Sailing across the Seven Seas...

[Dark Warrior]

OOC: Open thread to all, feel free to jump in with a character.

IC: Craig.

As Craig watched the city fade from sight, he knew he should be happy.
For here he was, on the largest, most deluxe cruise ship the world had ever seen - on it's maiden voyage, to be exact. Complete with multiple swimming pools, spas, bars, a recreational room for almost everything imaginable, from dancing to exercising to romantic dinners, this boat had just about everything.
And here he was. Craig was 23 years old; average in almost every way, he stood at about 5'10", with an average build, short black hair and brown eyes. He had never won anything in his life, but he had won this - the chance of a lifetime - a ticket to sail across all the seven seas, a world tour, aboard the most amazing cruise ship in existence on it's first voyage.
He had just said goodbye to everything he had ever known in his life: his home, his family, his friends.
He had never been one much for travelling. 'It'll expand your horizon.' they had said. Who knows, maybe it would.
But all 23-year old Craig could think about was how sad he was. Just a week before now, he had broken up with his girlfriend of 8 months. Was he doomed to spend all his life alone?
He stood on the deck, leaning over the rail, staring into the blue water that was all around, wondering about all this, letting the whole world pass him by as he stared into that sea. People milled all around him, but he didn't seem to notice them.

OOC: Again, this thread is open to everyone. Feel free to jump in.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Lady Elizabeth Mannington-Brown

OOC Note :

Hope you don't mind me revising a character I used in a previous thread that didn't take off.
I've tweaked her, but hope she will prove an interesting first / premiere class passenger!

OOC:

Name: Lady Elizabeth Mannington-Brown
(originally plain Lizzie Brown)
Age: 32
Status: Married to an elderly aristocrat of 51 years old.(Henry)
Height: 5 ft 6
Figure: shapely well toned body - 36c - 24 - 36
Hair: brunette - shoulder length and wavy hair - usually worn knotted high on her head.
Eyes: Dark brown.
Complexion: usually lightly tanned
Character: appears withdrawn and aloof, even haughty
Behaves with maturity beyond her years
Clothes: Smart and expensive. Very chic.
Into accessories - Favours sunglasses, hats and scarves and of course jewelry.

Background:

The trip was originally planned for both her and her husband, Henry, but he was “unexpectedly detained on a business matter” – in other words changed his mind and preferred to busy himself at home.

Exasperated by his reluctance, a reluctance which was becoming increasingly evident and not only for holidays shared together, Lady Mannington-Brown has decided to travel alone and get away from the tedium of the concerns of the Estate and investments.. etc.. etc


IC:

Elizabeth smiled as the door was opened for her and stepped out on deck.
She stood and looked out at the blue expanse before her and sighed.
Henry was a fool if he preferred rambling about that big house on it’s own to travelling.
His stay at home attitude, wasn’t the only unadventurous aspect of his character, which was proving frustrating at the moment!
Elizabeth sighed and walked along the deck towards the rear of the boat where she would be more sheltered from the breeze.

The 20-year-old Lizzie had dazzled the dashing 39-year-old aristocrat, with her youthful capriciousness. He had subsequently swept her off her feet and after a much-publicised affair, added to the outraged scandal by actually marrying the woman who was considered a “gold digger” and “upstart” by his peers.
It should be noted, however that this opinion was most strongly held and vented by those with daughters who were eminently more “suitable” candidates for marriage, or in face those would-be suitors themselves.

None of this had caused the lovers any qualms.
Both were headstrong and Henry had enough position to let society shun him, being assured that “they” would soon come round to an acceptance … as “they” did, more rapidly than either Henry or Elizabeth had imagined.

Over their ten plus year marriage, Elizabeth had acquired a polish, a demeanour much befitting her elevated station in life. Did she but realise it, as she bemoaned the change in her husband, mourning the loss of the gallant man who had so brashly courted and won her, Henry too missed the impetuous carefree nature of the woman he had fallen in love with.

