Black Hawk's Treasure

[Sweetp4u]

The island itself was tiny, a small little port in the middle of no where, and perfect for the inhabitants. Pirate Island was the nick name, the name suited it well, for nothing but fiends called this place home.
Sure there was the law, a single man, who was more corrupt than half of the sea fairing bunch, but he did his best to uphold it for serious matters.
Green and lush with plants of all types, the tropical setting was heaven and sometimes hell. The crystal blue ocean and white sandy beaches were a beautiful sight in the day time, and the landing site for many smugglers by night. The shallow ports allowed in the lighter ships and kept at bay the British who swam like sharks just on the horizone. It became cat and mouse in the area since the Queen deemed all pirating illegal. Taking their men and their ships, Colonialists and Brit's alike flocked to Pirate Island. Here they were free to sail, plunder and whatever else their hearts desired.
The perfect setting it seemed, but a hellish life. This is what opted Captain Brian Williams to send his daughter off to boarding school, while he stayed behind and had a jolly ol' time at sea. Ashley had been a troublesome child. Never dressed properly, never listening to anyone, and swearing like a sailor before she could count. Her mother, bless her soul, had passed just hours after little Ash was born. So you can imagine the trouble she caused and why she was sent off to become a lady.
Too bad it did not work. Kicked out of every private school available, she was finally sent home at the age of 18. That is when she met up with a local boy, Thomas. A rocky and stormy relationship from the beginning, their father's never did see eye to eye. This put strain on both and when Brian caught Ash sneaking out to meet with the lad, he informed her of Thomas's fiance in New England. That ended that, and neither spoke another word in passing that was not laced with anger and sarcasm. He never did marry, but she was too pigheaded to ask why.
Now we creep into the present, Ash having just seen to her father's burial at sea has returned home with a few surprises. A new ship to control and all it's crew as well as a partial map to Black Hawk's gold. She has said nothing to no one, but she was there on her father's hand when he passed. She knew whom she had to aquire the rest of the clues from to retrieve the other piece. Only it envolved a slithering snake to get it! Thomas Delaine.
He refused to see his only child in black, his strict orders and dying wish she would grant. She would go on with her life, and achieve the goal he had fought for his whole life. The same goal his father before him and fought to find. The gold.
Dressing sedate, she grabbed her pistol and strapped it on. The tavern perhaps would be the perfect place to seek new crew members.
Being a girl in their eyes, an educated one as well, along with age and circumstances... The crew had begged off. Claims of all sorts were given, but Ash knew they were all excuses. They did not think she had in it her for one, and for two Brian had died from being stabbed in the back. They were all too old for it now, most said to her. Wishing her well and packing off into the night. Luckily for her a few had remained, they could help her reman the ship. She would not give up, not without a fight!
She entered the tavern and sat, knowing her few crew members would join her soon.

 

[The GrandMage]

Daniel "Salty Dan" Moore

Although he hated them with gusto, he'd picked up a few nasty habits from the British. And this was one of them. A new Captain meant she was gonna have a maiden voyage. It wasn't exactly easy to find a plavce to get a bath and a shave in Pirate Town. Men of the sea had little use for them. But a little gold had gotten him access to the luxuries of being clean and well-trimmed from some of the only people in town who had them, the whores.

And so, after spending what remain of him money on buying a new set of clothes, which he needed anyway, and enough tabacco to last him a few months in the open sea, he did two things. The first was to head back to the ship and drop of his tabacco, and the second was to head to the tavern where the capt'n'd be waitin'.

He wandered into the bar, his hair brushed back from his eyes, the rough pnytail it'd collected into on the last voyage gone. His shirt and pants were new and full, although he wore the same dusty boot and had the same worn belt holding his cutlass and two of his pistols. He hollered above the din for a pint of rum, and threw himself down in a chair opposite Ash.

" 'Eya, Capt'n."

 

[Why]

..............

 

[Graybread]

"Bloody" Bill

William walked down the plank onto the dock, pausing for a moment to get his land legs. He stopped and pissed off the dock, then removed his tricorn, smoothing his hair back before setting it back on his head. He shook his arms out, the large billowing sleeves of his white shirt flapping in the hot breeze. He adjusted his cutlass and patted the pouch of gold pieces hidden under the red sash around his waist. The sash just a reminder to the bilge rats as to who he was, ‘First Mate of the SS Bilge Water’.

