Philip Walker's Story

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XXXXCaptain Meghan Cunningham stood amongst the noble people of Astorium in the largest sitting room of Lord Chamberlin's estate, a glass of wine gripped in her hand. While she couldn't deny she looked gorgeous in her attire, she also felt ridiculous. It was hard to move her arms and even harder to breathe at times. Rosia had to lace her up tightly to get Meg the fashionable thin waist, and it was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Her First was somewhere in the house, being her eyes and ears. Meanwhile she was stuck here, eyes on the man who owned the very thing they were here for-- the updated map of Merrinia. They needed this map in order to find the keys to the lost treasure of Captain Corso. And they need it to find Arimathea, the garden of Eden. None of these places are expressly marked on the map. Especially Arimathea. But it would get them close enough.

It had to.

Meg shifted her hips beneath her skirts so the dagger she borrowed from Vale, her navigator, wouldn't jab her in the thigh. She made a mental note to purchase one for herself the next time they were at port. While she preferred her twin pistols or her cutlass, they aren’t subtle enough to conceal on her person. Not well anyway. Meg needed this to go off without a hitch. She didn’t need the Land King’s navy sailing after them once they left. And she would like to return here at some point in the future. Besides… she was only here to borrow the map.

For now, she was buying time. As she sipped at the wine in her glass—an expensive brand that still tasted like dirt to her—her thoughts strayed to the rest of her crew.

James, the former Captain of the ship was in her brig. She buried down the feelings of guilt deep down as she thought of the mutiny. He refused the journey, the search for Corso’s treasure, and the majority of the crew’s wishes. She couldn’t let it continue. Not if she wanted to find that treasure. Not if she wanted to make her parents’ deaths mean something. Rudy, their youngest by far, was keeping watch on the ship along with Tessa—her master Rigger and eyes and ears on the ship, Vale, Jack—the gunner, Bill—her third, Philip—her helmsman, and Sunni—the surgeon.

Somewhere just outside the estate was Vera—their cook and tonight’s distraction—who was awaiting the signal for her entrance. Meg had to admit, when Vera walked out in her getup… her heart beat a little faster. The woman’s past made her the perfect person to serve as the distraction for the night. Meg did feel a little guilty about this as well. Vera was a person after all and having her play this part was… not the best, but they had no other choice.

Her finger tips brushed the chain of the necklace she stole from the Lord and Lady’s bedchamber. Not only will it aid in their distraction, but it will serve as the signal. It was such a simple thing, a necklace of diamonds and pearls hardly bigger than her pinky fingernail, but it was definitely an expensive piece. Although, this specific necklace was chosen because it seemed to be the least worn. It was buried under a pile of jewelry. All Meg had to do was loop her pinky around the end and gently pull it away.

All she needed now was the go from Rosia and their plan would be underway. Even if it was the last thing she'd ever do, she was going to get that map and find the treasure.

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XXXX Mutinied Captain James Porter sighed loudly as he laid on the wooden floor of his prison cell. Straw crinkled beneath him as he shifted, staying far away from the corner where a chamber pot was chained to the wall. With the waves on the high seas, he couldn’t be entirely certain it was clean over there. Then again, this whole cell was more than likely no better than that chamber pot, but James decided to ignore this thought and stick to keeping from the corner.

He still couldn’t entirely believe he was in this particular position. His crew turned on him… over greed. He sighed again at the thought. It wasn’t entirely greed. He had denied them adventure, he denied them mystery… and greed. James knew he was unorthodox as a pirate captain and that most on his crew didn’t mind. It seemed that his refusal to go on Meg’s wild goose chase was the last straw with them. And here he was, in the brig when not even a day prior he was asleep in his quarters, dreaming of the wind on his face and sailing towards the horizon.

When he woke to the nightmare that was the mutiny, he was shocked, angry, hurt, and most importantly… relieved that no one had been killed. If his family didn't think him a fine captain, then fine. Let Meg squander her winning for a while… They’ll be begging for him back. His stomach growled loudly and by the light leaking through the side of the ship, he knew it would be about dinner time. Vera was more than likely cooking something up in the kitchen for the crew. He wondered if he’d even be allowed to eat. Meg wasn’t heartless, but he couldn’t be certain of her treatment considering where he’s found himself. Maybe she was keeping him alive for his luck.

Or perhaps… his luck had run out.

Although, now that he thought about it… the ship was unusually quiet. He expected a party. Drinking, food, merriment on their victory of taking down Captain Midas. However, there was a noticeable silence. He knew they had docked somewhere, but that was the extent of his knowledge. Maybe he could get Bill to drink with him. Or Phillip. Maybe Rudy? He wished someone would bring him a drink. He needed one after today. And food preferably.

Whenever he closed his eyes, he saw the mutiny.

He was asleep in his quarters, dozing as was previously mentioned, when there was a commotion on deck. He didn’t think it was an invading party since no one had sounded for battle stations. There was shouting and the metallic clanging of swords. However, the commotion was missing the cries of pain that came with a boarding. He crew was never one to give up easily. Well… not noticeably anyway. So he pulled on his breeches and a simple shirt along with his boots and his cutlass before heading out the door. Right as he emerged, Meg was there, her wild red hair blowing around her face in the breeze, shining in the morning son like a fire. Hellfire.

”I’ve come to relieve you Captain,” she said, fierceness in her tone, but an apology in her eyes. ”Come willingly or face the consequences of your actions.” Behind her were the few who opposed the mutiny, on their knees with pistols pointed at the backs of their heads or cutlasses at their throats. No one looked willing to be in this position, but Meg—the treasure—was worth the sacrifice. He was no fool. He knew the treasure’s worth to each member of the crew.

Especially Meg. Her parents died in search of the treasure and to her it would be for nothing if she doesn’t find the treasure. For nothing, if she couldn’t claim it for her family name. For nothing, if she made nothing of herself…

So here they were. James standing in obvious surprise, Meg with a cutlass to his throat, and his crew divided. So, he surrendered. It was better to do so than to be the cause of any harm to his crew. He didn’t believe any of them capable of hurting the others, but they were desperate to cause a mutiny… how far were they really willing to go?

With his mind caught up to the present, he closed his eyes and let out a few soft notes before continuing through the song:

Safe and sound at home again,
Let the waters roar, Jack,
Safe and sound at home again,
Let the waters roar, Jack,

Long we’ve tossed on the rolling main,
Now we’re safe ashore, Jack,
Don’t forget you’re old shipmate,
Faldee raldee raldee raldee rye-dye-doe!

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T H EX N A M E L E S S XH E L M S M A N
HEXCODE: #1d906f

Philip was feeling a little buzzed, maybe from the pints of ale he’d left the Stardust to find, or maybe from the brunette boy who’d smiled his way. He’d had amber eyes with a mischievous shine and they’d captivated Philip. Slipping back onto the ship, he stopped to taken in the smell of the sea and the rock of the boat. It was the feelings that reminded him that the sea was his home.

Philip easily found Bill getting musical with the crew, and he had no interest is yelling sea shanties across half the sea. So instead he snagged a tankard of ale for himself and disappeared further into the ship looking for someone else. Honestly, anyone else but Bill singing sea shanties, his pounded from the just the thought. He briefly thought about finding James, but he had no wish for Meg to return and find him down there with their ex captain.

Stumbling across a light under Sunni’s door, Philip barreled in, throwing the door open wide and knocking a few things around as he did. “Sunni, my lovely lass!” Okay, so he was a little more than buzzed. He was absolutely foxed, and probably smelling like a brewery. He put a hand over her book and eased it down, as if his entry hadn’t already garnered her attention. “I’m in love.”

“Oh, what ye got here?” Philip asked, as if just noticing where he was. He took a few shaky steps over to her work space and started picking up tools and vials for inspection, plonking them down wherever, ignoring her obvious organisation. “Meg wasn’t wrong bringin’ ye aboard. Ye really be know’n ye stuff.” Of course, as someone who was rarely part of any fighting, Philip hadn’t exactly had much reason to visit Sunni down here. The two of them got along well enough though, both of them knowing not to discuss the mutiny as they stood silently on opposing sides.

He sniffed, ending his inspection and swinging back around to face the doctor. Knocking over a few more things as he did. “Don’t worry lass, it’s not ye I be in love with.” He eyed up the Sunni, he’d once considered himself in love with her determined, capable, way of being. It had only been for a short while before he realized his mistake.

“What kind of bedlam do ye reckon’ those lassies have gotten themselves into by now?” He said looking in the direction he believed shore was. Philip’s friendship with James might have been influencing his opinion, but he didn’t exactly feel like he was in capable hands with Meg.

---

Jack of Hearts next, right?

Wait, what about the Queen of Diamonds here?

Rudy shook his head. “One day I’ll get this. . .”

