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

[tancred]

Jose crossed himself as he exited the confessional. After kneeling in prayer for some of his pennance, he exited the church, and waited outside for Gwen. Once she came out, they hustled as quickly as possible back to the port and the Queen of the Sea. One reason in Jose's mind was to get Gwen back quickly--for she had been in a harrowing incident just then. And his second reason was his desire to see Gabby again. He missed her sweet smile, and hoped she was doing ok.

As they neared the ship, Jose gathered his new lenses and other purchaces in one arm. He put his arm around Gwen, and held her close, trying to shield her body with his stacked up parcels of goods. They walked as inconspiculously as possible up the plank to the ship, and Jose escorted Gwen to her quarters. Only then did they let go of each other.

"Can you promise me something," asked Jose.

"What is it," asked Gwen.

"Please, let me know before you do anything major or drastic next time," pleaded Jose.

Gwen nodded her head. After a few moments, she said, "Thank you so much, Jose. I am very grateful." She leaned in, and kissed him on the cheek. Jose blushed a little, unlocked the door, and let Gwen in. As Gabby was sleeping, he decided not to disturb her at the moment. He tipped his hat, and walked away.
*******************************

While Jose and Gwen thought they had successfully snuck aboard, it was not so. A lone pirate, George the Blade, had seen them. The pirate stroked his grizzled face in deep thought about what to do with this information.

[Mrs Dan Hawkins]

Ok guys quick note no leaving the island coz im working on a post(hard to do without loads of free time) and we need to b on the island for it to work won't b too long k:D


OK! ;d - by Summer

[tancred]

Don't flip your lid, Calen. This only happens on the boat, and it isn't going anywhere.
*******************************

It was in the early afternoon when Jose and Gwen had returned to the ship. Gabby was sleeping, and there were no duties to do as the ship wasn't going anywhere. A little bored, Jose decided to follow's Gabby's example and take a nap.

An hour later, and Jose was tossing in his sleep. In the hold of a realistic nightmare, he called out in his sleep. "Madre! Padre! Me familia!" Jose awoke with a start, sitting straight up in bed. "Dulcinea," he exclaimed.

Looking about, he realized he was safe in his bed in his quarters. He wiped the sweat from his brow, and attempted to relax his quick breathing. Another thought crossed his mind. "Gabby!" Jose threw back the covers, and rushed up to the deck.

The Spaniard approached the women's quarters. There was a pirate standing guard there, and Gavin was standing protectively nearby as well. "What do you want," asked the pirate gruffly.

"Those are my assistants in there," replied Jose confidently. "And they have training yet to do if they are to prove to be good navigators who can guide this ship well. I mean to conduct some of that training now."

"But captain's orders are that they stay inside," spat the pirate.

"Captain's orders," snapped Jose, "are also to train them as I see fit. And it is fit to train them now. Worry not, for I shall have them returned to their quarters ere the Captain returns." The pirate seemed to hesitate. Jose reiterrated firmly yet calmly, "Get out of the way, sir."

Not two seconds later, and the pirate had unlocked the door. He almost go bowled over by Lydia as she ran out for fresh air. Gwen came out a bit more slowly. Gabby came out not at all. She was still sleeping. "Always taking naps during the day," chuckled Gavin from nearby. "Silly Gabby!" The young man actually smiled for what seemed like the first time since he had come aboard.

Giggling a little herself, Gwen returned to the room, and shook Gabby awake. The young maiden stumbled out of the room slowly, rubbing her eyes, and yawning. "Come with me," motioned Jose. Gavin appeared as if he were going to follow, but Jose stopped him. "Gavin," he said, "perhaps you'd like to take count of the food stores down below?" Gavin walked dejectedly away to do so.

Jose led the three women into his quarters, and locked the door firmly behind. "More training," whined Lydia. "I know already that I can't tell the difference between India and Italy on a map, nor the difference between the North Star and Polaris!"

Gwen tapped Lydia on the shoulder, and whispered lightly to her, "Lydia...the North Star is Polaris!"

Lydia blushed mightily. "Still," she continued, "I'm much too good for this kind of job."

"Maybe this will make you all a little happier about studying," said Jose. He reached in to some of the sacks he had bought at the marketplace earlier in the day. He produced a small basket of strawberries and cherries. "As fresh as can be from farms in Peru," he said with a grin.

All three women's eyes brightened up immediately. They rushed eagerly over to where the basket was on the desk. The basket had been strategically placed right next to Jose's maps and star charts. Thus having a captive audience, Jose let them eat as he instructed them further in the ways of maps and astrolabes.

An hour later, and Jose finally stopped lecturing. There was a moment of silence, and then he finally continued. "And now," he said in a lowered voice. "For the real reason I wanted you all in here. You must all keep what I say now a secret. On your word!" After all the ladies gave him assurances they would keep quiet about what he was about to tell them, Jose continued. "You all should know by now that I do not trust these pirates. The very circumstances under which two of you came on to this ship should tell you that you'd be wise to not trust them, either. As our days pass by on this ship, my worry increases. I know not why. But I let you all know this in case certain circumstances arise."

