbs when the crew started to gather on deck. He was old and had a slight hint of insanity to him, but Aimèe found him a comfort - he seemed like a bit of familiarity or even safety in these strange new surroundings she found herself in.

The yound girl sighed as the Captain made her announcement to the crew. Why can't they just stick up for themselves? she thought to herself.

"What's up little miss y'got one 'ell of a face on." Gibbs whispered.

"Girls. Prissy little girls. Oooohhh, help me I'm sooo helpless girls. Get away from me you horrible brutes girls. Ah! Rats! girls..."

Gibbs was too busy laughing at Aimèe who was doing a rather strange interpretation of the rich girl who was at the inn to notice that the captain had turned to look at them.

"Care to share the joke you two?" She shouted.

Gibbs stopped laughing immediately and Grabbed hold of Aimèe's shoulder to stop her prancing about.

"Oops." Aimèe grinned and sat down on the deck.

Gibbs started laughing again.

[Lady Disdain]

Although she had been rather uncomfortable in the presence of the French girl, Lydia wasn't liking being left alone either. With everything that had been going on in the past few days, she was frankly and manifestly miserable. Being kidnapped was nothing like it was in the romances that had formed the whole of her reading habits. She was bruised, and frightened, and on top of everything else, her hair was a mess.

She sat uncomfortably in the tiny box of a room, her arms crossed tightly across her midsection. She wasn't crying anymore. She wasn't doing anything.

Lydia had never liked being alone. She didn't understand how anyone could. And now she was more alone than she had ever been. She had no one.

[Summer Sparrow]

Ana laughed seeing the antics of Aimèe, seemed she was coming out of her shell, and the more she did, the more she reminded Ana of Jack. Ana smiled at Gibbs who seemed truly fond of the girl.

The Captain was saying something, what could it be now? Ana looked around to keep an eye out for the Navy, coast still clear, she looked at the masts to make sure the Jolly Roger was not up, and listened to the Captain.

[Niphredil]

Captain Turner turned away from Gibbs and Aimèe and back to her crew. "Any questions?" she repeated herself. No one spoke. "Good," she said. "Will, Jose, Gavin and whoever you are," at this she gestured toward Gabby, "follow me."

The Captain led them into her cabin, Will still had Gabby by the arm (which was starting to make her just a little angry). "Will, will you let go of me?" she said. "What do think I'm going to do, run away? We're in the middle of a bloody huge body of water, ya know." Just then they reached the Captain's quarters, and Will finally let go of her arm; Gabby rubbed it, trying to make the pain go away.

Calen sat down behind her desk, folding her hands on top of it. "Now, explain this." Everyone remained silent. "Jose," said the Captain, "Why did you feel the need to hide this stowaway in your cabin?"

"For her protection from this questionable crew." Jose stated.

"Well, first of all, you happen to be a part of this crew. If you did not want to be a part of this crew, then I wonder why you would even bother coming here? But I suppose there is a long and incredibly dull story behind that particular quirk. Secondly, this girl is under my protection, and this crew will not try anything. I give you my word." As the Captain said this, Gabby breathed a sigh of relief. "However," the Captain continued, "I cannot let the fact that she stowed away on my ship go unnoticed. I have rules, and there are penalties when they are broken. I should make her walk the plank." Gabby felt a lump grow in her stomach and then she spoke up, "How can you make me walk the plank? My being here is, after all, your fault."

The captain raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh it is, is it? How so?"

"If you hadn't kidnapped my brother I wouldn't have stowed away on your ship!"

"Gabby," said Gavin, "She and her crew didn't kidnap me, they rescued me."

"I find that hard to believe," said Gabby.

"Well, believe it," said Will. "My sister would never do anything like that."

"And how are you so sure, Will?" said Gabby. "She's been gone for years, there's no telling how different she could be from what you remember!" At this Will raised his hand, to slap Gabby, but Captain Turner stopped him.

"Will!" she said. "Enough of this! All right, Gabby, is it? You can stay on my ship, but you have to work to earn your keep, and if I hear of any trouble from you, the plank. You can stay in the room with Thornton and the French girl. Will, take her there." Will took Gabby roughly by the arm again, which really hocked Gabby off, so she balled up her fist and let her free arm swing free, hitting Will square on his right eye. Will released her arm, and then came at her like he were going to fight her but Gavin held him back.

