High Seas Adventure (Zynode & darkangel76)

[darkangel76]

The sun had finally set and though, more than anything in the world, Charlotte did not wish to leave her father behind, she knew she must. Times were treacherous and only becoming more so. Ever since her father, Charles McCarriston, had fallen ill, the family and all it proudly stood for had fallen upon the eager shoulders of her older brother, Tobias.

Tobias. Oh how the name sent shivers along Charlotte's spine. It made her skin crawl at how the man was able to squander both his time and the family fortune on such frivolities such as gambling and women. How many women had he bed now? As far as she could tell, nearly every one within the island colony. It was madness, not to mention embarrassing. The tarnish and shame he brought upon the McCarriston name was more than she could bear at times. If only her father truly knew! In some ways, it made her glad that her mother had passed away, unable to see the abomination that her son had become...

But such dark thoughts only made Charlotte weep and shiver. She wished things were different, that she could somehow step in and take over. But all documents left everything to Tobias. 'Oh father,' she often thought to herself as she watched her brother run off with whore and harlot, no care for who or what he did. The McCarriston name still held power on the island, still had connection. So long as that remained, her brother could do as he wished. So long as there were those who remained loyal, he'd continue the ruin, holding the colony of New Caledon and it's people and various officials under his thumb.

Truly... it was hopeless.

And now. Now, the casual glances that Tobias started giving her hadn't gone unnoticed by Charlotte. She saw the way he looked at her, the way his eyes lingered longer than they should. It was unnerving and made her tummy ache, causing her to have nightmares, anxiety. It was too much and only getting worse. Though when he finally followed her a few evenings ago, finding her alone in one of the many dark corridors within their home, he'd cornered her.

Even now as Charlotte frantically prepared for what she knew would be the most terrifying moment in her life so far, she could vividly recall that time with Tobias. His hot breath as his lips trailed her neck while he'd held her against the cold, hard stone of the wall. The malicious look in his eyes as he stared back into her cool, blue eyes reflecting her fear. But he only smiled, urged on by the reaction until she finally struggled hard enough for him to finally release her from his grasp. But that look. She knew that look... one of determination. He wouldn't give up. He'd never give up. A game had started and he would end it.

Again, Charlotte shivered.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Charlotte grimaced. Her long, red waves were pulled back into a ponytail as she went to tuck it up into a cap—that meant for a boy. She then reached for several strips of cloth and began to tightly wrap them about her half naked body. Slowly, she began to bind her breasts, binding and hiding her feminine form, tears falling from her blue eyes as she did so. But she knew she had no choice. Not any more. Not after what had happened.

Oh how she'd miss her father.

Once done binding her breasts, Charlotte began to dress herself. Her choice of clothes weren't her typical gowns—frilly frocks that accentuated her figure, that were soft and beautiful, making her feel pretty. No. These were coarse, featureless and practically colorless. Slowly, she pulled on the trousers and then the boots. Slowly, she slipped on the top and then a coat. Never had she felt more ugly, so... boyish. But then, that was the point... to 'become' a boy.

More tears fell from Charlotte's blue eyes, the salty water staining her alabaster cheeks as they fell. Taking a shaky breath, she looked about her room and choked on a sob that threatened to escape her. Truly this would be the last time she'd be in her home. She wouldn't even get to say goodbye to her father. Biting down on her lip, she picked up her pack filled with clothes, coin and food and headed toward her door. She hoped that Dorothy Lucas wasn't about—her 'lady in waiting'. The girl usually meant well, but she tended to prattle on at times and having the girl potentially interfering and questioning would only serve to hinder her escape not to mention possibly place her in danger as well. After all, who knew how far Tobias would go to ensure she was found once it was learned she was gone?

Charlotte didn't want to think on that...

Swallowing hard, Charlotte pushed open the door and peeked out into the dimly lit corridor. Thankfully, it seemed to be empty, quiet. Without hesitating, she crept out of her room and began to hurriedly move along the stone hallway until she finally made it to one of the many doors. Reaching for the door, she let out a tiny breath, a bead of sweat trailing down the nape of her neck as she twisted the knob and finally went out into the night. Meanwhile, around the corner, Dorothy noticed a figure looming and skulking about. Though, not wanting to rouse the household, kept silent.

The night air was thick with a mist that was rolling in and the moon was silver as it shone down overhead. Charlotte looked up, her pale eyes squinting as she peered up to see if she could see the rumored face that was claimed to reside there. Frowning, she looked away and set her jaw, her thoughts on traveling toward the harbor. She needed to board one of the ships there, join a crew and get as far away as possible from Tobias, her home... and everything she ever knew. And hopefully all before anyone noticed she was gone.

