Dark Continent

[Morgoth]

Lokken stepped out of his cabin and paced on deck. How he wanted this little mission to get underway! He walked on deck until he a pretty little female firstmate. He invited her for a drink of beer and she accepted. They walked into his cabin and began talking. Soon, they had seduced each other, she wantinh him, and him wanting her. The sounds of pleasure echoed through the thin door long into the night.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

rising to talk to stephen..or at least that is what they called him, "sir, im sorry for offending YOU i was merely explaining my position, sir, um, i do not wish to impose upon you, but i do need a set of new clothing, perhaps something that would be in better taste according to your customs and of course...the physical exertion. sir, i want to express my extreme gratitude for allowing me passage to this wonderful place, so therefore, i would like to provide any materials needed on this expedition. as you saw with the diamonds, i can be of some help. whatever you need, just ask. hm...i cant think of anything else i may need...no matter, but would you kindly lend me a pair of clothes, i will return them in perfect condition. oh dear me, i have just been blabbing on ..." i say after i finished talking for what seemed to be forever, i had all eyes in the room on me. blushing i had forgotten that there were so many people in the room. stephen just laughed. bowing my head , i step aside, just in case he is finished talking to me.

 

[Jonas]

The Manor

Stephen had a good natured laugh. He smiled and bowed to Gaia.
"Dearest Gaia, you are most welcome to any clothing you need. As for gratitude, it is Sara and myself who are grateful for your help. I'm sure we'll have need of your talents many times on this mission, but for now we need naught but your presence." Stephen turned to Thorn. "It appears that Mr. Lokken and the Doctor have departed for the ship. Come lad let's be off, I have an excellent collection of firearms on board. Dicken's see to Miss Gaia, and send her with Sara to the ship."
"Yes Sir, and may I wish you good hunting." The men shook hands.
"OK Thorn let's...Thorn?" Looking back in the shadows Thorn had vanished, only to reappear in front of the men heading for the door. "Oh, there you are, the carriage awaits."

 

[Jonas]

The Ship

Miles Brandon passed the galley and was pulled into a storage room by a strong arm. Miles jumped nervously, and then recognized his assailant.
Cooky! You scared the devil out of me." The cook was a short man powerfully built,with thick curly black hair and beard.
"Devil indeed! You met her? The Malone woman?" The cook watched the youths face closely as he replied.
"Yes, I...kissed her, I..." The cook grabbed him by the vest and slammed him against the wall.
"That's good boy, keep it up. It could be an advantage to us later. You are still...with us, aren't you?"
"Yes Cooky, of course I'm with you, you know that." The cook released Miles and smiled.
"Good boy! Now get back to your work. I"ll talk to you later." Miles ran down the corridor, the cook's laughter echoing behind him.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

Following this man named Dickens he handed me some clothing, he left me with them and in a matter of seconds i had them on. stepping outside my door, sarah was standing there. not even sure what these clothes are, i ask " are these supposed to look like this? and be so tight?" i ask ignorantly. she just laughed, everyone seems to find me so amusing when i am being serious! having no where for my pet to hide, i change the creature into a very very small monkey and he perches himself on my shoulder. i see sarah gasp at the transformation. then she composes herself and begins leading me to the boat, and explaining what these clothes are.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Malone stood on the deck and watched as the curious group boarded. She held a dainty parasol to guard against the weak sunlight. Her dress was clearly of the highest fashion, if a little more revealing than was strictly considered 'proper'. She immediately spotted Stephen, but she kept her expression carefully neutral.

'So...' she thought to herself... 'there you are... I wonder if you'll still consider me just a little girl now even after all these years?' She frowned at the memory of their last meeting.

Then she remembered the day she had been told of his misfortune. It was a week after the news of her inheritance. She was in the enviable position of not needing to marry, not needing a man to support her. Yet still she continued to follow all sources of information about Stephen. She wished she could just rid her mind of him but she found herself always perking up at any news that carried his name.

She removed herself from the deck to get ready for her meeting with him. She was suddenly unsure of herself and she needed to make sure she looked perfect for the added confidence. She dressed carefully, nothing too revealing. A little touch of her favorite perfume and she was ready.

She presented herself at the room precisely on time.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen hung his uniform jacket and removed his belt, carefully placing his sword and pistol in the sea chest next to his small bed. He had seen Thorn to his cabin, setting up a meeting with him in the cargo hold later.