Jose walked behind his desk to the wall of his quarters at the very back of the ship. He removed his chair and a stack of books. There was a pile of rope behind them. Kneeling down on one knee, Jose knocked heavily on the floor about the rope. To the surprise of everyone else in the room, a small trap door fell on its hinges downwards, and the rope fell loosely down.

Gabby, Gwen, and Lydia rushed over near Jose, and leaned down to look down the trap door. Through it, they could see the water down below, and the rope dangling down to within about five feet of the water. "I started constructing this secret escape door the very day I came aboard," informed Jose. "It is now complete. I am hoping none of us will ever have to use. Still, should the worst come to worse, you all know an option you have. You can flee here and escape through this hatch. Just be sure to grab something floatable on your way down!" Jose hauled the rope back up, and shut and latched the trap door shut. "I think you all should get back to your quarters now before the Captain returns."

The three women turned to go, yet Gabby stopped at the door. She pivoted on her heel, and turned right back around. She leaned her shoulder and head against the frame of the door in a tired fashion. "Is something wrong," she asked. "I know our situation is not ideal. We are on a pirate ship, after all! But you seem even more worried and offput today, Jose."

Jose stepped closer, and leaned against the wall next to the door. "I don't want you to worry about anything," he said, trying to sound as confident as could be. "I will look out for you and the others. I will protect you."

"And I would protect you," said Gabby with fiery determination. The same fire that had sparked her to stowaway aboard the ship and hit Will earlier. "Please, Jose," she pleaded. "If something is wrong, I'd like to know. I can help. What is on your mind."

Jose did not say anything for a few moments. Finally he let it out. "You are on my mind, sweet Senorita Gabby." He leaned closer, and kissed Gabby upon her tempting lips.

[Lady Disdain]

Lydia continued toward her quarters, pretending not to notice the innapropriate display going on behind her, although inwardly she was shocked. An unmarried couple embracing in such a way - and as far as she knew they weren't even engaged, although even if they were such behaviour was still rather unseemly.

With some effort she forced it from my mind and returned to memorizing the day's lesson. She quite liked the training they were having, but she was begining to think it was easier to pretend ignorance about everything. They all obviously thought she was gooseheaded anyway, so she might as well use it to her advantage. It was about the only advantage she had going for her here anyway.

Still, there was something about the movement of the stars that reminded her of the patterns of a dance. It was simple, it was elegant. Smiling slightly to herself she entered the tiny room they had been allowed. She stopped short in the doorway when she realized someone else was already within.

[Niphredil]

Gabby's eyes widened considerably with surprise as Jose moved in and kissed her; but after a moment she relaxed into his kiss, and closed her eyes. Suddenly he pulled away. "Forgive me," he said, "I-- I lost my head, I should not have--" Gabby put her fingers to his lips, silencing him. "There is nothing to forgive," she said softly, as she touched her lips once again to his. He reached around her, and shut the open door.

~*~*~*~

"48, 49, 50," said Gavin, "50 sacks of potatos. Well, I guess I'm done here." he said as he left the storeroom and went off in search of Gabby. On the way he saw Gwen, making her way back to her room, he supposed; Gabby was nowhere to be seen.

"Excuse me, Gwen," Gavin said, "Where is Gabby?"

"I believe she stayed behind with Jose." she said, but then slightly regreted saying it when she saw the fierce look in Gavin's eyes.

"Thank you, Gwen. You should get back to your room. The captain will probably be returning shortly. Good day." he said, and walked away from the woman in the direction of Jose's quarters.

~*~*~*~

"I'm falling for you," Jose said as he wrapped his arms tightly around Gabby's waist. He kissed her neck, sending shivers up and down her spine. Gabby pulled away from him gently. "I should probably go," she whispered. Jose sighed, and leaned his forhead against her's. "Probably so," he said, "I'll miss you." Gabby giggled a little, and said, "And I, you." And with one last kiss, Jose opened the door for her and she left the room.

Gabby had gone no more than a few feet from Jose's door when she came face to face with Gavin, who proceeded to bombard her with questions. "Why aren't you in your room with Gwen and Lydia? What were you doing in there with him? Why are your cheeks so red? And why on earth are you smiling??"

At Gavin's last question, Gabby tried, rather unsuccessfully to remove the smile from her face. "Aren't you supposed to be counting something?" she asked, annoyed.

"Gabby," he said sternly.

"In answer to your first two questions, I was speaking with Jose; in answer to the third, it's a hot summer day; and in answer to your fourth question you should be happy to see me smiling for once!" she said. Gavin narrowed his eyes at her; he had always been able to tell when she was fibbing. "You were just talking?" he asked, obviously skeptical.