Elizabeth smoothed out the skirt of her sky blue linen dress and adjusted the collar of the co-ordinating jacket she wore against the breeze and took off her sunglasses, as she scanned the vast horizon. As ever she was immaculately dressed, her only concession to being onboard ship was a chiffon scarf wrapped about her head, in place of the usual hat. Her all but translucent stockings led down her shapely legs to her cream shoes. The heels and leather straps cacooned her foot in perfect comfort. This was Lady Elizabeth Mannington-Brown’s version of informal attire.

 

[catlover]

Frank

We had planned this cruise a long time. My retirement date finally arrived, and we were a;; packed and ready. I looked forward to all the exotic places we would visit, and my first trip at sesa since I left the navy so many years ago.

I knew I could keep busy. Between the bridge games and the other on board activities plus a bag full of books I anticipated beinhg away from the telephone and the customers and most of all- my family.

My wife had never been to sea amd had never really done much travelling, and I was happy to have her enjoy the leisure and the excitement of new places too. Behind all that. I hoped we would fing compatible people to play with, away from home. Both of us layed around but in a small town it was difficiult to stay clandestine, but onj a cruis shi bouncing between cabind presented interesting possibilites. When we made the arrangeents with the travel agent, she winked and grinned at me, knowing what I had in mind, as Id snuck off with her a few times during her lunch hour, or when he husband was out of town on business. That was hpw thre cruise idea started. One night after we made love she suggested it and told e thee were lots of unattached women taking these cruises and I could really play the field

I talked to my wife about it too, and she was willing, as long as we didnt have to run into people we knew at an inopportune time

OOC: Me 6'5" blond blue eyes 55 years old and horny as hell

She: Joyce, 45 years old, 5'6" brunette with brown eyes. beautiful figure and a dream on the dance floor and in bed, but we were bored withy each other andwere always looking for new partners

 

[Dark Warrior]

OOC: Good characters, both of you. Just wondering, catlover: are you intending to take the role of both Frank and Joyce, or just Frank and leave Joyce as a kind of NPC...? Either way is fine with me, so it's up to you.

IC: Craig shook his head, annoyed with himself by being depressed at what should be such a happy time. He turned, leaning his elbows against the rail as he looked at the people around him. His eyes were drawn to a beautiful figure, a woman, who stood some distance away.
She stood apart from the others: not only just in her beauty, but something in her clothes, her posture, something graceful, elegant; something feminine.
Aware that she might see him staring at any time, and well aware of the stupid smile forming on his face, he hastily glanced away, focusing his attention on nothing in particular.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Lady Elizabeth Mannington-Brown

Elizabeth breathed in the fresh sea air, clearing her mind of the disturbing thoughts even as she filled her lungs. She sighed, as she relaxed believing herself to be alone on deck.

As her eyes scanned the horizon, she noticed a young man standing much as she was watching the horizon. Her eyes ran curiously over him. Somehow he didn't look the "type" to be on such a trip, let alone walking about the "Premiere Class" part of the ship where her suite was situated.

Elizabeth wondered if he was a member of the crew on a break, but as he moved his head, almost deliberately not acknowledging her she dismissed this supposition instantly.

She was sure that as a crew member, even an off-duty one, he would be rushing over and fauning in her direction, making certain that her accomodation was comfortable and that all was as it should be.

The sigh Elizabeth gave this time was one of exasperation.
It was all very well having attentive staff at home and on trips, staff she knew how to command and dismiss as and when the occasion arose, but if she were not careful the additional solicitude being accorded to her by the onboard-crew now that it was known she was unaccompanied by her husband could easily become claustraphobic!

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

OOC: Every ship needs a captain, right? Captain Thor has an unpronouncable Danish name. He claims to be decended from the Norse sailors that terrorized Scandanavia and what is now the UK - a legacy that might be a myth. Thor, however, is a stern but highly competent master - all vessels/all ocean. The ship is on her maiden voyage. She gives luxury new definition. There are almost 5000 staff and crew to serve the 3000 passengers.