The room was small but quite comfortable. Stephen laughed; it had taken most of his cash reserve to pay for this comfort. He flopped on the bed intending a brief nap when he heard the knock on the cabin door. Stephen jumped up and straightened his vest and trousers. 'That must be little Lucy,' he thought, a broad smile crossed his face as he remembered how angry she would become when he called her that. He opened the cabin door, and received quite the shock. This was not the skinny little girl in his memories; she was a vision from his fondest fantasies.
"Lucinda? Is it you? Why...your...I mean, it's wonderful to see you again." Lucinda embraced him cheek to cheek. Her scent was intoxicating. Stephen felt dazed. 'How long had it been,' he wondered. 'Was it eight or nine years, it seems like a hundred.' She released him and stepped back. Stephen's smile returned as he recalled their last time together. His father, the Senator, had brought the family north with him for the congressional session.
"Washington, the spring, we were playing by that old oak tree on your family's estate. You fell and cried. I felt so terrible. It seems so long ago now. Please come inside. So much has happened since then. My parents deaths, the war, the plantation in Georgia was completely destroyed. It almost killed poor Sara. I'm so glad to see you, but why now, you realize the danger in what we're doing?" Lucinda smiled taking the seat he had offered. "Forgive my manners, may I offer you a drink?"

 

[Jonas]

Sara

"Oh Gaia, may I call you Gaia, you seem to know so many wonderful things. I don't understand why your having so much trouble with a simple corset." The women boarded and were shown to their cabins by a young steward.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

lava

"a ...corset? hm...this thing is oddly uncomfortable. why on EARTH do you wear these damn blasted things?" trying to adjust myself, she pushes my hands away "you look fine." is her reply. my little friend on my shoulder shifts uncomfortably too. "i have never worn so much clothing, but yet, i always felt so much more clothed." i explain. "where are we going now?"

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda wasn't sure what to expect of their first meeting after so many years, but this was far better and worse than she had imagined. Her heart lurched again apon seeing him so close. Damn it, she wasn't going to fall for him, she wasn't... she was here to get him out of her system... not so he could weedle his way into her heart.

"I'd love something... whatever you're having will be fine..." she replied. Taking a seat and smoothing down her skirt.

"Yes I'm aware of the dangers... I have spent the better part of the last 10 years studying various topics. I have been lucky in that I have been able to learn of subjects usually not taught to ladies in today's society." She frowned recalling exactly how hard it was to find tutors for certain subjects. With a little shrug she brushed this thought aside however and faced Stephen again with a smile.

"I'm sure I can be of some help, and I've always been facinated by your Uncle... he was an... interesting man... if I can help you find him... then my money will be well spent. You... you seem to have an interesting sort of group accompanying you yourself..."

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose sighed as the door closed behind Stephen. Finally, privacy. She latched the door securely and began to undress as she tossed the rifle to the shadows who made it disappear. She was naked in a few moments. Walking to a basin of water she used the provided soap and rag to take a sponge bath.

She hated the deception sometimes but...Well, what choice did she have? The shadows gently curled around her and she caught sight of herself in a floor length mirror to the side.

Rose quietly gave herself a once over. She was short, but not in the least pudgy. Too many missed meals for that. Her stomach was flat and her muscles were strong from working like a man. A long thin scar went down her right arm from a knife fight and a fading bruise on her left shoulder was from a more recent fight. Her long curly hair which was now free from it's confines, fell down her back to her waist and needed a good wash and brush, which she'd do later after her meeting with Stephan.

With a slight relunctance she allowed the shadows to redress her in fresh clothes, hopping nobody noticed since she'd brought only a small satchel and the rifle on board. Still, it was worth it to get into clean clothes. Her dirt clothing disappeared into the shadows and she wondered when she'd get a chance to warsh it. A knock sounded on the door and she quickly balled her hair on top of her head and shoved her hat back on.

"Yes?" she murmured in her gruffest voice, opening the door.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen poured two bourbons, handed one to Lucinda and leaned back against the small desk next to his bed.
"Yes, an unusual group to say the least. Where we are going is a magical place. The woman, Gaia, will be valuable there. I sense this Lokken fellow has powers as well. The Doctor has the jungle experience. The lad Thorn, I don't know yet. Here, look at this." Stephen opened his sea chest and removed a worn old book, laying it on his desk. "My Uncle's journal, I must keep it hidden until I have complete trust in the others. It is our road map to the Hidden City." Lucinda rose and stood next to Stephen as he opened the book. The ship lurched catching the couple off balance. Lucinda fell against Stephen. He turned and caught her in his arms. Their eyes met, faces so close he could feel her breath on his cheek. He felt his face flushing.
"We must..a...were moving..." Stephen at 24 was a veteran of war, but still a virgin. He felt passion rising within him. It frightened and excited him. Instinct took hold of him, and he kissed her.

