Pirate's Bounty( Started)ADULT/CC (need Michael and Kyle)

[KatnotKath]

~Liz~

Maria seems to agree, but at the same time, she looks suspicious. Looking over to where the Captain is standing, pouring out water into two tin cups for the ladies who want it, she then turns back to me, a questioning look on her face. “Why did he give this to you…?”

Why…? As always, Maria has the talent of asking exactly the questions that I would rather not have to answer… If I repeat what the Captain said, as kind as the compliments were, I cannot help thinking that Maria might well take them the wrong way, or read into them something which I was certain was not intended… Yet what else can I say, how else can I explain it…?

My gaze falls on my right hand, noting the absence of my Grandmother’s ring which usually sits there. Unfortunately, it was one of the pieces which the slavers appeared to have already sold or butchered, and while my necklace was returned to me, and is safely tucked away in a pouch in my dress, my ring was not. A glimmer of an idea begins to surface. “H-he said he was sorry they had not been able to find my ring, and that perhaps these would go a little way to making up for its loss…” I respond a little awkwardly.

There will of course be some other women who have lost and are given nothing to replace, but hopefully Maria will not question my explanation for it is the best I can come up with at this time, and I do not wish to start tongues wagging when there is nothing to talk about… I am certain that the captain was just being polite and kind…nothing more…

[isabelle]

*Maria*

I nod at Liz's explanation, still feeling more than confused about this pirate captain. "I can't believe he ever returned anything to the rest of you," I tell her. I had nothing returned to me, as I had nothing of value with me when I was taken with Liz. Nothing but my own self, which the slavers thought would be valuable enough to get them a lot of money. Fortunately, Max and Michael aren't interested in earning their fee the same way. Just leaving us alive is more than I expected...

Where would he get the money to replace everything? Won't his crew-members complain?

I look at Liz and comment, "Well, as nice as your ring was, I do think this might be a bit more useful, anyway."

[magikhands]

Michael

I was pleased with Alex's answer. I looked back to Isabel and smile.

"Now, if you would be so kind as to gather all the ladies and make sure they are ready, they can disembark as soon as we tie to port."

The sooner the forbidden fruit was off my ship the better. It was already driving me insane unable to even approach one of the women without either Alex or Isabel looking over my shoulder. How was a man suppose to get some relaxing done with those two hanging around like leaches?

I turn and leave my cabin, all thoughts of a couple of quiet moments gone. Instead I busy myself with ordering my men to prepare to dock.

[StormWolfstone]

~Isabel~

Michael takes a moment to respond, “It shouldn’t be long now but I’m sure Alex can tell us whether your brother’s ship has docked yet.”

“Your brother’s ship has just docked, I believe that the ladies aboard will be disembarking currently, and I understand that we should be doing the same in less than half an hour…” Alex responds in kind and I smile.

"Now, if you would be so kind as to gather all the ladies and make sure they are ready, they can disembark as soon as we tie to port." Michael had glanced back at me with a smile before he turned to go.

With a sigh, I nod. "Michael's right." I begin and then turn to look at Tess, "We should go to the other ladies and inform them of the newest development." Then with a smile, I turned toward Alex, using my charm as I requested softly, "Would you be willing to escort us below and await us while we do what must be done before perhaps escorting us back above?"

I glanced over at Tess, giving her one of those secretive smiles that only another woman would understand to mean, 'watch him stumble over his own feet to agree.' I knew it was kind of rude to do such a thing, but I truly did enjoy his company and besides, it would be rather interesting to see how he handled having a woman on each arm when many of the other pirate's would be having fits of jealousy.

After he grants me a response, I decide to question him on a more personal level. "Will you be maintaining a residence on shore for a time?" I stepped up to him, placing my hand on his arm while smiling, knowing that Tess would more then likely take her cue from me. It felt good having someone around that seemed so similar, almost sisterly.

[KatnotKath]

~Liz~

As Maria comments that she doesn’t believe anything had been returned to the other ladies, I feel myself wincing on the inside. I had been hoping that she would not have noticed either way…

Certainly I am hoping that the other ladies – and Christina in particular, does not notice… She is sure to try and make something out of it, even if the truth is that there is nothing to make anything out of… She has made enough comments simply based on the fact I have been talking to the Captian at times throughout the trip.

Of course if I did not, one of the other ladies would have to…I was simply enquiring as to our progress and other such things… Given that the ladies seemed to look to me as a ‘leader’ of such, it only made sense that I were the one to obtain such information…

Christina does not seem to realise that, or at the very least she does not accept it anyway… To myself at least I will admit that I would not mind getting to know the Captain a little better, but nothing improper has taken place, and nor shall it… I simply hope that this kind gesture he has made is not going to cause more trouble…

Luckily she does not push this observation though, simply accepting it for now at least, and turning her attention to the usefulness of the items in my hand.