"Yes. Just talking." Gabby insisted. "Am I free to go now, or are you not yet done with your childish interrogation?" she asked sarcastically. Gavin nodded at her, and she walked away. With one last glance at Jose's now closed door Gavin also went to off, to find something else to do to pass the time.

~*~*~*~

As Gabby was walking back to her room, Ed, the pirate that had made an attempt on Gwen the day before, approached her.

"You are a beautiful woman." he said. He brought his hand up next to her face, and moved a stray hair away from her eyes. She quickly pushed his hand away, and backed away from him.

"How dare you speak to me so informal!" she said, as she quickly walked past him.

"I were only tryin' to be friendly!" he called after her, as he chuckled.

[Summer Sparrow]

Ana, Emil and Aimèe loitered around the Black Sheep for another half an hour, and Ana was beginning to grow restless.

"If we wait around longer those officers would be back and there goes our chance of sneaking into the armory uneventfully!" declared Ana, she paced back and forth, with her hands behind her back.

"I wonder where's the Capn gone off too, and WILL for that matter" mumbled Emil under his breath.

Aimèe was not feeling too good, and kept her silence, she was quite shaken up by the kidnapping attempt, Ana saw this and leaned closer to her, "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes, I will be, I'm just a little... tired." The girl yawned again, they probably gave her something vile to drink.

Ana thought it was best to take Aimèe back to the ship, the pirates who were on watch on the deck, glared at them.

"Sneaky devils probably up to no good!" one of them spat disgustedly, obviously aiming at them. Ana heard this and immediately drew out her sword and placed the tip in front of his right eye.

"One swipe of this sword and you'll never see this sneaky devil again, savvy?" snarled Ana, gritting her teeth. The pirate gulped.

"Bloody pirate." muttered Ana under her breath, which sounded ironic even to her ears.

Ana and Emil escorted Aimèe to the crew's quarters, Gabby suddenly appeared from the back, and it looked like she had come from Jose's quarters.

"Having extra classes I see?" smiled Ana, Gabby flustered and her whole face went bright red.

"Umm.. yes! That's it! We had extra tutoring today."

"Very well, since you've finished your tutorial, we need your help in looking after Aimèe here."

"I do not need a babysitter!" groaned Aimèe who was lying on her back on a hammock.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her Ana." replied Gabby cheerfully, she was in a curiously good mood.

Ana and Emil exchanged surprised looks, Gabby reassured them again and they proceeded back to the Black Sheep. Captain Calen was still nowhere to be found, but Will was there holding something in his hand, and beside him stood an elegant looking young girl, cluthing a parasol in one hand, she looked a bit nervous underneath her calm persona, and behind them was a cart with one single horse.

"Will! About time! And this is Elizabeth I presume, Will has talked endlessly about you, and I do mean endlessly!" chided Ana as soon as they approached them.

Elizabeth managed a quick smile, but proceeded in a whisper, "We have no time Ana, the armory is clear for the time being but not long, it is located exactly behind the Fort and Bastille, the keys are with Will, I cannot come with you although my heart greatly yearns for it; but alas my father is gravely ill, and thus I am needed here, but you all shall have no trouble getting into the armory, this is a letter of consent, stamped with my father's secret seal, it is written here that you are to transfer some supplies to the newly built fort in Pacèdas, this cart may be of some help, after you have used it, just leave it on the docks, I shall have my trusted servants fetch it once you've long gone. Should you all encounter any problems, just show them the letter" she said at length, her eyes darting this way and that, looking around nervously for any signs of would-be spies.

Ana nodded as she scanned the letter that Elizabeth handed her.

"I shall be back for you Elizabeth." said Will looking into his fiance's eyes, Elizabeth smiled, "I know, but I must go now, for the servants might be wondering what have I been up to!" They shared a kiss and Elizabeth quickly dissappeared among the crowd.

"Come on, let's go!" said Emil and they dashed off towards the armory, they found the armory guarded by two British Officers, they greeted them with great curiosity and suspicion.

"Where are you from again?"

"Pacèdas, we have a letter of consent from the Governor!" Ana handed them the letter.

Scanning the letter, the officer slowly nodded his head, "Told you they were coming here for supplies!" he said almost mockingly.

They now had permission to enter. Once inside Ana gaped in awe "Is this heaven?" she whispered. The armory was dark with only a one single window casting a dim light on the rows, and rows of powder, cat-o-nines, swivel guns, three pounder cannons, and not forgetting the rows of muskets, swords, daggers, and pistols.

Emil let out a whistle, "This is a sight I shan't be forgetting for a long time!" and chuckled, "Gibbs would have cussed his boots off if he saw this!"

Will scurried about gathering all that he could, "Come on, we have no time!"

Ana and Emil went for the three pounders, muskets, and powder kegs, after they had filled their cart, and bowed politely to the two British Officers that were on guard, made their way back to the ship.

[Mrs Dan Hawkins]

thanks summer havin to change my post yet again

was just gonna post 2day as well!!