Furrowing his brow, he finally set the Queen of Diamonds atop the Jack of Clubs. The boat creaked again as the waves gently lapped against the hull. Rudy looked up, squinting against the light of the lantern. His eyes adjusted and he looked out across the deck. His corner wasn’t in the way, back near the helm of the vessel, perfectly poised so anyone entering would be forced to to pass through his view. Not to mention the other deckhands and their gambling going on just on the other side of the ship. With all the eyes up front, distracted though they may be, Rudy hoped it’d be enough. He just had to be sure to keep a strong vigil here. Reaching down, Rudy took a small chunk of the loaf of bread he’d smuggled from the pantry. He held it up to the night sky, letting the moonlight filter through the rough bread edges and crumbs. To be entirely honest with himself, he wasn’t even sure why he’d stolen it in the first place. Though, whenever he was playing a game like this, especially a job like this, he’d always needed a snack to keep awake. Something to burn so his mind wouldn’t shut down. He looked back at the cards before him, each one grubby, bent and warped from his pockets. Even a lot of the faces and colors were faded from the salt-sea air. But still, they were his, pilfered from his aunt’s pockets ages ago. He drew the next card,

An Ace.

Rudy cursed silently. Patience was something he didn’t like playing, hell he’d only picked it up to have something to do while the crew was away. He was piss-poor at the game, didn’t have the foresight required to get any further than a single completed stack, anything else became a complete mess of cards and colors. He squinted at the cards, biting his thumb. He put the Ace atop the Ten of Spades, that set was dead now. Rudy shrugged, drawing another card.

A two of— A heavy thud snapped Rudy’s eye’s to attention. ”Oi, whomever ‘at is better watch it!” Muffled, amid the gentle zephyrs and gurgles, was the soft humming of Bill.

Rudy smiled in relief. Had anyone else seen him, they may have questioned his bowl of almost certainly stolen food. To be sure it was worth the trouble, he took a few more bites of the loaf. There’s no way this much starch would be good for him, nor would the absolute quantity of food. Still he ripped into the bread. Each bite getting harder and harder to swallow. Finally he stopped. His stomach sufficiently full and his game now almost completely given up, he opted to instead lay back for a moment. There was no way any intruder could sneak onto the ship without making noise that wouldn’t alert him or someone else. Besides, he just wanted to lay back for a minute, and stare up at the stars. Here, on the boat, he felt like he could go anywhere. Hell even those distant points of light didn’t seem so far away when under a set of sails. His eyes closed for a second, then fluttered open.

The haze of a full stomach on a lazy night began to creep in. Slowly the cries of inebriated merriment fell from the air, and it was only Rudy, the stars, and the teasing of the wind and waves. He raised a hand, as if to shake a hand with the starlight and his eyes closed for the last time.

By the time Phil drunkenly stumbled past, Rudy was sailing into the void amidst the waves of stars, cannons firing comets into the craters of the moon. Truly, Rudy thought, The Stardust has earned her name.

xxxxxPYON SUN-AH

dialogue colour; #fa8072
plague || the surgeon

Sunni's peace was quickly disrupted by somebody bursting into the room. She looked up over her book to find Philip, perhaps one of the few who could get away with such behaviour. She raised her eyebrows at his declaration and the putting down of her book. He stank of beer and was clearly drunk. She rolled her eyes and just prayed he wouldn't throw up everywhere. She really didn't want or need it. At all.

Even if Philip could get away with disturbing her, he sure as hell wasn't going to get away with touching things. Sunni had a sudden, horrific image of him dropping and breaking something. Or worse. Throwing up over everything. Quick as she could, she dashed over to where he was and started putting things back in their place, moving them a little further away from him. Even his compliment went unappreciated. She wasn't sure she could reply in a manner that wasn't sarcastic and sharp-tongued. She liked Philip, she did. The fact they'd been on opposite sides of the mutiny had never come into it. But he was messing. everything. up. If somebody stumbled in, bleeding from a stab wound, she couldn't work in these conditions.

Eventually he stopped touching things and turn around, knocking a few bottles in the process. Sunni quickly caught them and put them back, forcing herself to take a deep breath. She folded her arms and smirked, despite herself, as he reassured her that he wasn't in love with her. Then he started asking questions about the others, and she raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sure they're fine, Philip. But just in case, maybe... stop... touching things? And go sit down? Can't have a mess in here, just in case someone is injured." She took his arm and guided him away from her workspace. She went back and continued tidying, giving everything a quick wipe down. Keeping things clean on the ship wasn't always easy, but she did her best.

"So tell me about this person you're in love with." Philip's declarations of love tended to be involving total strangers who he thought were pretty. It seemed that nothing ever really came of them.

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XXXXAs soon as the sole of Meg's boot touched the wood of The Stardust a calming sensation moved through her body, causing her muscles to relax. The Stardust might not be Meg's ship, but she was home. Ever since she laid eyes on the navy blue masts and dark wood, she loved her. She was her ship whether James liked it or not. She stuck out her hand and ran it over the wood of the side just as Rosia crowed from behind her, "Cap'n on deck!" She smiled softly, rolling her eyes just at a tad at the formality. Nice to have a first mate, She thought. She closed her eyes a moment and when she opened them again, the nostalgic Meg was gone and was replaced by Captain Meghan Cunningham.

"Look alive ye scallywags!" She yelled to her crew. "We've returned with the updated map and will set sail within the hour! Just in case we've got Land King men on our tails!" She looked at the near-empty deck, and her eyes narrowed. Where was her crew? "First Mate!" She turned to Rosia, "Find me crew and tell them all hands on deck. I want Philip on the helm and Tessa in the rigging. Have Vera make a nice dinner for everyone including that rat down in our brig." She started towards her room and paused. She turned back towards Rosia. "Oh, and tell Sunni I'll come by in a bit. I know she gets a tad lonely when we're out on land." And she secretly wanted to see what her surgeon thought of the dress. Not that she'd ever admit it to anyone.

Instead of going to her quarters to change, she made her way towards the ship's brig to visit their prisoner.

XXXXJames's wishes for a drink and company were quickly answered. Just as his song died on his lips, he heard boots coming down the wooden steps to the brig. The man had addressed him as captain and then a filthy traitor which made his hand curl into a fist but with a deep breath, he relaxed again. It wasn't Bill's fault he was in the situation. It was his own. "Aye. A drink would be grand, Mate." He paid little mind to Bill's comment on him being free shortly. If the pirate was daft enough to free him without the order of his captain, it could very well be his head. At least, that's how traditional pirating was done. James... he'd yell about it, but in the end, he probably would do nothing. Bill was family. This crew was family. They just... needed a reminder. They'll let him out. They had to...

As Bill's boots retreated back up the stairs he yelled. "Bring me rum you bilge rat! Not grog!" More quietly he said, "The stuff tastes like... well like you're kissing a lemon. A dirty, rum soaked lemon." There was a clanging as someone brought supplies on board. James swiveled his head to get a better look and spotted Vale, the ship's navigator, and Tessa, the ship's master rigger. Then again they were pirates. There should be no shame in it. Tessa's mouth was even worse than his own. Why the two were stowing supplies he wasn't sure considering both of their duties lie on the ship's deck. Meg would want them up there. That is... unless she was already failing at being a pirate captain. He gave a small arrogant smirk which was wiped away in surprise when Vale came bounding up to him with Tessa's hat in her hand. Inside the hat was a small bird.

He rose to his knees and moved towards the bars. He stuck his hand through and reached to touch the top of the bird's head lightly. It was soft and so very small. "It looks sick..." he said softly. He raised his eyes to Vale's and said, "Does Meg know you've brought aboard a bird?" He looked back down at the winged creature and whispered, "Even still. Best you bring it to Sunni. See if she can patch the thing up." He knew their ship's surgeon was more of a people person, it was possible she'd know what was wrong with the bird.

He heard the clicking of heels coming down the stairs and he looked over in confusion. As far as he knew, no one on board wore the types of heals that would make such a racket. Except maybe Vera, but it was uncommon. When he saw the redhead of Hellfire striding towards him, decked out in finery... he laughed. "Why Meghan Cunningham! You look like a wolf in sheep's clothing!" He guffawed. "My word what an outfit!"

Meg stood on the other side of the bars of James cell, watching him laugh with an unamused expression on her face. She had come down here to give the news about the map and to inform the former captain that... if he wanted he could be captain again he just... had to take a chance for once. His luck would see them through, she knew it, but now...

"Tessa." She said sternly, command hardening her tone. "Valentina." She didn't look at them, but when she felt their attention turn to her, she continued. "To the deck." With a seething glare at James, she added, Now. Before Vale passed she stopped her and said, "Wait here," She pulled the map from her garter and handed it to her navigator.

When they were gone, she stepped towards the bars... and in one quick movement, she had James by his shirt and pulled him towards her. His face nearly met the metal and he cussed quietly. "You will not make fun of me in front of my crew again, is that understood?" She said, her words laced with anger. "Is that understood?" James just nodded, shocked at Meg's sudden mood change.

"Good." She released him. "I came to tell you that we had the map and that your position was free to be taken back, but I think I'll keep it instead." She smirked at him, her eyes burning like the hair on her head.

