The story begins with Wild Kaitlyn Standley's ship docked in a fishing town, awaiting her next adventure. Mad Charity Bonney is in open water somewhere between Burasia and Orinia. That puts her in the Quailian sea. Misfortunate Alexander Ngor is coming into port at Ormania, a merchant city not too far from the town where Kaitlyn is docked.

Kaitlyn has found a map to a treasure that could hold the secret to eternal life and is going after it, but so is everyone else because word travels fast on the sea.

Kaitlyn was sitting in her cabin that night as the ship sat docked in a small, un-named, fishing town on the coast of Burasia, going over her maps one last time before turning in. The latest adventure of Neptune's whore would soon come into effect. The crew was growing weary for longing the open sea. They had been in port for two months while her ship was repaired and supplies were gathered. While in port, however, Kaitlyn had found a map and a key in the posession of an old barkeep that could hold the secret to eternal life or an obscene amount of treasure. She didn't care which it turned out to be as long as she could leave port.

There were many things running through the misfortunate mind of Alexander Ngor as The Dark Avenger suddenly halted in the middle of the night at the closest piece of land they could locate. Alexander didn't know where they were nor where they were headed with nothing particular in mind besides the blissful scent of the ocean that surrounded the ship. Compared to most captains, he could be seen as pretty laidback as he dropped down expertly from the mast in obviously no hurry. His hands reached downwards into his pockets to where each revolver was positioned in his coat as he slowly walked out of the ship and entered the town in search of a task or several like any other pirate. Black strands of his hair shifted against his eye patch as he continued to walk onward despite the slight discomfort it gave. Some of his crew stayed behind already aware of the captain's procedure while two other men of the crew followed behind the young captain as back up but well hidden amongst the crowds as to not be as obvious. Alexander preferred to handle matters on his own but back up was welcomed. It seemed to take forever before the young man's boots came to a pause as he stood seemingly alone in an alleyway. His head gazed upwards at the silver glow of the full moon above perfectly positioned in the night sky as another breeze passed. For a while the young man was lost in thought, remembering the days of his childhood before he spat at the ground and continued onward. There was no time to delay. 'Ting!' rang the bell on the door of an almost empty and deserted bar. The foul smell of alcohol beverage and smoke filled the Captain's lungs, regardless he was quite used to it. He sat down comfortably and casually at one of the stools close by the bartender with his hands entwined on the counter as if waiting for someone or something to appear. As the two crew members continued to keep distance.. all they could think was that surely, he had come for a reason.

Mad Charity Bonney, a name that strikes awe into the hearts of many a pirate. Whether for fear of her or adoration, no one dared to cross Charity Bonney as she sat brooding in her cabin and waiting out the storm. Her crew were doing well to keep the ship in one piece. "Maybe we'll stumble off the face of Isolia..." she mused as she drifted off to sleep, letting the motion of the waves rock her into an oblivious state of dreaming sleep.

Rosaline absentmindedly stepped off of the Neptune's Whore and stood upon the rotting wooden port. The ship was the only home Rosaline had ever known, and disembarking it always returned a nervous anxiety. The towns always brought back the emotions and memories of starvation, loneliness, and desperation that was a daily occurrence during Rosaline's childhood. Staring up at the gleaming sky and running her fingers through her light hair, she began walking among the ships at dock. Most believe that she large ships scattered outside of the sea towns can be quite imposing, but Rosaline never felt that way. She decided to go into town to gather supplies, and began walking along the cobblestone streets. She looked out of place in the pants and blouse she wore compared to the surrounding women wearing corsets and dresses.

((How do you do the sighting thing?? @technicolorstardust))

Sonya followed her captain into the bar. It reminded her days before piracy. The smell of alcohol was strong, and it made Sonya long for a drink, but she ignored her longings. She stared at the bartender. He had an odd look about him. She cringed. He reminded her of her half brother. She absentmindedly twisted her hair around her fingers. As she walked, the click, click, click, of boots filled the odd silence as she walked. She tilted her head and stopped, waiting for something to happen.

(If you post in chat, your post is considered "in character")
Kaitlyn glanced over her maps a third time, charting their route and trying to figure out how long the trip would be. "I'll hav'ta keep port another week!" She yelled, slamming her hands on the table and standing up. She was studying her weather charts and found that the waters would be too rough to travel further out. She wasn't going to endanger her crew that way, not if she knew it could be helped. If there were even a way around the storms of the season, she would've taken it. As it was she would have to tell her crew of their misfortune.