[Niphredil]

"Who are you? And what on earth are you doing in my quarters?" Lydia questioned the man standing in her room. Unbeknownst to her, he was the ship's cook.

"I'm in here looking for you and that other girl -- Gabby was her name, I believe. There's potatos need peeling for supper. Come with me." he said, taking Lydia by the arm which caused her to scream." Remove your hand from my person at once!" she demanded. Gavin, who was not far off, had heard Lydia's scream and came running.

"What going on here?" he said, "Let her go!" The cook rolled his eyes and let go of Lydia's arm, very annoyed that his preparation of supper was delayed. Lydia ran over to Gavin and stood behind him.

"I be needing her assistance in peeling potatos for supper, is all, young master," the cook explained. "I do have the capn's permission for such a thing."

"I see," replied Gavin. "Well, that doesn't sound so bad. However, I don't ever want to see you handle this woman in such a way again. She's a lady, and deserves better treatment than that. And if you don't mind, I'd like to personally escort her to the galley."

"Fine by me." said the cook. "While you're at it, fetch that other girl to help." He turned away, rolled his eyes again, and went back to his galley.

~*~*~*~

"Gabby," said Aimee, "could you please tell the walls and ceiling to stay still?" Gabby repressed her giggles as best she could, and walked over to Aimee, steadying the swaying hamock she was laying on.

"Thank you, Gabby." said Aimee.

"You're welcome." Gabby replied with a smile.

"Oh, so there you are, Gabby." came a voice from the open doorway. Gabby turned to see Gavin standing there, Lydia close behind him.

"Did you need something?" Gabby asked.

"Yes, the cook needs you and Lydia to peel potatos for supper." said Gavin.

"I'm afraid I cannot help." said Gabby. "Ana told me to stay here and keep an eye on Aimee."

"How many times do I have to say that I don't need a babysitter! And when exactly did Gavin grow a third eye?" said Aimee, cocking her head to one side.

"I have an idea!" said Lydia. "I'll stay here and keep an eye on Aimee, and Gabby can peel potatos. I'm sure she'd be much better at it than I would, she's probably used to doing such atrocious things."

"What's atrocious about a potato?" asked a giggling Aimee."

"They're ugly and dirty! Potatos should be white and fluffy." Lydia said. Aimee suddenly burst out laughing, remembering the conversation she had had with Gibbs not too long ago. "That's another one!" she said. " 'Ahh! Potatos are ugly and dirty' girls!"

Lydia raised an eyebrow, and not wanting the joke to be on only her, she quickly said, "Don't forget the 'kissing-men-I-hardly-know-in-public' girls." Aimee stopped laughing. "What is that supposed to mean?" she said.

Lydia raised her hand, palm forward, and said, "Now, now, don't think I was refering to you." she said, shifting her gaze to Gabby, and looking her straight in the eye. Gabby opened her mouth to say something, but no words came... at least not any good words.

"Gabby, what is it?" said Gavin, seeing the distraught look on his sister's face. "There's something you're not telling me, isn't there?" Gabby blushed and looked to the floor.

"You mean you don't know?" asked Lydia innocently.

"Know what?" said Gavin. He had an idea, but tried his best to keep cool.

"I saw Jose and Gabby embrace," Lydia said, "and kiss. In public view! It was in such poor taste, I was quite shocked."

"Why you little brat!" Gabby said suddenly. "After I tried to befriend you--"

"Gabby! Don't pin this on her." he said.

"But Gavin--"

"Stay here." he ordered, turning away from her.

"But what are you--"

"Stay here!" Gavin yelled, and exited the room in search of Jose. Gabby followed after him. Gavin pounded on Jose's door, and drew his dagger. As soon as the door was opened, Gavin thrust the dagger against Jose's throat. Jose raised his eyebrow. "Just what do you think you are doing?" he said calmly.

"Stay away from my sister." Gavin said through gritted teeth.

"Only if that is what Gabby wants." Jose said, still calm as can be.

"I mean it." Gavin warned, "If you touch her again, I'll kill you." he chuckled. "And fancy that, it would be by your own blade." He pushed the blade of the dagger Jose had given him harder again Jose's neck, causing it to bleed a little. Just then Gabby came running up.

"Gavin! Stop it!" at the sound of Gabby's voice, Gavin looked away from Jose who took that moment to act, grabbing Gavin's arm and twisting it, causing him to drop the dagger. Jose held held Gavin with his left hand, while putting his right around Gavin's throat. "You were saying?" Jose asked.

Gabby put her hand on Jose arm. "Let him go." she said.

"Only if he promises to leave us alone." Gavin reluctantly nodded. Jose released him, and Gavin shook his head at Gabby and walked away. Gabby dejectedly watched him go, wanting to go talk to him but not quite knowing what to say. She looked at Jose.

"Oh, you are bleeding," said Gabby. "Let me help you with that." They went into Jose's room, he sat down on a chair while Gabby filled a small bowl with water, dipped a cloth in it, and pressed it to the small wound on Jose's neck; after a moment, the bleeding stopped. "There we are," said Gabby, kissing the spot on his neck, "All better?"