His dark eyes looked down the path that headed for the ‘Heaved High’. He had a long night of rum, gambling and wenching ahead of him, not necessarily in that order but he would get to each.

As he neared the tavern he could hear the riotous noise inside, but as he stepped in they quieted some. Several pairs of eyes were on him, following him as he walked in.

“Drinks are on me,” he shouted raising his arms in the air.

Cheers and shouts rang out from everyone, calls for more rum or ale. He turned to the tavern owner, slapping a gold piece on the bar.

“One round of drinks Krysta, no more, but keep mine coming.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Lt. Hornblower:

"Mr. Moore, lets lay on more canvass and see if we can find either the bloody pirates or a Spanish prize."

"Helmsman, two points starboard. Let's capture all the wind we can and see if we can find this flyspeck of an island and see if it's indeed where some of these pirates call their home."

"Aye, aye Leiutenant Hornblower."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

The streets were dark and dimly lit as Leia slipped down the alley away from the ship and headed in search of … recreation. She drew her cloak about her and peered into the darkness, a gesture one of curiosity rather than fear. For any “normal” girl walking alone at this time of evening would be considered foolish, but Leia was not your usual “unchaperoned Miss”.

Halting at the voices she heard before her, Leia drew back into the shadows and pulled her heavy cloak about her watching … waiting … The hood hid her wild riot of hair, the fabric disguised the strapped bodice that left little to the imagination. A long rough skirt completed the outfit. Despite the angelic expression that Leia could adopt at will, her immodest appearance would challenge any man’s earlier perception of her.

She smiled and continued to advance slowly, moving towards the voices rather than away. Shod in heavy boots, Leia had utmost confidence in her abilities. With a knife snugly hidden in her heavy ankle boots, Leia had every confidence in being able to protect herself.

Newly scrubbed with fresh clothing, Leia was looking for mischief. She was unsure as to how long they would be staying here and she was keen not to waste time onboard. She knew from old that there were much .... entertainment … to be had in this place … if a girl knew where to look …

 

[poohlive]

All islands keep their little secrets. It is a variable fact of life, or more specifically of islands. Each and every one holding something or other back from its inhabitants. A cave or a secluded paradise hidden beneath a cliff of rocks just out of reach. Waterfalls cascading down a spring of raindbow colored water that looks so good your mouth waters in anticipation.
This island had no exceptions. It had its little dirty secrets as well. Something no pirates searching all his life could ever find. Little here and there's that would always remain a mystery.
Thomas had found one though. Just one. A small little peak on the northern side of the horn. It set up just on the outer reaches of the cliff face where million year old rocks crumbled against the rough surf below. The sea threw itself at the cliff, as if trying to attack in some perverted way, but the cliff, with jagged wet rocks refused to give.
Up here in a grassy shadow Thomas sat, napping. His captain's hat, which looked old and pilfered with a few feathers missing and part of the stiching coming out, over his eyes so the warm sun couldn't disturb his slumber. It was one of the most beautiful spots on the island, at least to him. The sight of the ocean at your front, the sound of the waves crashing end over end, and the wonderful stubby little men who run up here from time to time, out of breath and ready to pass out...
Wait.
Thomas sat up, hs hand already going for the sword at his side.
"Don't bother," The man said, between breaths, "I must go."
"Who are you? What is the meaning of this?"
"We were supposed to meet, right? At Heaved High, in about an hour."
Thomas who had just woken up, and not in the particular best moods for memory jogging, suddenly did recall the meeting.
"Yes, what in bloody hell is wrong? How did you know I was up here?"
"I asked Krysta. She told me I could find you here. I left something with her, the map you were searching for. She has it."
"Does she now?" Excellent. Thomas knew he could trust his long time friend with it. He was glad it belonged in safe hands now.
"What happened though?"
"She came in..."
"She? Who?"
Ashley. His daughter. Flesh and blood, I could barely keep my drink from spilling when I saw her. Do you know if she catches you with..."
Thomas really did unsheath his sword, a long single thing blade that would more than gladly cut the man's tongue out so he could speak no more.
"I had to leave, I couldn't stay there. She might have recognized me."
"Pffffft," Thomas stood up, fixing himself for a trip back to town, and apparently to the map that awaited him.
"I know, but still. If she has anything of a memory, she would have remembered me. Her father would have, for sure."
"An old crew member means nothing, Vallen. She was a child at the time."
"So were you."
Thomas grabbed the old man by the scruff of the neck, "Look..."
"I was just scared, is all."
"This doesn't go passed us, understand. I hear you've been talking to anyone... anyone and you will not wake up to see morning. You get me?"
The old man nodded, shrinking from Thomas' now painful grasp. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a bag of coins, and threw them at the man's feet.
"Get off this island, go somewhere no one will suspect. Africa, or the colonies. You get me? Disappear."
"Aye," The man ran back down the trail to town.
Thomas sheathed his sword, both happy and sad about the trip back. He would get to see Krysta, which was always a delight, and finally get his hands on that map... but if what the little shit had said was true, then someone else would be waiting for him as well.
Ash.
"Fuck," Thomas kicked a pebble off the cliff, watching as it descended upon the sharp rocks some fifty feet below.
"Lucky rock," He mused, walking back to town.

