Port of Sharks Bay

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]JD and Bryce [/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]

Things had been good for the captain of late. The weather had become mild enough to get some long overdue sailing done, which meant import/exports. Another stop at Rhy'din, for a shipment of Tavern ale. He even decided to purchase a few items personally for the Fury itself. Going over last minute things with his first mate
the pair supervised the loading of the barrels. "We get this there by nightfall, we can save an extra day to make a run fer the oil."

Having just returned to port herself, the darkened sails of the ship to easily go unnoticed as the bulk of it's size eased into port. Sails had been lowered, the deck alive with hands tucking them in for the night. Once the gang plank had touched upon the dock, she was swaggering from the familiar lull of the vessel, to the steadfastness of the ground. Orders were given as to what had to be done, no need to stick around and see over it personally. The trip had been a successful one, though it did add more to the fearful nature of her name, as the tale unfolded by those who witnessed the deed. It would give those who thought to cheat her a reason to think more against it. Long hair billowed about shoulders as she began to follow the path of the boarding dock to that of the main.*

Near the end of the pier would stand Captain Bryce and first mate Diego, who seemed to laughing from a shared crude comment or another .... Slapping him on the back, Bryce turned to head back down the dock when who should he see??? A less than devious grin did appear on those swashbuckling features, as he removed his hat, and a bowing gesture offered. "Now I know why the weather has took a turn for the better, Captain Black. Such a grin like that could only chase these foul clouds away!!"*

Drawn from those self basking thoughts by a voice that sounded near. Dark blue eyes would turn to fix upon the owner of that which was familiar. Grin turned instantly into a smirk when she recognized whom it was. "Captain Tynest. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were making a pass at me." Winking and a chuckle. Stead strides would carry her to stand before him, then halt. "Maybe the weather was reflective of my mood, as it once was, and is now." Grin to grow more. "Or maybe it's due to those stars in your eyes, making those above jealous and become competitive, hmm?"

"A pass? At a Captain?" Letting his eyes start at her boots, then slooooowly work their way up until reaching those blues. "I will nae confirm nor deny such an accusation, dear Captain Black. Stars? In my eyes? They must be reflectin' from the purest of blues that are yours." A sarcastic cough was heard by his first mate as he made his way back aboard the ship.

A glance towards his first mate, she'd chuckle and slowly shake her head. A hand rose to lightly rest against his cheek and give three light pats. "My, my Captain Tynest. You keep talking all sweet like that, and you'll have me swooning right here before you."Lips twitched a bit more. Fingers to glide along his cheek, towards his chin as she began to step around him. "That would not do well for my reputation, Sir. Surly you'd not wish to soil what I've worked so hard for." She was doing her best to not burst into laughter. What an award she should have won for the performance she just put on; looking oh so forlorn. Even added a flutter of lashes, in the most demure manner. Yet that twitch of lips, nor the glint of amusement in those dark blues could be hidden.

"And if I were a simple land lover, I would believe that you would swoon for such a line. But for a captain such like yerself?" Moving to one side to allow he to past ... I'm certain there is Rum that has made you swoon quicker." That devilish grin remained, even as a whistle from his ship caused him to pivot to his right, catching a bottle in mid air, pulling the cork, taking a swig, and raising the bottle towards the crew that threw it. "We keep this for ourselves, mates!!!!"

A pause in motion, a thoughtful look to encompass her features. Slow shake of her head. "Nae, nae. It wasn't a swoon gained by rum, Captain. I do believe they call it passing out." Again she'd look thoughtful for a moment. "Ay, ay, I do believe it's passed out." Brow rose as she looked at him and smirked. Glance shot back towards the ship when the shrill whistle cut through the air. Now imagine the flutter in her chest, at the thought of him missing that being tossed and it to crash to theground. Good God, what a waste that would have been. The man had good dexterity, for the bottle was saved in mid air; sigh of relief. Brow rose at his retort. "Stocking up your ship for travel?" Always held an interest in ships that went to sea, no matter who stood the helm.

With a wide grin, he wipes of the top of the bottle before passing to her. "Ye never be tastin' this type of Rum before, my dear Captain." Nodding his head, he urged her to take a swallow if she dared. "It's been sometime since I've indulged meself in one of me favorite vices .... Rare spirit ales. You be nae finding any other like it."

Brow rose with his comment, and the offered was be accepted quite readily. She had been on her way to the tavern when their paths crossed. "What be so special 'bout this rum, Captain Tynest?" Inquired with skepticism. The bottle tipped and a drink taken, followed immediately by a second. The savoring of taste would come with the aftermath of the second drink. Wiping the mouth of the bottle off on the sleeve of her arm before handing it back.

"Rumor has it, that witchery be involved." Nodding his head once again, before taking another swallow. Then he would whistle twice, and another bottle came flying towards them, and he caught it , presenting to her. "Jus' a little Rumor has it, that witchery be involved." Nodding his head once again, before taking another swallow. Then he would whistle twice, and another bottle came flying towards them, and he caught it , presenting to her. "Jus' a little something between Captain's. An' don't be trying to drink it all in one night ... You may wake up a few days later!!!"

