Roswell Fanatics

OOC -- I thought Michael might react to the way Maria was looking at him. But no worries.


*Max*

As the ladies fall into place behind us, I concider asking someone to take up the rear and watch out for stragglers, but it doesn't seem right to ask Michael or Alex and I can't send Kyle. I guess we'll have to trust their own insecurity to keep them with us.

I wait for Alex to make his offer, but he doesn't seem to be inclined to do that. It is his house and it would seem to be his place, but perhaps, as Captain, I can speak for him.

"Liz," I say, noting that she has come to walk along side me on my left while Isabel still has her hand looped through my right elbow. "As the Inn will be quite crowded with your ladies, our crewman Alex has decided to stay aboard the ship for the time being and to let a few of you use his home. I was wondering if you and Miss Maria would like to abide there? Tess has also been invited although she has not yet indicated her decision. It is quite near my home so whomever chooses to stay would not be without protection."

ooc: Thanks Isabel..I missed that. Let me give it a try Le t me know if it's too...brazen. Remember Michael's the true pirate, not brought up in gentlemanly ways like Max

Michael

We meet up with the other women and I stay in the background. In the most part I'm not happy that all of these women are now on our island. Too many can cause discord here as those that are single will be fighting over them and those women that are already here could become jealous of the new blood. Then on top of it all, these are not just serving wenches and prostitutes taken from their dreary lives. These women are bred of society much like Isabel. I have to wonder how they will survive here, or how many have actually done a day's labor.

No, I don't like the idea of all these women here.

My eyes go to the one that Max his eyes on. The petite brunette. I try to focus my attention on her and Isabel but it's not working well. I feel as if someone is looking at me...watching. Finally, unable to stop myself I turn to the blonde woman. Her head is downcast some but I can see that she is watching through her thick lashes. The angle of her head prevents me full view of her eyes but I see a hint of green peeking between the darkness.

I continue my observation of her at this close of a view. Her body is just as curvy as it seemed from far away, her dress though modest, accenting the curves of her breasts. Her long full skirt prevents me from viewing her legs that I suspect are long and toned in proportioned with the rest of her body. I clench my fists at my sides as they ach to lift the material so that I may have a better sight of them. I wonder if they are the color of cream like her face...or just as soft.

I feel my scowl deepen as those thoughts invade my mind. I wonder if she'd scream my name as I kiss her breasts or if she'd just sigh. No, she looked to be a wild one once she finally lets go of her inhibitions. I watch her in amusement as she finally fidgets under my scrutiny. This pleases me, showing me that she's paying attention to me and not to those around us.

She finally lifts her head so I can have a full view of her beautiful green eyes. My scowl turns into a smirk and I raise a brow to her...as if daring her to continue.

*Maria*

I watch Captain Michael and start to flush as I see him turn his gaze upon me. He stays that way, watching, not speaking as we walk. I should turn my eyes away. I should show some modesty. But that has never been my strong point.

He keeps looking and I am still trying to watch him through my eyelashes. I can't take it any longer. I raise my face to look at him and only to see him smirking in a most dashing and daring way.

I can't turn away from those challenging eyes. I want to know everything in that dark soul, to know his heart, and more. I can only imagine the muscled chest beneath that pirate shirt. I'm guessing he would be fierce and passionate in so many ways.

My face grows warmer and I abruptly turn away. A moment later, I've turned back to see a look of victory on his face.

~Alex~

Tess accepts my offer with grace, and I smile and nod, continuing over with everyone to where the other ladies are sat or stood.

Isabel begins to speak to the ladies, telling them a little of what is expected, and I cannot help smiling in amusement, although I know it is perhaps cruel, at the look on some of their faces. I intend to make my offer to Lady Liz and her friend Maria almost immediately, but the sight of Isabel so strong and sure, so beautiful, with her hair glistening in the sunlight, I have to admit makes my mind wander a moment, and I am pleased when Max takes it upon himself to make the offer for me.

I must admit I am a little embaressed at my slip up, but hopefully it will not seem too strange to the ladies, he is afterall the Captain… “Indeed, I would be honoured to be able to assist in this small way M’Lady…” I take up where Max leaves off in addressing Liz. “My house is in truth rather large for myself alone, and I feel it would be put to much better use if you and some of the other ladies might share it…” I smile and stand waiting politely for an answer.

~Liz~

Although a little surprised, I return the smile Max offers as he approaches with Isabel, Tess, Michael and Alex – if I remember his name correctly.

As he and his small group stop in front of the ladies, a little way in front of my current position, I wait, turning my attention towards him as I expect will be wanted when he begins to speak.

Isabel however, seems to have other ideas, as she begins to speak first, telling the ladies exactly what they can expect from life in this place. Some of the ladies ask questions, and the answers come frank and simpley as I have learnt to expect from her even over the short time we spent in one another’s company.

