Pirates! - A Closed RP

[7000dominos]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l293/GUINNESS_WENCH/Pirates/Pirate_Moon.jpg

Pirates!
~The true and remarkable adventures of Minerva Sharpe and Nancy Kington, Female Pirates~

Mother Mary,
Star of the Sea,
grant your blessing,
watch over me.


This roleplay is based on a book of the same title by author Celia Rees. I will put up the setting and basic plot in the next post. Other than that, you're gonna hafta follow along if you wanna know what happens. It is a closed RP, meaning only Scorpio_grl and I are gonna be playing. However, you're welcome to follow along, again, as we will more or less be playing along with the story.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/okijenninga/Images/piratesshipmoonlight.jpg

[7000dominos]

Setting:
It is 1724. The slave trade is rampant about the world. Enslaved Africans toil like animals on various plantations and in homes, doing the work of their white masters for little or no pay. In the beginning, Nancy Kington, lives in Bristol England. Minerva Sharpe lives in Jamaica, working on a plantation owned by Nancy's father.

Plot:
As brief as possible: Nancy and Minerva meet and become friends. They join the account (pirating) to escape: Nancy, from an unwanted marriage, and a murder on her hands, and Minerva, from the oppresion of slavery. Many things await them on the high seas: love and betrayal, sickness and pain, and myterious family ties.

The rest will be introduced as the story progresses.

[scorpio grl]

My name is Nancy Kington, and I am the daughter of the prominent merchant, Mr. Kington.

Or, at least, I was.

Now my father's name is in ruins, once someone spoken of in awe and jealously, now a subject of pity and shame; all of my father's trading ships having been lost in a violent storm, and now dead, he's left my family in serious trouble. I'm presently being shipped off to one of his plantations with one of my brothers, in Jamaica, so my other brother can try to repair the damage. This plantation I'm heading to was the one of the place he'd spent most of his time, especially after my mother died, when I was growing up.

Before he died, he asked one thing of me while his health slowly declined: to do my part. I promised I would, despite not knowing his meaning or true intent. What was I supposed to do? That one thought seemed to be the only thing that gave him slight comfort, though it did not help his health as I had hoped..

So, as I travel on this ever-rocking ship, I write this account. I can only hope that maybe, somehow, my long-best friend, William, has made his dream of getting into the Navy true and has not forgotten me. Maybe he could come and take me away from all this...Hopefully. Yes, hopefully...

[7000dominos]

Dark brown eyes reflected the setting sun in bright hues of orange and red as the great orb descended below the rolling hills of the tiny island. Minerva stared out the dirtied glass window, sunlight shining in her black hair as she stared, resting for a moment, at the sunset. It would be nice to be outside now. The heat of the day would have faded, leaving only the warm, scented air of the island: lavendar and spice floating on the humid evening winds, birds of paradise and noisy cicadas ringing over the green of the trees. Jamaica was a beautiful place. If only it were nt tainted with such ugly people.

"Move, girl," a harsh voice growled behind her, one she knew well. Before she could turn around, a hand touched her shoulder, sliding down her back, almost to her rump. She stiffened as a mouth, warm and smelling of alcohol, came close to her ear. "Do as I said," Duke, the slave master, whispered in her ear. "Or I'll have you for myself."

"Yes, sir," Minerva's voice was quiet, humble, hiding the shame and anger she felt as she peeled herself slowly and respectfully from the large, sweaty hand on her back.

She walked, head down, toward the kitchen, where she would help Philis, her mother, prepare the night's dinner.

[scorpio grl]

{*Tackles* Hey, I'm back. ^^ Was my intro OK, or do you think I need to change anything?}

[7000dominos]

((Fue muy bueno, chica, muy bueno.))

((*It was very good, girl, very good.*))

[scorpio grl]

{Thanks. I like yours better, though. ^^;}

Nancy sighed heavily, saving her small ink well from the unpleasant fate of smashing onto the floor for the umpteenth time. This ship rocks too much.. she though in unhappy resignation. Unfortunately, this ship had been one of the few her brothers could afford at the moment. The young girl stepped away from the miniscule desk, if one could call it that, and held her arms out for balance as yet another violent rocking of the ship occured. She nearly lost her ink well again, just barely rescuing it from the edge of peril.

She sighed once more and capped the tiny bottle, taking it, her quill {They do use quills, right?}, and the small booklet of paper in which she'd been practicing her writing in and, after the ink on the paper had dried, of course, shoved them both into the bottom of the diminutive bag she'd been allowed to bring into the less-than spacious cabin. The rest of the her luggage was back in the storage room with the other goods and what not.