"Much better," Jose said, pulling Gabby to a seat on his lap. He longed to again feel her lips against his. "Kiss me." he said. Gabby moved her face closer to his and kissed him on the end of his nose, causing them both to laugh. He wrapped his arms around her, and she rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "My Dulcinea," he whispered, so quietly that Gabby almost didn't hear him. At the sound of the word Dulcinea images of the sketches, in particular the one of the Spanish girl, popped into her mind. Gabby opened her eyes and lifted her head. "What did you call me?"

[eowynangel]

Gwen was to go to deck when the door of the room bursted open and an angry looking Gavin entered.

"The cook needs your help" he said rather harshely. Lydia is watching over Aimée and Gabby is busy with that stupid Spaniard git !"

Gwen raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"José ? I suppose he finally admit his feelings for your sister... What's wrong with that ?"

"He has NO right ! scolded Gavin. She's my sister ! I don't want her to go with the first guy she meet on her road ! She's pure and innocent... If he harm her in any way..."

"He won't" assured the french woman, placing a soothing hand on her shoulder. "José loves Gabby, it's obvious"

"How can you know that ? replied Gavin rather bitterly. "You probably never knew love. You're just a whore"

Gavin immediatly regretted her harsh words but it was too late. He felt a burn on his cheek where Gwen had just slapped him.

"Don't call me that ever again" she threatened, her voice strangely low.

"I'm sorry" he mumbled. "I was angry. I..."

"It's ok. But be careful or I might let slip something to your sister about you and Lydia..."

"Wh... What ?"

Gwen laughed and left the cabin.

"Well I suppose I have to go to the kitchen" she said. "See you later"

Gwen hurried to the cook's quarters, fighting back the tears. Gavin's sentence had waken old memories up.

"Damien" she muttered. "Tu me manques tellement..."

And with that, she dissapeared in the kitchen.

****************************************
Translation :
"Tu me manques tellement" means "I miss you so"

[tancred]

It was only after Gabby had asked him about calling her by the wrong name did Jose realize his slip. His face went red with embarrassment, he looked away, and he hoped he would not have to answer. But Gabby asked again, "Dulcinea--why did you call me that?"

As Gabby seemed more inquisitive than upset, Jose answered. "It is the name of the woman Don Quixote is in love with. The woman he has sworn his chivalrous oath to. As Don Quixote is my hero, I try to model myself after him in some ways. My calling you Dulcinea was my way of...showing my affection for you."

Gabby blushed herself at this revelation; the sentiment was touching. However, she had seen the painted drawing of the Spanish woman among Jose's maps, and so she thought she might not be getting the complete story. "That is very sweet of you, Jose," she said. "However...I've seen your paintings." The look on Jose's face showed that he was shocked. Gabby quickly spoke again so as to ease any worries or anger he might have. "I did not mean to. I was not snooping intentionally. You instructed me to look at your maps the other day. I did, yet stumbled upon your drawings and paintings. One was of a Spanish woman, and it was entitled "Dulcinea." There was a family portrait there, I believe, too."

Jose lifted Gabby up off of his lap, rose, and walked away. He looked troubled and sad.

"I'm sorry," apologized Gabby. "I do not mean to be nosy. Yet, this obviously brings back sad memories. Will you not tell me what is wrong? I would like to help you if I could. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Just talk to someone about it. Have you told anyone?"

"Nay," replied Jose. "There is noone to tell. They are all...gone...."

"Then tell me," urged Gabby. "I want to help you. I give you my word I will tell noone. And I believe already that you do trust me. Your trust is well-placed, I assure you."

Jose looked out the window of his cabin, past the astrolabe, and out onto the sea and sky. Although he did not look at Gabby, he did speak. Slowly, and often in a broken manner; as if he were choking back tears.

"My family," began Jose, "the Ortegas, are from Madrid. There was my father, Juan. My mother, Teresa. My older brother, Marcos. And my younger sister, Nonna. My father's best friend from his youth was a general in the King's army, Don Paulo. He had a daughter by the name of Rose. The painting you saw was of her. I suppose that in feeling romantic with you, my thoughts briefly turned to her. And hence my slip, for which I humbly apologize."

"You probably already know that the Thirty Years War raged over much of Europe up until 1648, nigh on four years ago. The King of Spain and the Emperor of Germany were related by birth, and so my country fought alongside those Germans loyal to the Emperor and to the Pope. Don Paulo and my father had been with the army off and on for many years. When Marcos reached the age of 18, he joined my father. As did I a few years later when I came of age. I was not with the army for long. For, the Peace of Utrecht was signed by all parties about six months after I arrived. Yet that was still time enough to be in two major battles and several minor skirmishes. "

"So that is why you are such a good swordsman," interrupted Gabby. Jose nodded his head yes. "But you claim to be a navigator and cartographer," pointed out Gabby.