Alexander's uncovered eye shifted to the corner eyeing the female member of his crew walking about the bar that seemed to have decided to follow him as well. Not that he minded one bit if at all. He appreciated the concern shown and dedicated towards him as their captain. The young man faked a cough, adding a realistic touch by pulling out his red handkerchief to slightly cover his mouth to which the bartender noticed and reacted. The bartender turned to the captain, leaning over the counter dangerously close. "What can I get ya young sir?" Captain Njor lifted his attention off the counter to face the bartender before him, the handkerchief still dangling in his hand. The captain said nothing for a while causing the bartender to lose interest in him. 'Just another child' thought the bartender as he began to look away. Alexander however was not going to be ignored just like that. He pulled out one of his revolvers; the one from his left pocket using the red handkerchief as cover and pointed it at the back of the bartender's head easily. "A shot perhaps?" Alexander said as he pushed the gun a bit harder against the man's head. "A shot of bloody mary perhaps?" he continued as the few people in the bar took no notice, too drunk or occupied with glambling pursuits. The bartender stood still, sweating like a sinner in church before questioning the man. "What are ye after young sir?"

Alexander withdrew the gun covered temporarily by the red handkerchief and pocketed them both back in his coat. "Information.. you were once yourself a pirate weren't you?" The bartender froze at Alexander's words. "That is true mate, how such a young fella like yourself knows bout that?" the bartender tossed a question back, sitting himself down with an odd gut feeling they had much to talk about. "Your complexion is burnt by sun of high and long hours of exposure, your nails have not the sheen of a man who does nothing but pour drinks but the dirt under a nail that has been digging endlessly for something.. " Alexander relaxedly toyed with his eyepatch. "Plus.. you smell and talk like a man who worked for Blackbeard." The bartender said nothing, taken off guard by this stranger in a dark cloak wearing an eyepatch that appeared to be sewn deep into his skin never to be removed again. "Is that you Marius boy!" Alexander gritted his teeth at that familiar name, suddenly grasping the man's collar with a glint of murder in his fine eye. "Never call me by that name.. now tell me.. where is that map you have been digging?" Alexander asked, cutting straight to the point, watching the man's adam's apple shift as he took quite a big gulp of fear. "It be taken by a young lady pirate herself, Captain Wild Kaitlyn Standley." Alexander closed his eyes sighing to himself as he released the bartender somewhat suddenly to the point his back had almost hit the wall. Captain Ngor stood up fully off the stool as his fingers toyed around in his pockets checking his gun were in order. He glanced back with a wink to his fellow crew members before making his haste exit. Tonight they would start searching the docks and the whole damn town if they had to. They were going to get their hands on that wretched map.

When he reached an isolated spot in the town, he turned around at last to assign his crew orders. "I want you two taking the north side." He directed the two men before looking over at the female whose name he was still yet to learn. "And you and I will be taking the south side." he said formally, with nothing on his mind but business; finding that damn map. He turned his head to exhcnage glances with all of them. "Start from there and fan out, we search for a Captain Wild Kaitlyn Standley tonight or be it her crew but better yet, find and steal the map by force if you have to. Meet back at the ship when you're done." Alexander finished with not a moment to lose, turning his back with his head hung low with no doubt they would be successful in this endeavor.

Rosaline felt unease. Some could call it intuition, others could call it being a little "off". But, she knew something was about that she didn't like. As she walked upon the cobblestone streets, her boots made clicking noises like the scraping of two swords. The bottoms of her boots were encrusted with silver, for protection and tradition. Being a first mate, you had to protect the ship. You had the second greatest responsibility. Rosaline did not want to betray her home. But, this whole map business... It was threatening her idea of perfection. The greed of humans was so insurmountable. The constant chase after what they couldn't have. Why couldn't things jut be laid to rest?

Rosaline walked briskly back to the docking port, nervous tension filling the air that she breathed. She knew that the Dark Avenger was nearby. But walrning everyone of the danger would be impossible. The whole crew was scattered amongst the town and ship, managing supplies. Whatever came she would face it. Wether that meant being impossibly overwhelmed, defending herself, or death. Rosaline stood at the entrance of the docks, awaiting the arrival of what would come.

Sonya watched the bartender and her captain carefully. The captain seemed very observant. Marius?" She wondered how the bartender knew her captain's name. "And you and I will be taking the south side," he added. She knodded, wondering what the Kaitlin women's crew was like. She didn't doubt they would put up a fight.

The bartender had been easily scared. She had to admit, at first glance her captain was pretty scary, but hell, weren't they all? She waited for further orders. She wouldn't talk unless she was required too. The other crew members were already gone, they were obviously a lot more exprienced.