Thor is about 60, standing about 6', trim with the bluest eyes that one has ever seen.

(I will float in and out as a 'bit' player - whatever the plot demands).

IC: It was midwatch and the lovely vessel (Norway registered) was steaming through the Carribean waters at a leisurely 22 knots. The new port of Miami was 70 miles astern and the first port of call (Nassau) would be in sight before dawn. The Viking Sword was an engineering masterpiece. Even though the sea was running 6-8', the stabilizers kept her as level as a pool table.

My eyes took in everything in the dim light on the bridge. The radar was clear - a surprise in these busy seas. I glanced at the locked arms locker....a sad addition after the terrible events in the USA last year. With one last scan, I intoned, "Mr. Crisp, you have the ship. I will be in my cabin."

I walked to the hatch and entered my rather luxurious suite......

 

[Morgana]

Vivian McCarron

Vivian McCarron
Age: 42
Appearance: Shoulder length honey blonde hair, blue eyes; 5'5 slender, genteel southern drawl.
Occupation: Opera singer
Marital status: Recently divorced

"Table for one," Vivian requested politely to the hostess as she entered one of the ship's smaller dining rooms. She was a classic beauty with high cheekbones, vivid eyes that were startlingly blue, and a voluptuous mouth. Dressed in a simple but elegant cream colored pantsuit, she looked as if she might have stepped out of the pages of a fashion magazine, and yet, there was a softness in her sophistication. She almost wished that she had asked to have her lunch served to her in her suite but she knew she had already spent too much time sequestered in that lonely place. Besides, this was supposed to be a vacation, wasn't it?

The cruise had been suggested--commanded--by her vocal coach. Vivian McCarron, premiere American soprano. At 35 her career had suddenly taken wing. By the age of 41 she was booked for the next three seasons.

Recitals. Performances. Interviews. A recording contract with Decca. She and her husband became like two ships that pass in the night. She was an ocean away when he called her to tell her that he "couldn't do it anymore." He was leaving her. He had "met someone who had time for him."

Vivian had never been with anyone but Daniel. They met when she was a sophomore at Juliard at a wedding betwee two of their friends. She was the soloist at the church. He was finishing up his education in medicine, specializing in opthamology. Everybody always commented on what a perfect match they were.

After her marraige fell apart, a sinus infection forced Vivian to cancel several performances, including a premiere at San Fransisco Opera. When she fainted during a "Traviata" rehearsal, her doctor said it was due to "physical and mental exhaustion."

So here she was on a cruise ship for 3 weeks. She remembered her vocal coach's last remarks to her before she left, "Relax, Viv. You need it. And for God's sake don't you dare bring one opera score with you."

Vivian contemplated the menu. Nothing appealed to her. Finally, she ordered a grilled chicken salad with Caesar dressing and a glass of sparkling water. She tucked away a few strands of wayward blonde hair that had slipped out of the neat French twist that empasized the graceful curve of her neck. She looked around the restaurant. There seemed to be couples everywhere.

She felt glaringly alone.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Craig

Craig glanced back at the woman again, wondering whether she had seen him staring. Assuming that she hadn't, he relaxed, looking back out over the water.
Then he looked down at his own clothes, wondering what he must look like here in the "Premiere Class" section. He definately did not have the kind of money to be in a place like this through his own wallet, and that much was obvious just by the looks of his clothes. Not that they were bad, just - casual.
He had never been rich - hell, he struggled to make ends meet - but his time was still to come. He was young, ambitious... even if he was stuck in a boring office job. Hell, you never know when life might dish you out a bit of a bonus for trying hard - and he lived, day by day, just waiting for that opportunity.
"Sir, can I offer you something to drink?"
Craig turned around to see a woman in a suit offering him a silver tray, on which were a few glasses of a white wine. Craig couldn't help but smile to himself as he wondered if he had ever been treated so well.
"Thanks." he said, taking one of the glasses of the tray. He reached for his wallet, automatically assuming that he would be paying for it, but was surprised to see the waitress bow slightly and hurry off. Watching her leave, Craig smiled, before raising the wine glass to his lips, taking a sip of the sweet liquid.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Lady Elizabeth Mannington-Brown

"Thank you... "

Elizabeth takes the glass of wine from the tray and sips the cool liquid.
Cool and dry, not her favorite wine, but still very pleasant, she calculates.