"I am all three," answered Jose with a slight smile of pride. "After the war was over, we all returned to Madrid, much to the relief of my mother, sister, and Rose. Don Paulo and my father returned changed men. They had no heart for more bloodshed. Marcos and I were scarred enough from our limited experiences in the war, so I can only imagine what my father and Don Paulo had gone through. Desiring a change of scenery and a more relaxed life, Don Paulo urged my father to come with him to the New World. He had received a governorship in Cartanega, Columbia, and wanted my father to be his right hand man. My father agreed, partially due to urging by me. I did not think I could be parted from Rose."

"And so, both our families packed up and made the voyage. Our life in Cartanega was a good one, and it was peaceful. There, we met a friar by the name of Peter Claver. I do not think I have met a more holy man. He made it his life work to work among the poor slaves that were being shipped to the New World and among the native Indian tribes that had been displaced by we Europeans. My family were his firm supporters, and my mother, sister, and Rose helped him at St. Lazarus' Hospital for lepers there."

"Most importantly was that my love for Rose grew. And she loved me, much to my surprise and happiness. We became betrothed. Life was good. It could not have been better."

"And then it all came crashing down. One day, Friar Claver was needed at a native village in the jungle, about a day's journey from Cartanega. He needed a military escort, and Don Paulo asked if I could lead it. I agreed, and our party set off."

"I returned not a week later to find much of Cartanega in flames. The port walls and much of the outer city were destroyed and on fire. Only the citadel at the center of the city still stood strong. The flag of Spain still flew from its ramparts, so I knew all was well there."

"My first thought was to head home to check in on my family. It had been broken in to and pillaged. I did not care for that. On the ground lay Marcos, my mother, and Rose. Marcos had been cut down defending them. That was just like him--faithful to the last. And my poor mother and sweet Rose! Whoever it was had had their way with them, and then gutted them before they left. My mother was already dead, yet Rose still breathed. When I picked her up to cradle her, I saw that she was clutching on to my copy of Don Quixote. She smiled when she saw me. She said she wanted to hold on to me to the end, and so had clung on to my favorite book until I could return. Her blood was all over the back cover where she had clutched it to her bleeding body. She told me that pirates had done this, and that they had carried off Nonna. I told her I loved her, and she kissed me with her last breath. My last sight was of Friar Claver giving them all Last Rites."

"I ran to the harbor. A blind fury was upon me, and I do not remember much about it. The citadel having stood, the pirates looted what they could, and were running back to their ship. They were in full retreat. And I cut down any and all who crossed my path. Realizing that some of their fellow pirates had been cut off from the rallying Spanish, the captain and crew of that ship still onboard decided to cut their losses and set sail. They escaped. I returned to the citadel to find that Don Paulo was mortally wounded. He died a week later. My father grew old quickly after that, and died of grief in two months time."

"I do not know the name of that pirate ship or of its captain. Yet I know the flag he flies. The day I find that crew, that flag, that ship, and that captain...oh! I do not even want to think of their fates! God help them all on that day! MEMOR MORIBUNDUS!!"

Jose beat one fist against the wall, and put his hand to the hilt of his sword. He did not draw it though. He merely bowed his head, and this time, the tears could not be choked back.

[Mrs Dan Hawkins]

Calen and Gibbs were walking around near the docks still looking for Amiee when Calen spotted Will, Ana and Emil walking back to the ship pushing a wagon full of god knows what.
Calen waved to catch Wills attention and was about to yell a question concerning the wagon when she heard a voice from behind.

"Search the town men i want her found!"

No it can't be Calen though, as the blood rushed from her face .She whirled around only to see Captain James Hawkins stood not 10 foot from her, and unfortunatly for her he had seen her.

"There she is bring her here"

"Oh shit !!" Calen exclaimed before turning to face the ship and yelling to Bill "GO !!!"

"What the hell?" mused Gibbs

"just get on the ship!" Calen pushed him towards it before setting off at a breath taking speed

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

Will saw his sister and stopped to wave to show he had seen her.He was about to walk over when he saw her eyes widen and face pale .He watched as she turned to look behind her , and he looked at who she was starting at , a Captain a navy captain.Will had no idea who he was but for some reason this Captain wanted his sister and sent his crew after her.
Will couldn't believe what Calen had said when she turned towards her ship , he thought she was gonna run to it but .....no she told them to go .....without her , will moved to go to Calen to get her to the ship but Emil held him back.

"leave her lad she knows what shes doing"

Emils words did not help Will and he was dragged back to The Queen Of The Sea and was held as they left the dock.

"ok we need to get as far away from here as possible " Ana yelled "i have a feeling they might follow us"

Will opened his mouth to argue but Bill got there first

" The Cap'ain told me that if anything should happen we was to go to ' other side of the island and wait til mornin if she want back by then Will was the new cap'ain and we was to do as he said so we'll not b takin your orders lass"

Will sighed with relief , it seemed his sister did know what she was doing after all.