Nancy then quickly walked out of the depressing space in which she was forced to sleep in and out onto the deck. A forceful breeze of salty air almost sent her staggering back at first, but she was used to it by now. She smiled faintly and pushed her golden hair out of her face, walking on. It was getting easier to navigate on the unstable surface, and she didn't fall nearly as much now, but it was still hard at times. Though, Nancy suspected it was much less difficult for the men than herself, simply because they didn't have all of the ridiculously heavy fabric surrounding them in frills and weighing them down as she did. Of course, this was all her speculation.

The young maiden sighed yet again, she seemed to be doing that quite a bit lately, and walked carefully past the grunting men as they worked and to the bow of the ship. The heavily-scented air greeted her kindly, whipping her hair about her face. "What a beautiful view," she murmured under her breath, looking out at the gorgeous sea. What she wouldn't do to be free as the fish gliding beneath the glittering blue surface, or the fluffy, white clouds in the sky...

{Lol, I took so long typing this that dollwiz logged me out..^^;;;;}

[7000dominos]

((Don't do that. Both are equally outstanding, alright?))

((And, ch, been there, done that.))

((I suppose we ought to introduce another character?))

"Aye, that it is," said a young man garbed in clothes that were probably too fine for deck work. He wore them well, though, and with a brilliant smile at the young girl. "First Mate Adam Broom, at your service," he said with a grin. "You must be Miss Kington?"

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Minerva, get your head outta the clouds," ordered Philis, whiping her hnads on her apron. "Mr. Kington's daughter is coming in tonight. We've got a few more mouths to feed."

"Yes, Mama," Minerva said quietly, turning back to the onion she was chopping, trying to ingnore the feeling in her stomach that something big was going to happen. It was a funny feeling, somewhere between anxiety and fear and excitement. She couldn't guess why. She wasn't exactly looking forward to nursing some spoiled little girl her own age. Though she was excited to see her. Just to see what she was like. She was, after all-

"Minerva!"

"Sorry." This time, she focused on the vegetables. Duke had just rounded the corner, and she could feel his cold, hard, black eyes on her. She kept her eyes down, pretending not to see him. The man was awful his heart as black as his eyes. She and Philis both bore the scars of his whip, as did nearly all the slaves on the plantation. He was cruel and unjust, fat and lazy, the black hair on his head sitting still and greasy as over cooked pasta. She hated him, but he could never know that. He ruled her, and he always would.

She shuddered, as the feeling of anticipation washed over her again.

[scorpio grl]

{:rolleyes: Yes, Ma'am~}

Nancy blinked in surprise, turning her head to look at the man. She pushed her unruly hair out of her face so she could see properly. She smiled politely and nodded, holding out her hand as was usually expected of her-- not that she liked it, obviously, but those were the "rules" she'd been taught. "You and the captain run a lovely ship," she stated.

{In a seccy, do you want me to play the slave that runs in saying the ship has arrived?}

[7000dominos]

Broom grinned. "I know," he said, turning to look at her as he took her hand. He raised and eyebrow at the look in her eyes, and decided on shaking her hand. "Nice meeting you, Miss Kington. I must away--the ship is coming into port." He pointed. "Those are the hills of the island. I've heard tell that they've got maroons--runaway slaves and whites, too--living up there. Dangerous as anything. You keep your wits about you, Miss. I hope to see you again." And he departed.

~*~*~*~*~

A young boy with skin black as coal stumbled up the kitchen steps to fetch Minerva and Philis. "The girl is here," he panted, having run up from the docks. "Duke says to wait outside to greet her." ((It's suddenly be daytime again....))

Minerva and Philis gave their chopped vegetables to the cook and washed up to go wait for their new charge. The feeling in Minerva's stomach bubbled up to an erratic tempo as she stepped out into the hot afternoon sun.

((No worries. I got it.))

[scorpio grl]

Nancy's eyes widened in shock as he shook her hand. That was...unexpected, in the least. She nodded at his advice, her reply being cut off by his departure. She looked back to the hills as men rushed about her to ready the ship, her gaze focused solely on the lush, colorful hills. There was just something about them. She couldn't quite put her finger on it...

Suddenly, she was snapped back to reality by a familiar hand on her shoulder and a rough jolt of the ship as they came into port. Nancy clutched onto the edge for support. "Let's go, Nancy," her brother {who's name I can't recall} said quickly. "The men already have gotten your bags." She nodded numbly, unknown feelings of excitement and turmoil tying her stomach in knots.

They were finally here, to the place she'd heard so much about, and all she could do was follow her brother's orders dumbly.