 

[Jonas]

Cooky hid in the shadows of the dimly lit corridor. He watched as Miles escorted the ladies to their cabins. A wicked smile played across his face as he watched the red haired woman squirming in her corset. He felt the ship sway, they had cast off. He slipped back down the corridor, holding as he turned a corner. Someone was at the boy Thorn's door. Unable to see who it was in the light, he hid again and waited.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda felt Stephen's lips pressing against hers and she felt like a movie reel was going off in her mind. It was incredible. She felt herself responding instinctively to him. Their kiss deepened and suddenly she heard a clunking sound as her glass hit the floor spilling the contents of her drink across the polished floor boards. She gasped stepping back from him her heart pounding so loudly she could swear he could hear it. What was it about this man that continued to catch her off guard? She'd been praying for this moment... to prove her lack of regard for him yet she'd become totally absorbed by his kiss as if she'd never been kissed before.

She bent hurriedly to hide her confusion... picking up the glass which had broken in two. In her hurry she cut herself and yelped... blood oozed brilliant red against her pale fingers. Stephen pulled her up against him and inspected her wound. He seemed so genuinely concerned. With a gasp she felt his lips cover her fingers. She wouldn't have believed anything so simple could be so erotic. She trembled as he sucked away the blood... his tongue checking that no glass shards remained before he deftly wrapped his handerchief around her. Her fingers throbbed and she stared down at them as if they had suddenly taken on a life of their own.

"Are you okay?" Stephen's voice broke through her trance.
"Y... yes... thank you Stephen..." she was amazed at how normal her voice sounded. "Oh... the glass... I'm so sorry!" She looked up at him. He seemed unable to look her in the eye. "No Lucinda... I'm sorry... it was most improper of me to have... taken advantage like I did..."
"Advantage?" Her voice suddenly high pitched. She felt the familiar anger that he'd always managed to inspire in her. Did he STILL think her a little girl? She figured her best defense against the man was frigid politeness. "Well... I'm sure I can forget and forgive your little lapse in etiquette... show me your Uncle's journal?"

He seemed surprised and a little hurt by her dismissive tone but Lucinda steeled her heart reminding herself that she was here to get him out of her mind not into her heart. He cleared his throat... "of course... I thank you for your kindness in forgiving me." He watched her profile as she looked down at the journal. She really had grown up. He could still feel the softness of her lips and how sweet she had tasted.
"What is this?" Lucinda pointed down at a page... her interest caught. Her mind distracted by the intricate diagram Stephen's uncle had drawn. "It's facinating!" Her eyes sparkled as she traced a line with her uninjured finger.

[Edited by Moneytalks on 09-20-2000 at 04:50 PM]

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

gooness, i felt like i was in a vice, after being shown to my room, i quickly observed the place. after i entered the room, i was in awe. brilliantly shining wood, silken fabrics, i lept on the bed, leaving my door wide open, not thinking about it. i dove under the covers, the satiny sheets caressing my skin. i just giggled, they all must think me fools. my little monkey friend sat on a table in the corner, roses were being scattered everywhere by his mischief. laughing like a little kid, i went to shoo him away, my hair all over, my dress slightly wrinkled. he lept out of the room, adn i chased him, i knew very well all i had to do was order him back, but that was too easy. i followed it, and he lept onto the rail. lunging my body forward, i slipped on a wet patch on deck, almost falling over.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen felt awkward. The moment had passed and he felt as if somehow he missed an opportunity. He watched Lucinda study the journal, his mind began to wander rekindling the flush on his face.
"Lucinda, perhaps a walk on the deck would be a good idea.
One last look at port as we sail." Stephen smiled and offered her his arm.

The couple walked out on the quarterdeck just as Gaia slipped heading for the rail. Stephen lunged and managed to grab her arm.
"Lucinda, allow me to introduce Gaia. Gaia, this is my dear friend Lucinda, she will be part of our group."