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

ok there it is after a few changes (blame summer if u must)

[tancred]

Calen said:

ok there it is after a few changes (blame summer if u must)

Personally, I blame E.T. Stupid alien.

And I'd just like to thank Summer for Open Seas--such a nice, friendly, and wonderful site. Without it, this very rpg wouldn't be possible. So, three rousing cheers for Summer, I say! *BIG HUGS*

Keep up the good work everyone. Its really getting good! And I have some plans of my own for the near future. ;D

[Lady Disdain]

Lydia sat huddled on her narrow bed. She was utterly ashamed of herself. However shocking Gabby's behavior had been, she knew she was at least as bad for spreading the tale - and in front of Gabby's brother too. He or Jose could have been killed, and it would all have been the result of her malicious comment.

But why did they have to keep mocking her so much?

She turned her glance to Aimee who was now fast asleep and snoring quite indelicately.

She supposed she did sound foolish to them, but did they have to keep laughing at her?

[Summer Sparrow]

Ana stood at the bow of the ship looking beyond towards New Providence Harbour which was shrinking in the distance, her brows furrowed, and she squinted her eyes for a better look, both the Navy Officer and Captain Calen were gone. Will was also there, looking for signs of his sister, "I wish she's alright." he said suddenly, Ana looked at him, trying to cover her anxiousness she replied, "She will be." Ana tried to smile, but the smile looked forced, the fate of any pirate getting caught by the Navy is dark, very dark, but the Navy who caught Captain Calen seemed quite dishevelled, which is quite uncommon among the Navy who seem to keep their appearance as number one priority.

"I don't think he's a Navy, or even if he was, he's not from New Providence, he won't harm your sister" said Ana suddenly. Will looked at her puzzled.

"Hey you mangy dog, even if you ain't taking orders from me, you better keep those sails a quarter astern, and drop the main mast" yelled Ana towards the Bill who was steering, he sneered but yelled out those orders to the crew anyway.

Ana, Gibbs, Emil and few other pirates stowed away the weapons that they had plundered earlier, and replaced the old cat-o-nines with the new ones "Aye! These will come in handy!" said Gibbs with a hearty laugh. The old ones were thrown overboard since the ship can't possibly hold all of them at once. After everything was settled Ana went down to her quarters, to her surprise she saw Lydia sitting quietly by herself, she seemed to be minding Aimee, who by now has fallen asleep.

"Are you alright?" she asked the girl timidly, but Lydia kept her silence.

"I'm sorry for what has happened Lydia, but I promise, as long as it is in my power, that no harm will ever come to you" continued Ana, she was somewhat unsettled by the girl's silence.

"So, do you feel like talking?" asked Ana again.

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

Gavin made his way back up on deck, and he was quite relieved to find Will up there.

"Will! Did you meet Elizabeth? How is she?" asked Gavin, Will smiled at him, "She's as exquisite as ever, but, the Governer has fallen quite ill, although Elizabeth has assured me it is nothing serious, I am still worried." replied Will. Gavin nodded empathically.

"But New Providence has the latest medical accomodations, I'm sure the Governor will get the best medical care" assured Gavin, he sighed "But at least you get to meet your sweetheart."

Will noticed a somewhat melancholy tone to Gavin's statement, "Well, I hope you can contain your excitement" chuckled Will. "What's bothering you Gavin?"

Gavin felt a rush of heat to his face, he scolded himself for letting even a hint of his feelings show, should he share what has been on his mind from the first moment he laid his eyes on Lydia? Will would understand wouldn't he?

Instead Gavin just smiled, and shook his head, he would've sounded so foolish, "Nothing, it's just sad that you didn't get to spend more time with her, but another thing that I am quite unhappy about, is Gabby."

Will raised an eyebrow, "Gabby? Why? Is she unwell?"

"Yes, I think maybe she knocked her head senseless, I fear she is quite smitten with the Spanish fellow" he continued grumpily.

Will laughed out loud and slapped Gavin on the back, "Well Gavin ol chap, looks like we have to find you a girl! And after that we can have a grand ol ball!"

Gavin mustered a sheepish smile, and both men gazed far into the horizon. Will couldn't help but still feel worried about his sister. He desparately wished Ana's words were right.

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

[Athena]

Kira shifted her weight uncomfortably in the narrow confines that she found herself in. She felt a weight pressing against her back, with a grimace, she reached behind her and felt some rope. She sighed and settled back, preparing for a long journey. Rather small, Kira looked younger then she really was. As she never knew her family or her history, she guessed that she was seventeen. She had brown hair, cropped rather short like a boy’s, and a sprinkling of freckles across her nose. Her eyes were a sharp green color, and they avidly took in the world around them. She wore tattered boy clothes, that were very dirty and their original color’s were indiscriminate. Tucked under her clothes were two daggers, and some lock-picks. A strange tattoo on her left shoulder of a skull and crossbones was her only legacy of her heritage. She reached into her pocket and withdrew a small bag of gold coins. She raised her eyebrow at them, and then put them back into her pocket. She risked a glimpse upwards out of the small corner she was in, the way was clear, but then she heard voices coming her way, quickly she ducked back into her corner and listened to what the voices were saying.