James glared back at her. "You won't make it a week without me. You're a quartermaster, Meghan. Not a captain. This is my ship. My crew. And I'll be damned to Davy Jones's locker if I just hand it over to the likes of you."

A sadness spread through her core, dousing the burning fires of her anger. "You were my friend you know. I didn't want this to happen... you left me no choice you were--"

"In the way? Yes. I suppose I was."

"This treasure is my birthright, James. My parents--"

"Died looking for it. Yes, so I've heard. But are you really willing to sacrifice their lives for your... suicide attempt?"

"I gave everyone a choice. No one is doing this blindly, James." She turned from his cell. "I'll have Vera bring you a meal." And with that she flounced back up the stairs. Tears prickled in her eyes. She was so frustrated with him. She blinked them away, took a deep breath, and went below decks once more to find her favorite surgeon.

"Sunni!" She called right before entering the room. "There is good news and bad news! The good new is we got the map. The bad news is I had to wear this--" She looked up as she entered and saw her helmsman and her surgeon sitting close. Philip was drunk which was just fantastic. She crossed her arms, her frustration easily racing back to her. "Am I interrupting something?"

xRosia “Jack" Hienrik

Everybody in the world knows
Everybody in the world knows
Everybody in the world knows
Everybody in the world knows

I'm a little twisted, twisted
I'm a little twisted, twisted
I'm a little twisted, twisted
I'm a little twisted, twistedxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxThe Mate//#7C674A


Rosia stayed towards the back of the three women as they walked back towards the ship, finally arriving after a short walk. Watching Meg and Vera step on board, a small but quick idea popped into her head, one she acted on very quickly. “Cap’n on deck!” Rosia shouted, giggling a little to herself before pushing past Vera little to get a view of the deck. Well, she didn’t mean to really push past her, but the dress she was wearing didn’t exactly make it easy get by them. When Rosia looked around the ship she was surprised, by not what she saw, but what she didn’t see. She was honestly expecting the others to already be on deck waiting for them to leave, but there was barely a soul on the deck, though she did notice little Rudy laying about.

"First Mate!" Rosia heard Meg call for her, making her jump a little. “Aye!” Rosia quickly responded, and listening to what Meg was saying to her. Rosia quickly nodded. “Will do Cap’n Hellfire.” Rosia said as she went to start heading below deck. She stopped and nodded again after hearing a follow up to let Sunni know she was going to stop by. Rosia tore her tight shoes off leaving her barefoot, and headed towards the stairs, going past Bill and taking his grog out of his hand. “T’anks for the drink Py. Hellfire wants all ye on deck.” Rosia said with a smirk darting below deck, guessing Pyrite wouldn’t follow her after hearing what she said.

First Rosia ended up running into Julian and the rest of the gunner crew first, jumping onto Julian’s back, though it was more difficult than she expected with her dress, taking a sip of the drink she stole from Bill. “Ey Big Dragon, Cap’n wants you an’ gunners on deck. Whole crew an’ such. See you upon top.” Rosia handed off the grog Julian and continued throughout the ship to find the others, but next thing she knew saw Tessa and Vale coming up from the brig. “Ey? Riggknot, Tempest. Why were ye’ not on deck when we arrived? ‘Nyways, Cap’n wants to part soon. I not need to say ‘ere she wants you?” Rosia asked, she knew both of her crewmates knew their job, and she took off again, not even noticing the small birdie.

Rosia thought about getting food, but quickly remembered she was supposed to tell Sunni about Meg visiting her, plus she still hadn’t found Nameless. Sunni’s room was only around the corner so it wouldn’t be a long walk. Rosia opened the door and stepped in, surprised to see Nameless here with Sunni. “Hellfire will be ‘ere soon. An’ she wants Nameless at the helm.” Quickly after she had finished talking Meg walked in, talking about her dress. Luckily she snuck out behind her when sh was confused to see Nameless with Sunni.

After running around the ship in the uncomfortable dress, Rosia stumbled into Vera’s kitchen and snuck a small potato, equally exhausted and hungry from everything. Rosia assumed that she was probably changing since she wasn’t here in the kitchen. As Rosia went to sat down she made a little ruckus and knocked over a chair. “I am goin’ to cut tis dress up!” She shouted to herself as she put her snack down and started messing with her dress, almost looking like a feral animal.

The manifest is set, release the mooring lines
From the top, from the nest, looks the perfect night

So I’ve gone out to sea
But this time it’s gonna be a burial for me!

Bill had just gotten out of the stores, hearing Meg's orders. He was just about to command the gunner crew and Leigh before he was interrupted by Rosia, who took his grog that he was about to serve James.
“T’anks for the drink Py. Hellfire wants all ye on deck.”
Bill annoyingly called after her as she darted below deck. He didn't want to follow her, the ship was about to start sailing. She ran down the stairs barefoot, leaving Bill again wondering how a person as small and thin like her was so fast. She always seemed so tireless, yet Bill had the instinct to protect her since the minute he met her. She was like a little sister to him.
"Don't drink too much o' that, Rosie!"
Bill looked around, seeing the crew on deck getting ready, though calling the rest was still necessary. He naturally had a loud voice from singing and the occasional bellowing of orders, eventually taking a deep breath and shouting.
"Weigh anchor and hoist the Mizzen! Get the Stardust ready lads!"
That was enough to get the gunners and some of the crew going. Meredith, better known as Sharktooth, hurried onto the deck. She was carrying her spear and hastily approached Bill.
"Are we gon' start sailin', sir?" She seemed tense as she asked Bill.
"Aye. Call meh' Bill, though." Bill watched the Gunner Crew jump down from the forecastle deck, getting ready to raise the anchor. Raising the anchor was tedious, which was why Bill often didn't participate in the activity.
He quickly rushed down into the ship, passing several crew members. He was quick on his feet as he hurried to get another drink for James, noticing that Jules was carrying the tankard Bill planned to hand to James. The grog sloshed around in the tankard instead of the rum James had wished for.
"Get on deck. Crew needs th' arm o' th' dragon."Bill gave a grin to his friend before he eventually passed the crew's quarters and climbed down into the Stores. Like most other bottom level rooms, the Stores smelled like saltwater. Bill's soles were wet as he looked around in the cold and dark storage room. Barrels filled to the brim with cannonballs and some rations were kept here, though the part further back in the Stores contained some barrels of alcohol, where most of the crew would get their beverages from. Bill grabbed a tankard from a small table and tapped grog. The cup was half-filled with grog, and it had the typical smell and color of fresh grog.
But James had asked for rum...
Bill found the barrel for rum and filled the rest of the tankard with it. The beverage adopted the typical smell and color of rum. Bill held the tankard over his mouth and dripped some beads of the half-grog-half-rum beverage. Perfect.
It had the flavor of the 'dirty, rum-soaked lemon' but was perfectly disguised as a fresh, tapped tankard of amber rum. Bill quickly barged through, walking to the brig at the other side of the ship after walking along the hold. Sometimes, Bill would be isolated, resting in this bottom level of the ship. He had haunting memories from his past he hadn't shared with anyone. No one, not even him, knew anything about the strange burnt markings on his body and the same engravings in his cutlass.
He finally saw James and gave him the tankard.
"Enjoy, lad." Bill darted back up to the deck, not looking James in the eye in fear of him figuring out, though he realized that even if James did, he wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
Within the matter of a minute, he was back on the deck. He panted, trying to breathe steadily as he watched the Stardust release itself from the mainland.

x

J U L I A NX| | XD R A G O N

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| Master Gunner |
| #B02E04 |

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T H EX N A M E L E S S XH E L M S M A N
HEXCODE: #1d906f

Philip nodded, choosing to believe Sunni’s words about the girls as he followed her instructions and found himself a seat. Sitting down, Philip found the world stopped spinning, but it definitely had a gentle rock to it. Maybe, just maybe, that last tankard had been a mistake.

“So tell me about this person you're in love with." Sunni asked, returning to his side.

Philip sighed and looked to the roof above them. He could recall the boy’s brown eyes, so dark they seemed as if they held the secrets of the universe. And the way he laughed when his friend told a joke, Philip could listen to that sound for the rest of the days. Philip looked back at Sunni and sighed again, a long bedraggled one. “It does’na matter. Our love be a doomed one.” Philip hadn’t even caught the boy’s name before he left into the night, it felt impossible to hold out hope for a reunion.

“Hellfire will be ‘ere soon. An’ she wants Nameless at the helm.”

Philip didn’t need to turn around to know it was Rosia at his back, yapping out orders for Meg. He recognised her voice and feeling no sense of responsibility to be where their new captain wanted him to be, he waved her off without moving, “Aye aye." Then Philip looked back at Sunni with a soft, drunken smile and leaned in as if telling a secret. Resting his hand gently on her shoulder. “He had the most beautiful eyes though.”