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

As i fell forward i braced myself to plunge into the water. A strong hand pulled me back, turned me around, my eyes displaced pure terror. Almost landing on the floor, it appeared to be Stephen that kept me from being hurled overboard.
"oh my, thank you" i reply breathlessly, and give him a grateful hug.
After a few moments of akward silence he introduces me to Lucinda. "So nice to meet you miss, im ussually not this clumsy. I just don't have the footing on this ship as i do on land." i bow my head and i notice my pet monkey climbing up Stephen's pant leg. He looks down curiously at the creature, as it makes it's way up to his shoulder it plants itself on his shoulder. Stephen seems a bit at loss for words. I just laugh uncontrollably. "Oh my, he seems to take a liking to you. If you would like I can remove him." I just smirk. Trying to smooth my dress and brushing back my hair, i notice that all the women seem to keep theirs up. Mine flying free, i feel that akwardness again. suddenly i was thirsty, once again being so comfortable with my magic, i send a large bird to fetch me a glass. when he returns, he disappears under my skirts, and i wave my hand filling my glass. seeing their akward looks..." OH DEAR ME, I FORGOT TO OFFER YOU TWO SOMETHING TO DRINK!" i exclaim, immediately sending two large birds to fetch the glasses. they return and i see amusement in their eyes. "oh dear me, i've gone and scared you all again." i say biting my lower lip. "I know..have you two ever seen a whale upclose before?" "i didnt think so." saying a few words and a wave of my hand, a large orca appears beside the boat. "it would be an awfully nice day for a swim," i say wishfully, actually to no one in particular. then i remember where i am, and seem to snap back into reality. guess no swim for me.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda considers the young child-woman thoughtfully and can't help by smile at her careless chatter and absolutely astounding powers. The girl seemed immensely uncomfortable in her clothing. Lucinda could see it was sitting right and was probably not the right size to start with. She wondered who had arranged the clothing for her and decided it must have been Stephen's sister. She was sweet but had a rather severe view on fasion.

Lucinda clearly heard the wistful tone to Gaia's last comment about swimming and decided she had better say something. "Dear Gaia, I do know what you mean about swimming... I learnt myself as soon as I was able... I'm sure when we get closer to our destination the sea water will be warmer and you will be able to indulge your desires... until then however... we really must do something about your dress... " she said shaking her head kindly. Gaia looked surprised as she glanced down at her ruffled but restrictingly corsetted appearance. "But aren't I wearing everything I should be? Don't tell me there's more??" Gaia's voice was the epitome of distress. Lucinda laughed. "No no no... it's just that... well... I don't think they've quite got your size right and really... I do despise today's fashions... it's clear you've never worn a corsette before and the one you're wearing is severely dated... come to my room later and I'll fit you properly... I'm sure we can make you a little more comfortable on this voyage." Lucinda offered.

Just then the little monkey chattered excitedly distracting Lucinda who glanced at it as it bobbed up and down on Stephen's shoulder. Stephen laughed. Lucinda's heart lurched again as she was reminded of how quickly his face changed when charged with humour. He seemed younger, less severe... less weighed down by his family affairs.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

This woman seemed to have read my mind, these clothes were unbelievably warm, and scratchy. im so accustomed to a thin robe. seeing both of them laugh, it eases the tension. "ma'am, i would be honored to have you show me the proper attire to wear, BUT FOR MY SAKE please please tell me that they aren't so uncomfortable!!" i say pleading. probably a little more earnestly than i should. my pet seems to have grown fond of Stephen, and is at the present moment, making itself quite comfortable. in fact, Stephen is completely amused when my monkey begins to groom Stephen's hair! everyone just bursts into laughter once more. after composing myself and scolding the creature, " please excuse my hurriedness, but when will we be finding some more...er...comfortable clothing?" she smiles, i notice that stephen watches every move she makes, and they seem genuinely comfortable with each other. it makes me smile.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen had seen monkeys before, but never this up close and personal. The little fellow was quite friendly and Stephen relaxed letting it have it's way.
"Tell me Gaia, what sex is the little rascal?" Stephen laughed as the monkey began to groom him. The ship was clearing the last point of land heading for the open sea. There was no turning back now. He watched the whale that Gaia had called pass the ship. He hoped her remarkable control of animals would include the wild beasts they may encounter in the darkest jungles. "I must meet Thorn down in the hold to go over our supplies. May I take the little fellow with me? He seems quite content on my shoulder." Stephen turned to Lucinda, kissing her hand, "Please excuse me, I must attend to a few details."

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

giggling at him and the monkey, i realize how foolish i must seem. still being serious i figure is such a bore. i notice he sees the orca and smiles. "sir, it is female, and im assuming the land we are going to has many of these animals, i look forward to seeing them. however, i am amused you ahve never seen a monkey up close." still shifting ucomfortably in these things they call clothing, i wrinkle my nose, remembering that they are watching, i straighten up and smile.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda felt his lips... only moments before on hers now on her hand and she was again concerned by her reaction to him. She smiled however, well versed as she was in 'polite society'. "Certainly Stephen, I too have things to discuss with young Gaia here..." She watched him and the monkey depart and only turned to face Gaia again when he was out of sight. She smiled at the young woman as Gaia attempted to stop figiting with her attire.