 

[Vertaige]

The soft lapping of the waves on the prow, evoked a salty spray of chilled ocean onto the face of Captain Rorik "Red Blade" Di'Armas. He yawned as the sun sat lazily in the sky and his crew scrabbled across the deck of his lady, The Albatross. Idly he traced a finger over his left eye, now covered in an eyepatch. He had to admit an eye for his crew was a fair trade, however the Navy Admiral he had killed would probably had disagreed. The varouis crew below deck were working on the heart of the ship, a massive machine of gears and cogs that billowed steam and fire when activated.
"Clockmaster Tycho, Any reports on my ship?"
An ancient man with a sage beard appeared and spoke,
"She needs more oil, as the gallon we have now is not a high enough grade. I can make do until we make port but its advised we do something soon."

Captain Rorik nodded and hiked up his scarlet jacket, the gold buttons gleaming in time with the ochor thread highlighting the previous Admiral's jacket. He cracked a rare smile as the port of New Caledon came into view. He was going to have some fun and make sure that his prey knew he was hunting it. His ship rocked to and fro as if nodding in agreement.

 

[darkangel76]

Night had given way to dawn and its rosy shades were slowly fading as the sun rose higher in the sky, giving way to full morning. The night had seemed long and Charlotte hadn't slept much at all. Her nervousness and worry were getting the best of her and everywhere she turned, she swore she could feel eyes watching her, studying her, predicting her every movement as if in wait. Though she groggily meandered about the winding roads of New Caledon donning a boy's attire, she could not help how she felt. After all, it would only be a matter of time before Tobias learned of her absence... before all of the household learned.

A shaky hand reached up and brushed against her brow line, pushing at her red locks and re-tucking them under the cap she wore upon her head. Just then, the aroma of the sea struck at Charlotte's nose. She could smell the salt and the fish, the smell of wet wood and weathered metals. The harbor. All too soon she'd be upon the harbor where all the great ships took anchor. Most of them were merchant ships, some perhaps belonging to an explorer or two. But she couldn't begin to tell the difference between the various vessels that had docked. To her, they all appeared the same, just varying in size or shape, some having a few more decorative busts than others or prettier flags.

As Charlotte looked over the ships, she could feel her mouth going dry. Slowly, life was beginning to emerge and that only made her more nervous. Had Tobias sent word in the night? Would someone come looking for her? Were they already looking? She didn't want to think on it and couldn't. Shaking off the thoughts, she clutched tightly to her bag and set her sights on one vessel that seemed interesting in comparison to the others. She couldn't say why it beckoned as it did nor did she have the time to dwell on such matters. Time was her enemy.

Time and Tobias.

Swallowing hard, Charlotte looked down upon her booted feet, he eyes scanning downward over her body. She hoped she looked the part as much as she felt it she did and now she hoped she could play it. Licking at her lips, she stepped toward the ship in the distance. Right then left and then right again. Slowly, she moved forward, her hands clenching and unclenching about the straps of her bag. Her life would never be the same once she boarded that ship. She knew this full well. But she was left with no other alternative, no other choice.

With a heavy heart full of fear, Charlotte finally took the first step along the platform leading to board the ship. She squinted her pale eyes and could see one of the crewman on deck. Perhaps he could answer her question, the dreaded question she'd pose in hopes to get away from New Caledon and Tobias forever.

"Sir?" Charlotte asked after clearing her throat. She shifted her stance slightly, a hand moving to tug on her cap. "Does your ship require a Ship's Boy? If so, I... I'm your man." She felt herself die a little on the inside as the words rolled over her tongue. "I don't require much in pay, just enough. And some meals. I..." her voice trailed a moment. She could feel her emotions roiling deep inside as she tried her best to hide her identity and leave her life behind.

Damn you, Tobias!

"I work hard and learn quick. Won't find a better Ship's Boy than me."

 

[Vertaige]

Lock was simply doing what he always did when they made port. Swab the decks with Stock and Barrel. Lock was thin and lean with shoulder length blonde tresses, Stock was shorter and definitely stronger being more like a cannon than man, and Barrel looked every bit like a pirate wench, showing skin and armed to the teeth. The three deckhands had been inseparable on the ship ever since climbing aboard ten years ago.
"Huh?" Lock looked over to the dock and saw a damn ginger come up to the ship and ask for work. Captain Red Blade was on shore for business so First Mate Kale was now in charge.

"Oy, Lock you talking to yourself?," Barrel asked with a smirk.
"No Barrel, some lad's come asking for work...But seeing as Captain Red is off on dry land can't exactly say what to do."

Barrel tossed her mop to Stock who caught it without word as she rushed to the side of the ship to catch a look at this mystery man.
She was not disappointed at the slender boy before her,
"Oh!, He's quite a cutie, much better than the louts on this tub!"
Both Lock and Stock raised eyebrows, knowing full well Barrel fancied their captain something fierce.

"Oh but won't Captain Red let him? We already got a full crew..."
Lock looked at the boy seeing the look of fear mixed with something else, a look he had worn himself a few times.
Stock spoke in his low voice,
"If I recall, Cook Sinclair was whining about needing some help in the galley, seeing as our lad here is soft from some noble's house it might prevent him from getting hurt."
Lock saw a shock of terror run through the lad,
"Calm down boy, Stock mighta said something you might want to keep private, but relax we don't gob. Besides if your running from some lord or lady then we can guarantee Captain Red will welcome ya aboard."