"Gabby!" said the captain. "What did I just tell you?"

"I heard you, Captain. But I will not be jerked around by a jerk that was supposed to be my friend. I demand an apology," said Gabby, rather boldly.

"Will, apologize to her," said the captain.

"But--" he started, but when he saw the stern look on the captain's face, he quickly mumbled "I'm sorry," to Gabby, and led her to her cabin. On the way down, they stopped in Jose's room so she could get her pack. When they arrived in the little room Gabby would be staying in, they found Lydia sitting quietly on her bed. Gabby walked over to the other bed and put her pack on it.

"Um, Gabby, I'm sorry but you can't have that bed," said Gavin. "It belongs to someone else."

"Well, where am I supposed to sleep?" she asked. Just then a pirate came in, carrying what looked like a net. He hung it on two hooks, and Gabby saw that it wasn't a net, but a hammock. Oh, this should be fun. she thought. She picked up her pack, and put it on the hammock, then she pushed down on the hammock with both her arms, checking to make sure that it wouldn't fall.

"Gabby," said Will.

"What?" she said coldly.

"I know you carry a dagger, I'll be needing it from you."

"Why?"

"Because I don't trust you."

Gabby sighed, bent over, hiked up her skirt, and unseathed the dagger that was strapped to her thigh. She fingered it for a moment, and turning threw it towards Will, and it stuck in the doorway right beside his head. Then she smiled at him, firstly because she could see his hands shaking, and secondly because he didn't know she still had the dagger Jose had given her.

[tancred]

After Will, Gavin, and Gabby had left Captain Calen's quarters, Jose remained behind. He stood at attention while she addressed him. The air of the Captain was proud. She turned her chair half way away from her desk and from Jose so that she was essentially ordering him about most disrespectfully with her back turned. "Mr. Ortega," she said.

"That's Senor Ortega to you," thought Jose to himself.

Calen prattled on, "You have navigated and guided my ship well, and for that I am thankful. We are safely away from Port Royal and have avoided any run-ins with the authorities or other pirates so far, after all. However, I am finding your attitude towards my worthy crew most unnerving. Why do you always seem to think the worst of them?"

Jose cleared his throat, and answered, "Pardon my forthrightness, but you are all pirates. Pirates are not known to be gentle, kind, generous, chaste, celibate, nor any other very fine qualities found in normal, law-abiding persons. Quite the opposite, rather. Yet, you seem to think the best of them. You are all pirates, yet you would make of them saintly pirates. I do not believe such a thing to be possible. I'm sure you will try to prove me wrong. Feel free to do so. However, I doubt I will believe you."

Her back still turned, Calen went into a long spiel how she chose her crew individually for both skill and courage. But also for their relative goodness. She talked and repeated herself for a good twenty minutes. All the while, Jose merely rolled his eyes, yapped to himself (blah, blah, blah!), and made opposing hand puppets to impersonate Calen and himself (needless to say, the one hand puppet was doing all the talking). Once she had finished, Calen finally turned her chair back so that she was facing the Spaniard. Jose quickly clapped to attention before she noticed he was making fun of her.

"Do I make myself clear," asked Calen.

"Verily," answered Jose. "Yet, I would ask but one favor. Saying nothing about the goodness of your crew, yet only for the ease of my own worries, let the senoritas Gabby, Lydia, and Gwen become my assistants. They would be of great use and help to me while I make calculations with the stars and measurements on my maps. With it this way, I can keep my eye on them, and be assured of their safety. Again, saying nothing about your crew, but only for the ease of my own addled mind."

"I shall think about it," said Calen. "Three assistants is quite a bit, though. If I do agree to your propossal, the women shall have to serve in shifts. One can assist you one day, while the others do other chores about the ship. Such as cooking or swabbing the deck. I'm only thinking about it, though. I shall return to you with a definate answer in the morning. Dismissed!"

Jose bowed to her, and left. He made immediately for the small room where the women were being held. Will and a couple other pirates were there, as well. Jose entered to find a dagger quivering in the wooden beam next to Will's hand. "Why are you behaving this way," asked Will, his voice trembling and betraying his fear.