Some of the thing that she says, do rather make me feel like laughing, but I bite my lip, realising that it would not be ladylike to enjoy the discomfort of some of the ladies as is so tempting. For myself, I have no trouble with anything she is saying, it is much as I was expecting, but I am sure certain ladies, such as Christina perhaps, will have more trouble than others in dealing with it, and the expression on certain faces seems to agree with this feeling.

As this point, Max then takes over, announcing that they are going to take us to the inn. His comments about getting lost are clearly intended to keep us from wandering off, and from the look’s, and comments I hear exchanged in whispers between some of the other women, it’s clear that it’s worked perfectly.

I have no intention of walking off myself anyway, and I hurry to catch up with Max and Isabel as they begin to walk away. My intention is to greet Isabel, and to ask her how she is fairing – although from her appearance she seems both happy and well – but as it happens, before I have chance to do so, her brother looks over and addresses me.

As he relates the offer of another place to stay – made on behalf of Alex, I smile, and nod as Alex then speaks himself. “Thank you M’Lord…” I respond, although that’s not exactly accurate for titles, I feel that after him making such an offer, he does at least deserve a degree of respect. “It is a most kind offer…and I am certain that both I and my friend will be happy to accept…” I look over at Maria, hoping that she will have no problem with me speaking for her. I would not do so, if it were not for the fact I believe there is no doubt regarding her response… As I do so however, I notice her cheeks, and immediately I feel a degree of concern for my friend. “Do you need some water Maria…? I know it is quite hot, and you look rather flushed…”

*Maria*

I blink, turning back to Liz and trying to keep my attention on the road ahead. "No, I'm fine, Lady Liz," I assure her. I look around at the rough buildings, hoping she'll believe that my thoughts have been on no more than the town and our future in it. "It's all so new and different, I am nearly overwhelmed."

I'm noticing now that some of the small homes actually have flower boxes or small gardens to one side. And children are seen in many corners going about their work and play. Perhaps this is not so different than the towns of England, afterall.

"I shall be glad when we get to the Inn," I say.

"We are nearly there, maiden," Max says. "See yonder the yellow building with the balcony along the front? Your friends will soon be settled and then we can show you, Liz and Tess to Alex's house."

"Alex's?" I ask, feeling confused. It seems that I missed something important. I look to Liz, hoping she will clear this up.

~Liz~

Although Maria assures me she fine, I also note that she is using my title, which certainly has not been a normal occurance, and seems rather pointless… It seems to go some way to confirming to me that something is not quite right, but right at this moment in time, I cannot say exactly what it is…

I do hope she is not sickening for anything…

As she goes on to say this new place is simply a little overwhelming, I cannot help feeling skeptical, doubting that this is completely accurate, and yet not wanting to cause any further upset by pressing further…

Whatever is wrong, given time, I can only hope she will be willing to talk about it… Because anything that is a problem to her, and worries her, also worries me… She is my friend, and I care about her wellbeing and happiness…

Forcing myself to accept this for the moment, I take a moment to look around myself as we walk along, and I cannot help but smile as I see a number of young children playing… There is nothing here to indicate that we are on an island which is full of pirates… These families look just as loving and genuine as any other… I only wish my own home seemed so welcoming…

Two small children come racing along the path, almost colliding with Christina and another one of the ladies who are in their way. I hear a squeal, followed by the usual sound of Christina’s voice which is becoming most tiresome…

She complains about the children, and yet to me, children bring life to a place… I welcome their innocence and fun… As you grow up you have to leave it all behind...

“I shall be glad when we get to the inn…”

I look around as I hear Maria talk, and from the look on her face as Max responds, mentioning Alex’s home, I am certain that she did not hear previously when Alex made the offer…

I offer a reassuring smile and nod to Max. “Thank you Captain…”

Turning my attention now back to Maria, I explain as best I can. “The inn will be rather crowded considering the number of people and rooms… This kind gentleman, Alex, made the offer of the use of his home, extending it to Tess, you, and I… I do not know if anyone else will be included, but I believed you would agree, and I do hope you do not take offence at my speaking for you…”

Michael

After Maria turns from me I watch amused as she fumbles trying to catch up on the conversation that she obviously missed. I'm still silent but notice how flushed her face has become since she realized I was watching her. I feel my stomach flip knowing I made the flush and a heat shoots to my groin. I turn my eyes away from her for a little while so I don't give in to the groan threatening to escape. The last thing I need is to draw everyone's attention then having to explain what my problem is.

My eyes go to Max and watch how he reacts to the small brunette. Max is a gentleman but I can see he has an attraction for her. She's pretty but she seems a little skittish for my tastes. But it will be interesting to see how Max handles her presence around the island.