The girl smiles shyly, obviously knowing who Elizabeth is and bobs an unnecessary courtsey before withdrawing.

Elizabeth hides a smile, and addresses the girl with freindlier tones that she usually uses to mere staff.

"I wonder.. could you tell me... ?"

She begins, her voice though soft and enquiring immediately brings the girl back to attention.

"..that young man... is he... he is a passenger ... in this ... class..?"

The young girl nods declaring him to be so, as she follows Elizabeth's curious glance.
Before the girl can offer an explanation to the stranger's identitity, Elizabeth hastily waves her away.

The girl moves swiftly following Elizabeth's every instruction.
Had she looked back she would have seen the young man in question turn and catch Elizabeth's eye, becoming aware of her assessing and speculating gaze.

For moments they stand, she wondering if he will acknowledge her and even toying with the idea of actually speaking to this individual who has intrigued her so.

 

[Xantham]

Karl Grounder

Karl Grounder
Age: 28
Stats: 5'6", 152lbs, Green eyes, Lt.Brown hair
Looks: Clean, well-groomed, well-tailored, cute, but not hot, trim, but not muscular
Short Bio: 2nd Son of the Grounder Family Empire. Emile Grounder invented and patented several variations on alternate energy source use. Millions of dollars and two wives later, he is grooming his oldest son to head the business. Karl is the only child of his 2nd wife. With a brother and three sisters ahead of him, Karl has gotten use to living the life of leisure without having to work for it. A philanthropist by nature, Karl likes to give generously to his favorite charities, but his favorites change by the day, it seems.

IC: Karl roused himself from a late sleep amazed at how much he enjoyed the accomadations aboard the ship. The sea air was invigorating and the luxury cabin was first class all the way down to the well-stocked wet-bar and king-sized bed. He strolled into the luxurious facilities and entered the shower. The pleasing torrent of water splashed over him as he thought of the trip ahead and of the freedom from his over-bearing father and over-weaning mother.

I wonder if I i'll know or recognize any of the others on this cruise.

Fully cleaned, Karl dressed casually in a pair of tan Khakis with a nice sea blue button-down silk shirt, which he left untucked. His feet were encased in a pair of boaters without the benefit of socks. Running his fingers through his very short cut hair, he opened his cabin door and squinting against the bright sun, stepped out on the deck...

 

[SatinIce]

Addie McLaughlin

Addie McLaughlin
Age: 34
Single: not so sure about marriage
Hair: Hip length honey blonde hair
Eyes: Blue with speckles of burnished gold
Occupation: Writer for a magazine entitled, "Single Living"


As Addie made her way to the waiting taxi in front of her apartment building, she wondered why she had ever let her editor talk her into this assignment. Well, she already knew how it had happened…she had a problem uttering that one word…"No!"

Joan, or as Addie liked to call her, Ms. Mags, could be so persuasive when she really wanted something and Addie always felt like she owed her for giving her that one big chance to work at the magazine. Joan had seen something in the way in which she wrote and could sense she enjoyed what she did. This was all relatively new for Addie. Not the writing aspect, but the fact that she was now doing it for a living.

When the taxi arrived at the port, Addie couldn't believe her eyes. It was a mob scene. There was an air of electricity all about and everyone was racing around and laughing, their expressions of excitement and wonder could be seen clearly.