 

[Why]

..........

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

It had been far too long since she entered this place. It hadn't changed much, her eyes resting on several holes in the wall. A few too many drinks had sent everyone scampering when her father had drawn his pistol and shot into the wall. She had been so young then, she had laughed at the act.
Hell, the fact she had been in here when she was so little.. She smirked a little ordering herself a drink from her seat in the corner. From there she could view everyone entering and leaving, a precaution to protect her back.
As soon as she entered and sat a few got up and left. She didn't take this for a normal action. People weren't very happy with her for taking up where her father left off. So much for keeping a secret. This Island was famous for hiding what it shouldn't and telling a passing stranger what didn't need to be said.
The bar maid looked her over before setting down her mug and moved off to serve another. Quietly, her mind went over everything she knew and what she needed to find out. Having been gone so long, and then locked away in the house for these past few months, she was a stranger here in a sense.
It would take time to gain some trust. At least with half the people in this room. The other half, she did not know.
"Shit!" She muttered, her eyes taking in the imfamous 'Bloody Bill' as he entered. His name was shouted with glee from one regular in thanks. This brought her attention to him, and the reports he was part of Thomas's crew.
She needed to poke around a little more, once she got used to this place again.. If given the time to do just that. She spied Preacher and tipped her head in greeting.
"Well one down.. A few more to go." This was going to be hard, but she was stubborn. And if Preacher was willing to help her out and stay on, it would get all that much easier. At least until they set sail. She caught sight of Daniel as well and about died of shock. He had cleaned up? She smiled a little, laughter rising inside. He was a surprising one but damned good at his job. "Over here Salty!" she called out from her corner.
She wondered if Krysta might fill her in on some missing bits of information? She was the only one that was familiar in here, other than Preach.
"Well it is about time Preach. Have a seat and grab a mug." She smiled. He may be stuffy but he was a damned fine crewman. Her new right hand, possibly left with her luck these days.
" 'Eya, Capt'n."
"Hello Daniel, good to see you made it here!" She truely meant that. Without her gunner, she was going to be defenseless. And with those rotten Officers sailing out there, she was going to need an experienced man who wouldn't sink his own ship.

 

[Why]

...........

 

[The GrandMage]

Salty Dan

He collected the free drink from the round Bloody Bill was generously throwing around the bar to show off how wealthy he was. He laughed a little, turning to his new Captain. He looked up at the first mate as he entered.

A real God's Man, and quite frankly, a bit of a nut. But he was a fine sailor, a loyal man, and a damn good source of entertainment. He downed a bit of the rum before smacking the tankard back down on the table.

" 'Ey, Capt'n, not a that there 'Daniel' stuff 'roun' 'ere, eh? Don't want the boys to think I'd gone soft!" He gave a deep laugh, and took another deep swig from his mug.

"Aye, true words, Preach!"