"Why are you behaving this way," Gabby shot back in an increased tone.

"Its the English Disease, no doubt," quipped Jose.

Will blushed a bright red, and looked hurt to the quick. The other pirates snickered to themselves. Gabby looked a bit lost, but laughed anyway once she realized Will was blushing. Lydia would have laughed if she weren't so depressed. The French maiden Gwen laughed heartily. Jose merely leaned against the door post, and stroked his goatee masterfully.

Will opened his mouth as if to have a come-back, but could think of nothing to say. He winced, blushed some more, huffed, and walked out hurredly. Renewed laughter met his retreating ears. The pirates left the room to tell their mates about the good joke.

"Senoritas," Jose said. "I think I may have made an arrangement with the Captain to at least ensure that I will be able to look out for your safety. Not certain yet, but here's hoping." He crossed himself. "Please try to worry not. I shall check in with you as much as I can. I'll send Gavin if I myself can not come. Night is drawing on, and I have some navigating to do. I shall return. Until then, stay close and keep each other company. Yell if you need anything. Adios!" He bowed to them, and prepared to leave. He stopped, looked at Gabby, and asked, "Do you still have the...?"

Gabby placed a hand to her bosom, and nodded her head. Jose winked at her, and departed.
********************************

Night fell, and the Queen of the Sea maintained a steady course northeastward. Unbeknown to almost everyone onboard, a dark, cloaked, and soaked figure clambored onboard the ship. Having successfully made it on deck, it threw its grappling hook and rope back into the ocean. It was greeted by a simlarly cloaked and mysterious figure that was already onboard. The new person silently crept below into the hold, and hid.

[tancred]

I meant to post some of this last night, but forgot to. Here goes.
************

Jose sat at his desk. It was very dark out now, and night was well on its way. He had just gotten back from the topdeck where he had been at the wheel with Aimee and Ana. Interesting duo, those two. He would have to talk with them some more tomorrow. But now, Jose's thoughts were elsewhere.

Presently, there was a knock on his cabin door. Jose set down what he was doing, and turned around. "Come in," he said.

The door opened, and in walked the French woman, Gwen. Jose rose as she entered, and bowed as he kissed her hand. "How may I be of service, senorita," he asked.

Gwen looked rather unsure and uncomfortable with herself. She finally spoke, "Monsieur Ortega...."

"Please," interrupted Jose. "Mademoiselle Gwen, you may call me Jose."

She smiled and blushed a little, and continued, "Monsieur Jose, I thank you for all that your protectiveness of me so far. I thank you dearly. But I need some more help, I believe."

"Anything," said Jose insistantly.

"Well," said Gwen. "As you already know, I have garnered the attention of many of the pirates already. Rather unwanted attention. I am seen as an object of desire, and I wish to avoid that. I'm afraid my past reputation does not aid me in this." She looked down at her feet. "Jose, may I borrow some of your men's clothing? It would grant me more freedom to perform some of the duties and chores that Captain Calen is sure to give me. Much more freedom that a burdensome dress and corset. And, it would also not make the crew think of me in such a lustful way. It worked for my countrywoman, Jeanne d'Arc, so it might work for me. "

Jose smiled at Gwen's thoughtfulness and her knowledge of history. He also smiled because knights throughout history who fought for noble causes, knights like Joan of Arc, were his heroes. "Of course, m'lady," he answered.

Jose dug around in his trunk for a few moments, and came out with some clothing. A pair of men's breeches, a rather loose long sleeved shirt, and a little cap that looked like a beret. "I think these might help," he said as he handed Gwen the clothing. "Come to me if you need anything more. I shall of course let you dress in privacy, however, I must show you how to use the cap." He placed it on her head, and patted it down a little. Gwen winced, for the cap felt much harder than it looked. She took the cap off in wonder, and looked at it. "There's a secret pocket in there," whispered Jose. "It has a small think dagger in it. Just in case."

Gwen thanked him profusely. "Thank you, Mosieur! I shall not forget this!" She ran off to try on her new clothes.