This was the maiden voyage of this magnificent cruise ship. They would be sailing all around the world, seeing magnificent countries, meeting thousands of people, melding with the nationalities from all over. Each person here had been a winner in a contest that had been sponsored by the cruise line and by the looks of what she saw, Addie could tell that the magic of this trip would be something unknown to most everyone here including herself.

With totebag in hand, Addie walked across the red carpeted ramp that led her to her new home away from home for the next several weeks. Here, she would begin her new assignment - the one Ms. Mags had cajoled her into - writing about this event of the year - telling the story of the people on board - sharing in the many events - the loving hearts - the beginnings of new friendships - everything that could and would happen.

As she was walking in the middle of the ramp, the water could be seen hitting against the side of the ship. This made Addie feel so uncomfortable - she almost turned around and walked the other way…against the traffic of the passengers wanting to get onto the ship. You see, Addie was deathly afraid of the water…this was a bit of a nightmare for her. Being on this ship meant that she would be surrounded by the thing that scared her the most.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Craig

OOC: Welcome aboard (heh, get it, aboard) everyone. Just to clear something up, SatinIce: Not everyone on board the cruise ship is a winner of the contest - perhaps only a handful at the most are. Tickets could be bought, just with any other cruise, but being the maiden voyage of the most luxurious cruise ship in the world, it would be - well, needless to say, expensive.

IC: Craig.

Craig held her gaze a moment, and for a moment he fancied that he saw some desire in those beautifully dark eyes. Then, as quickly as their eyes had met, they shifted apart, and Craig found himself staring into the glass of wine in his hand. Swilling it around a little, he wondered for a moment, before finishing the glass. He stared absently for a moment, before silently coming to a decision, and he pushed himself away from the rails and made his way towards where the woman stood.
"Hi... I'm Craig." he said, not entirely sure how to greet someone who was obviously so classy.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Lady Elizabeth Mannington-Brown

Elizabeth looked away, wondering if she were insane and took a sip from her glass.
She let her gaze wander across the horizon, only to be rocked out of her reverie by the voice emanating from just beside her.

She looked at the young man, standing somewhat uncertainly, noting the friendly , if bashful smile on his face.

"Hi... I'm Craig."

She could not hold back the smile which curved her lips at his informal manner and found that she liked it. It was a refreshing change to be greeted so ... naturally.
For seconds she wondered how to introduce herself, sure he would be intimidated by her title... what should she say...?
The words were on her lips before she even thought them through.

"Hi.."

She said softly, echoing his casual tone.

"I'm Elizabeth... "

 

[papillon24]

Angela McArthur

Angela is not among the rich on this boat. She is young of 25 and works day and night to pay off her many loans from school. This cruise was a reward from working so hard for the company all year translating and serving in the lounge for the rich vactioners.

IC: I rush from my tiny cubical of a room down on the lower decks in order to soak up the entirety of this cruise and to mingle with the rich instead of serving them. I couldn't believe that I actually got to enjoy this ride. I hustle quickly from the thrid deck below dressed in a sating ballroom skirt and a silk tank top covered with a light scarf and arrive fasionably late to the lounge.

I take a glass from the tray and sit at a nearby table. How nice it is not to have to work.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Craig

Craig smiled weakly.
"It's nice to meet you." Craig said. Now that he was closer he realised that she was slightly older than he had thought: but it definately was not a turn-off. "So... you here... alone...?" Craig asked, glancing around nervously.

 

[Xantham]

Karl

Feeling the fresh air of the sea on his face, Karl felt free. He closed his eyes and reveled in the scent.

None of mother's perfume, no smells from the various power plants, none of his father's distinct smell - half Old Spice, half WD-40

Feeling the call of hunger and thirst, Karl decided to explore the range of provisions here on the boat.

Perhaps some fresh fish for lunch with a bottle of good white wine, followed prehaps by a few pieces of fruit to walk around with.