His eyes wandered around to the Bilge Waters first mate, and then around the crowd. Not here. If the captain was, he had no doubt she'd probably be on his heels. He took another swig. "So, Capt'n, I got the supplies I be needin' on board, and managed to find a few canonneers. Not exactly the best, but they'll make sure the holes gi' in the other ship."


Mr. Moore.

He hollered orders out, making sure the ship stayed above water and the sailors did their job. Couldn't very well let their Captain down, could they?

"I'm not so sure of this, Captain. They're a rowdy bunch, and heading towards them seems a little foolhardy. Don't want to give away we're here, put them on guard. Some of their gunners are quite good."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia's hand did not need to reach for her knife.
These men posed no threat, but neither were they at all entertaining.
She watched the drunken brawl in disgust.
Such inebriated arguments were an everyday occurance in a place like this.
Knowing the two men were so engaged in their activities as not to pay her any heed, Leia sauntered past them and made her way to the source of their vices, the tavern.
Were she with the rest of her crew, she would march in boldly and place her order, but as it was, she decided to err on the side of caution.

Entering the place by the side door, she let her hood fall back and made her way to the bar where a drink was pressed into her hand without the request even being made.
hard liquor ... the best ...
Drinks had been ordered all round, it seemed.
Leia did not bother herself to question whose generosity had livened the tavern up to its grateful peak.

Drinking half the shot down, Leia turned to survey the room.
Now all she needed was a table at which to sit and observe.

 

[Subo97]

Melvin Morecock

Yes...Yes...Yesss.....Yes...Yes...Yesss....Give it to me...Yes...Yes...Yesssss

"Oh shut up!" Melvin bellowed and threw his shoe across the dark room at his parrot. "For God's sakes, Pete, learn to ask for a cracker like a respectable bird.

"Will you respect me....will you respect me....aawk

"Stupid bird. Shut up or I'll cut off your other leg. Still, she were sweet weren't she?. Melvin stood up and hobbled around the dark room for his missing shoe. Striking a match, he looked around the small room, trying to remember what lay on the other side of the door. Spying a small jug on the floor, he pulled the cork and took a swig. "Ohhhhh, that's sweet!" A second swig eased the throbbing and cleared the cobwebs. He was in the backroom of the Heaved High. Another sip and even more memory returned. "Bigguns, they were, Pete, real bigguns," he laughed at the parrot who hopped awkwardly on a rafter above. he took another gulp of rum and threw his head back to laugh. "Juanita! Now I remember! Well, we plundered the Spanish Main yesterday, didn' we Pete?"

"Now, let's see what's next." he said hitching his brtiches up and fasteneing his sword to his belt. He didn't expect to sail for a day or two, at least according to Cap'n Tom, and If Melvin Morecock could still walk, then Krysta still had some pourin' to do. he left the storeroom and navigated his way through the kitchen purloining a pickled pear before entering the Inn's main room, just in time to hear Bill's offer of free drink.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ash

"Thank you Preach, that means allot to me." She managed to croak out. He was still quoting the bible as he saw fit?! She wanted to laugh but didn't, his help meant too much to her to do that. This was serious business and not a time to laugh at the audacity of his timing and location.

Some things never change, and for that she was greatful. Now the hard part would come with convincing them to take up her father's dream and get her sea legs back. She hadn't been on a ship in awhile and her trip home wasn't pleasant.

It would not do to have the crew see their captain with green gills!

"Sorry Salty, I forget I am not a .. Well it doesn't matter. I am glad you two remained, and thank you Salty for getting gunners. It's not going to be easy getting a crew together here.. Not when you consider the dangers and who's the new captain of Mistique." She fell silent, noticing ears turned her way.

"We can not speak here, let's just enjoy our time. I'd like to get everyone on the ship tomorrow, see where my Father left off. Sally taking care of her end?" She asked the only two present, did Sally even remain with the ship? Some how she doubted the woman would ever step off of it, other than to purchase goods.

She couldn't help herself however with a little tid bit of news. Leaning forward she grinned at Preach and Salty, "I have the map.." She whispered. It was exciting because until her father lay dying, no one (not even his crew) knew he had finally gotten it! He had been stabbed after picking it up and would have lost the map if it weren't for him shoving it down his pants the second he had it. Obviously Father was not in a good state when mugged, otherwise it would have vanished like everything else he had on him.