I smile and nod in agreement. “Quite…I am sure it will be most useful…” I trail off into silence though, thinking about the ring I have lost. Although it is not completely true the reason I gave Maria…I do greatly feel its loss. Not only because the ring itself was worth a lot of money, but also because of whose it was… I loved my Grandmother…

Still, the past is the past and nothing will change that… My Grandmother was the one that taught me that… I simply have to look to the future…

I smile and look over at Maria. “If you will perhaps sit, I can comb through your hair if you like…?” I offer to her softly. Perhaps some of the ladies will think this improper, hanging onto ideas of class and standing, but even back home, even if Maria was not a lady of high standing, she was my friend, and that was all that mattered…

[KatnotKath]

~Alex~

Michael seems pleased enough with the news of our imminent arrival, and now turns to Isabel again. He asks her to gather the other ladies and, with that, turns and leaves the cabin, heading back up to the deck.

I stand a moment, unsure what to do. Max asked me to keep an eye on Michael with the ladies, but I hardly think he is likely to get up to any mischief in this last half hour, he is certain to be quite busy himself I am sure. There will be plenty to do on deck, but since I am not exactly built with muscles whether I would be more of a help than a hinderance is a matter of opinion…

The other option would be to offer my services to the ladies, whatever I might be able to do to help, but then would they want me there… When all is said and done, I may not be a typical example, but I am a Pirate… Not a bloodthirsty fighter, but hardly a gentleman like they are used to…

Max was once a gentleman, and acts as such I know, but I was never on their level…

In the end, Isabel decides for me though, asking if I will accompany her and Tess to the other ladies and such. The questions surprises me. “M-me…? W-hy y-yes of course…if that is what you ladies wish…” I agree, feeling my cheeks burn with embaressment as I hear myself stumbling over the words.

This would be why Max assigned me the task of keeping the ladies safe on this ship… No one could think I was a ladies man could they…?

As Isabel smiles, then placing a hand on my arm. I swallow and wonder for a moment if I am dreaming… She surprises me further now with her next question though. "Will you be maintaining a residence on shore for a time?"

I look at her and nod. “I will indeed…for as long as your bother decides we will stay ashore this time….” I respond finding myself wishing that she was anyone other than Max’s sister… I would never force myself on anyone of course, but at least with one of the other ladies I could at least make an attempt, hopeless as it might be, perhaps…

[magikhands]

~Kyle~

Once all the crates are emptied from the ship and stored I suddenly feel exhausted. I can't believe that I lifted so many crates but then I didn't really have a choice. The last thing I wanted was to have pirates mad at me while taking refuge on their island. I didn't want to not wake the next morning so I did as much work as I possibly could.

The others that were unloading the ship we me had already left. Many talking about going to the local pub for some ale and fun. Others talked about going to thier homes to women that waited for them. Me? Well, I sat and leaned on the building. I knew no one here. I had no where to go and no one waiting for me so I waited for Max. Or should I call him Captain? I sigh not knowing anything any more.

I look out and find that the other ship was docking finally. My thoughts flash to the small blonde that had boarded it. Her smile had been friendly and quite enticing to me. Her icy blue eyes twinkled when she spoke but I could see sadness in them and immediately wished I could drive it all away.

A noise drags me from my pleasant thoughts of Tess and I turn to find Max approaching me.

[isabelle]

*Max*

I wait briefly with young Jack as he distributes water to the ladies, including Liz's friend, Maria. But there is little point in staying here. Jack clearly has the water detail under control. I know the ladies will be safe here, even with just the 12-year-old boy to attend them. All who come will recognise my ship and will leave my passengers be, I'm certain.

While a island full of pirates can be a very dangerous place, especially near the pubs and gambling halls late at night, most of the town is actually very safe. Most of the pirates here have families, so although we have no mayor or law enforcement of any kind, the island is remarkably civilized.

So, with a word to Jack, I relucantly leave the ladies for the moment and go to check on the progress of the men discharging our merchandise. There, I find that our goods are all loaded inside the storehouse and Kyle leaning against a wall. I'm pleased to see that Michael's Deamons is nearly docked. The men are throwing down their lines and some of my crew are helping to tie them off before heading off to their own pursuits. A few look over at the ladies with interest but they know better than to try anything just now.

"So, Kyle," I say harshly, as I stand over him with my arms crossed. I was raised a gentleman and I know how to behave around the ladies, but I've also been a pirate for four years and I know how to act that part, too. I glare at him, menancingly. "Do you imagine that your work is done, then?"

"Oh no. Of course not!" He says jumping to his feet. "What do you want me to do?"

I keep my expression hard but inside I can't help but smile. I could see how tired he was, but he's not shirking. I'm sure he worried about what I'll do to him.

"Just stand there and talk to me a moment. I need to figure out what to do with you," I tell him. I'm definately not sending him to the boarding house with the ladies, even if Tess and Isabel had spoken for him. I would take him to my home, but I expect Isabel to join me there. So, I guess I'll have to send him off with Michael or Alex. I don't know if that will be a good idea or not.