Kristopher chuckled, as he and a few other men tumbled into the bar, the others plenty drunk. He had just returned from a gambling game. Having won a few coin for himself, he was in a rather good mood. Upon entering the bar, though, he noticed a dark dressed man having an altercation with the barkeep. He raised his eyebrow, looking towards the pair, as he friends found a table and sat down, talking merrily. The man suddenly straightened and gestured for two other males and another girl to follow him out the door. Curious as to what they were up to, Kristopher brushed his shoulder off and followed them. He opened the door, peering down the street. He saw the four of them just before they turned a corner. Kristopher had no doubt in his mind what they were. Pirates. But what he wasn't sure was who they were or why they were here, and not being too friendly. He quickened his pace, but kept his distance from the group, making certain he wasn't seen. When they finally stopped, Kristopher noticed they were in front of an abandoned house, he slid behind the building in the shadows, listening intently on what the man with the eye patch was telling the other two. "I want you two taking the north side", he said, gesturing towards the two men. Then, looking to the only woman in the group, he announced that he and her would be taking the south side. "Start from there and fan out, we search for a Captain Wild Kaitlyn Standley tonight or be it her crew but better yet, find and steal the map by force if you have to. Meet back at the ship when you're done." Captain Wild Kaitlyn Standley? That sounded oddly familiar. He'd heard something about her a few times before, but had never actually encountered her. Interested to hear more, he stepped out of the shadows, as the two men had already dispersed. The woman and eyepatch fellow had begun walking the other direction. "Oy!", Kristopher called out to the man. "I couldn't 'elp over 'earing that you seem to be lookin' for somethin'. Mind if ya' let me in on it? I'm sure I'd be able ter help. I'd been 'round this town lots o' times. Know just about every rumor, gossip, and tale this lil' place has to offer." Grinning, Kristopher knew he didn't know all of the rumors and gossips that go around the town. He also knew he didn't know the town as well as he said he did. But he was interested in what they were up to.

Kaitlyn walked slowly from her cabin to find her ship nearly bare but for a few deck-hands. But out on the docks she spied her trusted first mate. Rosaline looked like she was waiting for something terrible. Kaitlyn approached her. "We'll 'ave ta keep port another week mate," Kaitlyn said through clenched teeth, "Accordin' t'the weather charts and the skies o'er the sea, there be rough storms a brewin' wild. We can' move while the sea's so hot wit rage."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Something's wrong, Captain," Rosaline said, shaking her head. "Please, I beg you.. Get rid of that dreaded map. Only evil will come of it." Rosaline stared longingly at the Neptune's Whore. "I am sorry if I impose on power, Captain. But.... You know how much I care about you and our life."

"Ge' rid o' th'map?" Kaitlyn asked, raising her voice only slightly, "Are ye mad? This, could be th'greatest find in o'er a cent'ry and ye want me t'jest give it up? Jes'like tha'?" She snapped her fingers for emphasis, "I'm sorry. I jest can't let somethin' like this slip through me fingers. Jest t'be safe though, I'll hide th'map away 'til we leave. Will tha' ease yer spirits?" Kaitlyn knew that trouble would most likely find her before she could leave port, but she couldn't let an opportunity like this escape her grasp when she was so close to figuring it out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alexander spared a glance at the female crew member who appeared to be obediently following orders with nothing more to say but a nod to show she was listening. The captain couldn’t help but wonder what made her decide to join his crew rather than live whatever life she had before. He didn’t want to be biased or anything but a life at sea, especially as a member of his crew where the risks were life threatening, he didn’t expect any female to have the guts to put up with it all. Before his trail of thought could continue onto the matter at hand; locating the map, he found himself disturbed by an eavesdropper. "Oy!" At this, Alexander halted in his footsteps with his fingers fiddling around in his pockets ready to draw his revolvers should it be an enemy or rival crew member or worse captain. "I couldn't 'elp over 'earing that you seem to be lookin' for somethin'. Mind if ya' let me in on it? I'm sure I'd be able ter help. I'd been 'round this town lots o' times. Know just about every rumor, gossip, and tale this lil' place has to offer." The stranger suggested to which Alexander turned around, one of his hands removed from his pocket to reveal a revolver. The Captain didn’t point the weapon at the stranger though, simply allowing it to slide in and out of his fingers a bit cockily. “Do you know who I am stranger or are you a random passerby lookin’ for a crew?” he queried in dislike of the idea. What if this man was a crew member of a rival ship and was pretending to be an ally of sorts for information or to steal back the map when it finally reached their grasps? Waiting for a response, Alexander lowered his head to whisper closer in his crew member’s ear, making sure it was quiet and soft enough for no one else to be able to understand but her alone. “Check the man for weapons discreetly.” He ordered before regaining his composure and continuing to fiddle with his gun as if nothing happened.