Now to figure out who met later that night and picked up the other half? Whomever it was, was responcible for her Father's death.

 

[Why]

............

 

[The GrandMage]

Salty Dan

He probably should have been leaning over to hear about the map, but his attention was divert. There she was. He sat back, taking a swig from his tankard and watching her get a drink before she looked around the room.

He took another deep swig, sitting up straight as he brought the mug down. Of course, it was so loud in there it probably only interrupted the others. He drew his attention around to his captain again.

Did she say there was a map? "Arr, Sally? Oh, you mean the cook? Who knows. Although If I ever see 'er on deck I'll kick 'er inta the ocean and see if thar's really a woman under all that."

He chuckled, and used finishing his rum and yelling for another to get a look at where she was again.

 

[poohlive]

The street at one time during the day, midmorning about the like, would fill to the brim with scampering children, women wandering around for the best sale, and little markets picking up here and there with fish, or an assortment of fruit from around the tropical neighbors.
Now though, it was desolated and deserted. A few pieces of squashed banana and an old doll were all that was left of the hussle and bussle. Now, men stood in clumps, talking in low whispered tones of the dead and stolen money. Each of them had a gleam in their eye and a knife just out of reach of their fingers.
Thomas almost felt safe going into the tavern, and closing the door to the odd stares and evil intentions of pirates who never went to sea, but the look of all the familar faces inside put the fear right back in him.
Without losing too much of a step, he tipped his famous Captain's hat at a various assortment of people, all trying to get drunk orl aid, or both. He went up to the bar, next to Bloody, and called for a mug of ale.
"Is Krysta in? I need to speak with her... right quick."
Thomas had seen her, out of the corner of his eye. She sat at one of the tables, with her cronies all around her, drinking and talking of things. Wonderful, just wonderful. His entire back felt on fire from her stare. He didn't know if she was staring, but if he knew her at all, she was stealing glances.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ash

"Dan, don't be messin' with Sally, ya hear?" She grumbled under her breath, wondering how her father kept this ship running with so many different types on one boat? This was going to be harder than she first thought.
"She'll gnaw your arm or leg off.. if you are lucky, merely cut it off! And I need a gunner with both arms and ability to stand.." She halted her lecture spotting someone very familiar at the bar.
Her eyes narrowed a little as her temper flared.
Thomas!

Boy he had some balls coming in here, knowing that she'd be here. Course it wasn't like there was another tavern, but still he should have vacated or something! Probably here to gloat she guessed. He was like candy. Sweet to look at, long for but bad for the stomach. She needed to get over him and get on with her job. Soon, if luck was with her, she'd be hunting treasure. Far away from here and HIM.

"We need a few more able bodied persons on the ship before we set sail, know of any sailors lookin' to higher on and are.. well more trust worthy than a sewer rat?" She thanked the barmaid for the new drink.

(Left an opening for Pat.)

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

HMS Requim:

From the crowsnest as the sun is meeting the horizon: "LAND HO!! STARBOARD SIDE!!"

Lt. Hornblower had just finished his first star sighting of the night to chart their positon when the call came from the crow's nest atop the mainmast

He takes out his brass bound spyglass and opens it as he moves to the starboard side to scan the horizon. There's a smuge on the horizon.

"Helmsman bring us 5 points to starboad."

"Aye, Aye sir."

"Mr. Moore lets bring in some of the sails and move up on the island a bit cautiously in case it's the one we seek.
"We'll sail around it looking for lights and if there are any then look for a place to heave to so we can reconnoiter a bit.
"I'll check the charts and see if this island shows up on any of them or if it's uncharted and return shortly."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia slid into a table close to the main door. That way she could watch all the comings and goings. She sipped at her drink now, more to make it last than to savour the strong brew and let her eyes roam the room.

She drank as she noted the usual collection one would find in any tavern, the drunks, those who threw their money around in the hope of attracting "company", those whose aim was to drink themselves steadily into oblivion and …

She paused seeing a group huddled around a table, seemingly intent on conversation, their attention focused on a woman who sat in their midst.

Very strange…
She murmured to herself.