Then Meg herself burst in, stopping her tracks when she noticed Philip’s presence. "Am I interrupting something?"
Philip dropped his hand and looked at Meg. “Aye, ye are.” He said before stumbling to his feet. “But ‘aint that be ye right as our new captain.” Then on his way out he turned to Sunni with a sloppy wink. “Let’s continue this later, my lovely lass.”

On Philip’s way from Sunni’s quarters to the deck he stumbled across a half-full mug of grog left atop a barrel. Shrugging, Philip took a large mouthful, “Must be me lucky day.” That was when he spotted Rudy asleep, tucked away in a corner.

Philip laughed to himself, as a powder monkey himself back in the day he’d done a lot worse than fall asleep on watch. “Oi,” He said kicking the boy’s leg to wake him up, his lack of balance causing a little bit of the grog to topple over the rim of the mug and fall into Rudy’s direction below him. Philip liked the boy, he had a sense of adventure Philip recognized in his younger self. Plus, it was nice have someone around who followed your orders and wanted to hear what you had to teach.

“I be needing ye help. So come along boy.” Then headed to the deck, happy to see the wheel unmanned. The last thing he needed tonight was Vale taking over. He walked past the small group raising the anchor, noticing Bill’s usual absence from the task, and ran his hands along the familiar wheel. Well, semi-familiar considering they’d replaced it about six months ago.

Without Vale, he had no idea where they were heading but even in his state he could get them away from the docks, then he could have Rudy or Rosie or someone take over so he could take a well-earned nap.

---

Sat upon the barrel, Tessa watched as Vale went up to James to show him the bird. Though she couldn't help the small smile on her face from seeing Vale be so excited. She shook her head slightly at the former captains comment. If only ya knew what was in this barrel, the birdie would be the least of our worries, mate, She thought. She was so focused on the exchange, she hadn't noticed Meg come in dressed to her ears in that beautiful dress. At hearing the command in Meg's voice as she ordered them to go up, Tessa did as she was told. For the most part.

She carefully slipped off the barrel, but before leaving spoke under her breath as softly as she could. “Don't make a fucking peep,” the last thing Tessa wants is for this stupid plan to fail. Then up top she went, furrowing her eyes when Vale was stopped. She wanted her hat back but knew Vale would return it… eventually… after she has fun wearing it around.

Once upon deck, Tessa took a look around. It seemed everyone was where they needed to be. For the most part, at least. She made her way over to the ropes that were needed to be adjusted to set sail. Everyone seemed busy at work. But not busy enough to make a comment apparently.

“Ay, where's your hat?” said Rum, though Tessa didn't care who said it either. Though, she supposed they had a point. It wasn't often she went around without her hat. But it was in good hands she knew.

“Fuck off,” she spat as she continued walking until she made it to where she had to be. She waited until the anchor had been raised and the helmsman was at the helm. Though she wasn't surprised to see him stir the kid, probably trying to get him to help. She rolled her eyes at this then went to take care of the rigging.

Some ropes loosened here, others tightened there. Just as the sail dropped ever so slightly to just catch the gentle breeze, Tessa couldn't help the song that came to her. Lightly under her breath while she went about pulling and tying ropes she sang, “Now we are ready to head for the horn, weigh hey, roll and go. Our boots and our clothes, boys, are all in the pawn to be rollickin’ randy dandy-o,” she reckoned the song was quite fitting. She sang even as she pulled and tied ropes and watched as the land became further away. Soon they'd be at sea. Soon we'll be at home, she thought.

xxxxxPYON SUN-AH

dialogue colour; #fa8072
plague || the surgeon

She just acknowledged Rosia with a nod as she said the captain was expected shortly. Her attention, however, turned immediately to Meg as she entered the room in a dress that just took her breath away. She was stunning. As Sunni scrambled to regain her power of speech, Meg asked about her and the helmsman, and he did absolutely nothing to help with his leaving comment. In fact, it was her irritation that helped her regain her composure.

"Naneun geureul jugilgeoya," she muttered to herself. I'm going to kill him. She turned back to look at Meg. "Our dearest Helmsman decided to tell me about his newest affection. A boy on the street, from what I could tell. I sat him down so he wouldn't vomit everywhere." She paused for a moment. "And also so he'd stop touching my stuff," she admitted.

Her attention drifted back to Meg in the dress. If she had been a little bolder, if she was a little more honest about her affections, she knew exactly what she would dare to say. But instead, she leaned back a little in her seat. "How horrible it must have been for you," she said with false shock. "I bet the men of the party were positively swooning into your arms," She added with a smirk. Even if they were, Sunni didn't even know if she would have noticed. She probably would have used it to their advantage.

"So there was no trouble then? So excitement or drama?" She asked, picking up her book and sliding her bookmark into it. "Please tell me you have some stories, it's so boring here when you're on land," she added.

M e g

H e l l f i r e
C a p t a i n
#e6b800

XXXX Meg continued to stand with her arms crossed against her chest, a frown planted firmly on her face. Of course, her mind was telling her she was being ridiculous. It's not like she had a claim on Sunni. She was allowed to have any kind of romance she wanted. Meg didn't have a say... that didn't mean that seeing someone be so familiar to Sunni in front of her didn't smart a little. And it didn't mean she wasn't going to be mad about it. Especially since their helmsman just waved her off like she was nothing. Like her orders didn't matter. Heat raced up her limbs, her attention no longer on her beautiful surgeon, but instead on her helmsman. Boy, was he in for a rough-talking to later. A sour taste coated the back of her throat as she thought a punishment might be in order. She wasn't one for punishments of the... violent nature, but being a captain meant she had to have better control over her crew. She might have to take a finger...

Once the bilge rat was gone, she turned her attention back to Sunni who was muttering something in her native tongue. The irritated look on her face and the fact that Meg spent enough time around her to know that what she was muttering wasn't friendly... was starting to bring a smile to her lips. When Sunni was angry, she tended to remind Meg of a wet kitten. Meg reminded herself that she was angry with her friend and not to smile... but the self-scolding didn't stick and she found herself smiling again. Especially because Sunni explained Philips presence in tones of unamusement. "Of course he believes himself in love with the boy." She said, followed by the thought, As long as it's not you.

A heat crawled up Meg's cheeks as those dark eyes took in every detail of her, the way a physician sizes up a wound or condition. There was something more in that gaze. Something that sparked a warmth in her core and a quick mental image of Meg's hands on Sunni's waist, her lips at her neck, and Sunni's precise fingers unlacing the backing of Meg's dress...She shook her head sharply. None of that.

The look on her surgeon's face changed. It became more guarded as she sarcastically commented on the attention of the landmen while she was away on mission. Actually, very few men paid her little mind. Any attention given was quickly averted at her terrible etiquette. She wasn't about to tell Sunni about that so instead, she grinned and said, "A few of the women, too. And it was something terrible to be swarmed by so many people. But what can I say? They have excellent taste." She flipped her red hair over her shoulder.

When Sunni requested stories of their mission, Meg's grin brightened just a little. I wish you had been there, too, She thought, Nothing is ever as fun without you with me. Then she started to share the story. "Oh, you should've seen the commotion Vera created." Meg technically didn't see it either, but the aftermath was something spectacular. She could only imagine what the girl had done while they were in that study. "And we retrieved the map. Our lovely Vale is examining it as we speak." At least... she better be. They needed to be on the open ocean as soon as possible if they wanted to avoid any ambushing by the land king's men.

In fact... "Come, my dearest," she said sarcastically, though she meant every word, "Time to oversee the operations on deck and you probably could use some fresh air." She held out a hand to the woman. Whether she took it or not, Meg headed up the steps to the deck, holding her skirts in her hands to prevent tripping. She was definitely going to need to change shortly. She would need Rosia to help her out of this getup. She couldn't ask Sunni... not with the thoughts still swirling about her head. It had been some time since Meg had been... passionate with anyone. Actually, now that Meg thought about it, she didn't have much taste for sharing another person's bed since she had met Sunni. It was beginning to mess with her head.

The biggest problem Meg was having was figuring out what exactly her feelings for Sunni were. Was it because she had saved Meg's life? Was it because she was so beautiful she had a nasty habit of taking Meg's breath away? That she didn't seem interested in Meg? She did always like a challenge. But Meg enjoyed Sunni's company. She enjoyed her brain. Her laughter. The way her eyes took in everything she saw as if to memorize it. Her mind immediately went to the look on Sunni's face as she observed Meg in the dress and a tingling sensation started at her fingertips. She had the sensation often enough around the woman--around those she fancied--enough to know it meant: She desperately wanted to touch her.

This, of course, had Meg stepping away from her as they reached the deck. She cared about Sunni to mess up whatever friendship they had with her... interests. She was definitely going to need to cool off.