Sonya watched her captain with sincere interest. He pulled a revolver, a nice one, on the man. He ordered for her to check the stranger for weapons, and she swiftly and quickly got to work. The first weapon she found was a simple dagger, and she put it on the ground behind her, then a short sword. "That's all he's got," she said, stepping back. She wasn't out of control with the search, just agressive. Her long fingers ran along sword as she admired it. Then, she laid it back at her feet and looked back at her captain, waiting for further instruction.

“Do you know who I am stranger or are you a random passerby lookin’ for a crew?”, the eye patch fellow asked. Kristopher raised his eyebrow as the man silently pulled a gun out of his pocket. "Aye, so you are people of the sea, eh?" He took a slight step closer when the woman came over to him suddenly and patted him down, pulling his dagger out of his boot. As she found his sword in the sheath, he said, "Oy, don't ya' think you should at least take me out to dinner, first?" He chuckled as she laid his short sword on the ground, then stood a few feet away from him. Kristopher shrugged his shoulders lightly, saying, "I don't want no trouble wit' you. But from what I've 'eard, I don't think it would be a problem for me to join you. I don't have a particular reason, sir, but I also don' have any reason not too-- 'less you say no of course... And which I'll be on my merrily way."

Sonya rolled her eyes at the stranger's comment. She was used to remarks like that. Men treated her like shit, and she was used to it. She had been a prositute before she had been a pirate, and men's dumb remarks really pissed her off anymore. But, all she did was roll her eyes. Go on your merrily way then, she murmered. She didn't talk like the other pirates.

"Aye, so you are people of the sea, eh?" The stranger tossed a question back causing a bit of irritation to surface for the young captain at how clueless a question that was. Granted, Alexander didn't look like normal pirate captains do nor did he speak like one being brought up by his well mannered mother in the years that counted but he still didn't think being assumed as a pirate in the first place was far-fetched. "Oy, don't ya' think you should at least take me out to dinner, first?" he heard the stranger remark as his crew member was checking him for weapons.

Captain Ngor frowned a little though it was hard to notice nicely tucked underneath the neckish cover of his coat. He had ordered the woman to check for weapons discreetly, yet she had done it in a manner that the man could very well notice. The frown soon faded though, as nothing unexpected occured and all along he had the revolver ready in his hand should something go wrong. The woman seemed to ignore the remark, simply answering her captain before rolling her eyes. "That's all he's got." Alexander refocused on the weapons on the ground as the talk continued, "I don't want no trouble wit' you. But from what I've 'eard, I don't think it would be a problem for me to join you. I don't have a particular reason, sir, but I also don' have any reason not too-- 'less you say no of course... And which I'll be on my merrily way." Alexander was about to voice his opinion but overheard the woman say quitely, "Go on your merrily way then.

The captain sighed, placing his revolver back inside his coat pocket. He didn't trust the stranger yet and would be sure to keep his eye on him but for now would give him the benefit of the doubt. "Congratulations, welcome to me crew." was all he said shaking the stranger's hand before continuing in the direction of the docks expecting the two to follow behind. "Milady, we head for the docks." he said in plan to search the ships for the one Captain Wild Kaitlyn Standley sailed on in hopes to find the lost map.

Kristopher didn't hear nor pay any attention to what the woman next to him was saying. His attention was merely focused on how this pirate fellow would react to his sudden appearance and interest in joining his crew. He could feel the eye patch man eyeing him, and was sure he didn't trust Kristopher, which was understandable. After a moment of silence, the man held out his hand and said, "Congratulations, welcome to me crew." A big, goofy grin spread across Kristopher's face. He took a step forward and firmly gripped the man's hand, giving it a thorough and perhaps unnecessarily hard shake. "Fantastic!", he exclaimed, backing up and recollecting his weapons. Milady, we head for the docks",Kristopher heard the man tell the woman. Not a too terrible looking broad, either, Kristopher thought to himself. Sliding his short sword back into his sheath, he quickly caught up to the other two, walking beside the man. "So, er... Captain? What should I call ye by?" Leaning his head forward, looking towards the lady, he added, "And you?" In his mind though, Kristopher was wondering what exactly they were looking for. From what he gathered, it sounded like a map. Although, he didn't know what the map was a guide too... Treasure? At this thought, Kristopher smirked slightly to himself, but was sure not to let his curiousness show as he waited for a response from the two.

Sonya stared at the person in front of her, not sure what to think. Sure, he had already made her pissed off, but that was something she was sure everyone would, and did, end up doing. She stared down at her shirt and pulled it up higher, not feeling quite right. "Sonya ist my name," she replied with a slight German accent. Her hands stayed at her side. She could feel the dirt under nails, and the hang nails beside every finger, along with all of the rough skin. If she had been beautiful before, she wasn't anymore. Not the same way she had been, anyway. She stared the man in the eyes for a moment, her one green eye very bright and her blue eye more relaxed, and then quickly looked down again.