Jose returned to his desk. He set aside what he had been doing, and took up his basket-hilted sword. The fine damascus steel gleamed in the darkness, murkied up his reflection. Jose polished it and sharpened it with gloved hands. That blade had names on it--names of those who were meant to die upon it. Jose looked at it with great intensity and a strange twinkle in his eye. "Soon, my friend. Soon."

[Summer Sparrow]

Ana who was lurking around the brig after putting Aimèe to bed, overheard Will's angered voice, and as she was approaching, Will stormed right past her and headed above deck.

"What was that all about?" she said to herself. Ana followed him and found him pacing back and forth grumbling to himself. Ana looked over to Emil and Gibbs who was still on the bridge and signalled them to come over.

Gibbs saw her and handed the wheel to Tom the boatswain, giving him precise directions on where to head and joined Emil and Ana on deck.

"What's happenned?" asked the old man. Ana and Emil shrugged and gestured towards Will, who was still pacing back and forth grumbling.

"By God, what's gotten into you son?" asked Gibbs again.

"The nerve of those people accusing my sister as a bad person!" yelled Will, clearly very upset.

Ana, Emil and Gibbs looked at each other and broke out laughing, Ana was laughing so hard that she was practically rolling over; Gibbs and Emil were both laughing and patting each other on the back at the same time.

Will stopped in his tracks and glared at them, "What could possibly be so funny?"

After some time, the three of them stopped, and Emil said, "Your sister? Captain Calen? Bad? No, of course not! She's a saint!" he hollered and they all broke out laughing all over again.

Will rolled his eyes and sighed, he sat down on a box and placed his head in his hands, seeing this; Ana, Emil and Gibbs quietened, and they exhanged worried glances, so they all took their place around him.

After a while, Ana spoke, "Seriously Will, I think you'd better get to some serious thinking, she may be your sister, that's true, no one can argue with that, but you are acting really strangely to people you've known all your life, for instance Gavin and Gabby, you're suppose to be protecting them, not treating them like enemies! We need their trust Will, Jack needs their trust, or have you forgotten that? Don't do anything that you may regret boy!" said Ana at length and strode away.

Emil and Gibbs looked at him as would a parent look at a child after the child has done something wrong, and shook their heads.

"Always rash you were son!" said Gibbs and took the place beside him. Emil went off to join Ana on the bridge.

"Tell me, what happened to you and Elizabeth? I thought you'd make a charming couple!" asked Gibbs.

"She and the Governor, as well as the whole Navy moved to New Providence, as the Queen ordered, since Port Royal is now not as lucrative as it used to be." answered Will solemnly. "But we are engaged!" he continued quickly and smiled, his gaze looking to some far away memory.

"Aye, so you better look out after yourself right?" asked the old man again with a warm smile. Will smiled back, "Right." he answered, but a nagging feeling of regret; for how he had been acting the whole night was tugging at his heart, and he truly did feel awful.

[tancred]

Jose performed a few more alterations at the wheel of the ship, and checked in on the sleeping Gwen, Gabby, and Lydia once more before turning in for the night. He settled in some rather silly, romantic, Don Quixote-esque dreams.
*******************************************

Jose awoke early the next morning, and would have instantly headed off to see Gabby, Lydia, and Gwen. However, as soon as he opened his cabin door, he saw Captain Calen approaching. She still had no answer for him as to if he could have the women as his navigational assistants, and didn't seem too concerned about it. Yet, Jose garnered a decision on this matter by at least noon. Until then, Calen wanted Jose to plot the quickest route with the best winds and the safest waters to New Providence. "The very heart of the British Navy in the Caribbean," mused Jose aloud.

"Indeed," responded Calen. "But we shall be as secretive as possible. No colors flying on the mast, all weapons as hidden as possible, and all crew on best behavior. We only need a brief stop to restock some supplies, and shake off our sea-legs for an afternoon or so. If all goes according to plan, the authorities shan't know that any pirates were anywhere near New Providence. Now get to it!"

"And an answer by noon," called Jose to the retreating Captain.

Calen rolled her eyes. "Very well," she sighed. "Just leave me in peace!"

Jose smiled to himself, and walked up to the wheel. Who was there, but Ana. "Buenos dias, Senorita Pearl," said Jose with a slight bow and a tip of his hat. "What brings you to the wheel of the ship so early in the morning?"

"Steering," replied Ana bluntly.