She smiled at her crew, moving about the ship. Tessa was up in the rigging, singing a shanty and moving so quickly and expertly, you would think she was born and raised in the rigging. Rudy was now moving about the deck helping Jules. Bill was staring off at the land, making sure they had a clean getaway. Philip was at the helm--which of course reminded Meg that he would need a good scolding later. Rosia must have still been below deck because she was missing from her post. Meg wasn't going to reprimand her first mate though. Rosia had played a part in getting the map today and she deserved whatever break she was getting. "Everything is looking ship-shape, me hearties!" She yelled to her crew as she watched them pull away from land and out into the open water. "Now leaving Hartford Island! We sail for port!"

Which reminded her..."I need to speak with Vale," She said, turning to Sunni, "You're welcome to come along if you wish." Then she strode to the helm to seek the advice of her navigator. "We need to chart a course. Do you suggest going up and around or down and under." She traced her fingers along the map, marveling in the clarity of their new chart. "We'll need to stick close enough to land to supply, but far enough away we won't be stopped."

She could practically see the treasure now.

Hex: #ca8765
Navigator

Being stopped by the captain made Vale almost break out in an internal sweat. She watched Tessa take a few more steps before turning slowly but when Meg handed her the map, she breathed out a soft sigh of relief and nodded. She even did a double take heading up because Vale had to admit, the captain did look stunning in that dress. In her mind she also hoped Eva would be safe for now. Vale knew she was going to be found out sooner or later but she preferred a little later. At least long enough for her to work on the map and hopefully not be caught off guard. With it now in her possession, Vale was expected to get to work fast but the small bird she carried was taking more of her attention. Right before heading above deck, Valentina did stop at medic but she saw that Sunni was preoccupied at the moment with...Philip.

Vale didn't make herself known but she did roll her eyes at the helmsman. You have such bad timing, she thought before glancing back down at the bird. The colorful little thing had it's eyes open now but was still weak. It couldn't move much other than blink at her and Vale felt sad for the poor thing. She softly rubbed the back of it's head as she climbed above deck.

The navigator was just in time, everyone was at work getting the ship out of port. Tess was at the rigging and the anchor had just been lifted... they were finally going back out to sea. Heading towards the helm, Valentina climbed up onto the small wooden platform she had installed herself. It was sort of her own little spot and also where she built in her sundial/compass. She had been working on the contraption for years after learning a few things while traveling with her uncle. Some adjustments and teaks were needed which is why Valentina took the task of building it into the ship herself. Everything needed to be just right for it to work properly.

Vale placed the hat with the bird down on the wooden platform. She took a moment to pull off her jacket and folded it into a comfy square to lay the bird on before placing Tessa's hat on her head. Then it hit her. "water!" she blurted out under her breath, reaching for the pouch of fresh water she had laced to her belt. She shook her head as poured a little into the cap, placing it next to the bird. "Sorry lil pajarito, it has been a big day for the both of us, huh?" The colorful bird responded by sapping up the water. She sat next to it, pouring out a little more then criss-crossing her leg. Finally, Vale pulled the map out and unraveled it out in front of her. Her eyes scanned every inch of it, she was getting deep in thought when Philip and Rudy came to the helm. "Aye, Rudy." smiled Vale from where she sat, tipping Tessa's hat in his direction but gave another eye-roll towards the helmsman. "Philip." she simply said, returning her attention back to the map. Vale began tracing her finger over the parchment, figuring out which way to go best.

Her attention was taken again by the Captain herself striding right up to her. Vale looked up, greeting the captain with a nod and a grin. "Tis a beauty," she referenced the map. "We need to chart a course. Do you suggest going up and around or down and under." Valentina looked back at the map contemplating it when Rosia joined in. “Sorry Cap’n. I was b’low deck with Vera, she was takin’ me dress off.” Rosia said non-chalantly.

Rosia scanned the map they had laid out, mostly just seeing shapes as Meg traced her finger across it. Rosia pronounced the words to herself in her head, thinking back to her reading lessons with Vera. “Whenev’r we go up, it gets colder…” Rosia mumbled out loud, but mostly just to herself.

Vale acknowledged Rosia's comment giving a subtle nod to it. She traced the first path, "We can go up and over but," Vale paused for a moment looking up at Meg. "there is the possibility of running into ice and fewer ports... I don't think going north is worth it. The best is to go under." she explained, tracing out the second path going south. "We'll need to stick close enough to land to supply, but far enough away we won't be stopped." said Meg and Vale instantly agreed. "Yes, if we go under we have a few more places to port in between if anything." Vale pointed out Guicona, Snitinlos, Quinlterra, Isccumo, Serbe, Mobe and Beweyma.

When she went to look back up her eyes instantly locked with the two lasses coming up behind the captain. It was Vera and... Eva. “Captain.” Vera began. Valentina visibly gulped, she wasn't per say afraid of Meg, Vale just didn't want to go through the drama that might ensue. “Pardon me. I don’t mean to interrupt, but we have… a guest on board who wishes to speak to you.”

---

---

XXXXEvangeline stayed close to Vera as they walked. Eva crossed her arms and kept her eyes on Vera’s legs. The last thing she wanted to do was see Vale and or Tessa. She’d likely make it obvious she knew them and get them in trouble. When Vera began to speak, she listened carefully. When gestured to do so, she stepped forward to stand next to Vera. Eva only glanced at Meg’s face for a second before her eyes wandered down the woman’s dress and stayed at her feet. She noted how lovely the dress was. Eva wondered if the Captain always dressed so nice. Surprisingly, Eva wasn’t nervous. What was meant to happen would happen, and she had faith the outcome would be positive.

“Greetings Captain,” she paused to press her crossed arms closer to her chest, “My name is Evangeline, but I do go by Eva.” Eva kept her eyes on Meg’s feet. She wondered if Vale or Tessa was nearby. She knew others were near her and around the ship. Eva had to fight the urge to look around as the curious cat in her awoke. The last thing she wanted to do was seem distracted and offend Meg. Her expression stayed blank as she waited for a reply.

Meg’s gaze was on their brand new map, her mind working its way through the maze that was their journey. Talking with Vale helped, of course. She was an expert at what she did. Make no mistake. Rosia joined not soon after her own arrival, giving her own advice on their voyage. It was always appreciated and it helped to work out their options.

The three were huddled around the map when Meg heard Vera’s voice come from behind her. Judging by her cook’s tone, something was amiss on her ship. A… guest? Meg turned around, sure Vera was simply joking when she came face to face with… an unfamiliar face. Or, at least, she would have, had the girl not been a whole head shorter than her. The heeled shoes on Meg’s feet weren't helping either. Though, the girl didn’t look frightened. No… she looked curious.

Meg’s eyes narrowed a bit. Obviously, this dress was taking some of the seriousness of her position. The thing had to go. But first… She propped a leg up on the nearest railing to her, pulled the knife she borrowed from Vale from the garter strapped to her leg, and leaned against the table, cleaning the dirt from her fingernails with the tip. ”What brings you aboard my vessel, Evangeline?” She asked, purposely using her full name. Eva looked up through her eyelashes to make eye contact as she spoke.

“I would say fate has brought me aboard your lovely vessel. I saw my dearest friend for the first time in years tonight. Since they were needed here...I decided to come along. T-they are my only family left...”

Meg’s eyes narrowed a little more at the idea that someone had brought her aboard. Obviously, it was for a reason Meg… couldn’t exactly sympathize with since her family was dead or she had never known them to begin with, but… if her parents were still alive… she knew she’d want them with her, too. Still, that didn’t change the fact that they hadn’t asked permission of their captain before bringing aboard another mouth to feed. ”How did you get aboard my vessel?”

“Well, I came in a barrel. Sacks of mangos and apples are in the barrel...a gift from my prior home.”

Well… at least she didn’t come empty-handed. She thought, finishing with the cleaning of her left hand, she shifted the knife to her right hand. ”And who brought you aboard?” She didn’t really think it mattered much, but she would have to have a talk with them regardless. Otherwise, the others might start bringing on strangers willy-nilly.

“Captain, I can only tell you if you promise not to hurt them or have someone else hurt them. I won’t have them come into harm’s way because of me.”

Wrong answer, lass, she thought, her eyes turning to narrow slits. ”I don’t make promises to stowaways who tell me how to run my ship!” In a split second, she had the knife flipped, blade facing out towards Eva. ”Tell me who brought you aboard!”

“I am sorry if I offended you. I didn't mean to make it seem as if I was telling you how to run your ship. I would have never done that intentionally...Also, I apologize that I came on your ship in secret. It seemed like the only way of not being separated from my friend,” she took a solid deep breath as she prepared for the worst, “But I refuse to tell you if it means harm to anyone, but me.”

Eva’s tone was serious at the end and her lips were set in a stubborn pout. She apologized, and Eva would rather die than have Vale and her friend hurt. She glanced at the blade and finally looked around as the curious cat won. If she were to die, then she may as well see what the ship looked like. Eva saw Vale and some other woman nearby. She forced herself to keep her gaze on the other woman. She didn’t want to give Vale away. She noticed the woman had her hand behind her back, but she couldn’t give it much thought. Finally, she returned her gaze to the Captain with sad eyes. At least she saw Vale once more before she died.