~Kyle~

I look around as eagerly as the women to what is now our new home. There are houses here and there spread out. We can see women going about their chores and children playing outside. At first look it looks much like most port towns I've been in. It's hard to believe this is an island full of pirates.

Tess shifts her grip on my arm drawing my attention back to her. Her blue eyes are wide with wonder as she tries to take in the sight of everything around us. I remember her telling me that she was from America and how things were so different there. I'm sure they are even more different here on this island for her.

I take a moment to enjoy her beauty. She turns to me and gives me a beautiful smile. I return it before turning back to our surroundings. I'm very conscious of her warm hand on my skin and naturally place my free hand on top of hers. Her hand is soft and I wonder if the rest of her skin is just as soft.

A group of children come rushing at us. I hear one woman complain about them but Tess only laughs and smiles at their antics. As one rushes by she reaches out and pats his head. This causes the boy to stop and give a quick smile to her before racing after his friends.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters Tess?" I ask. Her easy nature with the children has me wondering if she's been around little ones much.

~Tess~

I sighed, unable to believe that I was truly going to be starting over. England had never been a home to me, just as in many ways, America hadn't. Still, one thing that I had different from many of the Ladies, that were a part of gentry was that in America I had learned to do some forms of physical labor. Still, I couldn't quite believe what was happening in such a short time. First I lose the only family I'd really known, learning the truth behind even that. Then, I'm sent off to grandparents far from where I'm accustomed to being. I barely arrive in England and I'm kidnapped by slavers.

But, I can't say the last was all that bad. Not once I'd curbed my tongue and began to befriend Kyle. He'd proven to be interesting and a real listener. I just hadn't gone too far into depths about everything with him, afraid I'd let slip the wrong things and risk being branded in ways I didn't want to be.

As we walk through the streets of the Island I take everything in. For a pirate's home it surprised me to see that there was such a peaceful air about. I feel awed by the civilization that these families have made. There are no large manor's sitting back away from people, no signs to show that anyone was better then any others. It was amazing.

I turn and smile at Kyle, watching as he returns the gesture. It's strange how natural this feels to me. I glance back around and children catch my attention, playing and running around. I remember times back home and can't help but smile as I hear a woman complaining. I reach for one and ruffle his hair as he rushes past, giving me a smile as he stops for a moment before rushing off.

I couldn't help but feel comfortable with the children around and more at ease. Then, Kyle asks me, "Do you have any brothers or sisters Tess?"

I shake my head, "I honestly don't know. In truth, I learned upon the loss of those who raised me that they were not truly my parents. However, there was never any information given as to who my true parents were." I admit softly, feeling strange for saying it aloud. I hadn't even said it aloud to myself.

"My adoptive parents had no children of their own that I know of, though father's lifestyle before mother wouldn't surprise me if there were some out there somewhere." I couldn't help but grin because I'm certain that many would not expect such bluntness from a woman. "However, the only children I had around were the servants children. Some of us grew up together and the younger ones looked up to us and followed us around."

*Max*

Approaching the Inn, I see Lady Lynn standing upon her long porch awaiting us. Lynn was a solidly built woman, but not fat. Just over 30 years old, she was strong and was more than capable of expelling miscreants on her own, for the most part, without needing to rely on a bouncer. But she was also kind and motherly and many of the younger folk, especially since her husband was killed while on a pirating raid about three years ago. She had two small ones of her own, about a girl of six and a boy of nine years old. Both shared her striking copper colored hair. Lynn's was long and full, bound up in a bun.

"Greetings, Lady Lynn," I say as I come within proper speaking distances. "These are the newest citizens of the Lucky Ace. I thank you very much for your gracious hospitality."

"Aye," she says, darkly, eyeing the ladies. "My hospitality is as gracious as your coin."

"Indeed," I say, smiling lightly, knowing that my crewman had already delivered payment for her. Lynn liked to come off course and gruff at first to inspire prompt payment and good behavior, only later revealing her softer side. "They shall be here for quite some time. I trust you will assist me in finding them honest employment."

Lynn's eyebrow went up at that and she looked at me closely for confirmation. "They won't be service women, then?"

"Not at all. It is from that fate that they have been rescued," I tell her. I'm sure she was told this, as well, but it is good to confirm it. "I do not know what skills they possess. Perhaps sewing or teaching. But they are all tired and that is a question that can wait for the morrow."

"Of course," she says, her demeanor softening conciderably and she now looked over the ladies again with something like warmth in her eyes.

Just then, a young lad came flying out of the Inn. "All done, mama," he said. "All the rooms are ready."

"Jenny delievered the loaves?" Lynn asked.

"Yes, mama. One in each room. I'll go sweep the main hall now."

"Very good child." she said and then turned her attention back to me. "Well, let's get them settled, then."

"These four ladies will be staying in town. This is my sister Isabel," I say, introducing her.