Chuckling as she accepted the bottle. "My constitution is much better than that, give me some credit where do, Captain Tynest." Winking. Cork pulled free of the neck, the bottle to be tipped to take a decent chug of the contents. When it lowered, she'd put the cork back in place. Looking up at him with a grin. "Witchery you say, hmm. Maybe you had a few too many, to think something other than a good still made something like this." It was then that grin did falter. A roll of shoulders and few blinks of her eyes.

"I tried to warn ye, Captain Black. I had the same doubts as you did ... You should be okay in an hour or two. I think they called this ... Fire water of the ancient spirits."

Slow shake of her head, a hand rose to be drawn over her face; from the forehead downwards. "Ay, I can see why it be called fire water." Another roll of shoulders. "It's gotten a bit warm suddenly. heh." Another blink as she tried to focus on him as he held her steady. "Tellin' ye o' w'at places." Ah, the brogue, so easily fallen into when the drink got the better of her. "Islands?" Now she was puzzled. d**n brain wasn't working at the moment, things were a bit hazy.

Laughing ...."You told me a few places you like to go ... I went to several, and discovered uncharted islands ...." Now he would not say which locations .... She'd have to find that out for herself. Hey, he did bring her back a gift , even though she did not heed his warning."Jus' be glad I only gave ye the one bottle and not let you drink from the other."

It would take a moment before it would sink into her brain as to what he was talking about. "Oh, oh, dem thar islands." Rise and fall of her head in a sharp nod. Then eyes narrowed as she made to focus upon him again. "Ye been pokin' ye nose 'bout dem thar islands?" Shake of her head. "Bad mistake. It's said some o' dem islands be cursed." Leaning against him slightly more. It was easier than standing.

"Cursed? Probably, but I made an honest trade with the tribe, and have a ...Business relationship with the chieftain. And they say it never pays to be honest. Steady there, Captain. I tried to warn ye." Not that he was complaining... But her closeness did give him a bird's eye view of her ... Ahem. Wares.

"Just w'at tribe be that ... Captain Tynest?" Head tipped way to the side as she looked up at him with that glimmering gaze of dark blue peering up at him. Then that smirk formed. "Ay, ye did, but I've neva been one t' take warnin's well, mind ye." Hand lifted and index would tap the top of her head. "A bit thick ye see." Snickering.

"Mmmm....Yes, quick ... Thick." He would not answer her question just yet ...."Feeling better? Yer accent is not as strong. " Even if she was feeling better, he would make certain by holding onto her just a little while longer.

Chuckling and nodding. "Ay, that I be." Tilting her head back to normal position, though turned slightly so she could look up at him side ways. "So the name o' that tribe be quick? ... or are ye just pullin' me leg?" Brow rose slightly as she grinned. He may not have answered, but she noticed that fact. Sign that she was grasping things again

"If that was the case, it would be not yer leg I'd be pullin' ... Then again perhaps fer starters. You answered it yerself .... One of the ... Cursed islands. But I came bearing gifts." Finally averting his eyes before they begin to water ... He smiled down at the lovely Captain. "All he wanted were two of my rowboats, and fishing supplies Now I can purchase this firewater and the other tonic from him every month. Just think how much the taverns will pay for this???"

Both brows rose this time. "Then just what would ye be pullin' , Captain?" Amused glint in those dark blues. A shift of stance and her weight wouldn't be bearing upon him heavily no more. This also enabled her to gaze upon his features better. "Sounds like ye found yerself a variable treasure chest. I'm sure ye'll get a hefty pouch from all to be steadily supplied." Now the idea of piles of gold was quite a sobering thought.

"Indeed you are most correct. So infact, that I am willing to take you in as an equal partner." Now I bet she was not expecting that, or maybe the firewater was still having an effect on her. And if she knew the basic body language of her gender counterpart, he was ....Being honest????? Had to be firewater messing with her. "I had sent several of me boys to scout the taverns for you, so I could discuss a business offer ... And here you be."

No, she wasn't expecting that. In fact, she was expecting him to keep brushing her off, and was why she was contemplating following after. This time it wasn't the firewater that effect her thought process, but that of being caught off balanced by his comment. "A equal partner you say." She had sobered up completely. "Ay, here I be, so let's get to discussing." Moss didn't grow under her feet, and barnacles didn't build up on her hull, when it came to gaining gold.

"Tis simple really. Tis better to have you as an equal partner, than as a bitter rival, and we both take losses in damaged ships and injured men. Lot of places to cover, and two ships are much better than one. And I know enough to that you can charm the skin of a snake, to handle any man."