If it had been a member of her crew, Meg would have strung them up and left them to hang by their wrists for a few hours. Which was a tempting punishment for Philip...but Eva was not a member of her crew. The way she spoke was eloquent enough for her to know she was no slum wench. At least that wasn’t how she had begun her life. Meg sighed, the fire remaining in her eyes, but she leaned against the table once more. She’d figure it out eventually anyway. ”What are your skill sets?” She flipped the knife back around so it was no longer pointed at Eva, but it was also no longer set to cleaning her nails.

Eva let out a breath she didn’t know she had been holding. She forced herself to keep her gaze on Meg. Evangeline really wanted to look at Vale, but she knew that was a bad idea. Now filled with relief and with a question she would willingly answer, she smiled at the Captain. She heard her heart pounding in her ears, but she was happy. It looked like everything would be okay. James may have said Meg was like hellfire, but fire kept people warm and safe. It could burn and cause pain, but everything could have a bad side.

“Thank you, Captain,” she paused to loosen her crossed arms; she had been tense, “I am best at sewing, and I have worked with a blacksmith for some time. I had taken a break when traveling, but I can make good weapons...I have always done odd jobs as well. The odd jobs most recently involved cleaning, running errands, and or just fixing things. Though, I am a quick learner and am always willing to learn. If you need me to do something, I’ll happily do it and do my best to do it well. Although, I don’t do well with things that involve...heights...”

Meg tried her best not to smirk at the idea of putting the lass in the ropes with Tessa.

“I can defend myself though. I don’t own any knives at the moment, but I do know my way around them. I have upgraded to boarding axes for my weapons of choice...” she added. Eva smiled to herself as she remembered why she upgraded. She pulled herself from her little memory to look at the Captain. Evangeline smiled at her with warmth in her expression. She was grateful to Meg now.

“Although, the question I should ask is, what kind of person do you need most on your ship Captain?” she asked. She knew she likely just rambled, but at least she answered the Captain.

Meg smiled smugly, taking to flipping the knife in her hand now. ”That’s the thing… we don’t really need anyone else on this ship.” Not entirely true. They could always use the hands if there was room and right now there technically was. However, those they added would need to have a place. ” However, I could find a place for you if you’re willing to work. There is no room for useless individuals on my vessel. If you have no use, I’ve no use for you. Savvy?”

“I am always willing to work Captain.”

Meg thought for a moment. Her skill sets were wide and largely… only useful as an assistant. She had one already in Rosia. Vera could probably use the help and Rosia could probably use an underling as well. Right now, they needed the ship underway which was more or less a success considering there was wind in their sails and the land was shrinking in the distance. They would soon have their heading as well.

”If you’re to stay on my ship, you will work under Rosia,” She nodded to her first mate who currently had one hand on her pistol. Meg tried not to roll her eyes. ”And Vera, whom you’ve already met. I’m sure they could use your help. If you’re going to be aboard my vessel you’re going to work. Hard. I want no complaints and you will obey my orders or you’ll be keelhauled. Savvy?”

“I’ll be happy to help in any way I can,” she replied. She glanced at the woman who she assumed was Rosia. Meg had nodded at her. Evangeline wondered if the woman had her hand on a weapon. I guess a stranger on a ship could be seen as a danger. After the thought, she glanced at Vera and flashed her a smile before her eyes went back to Meg.

“Anything else Captain?”

Meg watched the newcomer a moment. And then another. Hoping the girl would squirm even a little. Then she flashed a smile, spun the dagger around, and said, ”Welcome aboard neophyte.” Then she stabbed it into the wood of the table beside the map and began to walk towards her quarters. ”Vale! Set a course! If Philip is still drunk, take the helm!” She waved her hand in the air. ”Rosia! With me!”

She walked by Rudy and Philip just as they were walking by. ”Our new crew member. Treat her nice now, lad.” She said as she ruffled the powder monkey’s hair. Then she continued to her quarters.

xRosia “Jack" Hienrik

Everybody in the world knows
Everybody in the world knows
Everybody in the world knows
Everybody in the world knows

I'm a little twisted, twisted
I'm a little twisted, twisted
I'm a little twisted, twisted
I'm a little twisted, twistedxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxThe Mate//#7C674A


Rosia stood and watched the conversation between Meg and this stowaway happen, she thought about commenting something at first, but could tell Meg wouldn’t have wanted to be interrupted right now. So Rosia just stood aside and waiting and took mental notes, waiting to see what the situation would turn into. Though if it was Rosia’s choice, they might bust out the plank for a little bit of fun.

During most of the conversation, there wasn’t much going on. Rosia heard what the Stowaway called herself, Evangeline/Eva, but Rosia quickly dismissed that. She wasn’t one for actual names, as seen around the ship when she calls everyone by their alias and not really caring about what their name was, like with Nameless. But Rosia did need to know everyone’s names since some people still used them when talking about others.

One thing did catch Rosia’s attention and get her a little excited. Meg had asked a question about who brought Eva onboard, and giving an answer that Meg didn’t exactly like. When Meg turned the blade to Eva and raised her voice, Rosia’s heart skipped a beat with excitement, her grip on her pistol tightening. Rosia didn’t exactly want Meg to stab this girl, or be forced to draw her pistol, but it would be a little bit excitement, though she was also a little disappointed when Meg leaned back and the situation didn’t escalate.

Towards the end of the conversation the hostility died down, and Rosia realized there wouldn’t be a need for much violence. She was surprised when Meg said the stowaway would work under Rosia and Vera, depending on what was needed. Rosia subconsciously bit her bottom lip when Meg said the stowaway would work with Vera, maybe a little jealousy, or maybe just upset there wouldn’t be a walking of the plank.

Rosia was snapped back to reality when Meg called her name and told her to follow. Rosia let go of her pistol for a second and turned towards Vale. “If ye need me, I’ll be ‘round, especially if Nameless needs me on t’e wheel. Just yell.” She said towards Vale and skipped along to catch up with Meg as she walked towards her quarters. As she walked past the stowaway, her pistol would be revealed to be behind her back, but she wasn’t too worried. Also, when Rosia walked past Vera, she put her hand on Rosia’s arm and told her to be careful, Rosia replied with a nod and a smile, getting a warm feeling inside before she followed the captain into her quarters.

When Rosia entered the captain quarters behind Meg, she closed the door behind her and quickly grabbed a small crate stood upon it. it would help her be at an easier height to assist Meg in taking her dress, since she is taller than her. “Stowaway huh? Wonderin’ who brought her aboard…” Rosia said towards Meg.

M e g

H e l l f i r e
C a p t a i n
#e6b800

XXXXOnce they left the island of Hartford, Meg had requested that Vale set a course for the smaller islands off the coast of Snitinlos. These small islands were really part of the Guicona territory, but they were so far from the mainland that they remained empty. Well... empty of people. The islands were used as storage for the Land king's men as they sailed from island to island. They were also used by pirates. James's crew had been multiple times to stock up when they expected to be on a long journey across the sea. Or, like in this specific instance, they were being chased and they needed supplies fast.

The island typically contained alcohols, nonperishables, and barrels upon barrels of fresh water. Meg knew water would be the most important. You can go for days without food but not very long without water. And while they'd be surrounded by water on their journey, Meg knew that the ocean wasn't a water source. So, they were there for the water, some of the nonperishables, and whatever fruit, veggies, and meat they could find. Sometimes they found a few barrels of goods that were fruit and vegetables based, but they were only there when the king's men had dropped them off to be back for them shortly.

As she stood on forecastle, salty sea breezes blowing through her hair, Meg took a deep, relaxing breath. She so badly wanted to dive into the sea and swim for an hour instead of lug supplies to and from the ship. They had reached the island now and Meg decided she'd split the crew into two groups. Half would stay on the ship and keep a lookout for enemies and the other half would go on land to haul off goods. She wanted Rosia with her on land. As the first mate, she was technically Meg's second in command due to lack of a quartermaster. She wanted Tessa on the ship to keep an eye on the ship for her. While Bill was the boatswain, she wasn't sure she could trust him just yet. He was the one opposed to the mutiny. Vale would be good to have on land in case they came across any trouble. Bill and Philip she wanted on land with her. Both so she could keep an eye on them and so they could do some heavy lifting. She had a difficult time deciding whether or not to bring Jules. Primarily because he was excellent for heavy lifting, but if trouble arrived on the seas he would need to ready the crew that remained there. So Jules would have to stay. Rudy will be staying too. Meg wanted him up in the crow's nest to keep watch. They really needed someone devoted to lookout so Rudy could help Jules more easily. Vera and Eva will need to stay as well.

Meg felt guilty about having to leave Vera behind, but she wasn't sure Eva was trusted enough on land and they needed people watching the ship. She had enough people joining her on land. She'd have to look for something special to bring back for Vera. Maybe a sack of sugar if they had it.