"Is that what you call it," asked Jose rather smartly. He considered himself a chivalrous man, yet even that could only go so far. Respect needs respect, after all. Yet his conscience got to him, and he decided to play nicer at the moment. "I don't mind," he continued. "Although technically, it is my job. You can steer if you like, as long as you follow my measurements and directions."

"I will," replied Ana. "But, I'm keeping my eye on you. I'm not sure I trust you yet." She eyed the Spaniard suspiciously.

Jose put his hands to his breast, and dramatically fell to a seating position. "Oh, that hurts," he moaned. "Such a fair lady, and yet so much distrust of a chivalrous man such as myself." His actions were of the milking the cow sort, however Ana sensed there was some truth to his words; Jose did seem saddened that there wasn't any trust between them.

There was silence for a while, until Jose finally spoke. "Ana, I would know more about you if I could. By your noble features, I would venture a guess that you are of native New World blood. And yet, here you are, a pirate on a ship. An odd combination methinks. How is that you came about this strange fate?"

Ana winced slightly, and seemed to be breathing harder. She finally replied, "I do not reveal that story to just anyone, least of all a person I have just met and do not quite trust yet."

Jose looked at her intently. "But you can trust me," he assured her. "However, I understand your desire for privacy. I will bother you no further on the matter."

Ana let her guard down just a little. "I will not tell the full tale," she replied. "For it is very dear to me. I will say however, that I was doomed to a very sad fate...one that I'd not wish on anyone. Were it not for Jack Sparrow, I'd be in a very very dark place right now."

Jose seemed intrigued at the mention of the name, and asked further. As she had an intent audience, and the tales weren't directly about her, Ana went into stories of the old times--the good times onboard the Black Pearl before the great mutiny. Tall tales of adventures, jokes, and narrow escapes--all of them featuring prominantly the personages of Jack Sparrow, Ana, and Emil. "This mutiny," said Jose. "How did it come about? Did you have any idea it was going to happen?"

"Nay," replied Ana with a shake of her head. "None. In fact, Jack, Emil, and myself had gone ashore on a scouting mission just before it happened. We were off the coast of the Northern Americas, well nigh to the French colonies around New Orleans and Baton Rouge. We were at the mouth of the river my Native brothers and sisters call the Mississippi. We were just resting the day away along the river banks, when we saw a log notched in the side of the bank. It was fairly rotten and deep in the water. Somewhat unusual. Jack decided to check it out; I think he had had too much rum. What should we find in there but a dead body wrapped up along with a few personal possessions!"

"Really," asked Jose. "What did it look like? What was with the corpse?"

Ana turned up her nose, and said, "Well, the thing stank, I'll tell ya that! Decayed though it was--more bones and no flesh. However, we noticed that the dress of the person was most peculiar. It had no armor on, but it did have a morion on its head. And from the looks of it, a very finely etched one; the person was a noble and wealthy soldier by the looks of it. And his fine sword seemed to point to that fact, too. The only other thing with the body was a satchel. The morion and the sword were too far rusted to be of any use. But we did take the satchel. Emil, being a bit more reverential then the rest of us, insisted we leave the body in the tree and push it on down the river to its resting place. "

"And the satchel," prodded Jose. "What was in it?"

"Maps," replied Ana. "And that was it. Maps. One large map, I should say. Drawn on speparate pieces of paper, and meant to be joined together to form a whole. The writing on it was in Spanish, which none of us could decipher. We took it back aboard the Pearl to find someone who could read it. We never did get the chance to decipher it, for not a day later, and Barbossa mutinied. I imagine that map, which leads to who knows what, is on the Isle de Meurta with all the other plunder Barbossa and his men had."

Jose's eyes widened at the description. He snapped his fingers, and exclaimed aloud, "Hernando de Soto!"

"Herwho de Who," asked Ana confused.

"Hernando de Soto," corrected Jose. "The Spanish Conquistador from one hundred years ago who died looking for El Dorado--The City of Gold!!"

Ana's eyes glittened as well. "Then the maps could lead to...," she mused and fell silent. "El Dorado," she continued. "I like the sound of that."

Ana was both amused and put off to find that both she and Jose were stroking their chins in deep thought at the same time.