Instinctively Leia knew that it might well be worth finding out a little more about the assembled characters and what better way than …

With a small smile, she shed her cloak entirely and ran a hand through her wild tresses.
Downing the liquid in one gulp before taking up the empty cup and with the cloak over her arm, Leia began to make her way towards the bar as if in search of another drink.

The demure expression on her face contrasted confusingly with her obvious pursuit of hard liquor.
That and the brazen expanse of flesh that was more than hinted at between the braids that criss-crossed her ample bosom began to turn heads.
Leia feigned ignorance and picked her way carefully towards the bar.
Only as she passed the table she had been watching, did she “accidentally” nudge one of the men seated there.

Turning a dazzling smile on him, she purred an apology her eyes reaching into his, before straightening and elaborately smoothing her skirt over her curvaceous hips, preparing to continue on her way ...

 

[Why]

.............

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia played her hand carefully.

After giving the man her full attention and outlining her curves with a seemingly nervous flutter of the hands, she drew her eyes slowly along the group assembled there, a semblance of apology in her eyes.

The woman it seemed barey acknowleged her, but the other man ...

She feigned a blush and dropped her eyes wondering if his would seek her out.

The gesture one of fabricated modesty allowed her eyes to take in the details of their appearances and their features.
If there was one thing Leia was good at it was remembering faces ... oh and of course ... there were certain ... details ... about the men of her acquaintance too that she had no trouble in recalling ... no matter how fleeting their "meeting" had been.

 

[Why]

..............

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia quelled the annoyance that rose in her as she lost the attention of those around her.
As all heads turned to watch the women collide and heard insults exchanged, Leia feigned shock, though she was secretly delighting in the scene.

"Greetings to ye Tom. I do so like ye hat, tis a pity yon head is too small for it."

Leia listened to the salutation, her interest piqued.

"I will best be off, galley and stores will be all in order for you Captain"

Leia snapped her eyes back to the woman who curtly acknowledged the nod.
Sooo... a female Captain ... and no doubt surrounded by her crew.
Leia's instincts had been right and yet she could not lose the advantage of her knowledge.
She must ensure that these people did not know of her own identity and ... interests ...

With a giggle and a toss of her hair, she fixed a lighthearted smile on her face as she quipped.

"Seems I'm not the clumsiest person around here afterall ... "

Her merry voice breaking the tension as she feigned ignorance over what she and many others had just overheard.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ash

All conversation halted, the words of that annoying bird echoing through the now silent bar followed by a very loud and hard set of pounding feet.

"Oh god!" A flush crept over her face as her hands pushed her back to sit up straighter. Eyes wide, they watched as the door went slamming open and a blur of mess toppled over the barmaid. "Yep.. It is." Was all she muttered as Sally stood watching the bird circle and land on some man's shoulder.

"I will best be off, galley and stores will be all in order for you Captain" Sally called and was again out the door in a flash.

It was hard to hold in the bark of laughter that threatened to escape, but it died quickly as most everyone in the bar turned their eyes to where she sat.

She couldn't bring herself to speak without fear of laughter or groaning, so she merely nodded her head. It didn't matter anyway, Sally was off and running again.

She kept her eyes downcast a little, trying not to focus on anything, even the wench that bumped into Salty held no attention from her. She was too close to blushing, cursing or laughing at the show. None of which were good for her newly aquired captain's role.

"I ahh.. Need to have a few words with her, don't I?" A little smile crept over my face as my fingers toyed with the mug of ale. "She can't go around cooking people's pets..." That did it, she couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing. Others in the bar did various things. Went back to what they were doing, some laughed, some scowled a little, and some just shook their head. One man was a little miffed at Sally's intentions for his pet, but Ashley wasn't listening to him.

She glanced up at the woman who bumped Salty to say something but noticed the look that passed around. My my my, people were hot tonight. She should take her leave for the ship.. Her new home now.

"I best be off, early to bed early to rise nonsense." She rose from the table, setting a few coin down for the two men to have fun with tonight. "See you two bright and early, well maybe not too bright and early?" She smiled and moved around the woman, "Excuse me." Heading towards the bar she stopped there where Thomas stood with his back to her.

She almost said something, almost. He should be careful who he turns his back on. She moved past and out the door.