As Eva came to mind, Meg realized she still hadn't figured out who had brought the girl on board. However... she was spending a good amount of time with Tessa. Meg's stomach squeezed a little at the possibility of her friend doing such a thing without even telling her after the fact. She would have to talk to her before they left.

Which reminded her... she needed to inform James of their leaving. Not to request permission or even because she was in the habit of informing her prisoners of her whereabouts. James was different. James had been a friend. And... maybe she could convince him that things were going to be worth it. As she made her way down to the bring, she decided that she'd give orders when she returned to the deck.

---

---

XXXXEva smiled as she saw Tessa. She had unintentionally been hanging around Tessa more than she should have. She had been avoiding Vale like the plague. Evangeline didn’t want to get her dearest friend hurt by Meg. Since Tessa was with Vale when they met, she decided to stick to her. Eva felt like she could trust the blue eyed woman. It hadn’t clicked for her that if she hung around Tessa, people would think she brought her on the ship. Tessa’s back was to Eva, so it was easy for Eva to walk right up behind her. She went on tippy toes and stroked Mango’s, the bird they had found, head with a finger. He was sitting comfortably on Tessa’s hat. The little fella, who they assumed was a fella, seemed to be doing better.

“Hello Mango, is Tessa being nice to you?” she asked. Tessa jumped hearing the voice behind her. She was getting ready to punch whoever it was but stopped short seeing it was Eva and scolded her.

“Fuck do you want now?” Tessa said, the scold on her face not easing up. Evangeline flashed Tessa a smile.The woman did amused her.

“I just want to spend time with Mango. You seem to be hoarding him,” she said playfully. Tessa turned to start walking away, looking at some nearby ropes.

“It isn’t my fault little birdie won’t get off my damn hat,” Tessa said as she walked.

“Well...can I have your hat then? I’ll give it back to you once I get him on my shoulder or something,” she replied. Eva walked alongside Tessa to keep the conversation going.

“Fuck no. You cannot touch me hat. Fuck off,” Tessa said, not sounding as angry as she would when speaking to others. Eva placed a hand on Tessa’s shoulder to try to get her to stop walking. “Please?” she asked.

“Hmmm,” Tessa stopped for a moment and looked at her. “Fuck your please.”

“If you said please when we met at the tavern, you wouldn’t owe me a drink,” she replied, only risking the words as no one was nearby. Eva got on her tippy toes again. Carefully, but quickly, she lifted Tessa’s hat off her head. “I am going to check on James. I don’t think he has seen Mango since I got here,” she added before she headed down to the brig. As she walked, she placed Mango on her shoulder.

Rosia had just woken up from a small nap upon the crowsnest when she heard some talk below her. As she rolled over and peaked her head over the edge she watched as Tessa and the stowaway interacted. Tessa seemed to have taking a liking to the girl. She giggled to herself when she heard Tessa curse at the lady for asking to touch her hat. But when she heard the stowaway talk about a tavern, Rosia stopped giggling and was confused, The ship hadn’t docked for days, how would they gone to a tavern toge- Rosia interrupted her own thoughts with a gasp, realizing it was Tessa who had brought the stowaway onboard.

Tessa followed after Eva, trying her damndest to get her hat back. As she followed, she muttered curses under her breath. Though they were directed at Eva, she wasn’t expecting the girl to actually listen to a word she was saying. “Ya don’t need to grab someone’s hat like that. Just take the fuckin’ birdie, don’t need my whole fuckin’ hat.” Eva stopped in front of bars that kept James a prisoner. She looked away from him to look at Tessa.

“I said I would give it back once I got him off the hat, but you refused to give me the hat,” she replied, matter of factly. Her gaze returned to James. Tessa’s hat was held between her hands. She smiled at James. “How are you are you today James? I brought Mango down to see you.”

“Ahoy there, James,” Tessa said with a small wave as she tried to grab her hat. Eva turned slightly, so Tessa couldn’t grab her hat. Mango was on her shoulder, but she didn’t want to give the hat back yet..

M e g

H e l l f i r e
C a p t a i n
#e6b800

J a m e s

M i d a s
P r i s o n e r
#B00000

James had been in the brig for four days. Well five if you count the day before they actually left port. He had been visited a couple times by the crew and by Eva. Apparently Meg hadn’t chewed her up and spit her out. In fact, it seems she had made her a member of the crew. It surprised him, but he couldn’t deny that he was glad. He rubbed at the stubble forming on his chin and continued his song, ”Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen. Nobody knows… me sorrow.”

He heard voices and footsteps coming down the stairs and into the brig. The first person to make their appearance was Eva, a familiar hat in her hands and an orange and green bird on her shoulder who was looking much better than when he last saw him. A smile formed on his face, but it quickly turned to one of distress when he saw the scowling woman stalking up behind Eva. Oh Tessa was angry.

Eva greeted him first. He was about to respond when Tessa interrupted with a greeting of her own. He gave a strained smile, feeling the tension in the air. James had known Tessa long enough to know two things: Don’t make her angry and never, ever touch the hat. Unless you were Vale. ”’Ello Eva. Tessa. What brings you to me quarters on this fine…” He glanced to the side of the ship where a small bit of light was peaking through. ”Day?”

By the time Rosia roped her way down from the crowsnest, Tessa had already followed Eva downstairs, Rosia quickly followed after them below deck towards the brig. As she caught up to them, she overheard Tessa and Eva talking with James. Rosia had only come down here when she followed and helped Vera bring James food. “Oi! Riggknot ye turncoat! It was you that brought the stowaway onto the ship.” Rosia said, announcing her presence to the others as she came down the stairs. “Captain Hellfire won’t be like’n this!” Hearing the familiar voice, Tessa knew exactly who it was. She rolled her eyes and turned towards the voice.

“Oi now! Does it really fuckin’ matter anymore?” As she spoke, Tessa made her way over. At the back of her mind she got the thought that she was lucky to always carry a spare rope around with her. “Look at ‘er! She’s a fuckin’ kitten, for christ sake!” She kept moving forward until she was a foot or so in front of her. “Does it really look like the girlie’s any harm?”

Rosia took a quick glance at Eva, who smiled and gave a small wave to Rosia, before looking back up at Tessa right in front of her. “Nay, but ye went behind the Cap’n’s back.” Tessa nodded at this.

“Alright, if that’s how ya’r thinkin’,” Tessa said then cracked her knuckles. What proceeded was something that you’d have to see to believe it. Tessa seemed to pull what seemed to be an endless rope out of nowhere. “Ey, whatcha doin’ with th-” The rope went through the air it what seemed like endless directions. There was cursing. There was kicking. There was a near escape then back into the rope hurricane that was Tessa, a mere rope, and her hands. “Tessa! Stop that right now!” Eva scolded, crossing her arms under her chest. Tessa actually listened to this, but is was more because she was done. She stood up and Rosia seemed to fall a few centimeters onto the ground, now tied up completely with her arms bound behind her back, her legs bound, and a gag that seems to be a spare handkerchief. “Aye, I think that may be good enough,” Tessa said showing that she may be a bit proud of herself.

James sat and stared wide eyed at the events unfolding before him. He raised an eyebrow at Rosia’s accusation. So they didn’t know that it wasn’t only Tessa, but Vale as well. The fact that they had to guess meant Eva hadn’t told Meg. Interesting. When Tessa pulled out the rope, he honestly thought it was for Eva. I mean… she had touched the hat. He was thrown for a loop when instead she began to tie up Rosia. ”What are ye doin?” He asked them, more surprise in his voice than concern. It was the most bizzare thing to James.

That’s when Meg made her way down into the brig. She stopped short at what she saw. Her first mate tied up. Tessa, the only one who could’ve tied up Rosia, standing beside her. Eva standing off to the side, Tessa’s hat in her hand an… is that a bird on her shoulder? She thought she had heard chirping while visiting Sunni the past couple of days… It appears Eva wasn’t the only stowaway.

And James just sat there and watched. Watched her rigger tie her first mate… shit. ”What the bloody hell is going on!?” She demanded, eyes simmering. ”Me first mate is tied up. Me rigger the culprit and…” Then she remembered why she wanted to talk to Tessa earlier. ”Tessa Locke. Were you the one to bring aboard the stowaway?” Her eyes narrowed. Her plan had been to pull her aside and speak to her privately but the scene before her… and with James watching… She’d have to punish her friend or risk the crew questioning her leadership.

Hearing her name - her full name - Tessa knew then that she had fucked up. She let out a long low sigh and turned to face her captain. “Aye that’s the question, isn’t it?” She sighed again, and looked over at Eva then rolled her eyes. “Aye, this is a fuckin mess,” She mumbled, putting a hand to her forehead and sighing again. “I guess there be no more reason to keep it a secret nor lie.The short answer to that, Captain, is yes. Yes, I did bring the girlie aboard,” Tessa admitted. Then added under her breath, “Even though I didn’t want to.” Eva very slowly, silently, walked towards Tessa as she spoke. Once she finished speaking, she took a step to the side to stand in front of Tessa. Evangeline moved the hand with the hat behind her back to give it to Tessa. Her expression was blank as she stared at Meg.