I already promised to pay him a partial wage so it's a little late to threaten to throw him the sharks, although I wouldn't do that, anyway. He's done a passible job on board, from what I've been told, and has never had to be corrected for the same mistake more than once.

I relax my stance a bit, although I'm still watching him carefully. "Tell me about yourself, Kyle. Who where you before you joined up with the slavers. What did you expect from your life with them?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*Maria*

"That sounds nice," I say as Liz offers to brush my hair for me. I'm supposed to be her maid, and should be doing her hair, not the other way round, but it's been such a hard trip, I can't find it in me to refuse such a kind offer.

"And I shall do yours when you are done," I promise her. I take a seat on a log and sit with my back too her. "What is our life to be like now?" I ask her.

[KatnotKath]

~Liz~

I smile as Maria accepts the offer, matching it with a promise of her own to do my hair after. I smile and nod. “Thank you…”

I wait as she takes a seat, setting the mirror down on the log beside her as I reach for the pins which still hold her hair, pulling them out one by one so that her beautiful silky curls fall over her shoulder and down her back. “You do have lovely hair you know…” I comment softly, beginning to pull the comb through her hair gently.

“What is our life to be like now?” Maria asks me as I continue the task.

I pause a moment, dropping the comb to my side as I shake my head. “I cannot say for certain Maria…but the Captain has said he will pay for a month’s lodgings in order to help us start…” I look around. “I believe it will be quite different from that which we are used to, but I hope that an arrangement which suits all parties can be worked out…” In truth I have no idea what to expect really…

Unfortunately, I do not really know why, but it seems that we seem to have attracted something of an audience…including Christina… Whether they wished to ask something about what will happen next, or simply say something I am unaware, but for whatever the reason, a number of the ladies have approached while we are talking and now Christina’s voice interrupts…

“I thought that you were the lady and she the maid…not the other way around Elizabeth… If you prefer that role I am sure one of the 'real' ladies here would be happy to take you into their employment though…”

I look round at her words, my eyes narrowing in anger at the comments. Throughout the journey Christina has been unpleasant, unhelpful, rude and annoying… As much as I try to see the good side of everyone, she is definitely trying my patience and I really do wish she had decided to return home instead of continuing to the island… I can see she is going to be trouble…

The idea of class, ladies and servants is hardly one which I imagine will hold much weight here… I do not expect to be treated any differently to Maria, or any of the other ladies… For now though, I think I might just try and take her down a few pegs…

After considering a moment, I construct a well thought-out response. “A real lady…?” And I suppose she believes that would be her… I shake my head. “Christina, in case you had not noticed, it does not matter here whether one is the daughter of a Duchess, simply a normal lady, a maid or anything else… The fact is that we all have to live here, together, and if you persist in bringing up social standing, which is both pointless and tiring, the days are going to be very long. Your days of having servants and maids are over…now is the time when you have to learn to cope alone!” I tell her flatly, already tired of her comments and attitude.

[magikhands]

~Kyle~


"Just stand there and talk to me a moment. I need to figure out what to do with you," He says as he stares at me, making me very nervous. He obviously hasn't thought about what he was going to do with me and it's a bit nerve wracking. His stance seems to relax just a little, his shoulders not so rigid and his hands no longer fisted. "Tell me about yourself, Kyle. Who where you before you joined up with the slavers. What did you expect from your life with them?"

I sigh. The last thing I want to do is deal with my past. I was trying to get away from it, not dwell on it. I didn't want anyone to really know who I was. I was just going by Kyle...no last name. I thought it would be easier that way, no questions asked. But as I look around I know that I have no other choice. Max is a pirate, he could easily use me for ransome yet I almost discredit that thought because so far there'd been no talk of doing that for the women that he had on his ship. He had allowed them to decide whether they were to return home or not. Of course I was a man and saw no use of me so he could really do as he wanted.

I let my body slide down the side of the building and sit again. "My name is Kyle...Valenti. The son of James Valenti II." I pause a moment and look up at Max to see his reaction. His brow raises and it is obvious that he knows who my father is.

"My mother died when I was but four and I've lived on the sea since with my father as he rose in rank to Commander of the British Royal Navy." I shake my head remember my father and how hard and cold he was during all those years.

"He has pushed me for years to join the Navy but I always found a way around it. It's not that I don't like the sea...I love it but...well, I...I didn't want to serve under my father. He's quite...difficult." I tried to explain but unless you served under him, no one knew just how cold and ruthless he could be.

"About two weeks ago my father came to me and told me that I was betrothed and in order for me to support my family, I would have to sign up." I shake my head. "I didn't want to marry this woman, one of wealth and appearance. I didn't love her and well, I found that I couldn't get out of this so I left. I hopped on the first ship I could sign up for and left without a word to anyone."

I looked up at Max, my eyes locking with his. "I swear...I didn't know that it was a slaver's ship. They only told me that they needed extra crew and they were headed far away. They said that I could watch the cargo but never once did they say it was women."

I waited in silence, praying that Max would believe me.