“Supplies have gone missing, things aren’t were they are supposed to be, something’s not right’

“I know, perhaps it is some manner of a ghost or ghoul or such”

“Aye, but what would a spirit want with food I don’t know”

“I know mate, I know. I wish Cap'n Turner will come back, Will’s a good fella’, but the Cap't doesn’t let anythin’ stand in her way.”

“Aye….”

As the two pirates walked off, their voices receded in the distance. Kira smiled at the thought of them thinking that she was a ghost.

*****Flashback*****
Kira hungrily eyed a loaf of bread that stood tantalizing on the window sill, it steamed and gave off a fragrance. She licked her lips and stared at the bread. She looked around to see if their were any passerby’s near her. At seeing noone, she darted toward the window sill and grabbed the bread and prepared to run away. Just before she could dart off, a heavy hand closed in on her ear. Standing in front of her, holding strongly onto her was the baker.

“Ho there, what do you think your doin’, stealin’. Ha, I’ll call the law upon ye, lessee how you’lle like it with one hand missin’.”

Kira gulped inside, but her outside demeanor was calm. With a tricky little move, she wrenched herself free from the baker’s grip and slowly backed up from him. Right before he reached out to grab her again, she bowed toward him and said,

“Kind sir, please forgive me. I was merely inspectin’ your goods, and all that.”

Kira bit into the bread and chewed vigorously, then she looked up to see the baker staring at her, his face red and his voice rough with anger,

“Why you little….”

“Ah, yes, my inspectin’ is complete. Excellent job, well done, the taste is wonderful, good smell. Props to ye, and I will just be goin’ now…”

Kira began to run toward the baker, surprised that she was running toward him, he hesitated. She plowed into him and both of them fell to the ground, his wares everywhere on the street, and the wind knocked out of him. Kira tumbled a little and then darted back up again, for a moment she looked back, she could see the baker running around on the street, hurridly trying to pick his goods up before they were smashed into the ground by the heavy wheels of horse drawn carriages. She listned hard and heard with a smile of satisfaction the bellow of the baker as he realized that she had also stolen the gold coins from his pocket. Slowing her pace a little, she trotted along the street, turning and looking at the stores that lined her path.

Suddenly, Kira found herself almost directly in the path of two men. Quickely, she ducked and hid herself under a pile of trash. As the two men got closer, she could see them more clearly. The taller one was dressed elegantly and wearing very red clothes as was the smaller one. However, the taller one was obvioulsy the one in charge, and the smaller one snivelled and was constantly looking up at the taller one for reasurrance.

"Now Skeet, did you find that insufferable women?"
"What women are ye talkin' about Cap't?"
"You know, Captain Calen. And how many times must I tell you to talk properly!"
"Yes sir Captain Jame's sir. Uh, we have people searcing for Calen as we speak."
"Excellent, remember, as soon as you capture her bring her to my ship. The sooner we can sail off from here the better, this town is a pigstye. Hmmm." James's took out of his pocket a piece of paper, he consulted it briefly and then shrugged. With a careless flick of the wrist, he crumpled the paper up and flung it onto the rubbish that was covering Kira. Then James's and Skeet walked away. As soon as the coast was clear, Kira got up and wiped the trash from her. Right before she prepared to leave, she shrugged and took the peice of paper that James's had flung at her. She looked at it closely but could discern nothing from it as she could not read. She stuck the paper into her pocket and set off, her mind thinking about what she had overheard.

Suddenly she found herself at the docks, a great row of ships lay in her path. A slight breeze blew and the odor of sea salt filled the air. Kira froze and looked at the ships. She felt a sudden desire to leave the dismal town that she found herself in. She shrugged and looked back to where she had come from, all that awaited for her back on the streeets was jail and death. I can’t hope to move up in the world, for as everyone knows, street rats are good for nothins’ that are dead lazy and steal a man of an honest day’s work Kira though wryly. With a quickened pace, she crept up to the nearest ship. Two guards were standing guard and permitting none to enter or leave the ship. Kira threw a rock and it landed with a splash in the water. The guards tensed and looked around for the source of the sound. While their attention was elsewhere, Kira ducked and silently thanked the gods that she was short, noiselessly she crept past the guards on her hands and feet. She quikely prowled the ship searcing for a place to hide. Then she found a likely hiding place and settled down.

******back to the present******
Kira felt her stomach grumble, the little food that she had stolen from the ship’s kitchen was hardly enough to sustain her. Perhaps she could bribe one of the sailors with some of the gold coins to pinch her some real food. However she didn’t wish to be discovered by this supposed fearsome captain, who knows what she would do to her.