With his menu in mind, Karl entered the first grand restaurant that he noticed and looked around. His eyes slowly adjusted from the bright sunshine as he panned the room looking for the maitre'd.

Ah, there he is, I'll just....wait a minute, is that the opera singer...what was her name...McCarron...yes, McCarron...oh shit, what's her first name...V...V...Veronica? I think.

Putting on his most winning smile, Karl strode over to the beautiful opera singer. "Veronica...,"

Vivian looked over her shoulder, "Excuse me?"

Fuck!

"Ms McCarron, I am so sorry, your first name eluded me and I just took a guess. I am a big fan, despite this lack of intelligence."

After that screw-up, I'll be lucky if she talks to me, never mind inviting me to dine with her.

"I saw your performance of Carmen at the Met, and I was stunned. And then your Carmina Burana in Chicago, well maybe a little of that stun kept me from remembering your name, but I never forget your voice and the way you looked, even from the balcony..."

I'm blathering aren't I? I should stop any time now. So why can't I? Oh my god, did I just tell her how easy she must be to costume with her looks. Somebody stop me, help! Find an out, find an out.

"...anyway I'm glad to see that even the most dedicated get to have vacations now and again."

Karl's diatribe wound down and he stood for a moment wondering if it had, in fact, just gone as badly as he thought it had.

 

[Morgana]

Vivian

"...anyway I'm glad to see that even the most dedicated get to have vacations now and again."

Karl's diatribe wound down and he stood for a moment wondering if it had, in fact, just gone as badly as he thought it
had.

Vivian smiled at Karl. It was the kind of smile that begins in the eyes and radiates the entire face with an almost childlike charm, a dimple appearing on her left cheek. It always made her happy to hear that her audience enjoyed a performance; it somehow made it all worth it—the interminable hours of practice, the rigorous rehearsals, the fluttering in her stomach before she went out onstage, the agonizing over the stuffy praise or displeasure of the critics. It took her by surprise to be recognized. On the streets of New York City she was stopped from time to time, but, in general, considering the small audience of opera goers in the world, she traveled in public usually without being noticed. It was a welcome interruption.

“It’s Vivian,” she told him. She spoke with a subtle Georgia drawl; years of language study could not quite eradicate it completely. “And yes—it is a treat to get a vacation. Although I almost feel guilty. Thank you for your kind compliments. I really enjoyed doing the “Carmen.” It was the first time I ever got to sing with Placido. I was quite starstruck....You have a decided advantage over me, Mr…? You know my name but I don’t know yours.”

“Karl Grounder….but you can forgo the Mr.” He had an almost boyish smile.

Vivian shook his hand. Her handshake was friendly and warm. It was nice to have company. Should she ask him to join her? It would be nice to share a meal with someone. She hesitated for a moment.

“Karl, would you like to join me?” She motioned to the chair across from her and smiled again.

 

[Xantham]

Karl Grounder

“Karl, would you like to join me?” Vivian motioned to the chair across from her and smiled again.

"I would be delighted to, it's always more fun to spend a meal with someone than alone..." Karl's voice trailed off as he noted the remains of a grilled chicken salad and a glass of sparkling water. He realized, once again, that he had put his foot in his mouth since she had obviously just eaten alone.

Perhaps the captain has a gun with which I can just finish myself off.

"Vivian, I was about to get a light lunch for myself, as well as a nice bottle of wine. Please, would you join me for some wine? Once we finish, I was going to get some fruit and explore the ship. As I am woefully alone on this voyage, if you can spare some of your time, perhaps you'd like to go along?"

 

[catlover]

Frank and Joyce

After being shown to our cabin we got settled in. the room steward peeked in and inytroduced himself. I could see my wife's eyes light up at the sight of this young handsome crew member, and knowing her she was starting to wet her panties quickly in anticipation.