[7000dominos]

((Joseph))

Minerva watched with wide, solemn eyes as the carriage carrying the girl descended down the long, white sandy path leading up the the great house. She couldn't see much from here: a strong, square jaw, with unseen features shaded by the overlarge hat she wore. Golden curls frothed out the sides, framing the pale face. Minerva c.ocked her head. The girl looked strangely familiar. She decided the other girl merely reminded Minerva of her father, the old owner of the plantation.

[scorpio grl]

{Thanks}

Nancy silently took a deep breath to calm herself a the carriage jerked to a stop, waiting, as usual, until her brother had stepped out and held his hand up to help her. That was the usual routine: wait, have help, wait, have help... Nothing new to her. And yet, each time it made her feel more and more helpless. She had the vague suspicion that everyone thought her a fragile, little doll, like the ones her father bought her so long ago..

She dismissed these thoughts immediatly. Proper ladies, she suppressed a cringe at this, do not think. "Becasue that is not their place." Nancy repeated the age-old mantra in her head as she took Joseph's hand and stepped down from the carriage.

Looking around at the small gathering before her from under her overly-large hat, she memorized each face as she always did, though one stood out in particular. A young girl, about her age, give or take a year or so, with beautiful chocolate skin and aged eyes; dark eyes that have seen much too much for someone as young as she. She seemed to remind Nancy of someone, but she just couldn't remember who. How curious...

[7000dominos]

Minerva said nothing as the girl and her brother approached their father's manor, keeping her eyes to the floor as was expected of her.

"Afternoon, Miss," said Philis next to her, ducking her head quickly. "I'll show you to your room, Miss, if you just come way-"

"You can show her later. Get into the kitchen!" a voice growled from behind Minerva. She stiffened in anger almost immediately, forcing herslef not to stick up her chin proudly. Duke grabbed her wrist and shoved her out of the way.

"Sorry, sir," she muttered, bowing out of sight. She turned to go, and caught the new girl's eyes for the briefest second.They were...different. Not like Duke's. Not cold and hard and black. There was something different in them. They were softer. Warmer, somehow.

Of course, that was impossible. The girl was spoiled. She owned her own plantation. She had to be.

Then Duke was yelling at her again, cracking his whip next to her ear. She turned and quickly rushed back into the house.

"Lazy b.astards," grunted Duke to Joseph. "Good for nothing without the whip." He grinned his slimy grin and nodded to Joseph. "Duke," he introduced himself. "Slave master here. You must be Joseph?" Without waiting for an answer, he took the girl's hand and kissed it. "And you are Nancy." He smiled as his eyes roamed over her body.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy winced slightly when she saw the slave master's cruel treatment of the slaves, lowering her eyes to the ground to inspect the "lovely" dirt. It was just easier than having to watch and not do anything. She finally looked back up a moment later, as the young woman she'd noticed earlier caught her eye for the briefest of seconds. She seemed to be looking..into her... As if that made any sense.

Nancy snapped back to herself when Duke, she'd only vaguely heard him introduce himself, grabbed her hand and kissed it. Her skin crawled at his touch and she had to repress the urge to shy away. She nodded in confirmation, opting not to reply to the disgusting being in front of her. She pulled her hand away and clasped her hands behind her back, secretly wiping the one he'd kissed on the back of her overly-large, too-frilly dress.

Joseph nodded at the man as well, seemingly not noticing his lecherous looks. "Yes, you are correct. Now, if you'll excuse my younger sibling, she is tired from our trip. Besides, we have business to discuss," he stated promptly, almost hintingly, not giving Nancy a chance to speak. She wasn't tired at all--far from it, actually. If anything, she was envigorated by the multi-scented air.

[7000dominos]

Duke's eyes glowed. "Ah, yes, of course. Miss Kington, would you like a tour later? I'm sure you would." He turned to bark over his shoulder, "Philis! Minerva! Hurry up!" And he cracked his whip again, for effect, and to impress the young woman in front of him.

Minerva and Philis reappeared, having barely sat down. "Come miss," said Minerva, not lifting her eyes to meet the girl's. "Your room is upstairs. We can lay out clothes for your dinner tonight."

[scorpio grl]

She didn't bother to answer his obviously rhetorical question. Nancy watched, her face neutral, as he ordered them about, making a spectacle of his power over them. Her fists clenched momentarily in anger at the way they were treated. She quickly forced her fists to relax again. She nodded politely, this time to the two slaves in front of her. Nancy almost wished the young slave would meet her eyes again..They reminded her so much of someone, if only she could think of who!