At that she had to chuckle, giving his hip a bump with hers; being they were still close. "Ye be a right smart one for a sea dog." A rare compliment to be gained by the she devil of a Captain, for what it was. "Actually, I have three ships that carry my flag, Captain Tynest." A bit of a smirk to slowly form upon her lips. "You're not the only one who's been busy and doin' well for themselves."

"Better to be with ye, than on ye ... AGAINST ye. Heh. "

A pause and expressionless she'd be, but only for a moment. It was then she burst into laughter, extracting herself from his hold. "Ay, yer right there!" Wink.

"And I be havin' many contacts on land, so that will be good as well. Jus' one bit of advice for ye."

"I have a few o' me own that could be beneficial." Stated as she turned to face him fully. "What advice be that, Captain?"

"Ye ever come across me with a beard? Slap em, twice. That will be my twin brother Maverick." Such an evil grin when he said that, followed quickly by laughter.

Again that smirk would form. "Is that to smack his lips twice with mine or smack his arse twice?" Brow rose and a chuckle sounded.

"Neither!! Than honor would be for me!! Jus' a nice closed fist to the bottle of his chin or jaw. "Well then, I believe we have an agreement, hmmm? To the start of a most wonderful ... Relationship." He did offer a most sincere smile, and even manage to keep eye contact above her neckline.

"Ahh, so ye be wantin' t' smack his lips with yers." She knew fully what he had meant, but she just had to say it. Just the way she was. Evening bursting into laughter after. Bottle raised, but she never uncorked it, just a show. "T' a long, healthy and prosperous relationship. I'll drink to it later, when I don't have so far to fall into me bunk." Snickering.

He was going to say something, but no need to sour the moment. "So, ye able to walk now, or do I carry ... To my ship, until ye be better?"

Another chuckle. "I think I can walk just fine under me own control." Playful nudge of her elbow. "I be nae some damsel in distress that be needin' carted around by a muscle bound champion." Grins.

"And if you were a mere damsel in distress, I would have picked you up already, my dear Captain. Then there is only one thing left to seal the deal."

"Ay, that there be." It was then she'd offer her hand out to him.

With that, the sincere grin was gone, he took her hand, and pulled her forward into a kiss. Letting her go, the grin was back as he walked up his plank, humming a little tune.

That caused a brow to rise as she watched him move away. "Ye be a ballsy one, Captain Tynest." Called after with a chuckle before that swagger was set into action.

[Carlotta]

Her day's of wandering continued, working feverently during the night, to have all paperwork for the Dockside done to free her days. The Port had become her home, her life. Those that lived within it's boundries, becoming friends as the status of stranger would pass. Men, women, and children had come to find her to be a common sight. If not adorned in her gowns, attending to buisness at the busy Inn, she'd be in those deer skin pants, and one of those overly large poets shirts. Leading or riding the Bay along the streets, heading for the cliff area.

It was more a draw than anything else, the area she had happened upon and was becoming to love more. Everyday she rode to that parcell of land, that offered a clear view of the harbor area in full, as well as the vastness of the open sea. The mare would be left to move on her own accord, grazing upon the sweet grass of the meadow. She would move to the cliff's edge, and here stand while taking in the view.

The salty spray that rose up the cliff's face, when waves crashed against it's rocky surface far below, would lightly pelt exposure of skin. It was welcomed and relished at the same time. The cool breeze that fluttered from the distance of the ocean, would capture the loose tendrils of raven, causing them to dance about the delicate lines of features. The loose material of the shirt worn, would almost resemble a sail of a ship, the way it captured the wind and fluttered.

A sigh of contentment, she knew in her heart, this is where she belonged. Dreams to be embarked upon, that would never have been permitted before. It was now time to begin building her new life, she had procastinated long enough. A turn would have her angled away from the view of the vast waters before her, to the small cove nestled in the bend of the forest. So many times she's stood there, gazing upon the vacant land, envisioning the finished product of her dreams there.

An area had already been chosen for the garden, and one in which to maintain a few cows, sheep, and chickens. Her intent was to be self sufficient as possible, after having witnessed the verosity of the winter months here. She had even been reading up on the newest technologies, and found that coal would be a better kept fuel, then wood during those long days and nights of bitter cold.

Structure building, to ensure not only strength against gail winds, but to maintain warmth during the cold, and coolness from the heat. Slowly she'd make her way over to the blanket resting upon the ground. A small picnic basket and a pad of paper rested there. Here she'd settle, from the basket would be withdrawn a quill pen and ink well. Nestled with the small containers of fruit and cheese, along with a loaf of bread. A bottle of wine to be used to wash all down.

Opening the pad, it would reveal the art piece in works. It was a sketch of the house she had pictured in her mind. Pages following would offer a view from many angles, including the floor plan of both levels. It wasn't colassal in nature, though an impressive image it would offer to be viewed. Even the grounds around it would be set to parchment. No detail left out, only more to be added. For now, she'd begin the task of working on the house face, adding more details to the picture, as she set to her afternoon of daydreaming.