Halfway across the harbor Rurik sneezed and felt a small twinge in his gut, almost like someone was messing with his crew and ship. He shrugged and continued to walk into the market looking for a few supplies the ship needed.

 

[darkangel76]

Charlotte's eyes widened as she watched the three crewman banter back and forth about whether or not she should be allowed on board the ship. Her heart raced erratically as they seemed to discuss her fate, arguing and scrutinizing and... admiring?

Almost instantly, Charlotte wanted to hide the moment the female—and it surprised her to see a woman on board, so carefree and sure of herself, so outspoken!—made the subtle passing compliment. Swallowing hard, she hoped the woman didn't make any more. It was beyond mortifying and made her long for the feel of finer materials against her porcelain pale skin once more.

A day in boy's clothes and she already wished to be a girl once more!

Charlotte bit down on her lip, her knees wobbling as she felt the bile rise. A knot formed in the pit of her stomach and more than anything she hoped she knew what she was doing. A part of her began to sorely wonder as her tiny, delicate hands gripped her bag causing her knuckles to go white. She was slowly getting in over her head. Already these three were able to pick apart her past and this was by merely looking at her. They were able to tell her upbringing, discern her origins, that she was more than likely on the run... Thank the heavens above they didn't seem to notice anything more. Though anything more might not get her a step further, she figured.

As Charlotte's eyes darted about, frantically scanning her surroundings for any sign of Tobias or his allies, she jumped when she heard the female say 'welcome' and smiled sheepishly.

She'd done it. She'd actually done it. Pushing at her cap and re-tucking some of her red locks underneath, Charlotte gave them all a nod. "Thank you," she said giving them a more formal bow. "The name is... Charlie. Charlie McCary." She peered up at them all underneath the brim of her cap. "I promise to work hard and won't let you or the Captain down."

Meanwhile, Tobias knocked on Charlotte's door to her bedchamber. When no one answered, his face turned grim until he finally let out a snarl. Peering around the corner, Dorothy noticed him and he didn't seem to be in the best of moods. She figured it was because his sister wasn't answering the door. Biting down on her lip, she tilted her head and brought up a hand only to run her fingers through her blonde locks. The girl had a suspicion as to why Charlotte wasn't answering the door, one that she'd had in the middle of the night when she'd been roused by the sounds she'd heard causing her to get up out of bed so that she could investigate a little. Daring to bold, her heart pumping hard as she watched Tobias, she decided to approach the handsome man.

"Mr. McCarriston," Dorothy said as she walked over to the man, giving him a low and humble curtsy once close. "If you permit me to speak freely, I do believe your Charlotte isn't at home."

 

[Vertaige]

Halfway across the town. Rorik sat listening to a very curvy woman purr into his ear.
"Come now little rory, you used to blush whenever I drew close." Rorik scowled.
"Cerazita I don't visit to indulge in your trade. I come because you usually give me information no one else can.
The Gilded Rose was by all accounts the best brothel in the city and as the Madam, Cerazita heard everything whispered to her girls.
"Fine, I do miss the days when you were younger..."
She pouted and moved to the opposite him and sat up dropping her act.
"I take it you want the same information as always?"
"Why else would I visit?" Rorik looked bored.
"You never come for pleasure. Many of my girls would live to bed the infamous Red Blade."
Rorik raised an eyebrow. He had been lonely as of late but the last wench he had courted had tried to slit his throat while he slept. He was t exactly eager to try again, even if Cerazita was an ally, he had known many of the girls for a while and didn't particular lust after any one of them.

"I left Lock,Stock, and Barrel in charge. Lets make this quick. I wouldn't doubt they'd sink my ship if I stayed out too long."
He cared for his crew but those three were perhaps the most unfocused, clumsy, and well meaning pirates ever.
Wich meant unless in combat they were certain to cause trouble.

"Alright you wrestral. The news is some big noble is eyeing his sister, perhaps hoping to marry her."
Rorik was about to complain before she stopped him.
"This is relevant because Its the same one who cost you your father. Now we don't know which one it is, mind you, it's all gossip, but it should help you narrow down who to kill."
Rorik nodded and tossed her a few golden coins before leaving. He'd need to find out who this incestous noble is and hopefully either kill him out right or better yet kidnap his would be bride and gain leverage.
Seven years Rorik had been narrowing down who had condemned him and his father, now he was so close he could taste it. At that moment he sneezed. As if he had been mentioned by name.

At the ship the crew eagerly helped thier new scullion aboard. Cook Hin looked over the boy presented to him. The ancient oriental looked as if he had been sculpted from marble. He stood hunched over a wispy beard on his chin. "He looks weak... Can you handle knife boy? If not say now. Better a blank slate than a liar."