"Come Gaia, accompany me to my rooms... unfortunately clothing in our society does tend to be on the uncomfortable side... but there are a few tricks I've learnt that might help you... " she smiled. The two women linked arms as Lucinda lead Gaia down to her cabin. Once inside Lucinda indicated Gaia should remove her clothing. Gaia at once started to struggle out of her clothes. Lucinda laughed softly... "my dear girl... you really are quite unaware of the ways of the world... " Lucinda smiled kindly. She led Gaia to a partition showing her how to stand behind it so as not to reveal her underclothing to other's in the room. Gaia seemed unused to this concept of hiding to change clothes but followed Lucinda's instruction happily enough. Lucinda was facinated by the girl. Her ability with animals and her complete lack of artifice made her most appealing to a woman like herself who felt continuously ristricted by society and it's patriachal views.

Lucinda opened her trunks and searched for something suitable and less constricting for her new friend. She pulled out a light summer frock. It was made from the finest cotton, much cooler than the woollen garmet Stephen's sister Sara had given the girl. It was artfully constructed so as to give the impression of a corset underneath, Lucinda was sure that Gaia with her petite figure would get away with no corset at all and still be considered respectable. "Come out Gaia, and try this on!" Gaia stepped forward uncertainly and Lucinda suddenly understood the girls discomfort. The corset was all crooked and the bindings only half done up, the poor thing! She smiled kindly and undid the horribly old fashioned contraption and Gaia heaved a huge sigh of relief. Lucinda giggled at her obvious happiness to be out of the ridiculous thing. She helped Gaia into a newer lighter undergarmet that would provide the impression of a corset without the metal and bone... the stiff cotten simply emphasized the waist a little. Next the dress and Gaia giggled happily at the cool feel of the material. Lucinda fastened the dress up and Gaia marvelled at the sight of herself in the mirror. "Wow!" Lucinda nodded in agreement... "wow indeed!" They laughed and Lucinda suggested they take tea up on deck so Gaia could show her some of the beautiful birds she seemed to know so much about.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

lava

i blushed a crimson color to match my hair as i was informed you don't disrobe in front of each other, i thought nothing of it. however, i must abide by their customs. she shows to me to a corner which is guarded by a removable wall. here i undress and finally get that awful thing off of me. she gives me a cool, tight fitting dress. i sigh a big relief as she unfastened the cumbersome corset, the new material is wonderfully cool against my skin, it is perfect, and my waist appears to be even smaller than in the corset. even thought eh dress was a tad bit short due to my five eleven height, fortunately it was made out of cotton, and not some synthetic material. because it was from the earth i just waved my hand to lengthen the dress, just reaching the floor. i giggled, wrinkled my nose in satisfaction and turned around, gaping at myself, not recognizing the person in the mirror as me. she compliments me and begins to talk about wanting to know about birds. GREAT FINALLY I CAN TALK ABOUT SOMETHING I KNOW. following her out to the deck, i notice a seagull, im sure she knows what that is, but i can change the bird into any bird or creature she wishes to see. so calling it down it perches upon my finger. "now, what would you like me to show you?"

 

[Moneytalks]

It was Lucinda's turn to be wide-eyed with wonder. First Gaia waved at the dress lengthening it to fit her 5'11" height. Lucinda beamed seeing the dress which had been perfect for her own 5'4" figure literarily growing before her eyes. Lucinda clapped her hands in delight before going up on deck with Gaia who called down a seagull and asked her what she wanted to see.

"I... I can see anything I'd like?" Lucinda blinked in surprise and awe. Gaia laughed happily and nodded. Lucinda's mind reeled as she thought of all the birds from different continents that she had only read about. Gaia waited for her to answer. "Can... can I see an white faced owl?" She asked hopefully like a child afraid she was asking for too much.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

lava

we were giggling like school girls, and it felt natural, sort of like i can trust her. but before i got ahead of myself, i focused on her request. "i can show you anything you want, from fog to animals. and if you would like to see a white-faced owl..." clasping my hands together in a tight ball, i breathed into the hollow they formed. opening my hand, a tiny chick appeared, "now, you didnt mention how old, so i figure..." as i muttered a few words she didnt understand, the owl began to grow older and larger. she gasped in delight and i just smiled, how on earth did these people find this so amusing? i've had this 'gift' or whatever you want to call it since i was a child. it was fun then to use it to amuse my playmates, now i use it only on necessity, i forgot how much fun it is. and i realized how rusty i am. finally the owl was full grown, "it's not just an image, you can touch it, he won't mind. trust me." with that, i plopped her hand on the bird's back.