I just smiled and suggested that I mightbtake a stroll around and find out where everything was, before the captain's dinner tonight. I went up on deck and saw many beautiful people coming n board, and the ship getting ready to depart the pier and head to sea. I watched the preparations and the removal of the brow and the lines, as the tugboats assisted in pushing the big shp away and the streamers were all that connected us to land. Soon they wee broken too, and we were out in the channel. I watched the land fall away as we were soon out of sight of land, and I was out of touch with the rest of the world, except that little part of it with us on board.

I strolled around and found a bit of a cocktail party starting, and helped myself to a glass of wine and watched the people. Soon we would be hearing the sound of the dinner gong, and the "Bon Appetit" welcoming us to our first dinner on board

I went back to the cabin looking for Joyce, and she was not there, so I assumed she was out wandering too. I started to dress for dinner

 

[Morgana]

Vivian McCarron

"Vivian, I was about to get a light lunch for myself, as well as a nice bottle of wine. Please, would you join me for some wine? Once we finish, I was going to get some fruit and explore the ship. As I am woefully alone on this voyage, if you can spare some of your time, perhaps you'd like to go along?"

"I'd like that, Karl," Vivian answered simply.

They chose a bottle of Pinot Grigiot. She sipped slowly on a glass of wine while he ate lunch and talked about his family. Wine was a true luxury for Vivian. Alcohol had a drying effect on the vocal folds and she rarely had the opportunity to indulge.

"This is my first cruise so you'll have to educate me on what to expect," Vivian said lightly.

As they walked leisurely together up to the main deck, Karl ate a bunch of juicy red grapes while Vivian nibbled on a Bartlett pear. She wondered why someone who was so attractive and youthful would be "woefully alone." He was obviously younger than she was.

The heel of Vivian's shoe slid over the newly polished wood of the deck and she slipped lightly into Karl's chest. He reflexively put his arms around her waist to steady her and could smell the soft oriental fragrance of her perfume.

Great first impression, Viv. Show the man what a klutz you can be.

"Now you know why I'm a singer and not a dancer," she laughed, straightening herself.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Lady Elizabeth Mannington-Brown

"It's nice to meet you. So... you here... alone...?"

Elizabeth smiled at his nervousness.

"You could say that.... "

She answered cryptically thinking that she had never felt truly alone since she'd married.
Seeing Craig's confusioin she clairified.

"Yes... I'm travelling alone."

 

[Dark Warrior]

Craig

Craig smiled stupidly, and he turned away in embarrasment. Both he and Elizabeth were silent for a moment.
"So... uh... you like travelling?" Craig finally managed to say, looking back at Elizabeth.

 

[Xantham]

Karl Grounder

OOC: First off, sorry guys, I was on Vacation from Mon-Wed. I meant to drop a note, but things got hectic just before we left. Mea Culpa.

IC: Karl was glad he had brought the food along. While they were exploring around, it allowed for gracious moments of silence. Whenever the conversation stalled a bit, a nice slow bite or two of fruit could cover the gaffe whilst a new thought was being created. Karl turned to Vivian to mention this very idea just in time to watch her take the most delicate of bites from a nice ripe pear. A trickle of juice tried to escape from the corner of her full lips, but her tongue, in the most innocent of motions snaked out to capture the delicate nectar. Karl mind blanked--he had lost all idea of what he was about to say. Peeling his eyes from the unsuspecting Vivian, he nearly slipped on the deck.

The deck is a bit slippery, new surface meets sea spray, I should say someth...

The idea was lost as suddenly Karl's hands were full of real-live girl. Luckily, Karl's instincts were primed having nearly suffered the same fate only seconds before.

"Now you know why I'm a singer and not a dancer," Vivian laughed. Slowly she disengaged from him, but not before Karl had been treated to the heady aroma of a soft oriental perfume combined with the lightest scent of...something...from her shampoo. For the briefest of moments, Karl just wanted to pull apart her braid and bury his face in her blonde tresses.