James whistled in the cell beside them. ”Ye fucked up.” Meg’s glare turned on him and he stepped away from the bars. She turned her attention back to the women before her. ”I’m listening.” She took note of the fact that Eva now stood between them. The girl was going to get herself killed one day doin’ that. Tessa sighed once again. She took her hat, placed it on her head, and walked around Eva until she came face to face with Meg.

“The long answer,” Tessa started. “I was at a whorehouse and met this lass. The lass told me she had.. No family left. As you know.. I don’t have any family. But I found one here on this ship. I figured ’oi, this young lass could use some help.’ So.. I helped. Stuffed her in a barrel and here we are now.” She paused a moment for it to sink in as she hoped nothing about her gave away this this was only half the truth. “I’m sorry I hadn’t told you from the start, Captain. But I knew where we were going and that we didn’t need anyone new,” She added, then stood and waited for a reply. Eva just smiled as Tessa spoke. She gave the woman a quick and tight hug from behind once she finished speaking. Evangeline was grateful and now in debt to Tessa.Though, Tessa still owed her that drink.

Meg sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, the skin tight around her eyes. ”If you had told me sooner, it would’ve been fine.” She looked up at Tessa, their blue eyes meeting. ”But you went behind me back and you hid her.” She motioned down at Rosia, still tied up. ”Now you go and do this?” She sighed, her shoulders rising with command, but slowly as if they were pushing up against an invisible weight. ”One hour from the mast.” She said simply. Tessa had been the one to string ‘em up so many a time. She knew what the punishment was without Meg needing to explain.

She kneeled beside her first mate, pulled the knife from her boot Meg knew she kept there, and cut her loose from the ropes. There was no untying a rope Riggknot had tied. ”I was planning on leaving you in charge of the ship. I’ll have to leave Vera to that.” She returned the knife to her first mate, handle out with one hand and helped her up with the next.

Rosia wiggled out of the ropes and stood up with the help of Meg, and putting her knife back in her boot, nodding her head and thanking her captain. Rosia looked over at Tessa. “Ye still a turncoat...” Rosia said with a slight smirk, she wasn’t one to hold grudges, plus it would entertain her to see Tessa hanging from the mast. Meg shot her a warning look before walking back towards the steps and up to the deck to give orders.

”All hands to the deck!” She yelled as loudly as she could, her voice edged with anger. They would know she meant business. Once her crew assembled, she began. ”We’re going onto the island for supplies. I will be going ashore with Rosia, Vale, Sunni, Bill, and Philip. Jules, Rudy, and Eva will stay on the ship. Vera will be left in charge. And Tessa.” Meg paused. Upset at the words that were about to leave her mouth. ”Tessa is to hang by her ankles from the mast while we are gone.” While she didn’t normally explain her orders, she felt this one needed an explanation. ”While I don’t punish me crew for small indiscretions such as bringing aboard a new crew member, Tessa did so behind me back and was found tying up the first mate below deck. Because of her actions, she must undergo this punishment. Alone.”

She pointed to the horizon. ”We meet back here when the sun is three hands high off the horizon. Dismissed.”

x

J U L I A NX| | XD R A G O N

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| Master Gunner |
| #B02E04 |

T H EXxN A M E L E S SXxH E L M S M A NXXX||XXXB O S U NXxB I L LXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXX.XPHILIP WALKERXXX||XXXWILLIAM MORGAN III
[i]#1d906fXXX||XXX#64844c

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"I swear an oath to ye. I saw more than three, over near the horizon." Philip frowned and stared out at the open waters. He was convinced he'd seen a whole swarm of mermaids, even if Bill refused to believe him. He'd just been checking the roughness of the seas when he saw them, well, their tails. Well, what he thought was their tails. All he'd really seen was a few sparkly dots that looked like the mermaids the legends told of.

"Ye liar! Mermaids don' come up. They stay many fathoms below th' surface, Nameless."

The rowboats had finally reached the land. Bill's arms were aching and his sore muscles were bugging him the whole day, but he tried to ignore it. A pirate's sore muscles were a pirate's least worrisome problems. Bill dragged himself out of the rowing boat, adjusting to the hard surface beneath his boots. "Nameless?"

Philip slowly stretched himself out of the rowboat, already feeling the gloom of being on land. He was a child of the sea and would be for the rest of his days. "Aye Bosun Bill?"

"Hellfire wants us to carry the heavy things. We better get goin', lad." Bill frowned.

"Me and ye?" Philip asked eyeing Bill's lanky build, knowing that his own was no better. "The Cap'n would'a been better bringin the little lad along."

"Exactly, Nameless."

As they continued, they went through some trees and reached storage bunker.

"We're here for water mostly. If there are things we are in need of, make sure to take it, but don't take everything. We can't have them suspecting they're being robbed from. A few things go missing, could be chopped up to error. We take it all, and they'll move their stores."

"Aye Cap'n." Philip said without a hint of his earlier disdain, ever since that night the girls went to retrieve the map, Philip had been on his best behaviour around Meg. And he'd rather not question how he escaped any real punishment for his drunken behaviour.

"Arright, Nameless, let's carry som' very light barrels of water."

"Aye, maybe just'a tankard of water." Philip said once he was out of Meg's earshot.

"If ye do that, you'll end up with a rusted piece o' metal in yer arse." Bill joked, making his way into the storage bunker.

"Oof. Ye'd be knowin' how that feels then?" Philip asked as he found the barrels of water at the back. The lot of them looked big and heavy, Philip's back and arms ached already at the thought of it. "We be takin' back one between us then? Cap'n did say not to be takin' everything."

"What, Nameless, too weak to hold a barrel fo' yourself?" Bill chuckled as he tried lifting a barrel of water. It was slightly moist at the bottom and 'Water' was carved into its top. He strained, quickly putting it back down. "Ye, one barrel fo' both of us." He panted. The humid air around him and the heaviness of the barrel caused him to shortly sweat profusely. "WE NEED JULES HERE!"

Philip couldn't help a booming laugh at Bill's display of 'strength', and even slapped the barrel. "Jules be busy runnin' the ship. Notice the Cap'n didn't be leavin' ye in charge." Then Philip grabbed one side of the barrel, preparing for the tough walk back to the rowboats.

"Sweet little Hellfire migh' as well demote me to swabbie. She hung Tessa up, promot'd Rosie to her second and THREW JAMES INTO TH' BRIG, but that's a discussion fo' another time, Philip." Bill grabbed the other side of the barrel, waiting for Philip to walk back as his back was facing the exit.

Philip started walking backwards, with his head turned to make sure he didn't run into anything. Bill would rather steer him into trouble than direct him away from it. "Ye know I 'aint got much love for mutiny." He sighed, Bill and him had this conversation a lot, even though Philip had never been the most vocal pirate on James' side, he had a lot of allegiance to his old friend.

"Me neither, la-" As Philip started walking, Bill was interrupted and the barrel tipped to his side as his friend had turned his head. The heaviness of the object caused a great strain on his arms as he muttered quiet curses, barely managing to hold up the barrel. "Fook, fook, fook..."

Philip swung his head back to look Bill with a confused, yet slightly worried frown.

"Ya tipped the god dam' barrel to me side!" Bill winced as he painfully tipped the barrel back, maintaining the balance.

"Mother of sea beasts!" Philip cursed and almost dropped the barrel. "I thought death himself was coming for ye." Of course, Philip didn't care much that he caused his friend harm, he was more angry that Bill had made his heart race for a minute there.

They would eventually get the barrel onto the rowboat. It creaked slightly as it gained more weight.
Bill blinked. His eyes were burning as sweat dripped into them and he panted: "Two more..."

"Two?" Philip cursed under his breath. "What manner of water guzzling beasts has Hellfire got us carting across the seas?" Nevertheless he wiped away his sweat, tied his hair back and headed back to the storage bunker.

"I don' fucken know, Nameless." Bill shook his head, spraying gushes of his sweat everywhere as he also made his way back to the bunker.

By the time they had all three barrels of water on the rowboats, ready to be carted back to the Stardust, Philip's muscles were aching and his clothes were drenched in sweat. "I may as well 'ave taken a dip in the seas," he said as he collapsed onto the sand.

Bill collapsed next to him, pure sweat covering his body. "Aaff....aaa..." He could barely push out words as the hot sand stung into his sweat-covered skin. "Aff..."

"Now I be rememberin' why I was wantin' to be a helmsman." Philip said, wishing he was at the helm of the ship not lying in a pool of sweat and sand next to Bill. He could almost feel the cool air rushing off the waves and ruffling his hair.

"Now I be rememberin' why I was Boatswain!" Bill wiped sweat off his forehead. "I order the lads to do the work." He coughed.

Philip hoped the other's were almost done collecting the rest of the supplies. He sighed and looked out to the Stardust, bobbing up and down on the seas. "We needed Jules."