Whoa, snap out of it. She's not going to go throwing herself at you like you saved her life or something. She's a beautiful, stable, dare I say grown-up woman whose tastes I am sure do not include the flighty rich kid who dodges responsibility and then tries to salvage his conscience by giving away money.

"What??" Karl laughingly replied. "I, for one, thought that your step was decisively bold, disarmingly graceful, and thoroughly...you're not buying this for an instant are you?"

Vivian had to work hard to try to keep a straight face and could only nod a "no."

"Well then, let me sell you on my honesty. Would you be so kind to join me in, shall we say, a pas de deux during this evening's dance in the main dining room after dinner?"

 

[Morgana]

Vivian McCarron

Did he just invite me to go out dancing with him?

Vivian's head was buzzing pleasantly and she knew that the wine was not the only culprit.

"Well, Karl," Vivian intoned with mock seriousness, "You do realize the Herculean feat you are undertaking? You're willing to risk bodily injury to dance with me tonight?"

Karl grinned and nodded.

"Well....in that case," she continued mirthfully, "wear some protective footwear....and meet me at...8:30 in the main room?"

"I'll see you then."

Vivian smiled softly as she walked back to her suite. It had been a long time since she had felt this good....this relaxed. Her stomach fluttered when she remembered his arms around her waist, his face so close to hers....there was an electricity between them....it had occurred in the fleetest of seconds but...

Electricity? Take a deep breath, Vivian. The man was being polite. So you wouldn't literally fall all over him.

Vivian heard the insistent ring of her telephone as she was turning the key to unlock the door of her suite.

"Hello?"

"So what is my favorite prima donna up to? No good I hope?"

It was Michael Rose. They'd been singing together since her operatic debut. He was a devastatingly handsome tenor that women went crazy for....and he was openly gay. He was also Vivian's best friend.

"Well....surprise of surprises," she answered, twirling a lock of hair around her fingertips, "I'm going out tonight."

"Ooooh a date....stop fiddling with your hair and tell me what you're going to wear tonight."

"How did you know...?"

Michael sighed into the phone. "You always play with those blonde locks of yours when you're nervous, luv."

"I'm not ner--"

"Vivian, how long has it been since you've gotten laid, darling?"

"I'm 42 years old. For God's sake, Michael, I don't get laid anymore," she responded with affected dignity.

"That, my dear, is precisely the problem."

"All right all right.....you win. I'll give you a quick run down on the contents of my closet....how's that?"

Vivian spent the next hour on the telephone with Michael until every last detail of her dress for that evening had been decided. She laid everything out on her bed until it was time to get dressed. She took a leisurely bubble bath while the uplifting sounds of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" filled her room.

As her clock chimed 7:30, Vivian got dressed.

 

[Xantham]

Karl

"Well....in that case," Vivian continued mirthfully, "wear some protective footwear....and meet me at...8:30 in the main room?"

"I'll see you then." Karl wondered at his extremely good luck.

The first day of the voyage and I've already met someone for dinner and dancing. Oh damn! I just invited her for dancing. God, I'm not thinking straight. What is she doing to me?

"Vivian!....Vivian!" But it was too late, she had already left for her cabin, wherever that was and was out of earshot. Karl decided to head back to his own cabin to freshen up a bit and maybe squeeze in a quick cat nap...

Karl awoke suddenly and looked over at the alarm...7:45!

I thought I missed the whole evening there for a second. Whew, plenty of time for a shower, yet.

Karl arose and took a nice leisurely shower, all the while remembering his dream while napping. Vivian had been dressed in a stunning gown and together they had danced the night away. The music was just ending leaving the two dancers alone on the dance floor when Karl had awakened. A shame really, I wonder what would have happened next.

Freshly washed, shaved and otherwise neatened up, Karl examined his wardrobe and picked a tuxedo-style outfit with a short jacket and tails. Hmm...I hope Vivian remembers that the dancing is fairly formal.

A quick check of the clock showed 8:23. Karl left the stateroom and headed in the direction of the main dining room...