Joseph nodded, turning back to Duke to continue their conversation. He lead him away from the three, talking about payment, amoung other things.

[7000dominos]

Minerva led her new charge up the stairs; Philis had gone ahead to prepare a bath. She really did rather like the house. It wasn't the most beautiful thing on the island byt far, but it was cool in the hot, damp summers, painted white to reflect heat, with great, wide corridors, always filled with cool, scented island air.

She turned down one of the rooms on the hallway. Sunlight spilled through the several windows, each flung open wide. The chirping off island birds echoed into the room and down the hallways. Flowers grew around the windows, petals blowing in the breeze.

The girl's chests were sitting in the corner, empty. Minerva had already unpacked them. She set out a light, yet nice sun dress for the evening. "I will be here, if you need help changing, Miss," she told the girl quietly. "You would like your bath now, or later?"

[scorpio grl]

Nancy looked around, stunned and a little overwhelmed by the room. It was so light and airy, filled with the aroma of lavendar and many others. In short, it was beautiful. "Hmm?" She turned her head back to the similar-aged girl, blinking in surprise. "O-oh,..Now, I guess, will be fine."

She faced her again. "I think I should be fine with changing, but if I need assistance, I'll call for you..." she stated dismissively. "What is your name so I might be able to reach you?"

[7000dominos]

Minerva started. No one ever used her name...No one white anyway, except Duke, when he was touching her. Most just called her, "Girl!" if they bothered to address her at all. Again, she raised her eyes to meet the girl. "My name....is Minerva, Miss Kington. But I won't be far. Philis is down the hall, to the left. May I escort you?" This she said with a sparkle in her eyes. She was teasing. Clearly this girl wasn't as stupid as most white girls she had encountered, and would be fully capable of finding the bath house. Then she remembered where she was, and swallowed, quickly dropping her eyes to the floor again.

"I'm sorry, Miss. I forgot my place." She hunched her shoulders slightly, ready for a beating.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy half smiled at her teasing, though it disappeared at her apology. She had liked the feeling of pleasant familarity that had come with her light taunting. She walked over to the girl's hunched form, briefly touching her shoulder for the shortest second, her touch light. "Don't apologize to me, Minerva," she said quietly before turning and walking over to the bed. "No, I think I shall be able to find the bathing area by myself," she said louder.

Then she dropped her voice again so only Minerva could hear her. "Though, I wouldn't mind the company, if you haven't anything else to do.." Nancy picked up the light sun dress that had been picked out for her, grateful it wasn't as ridiculously large as the one she was wearing at the moment, and headed for the door. She glanced back at the clearly taken aback slave and said, "It's up to you." before walking out.

[7000dominos]

Minerva flinched instinctively, though she tried to make it as unnoticable as possible. She was quite certain now this girl was different, and was almost tempted to follow her. The kindess and intelligence in her ((eye color here)) eyes was intruiging. She wanted to follow, if nothing else, to see what kind of magic the girl trailed in her wake. But she could not, of course. It was not allowed. It would not have been proper. Instead she merely bowed as the girl left the room, staring wistfully after her.

[scorpio grl]

{Err, let's just say...hazel, 'cause I like that eye color. ^^}

Nancy surpressed her sigh when she saw she was not following, though she kept walking, watching her beautiful surroundings as she went. It's lovely here...I suppose now I know why father spen so much of his time here....

Finally, the young girl came upon the bath house. She smiled to herself at the thought of a warm bath and she rushed in. When inside, she quickly stripped, well, as quickly as one can in such ridiculous garb, and practically dove into the scented bath water, coming up with a grin. She absently brushed a small flower petal from her forhead and began to bathe.

~*Timeskip*~

When done, Nancy stepped out of the bath and dressed, feeling refreshed and energized. Ah, there's nothing like a soothing bath... she thought to herself, rolling her shoulders. The new dress was so much more comfortable than her old one, practically floating around her. She bent down and picked up her despised, frilly nemesis from before, wondering what to do with it..

[7000dominos]

Minerva waited patiently in Miss Kington's room. Five minutes passed...ten...her feet were hurting. She'd been standing all day....Perhaps she'd sit just a minute. She grabbed a chair and pulled it nearer the window, so she could watch the setting sun, but still see the hallway. This way, she would know when her charge was coming.

The sun cast its warm, golden rays over her body, splashing in her hair. Her eyes trapped shards of goldenrod in their deep clutches, and she smiled, feeling, for the moment, quite content. So content, in fact, that she must have began to doze....

[scorpio grl]

Nancy quietly walked back to her new room, dress folded and in hand, completely absorbed by the scenery and perfumed air around her. She felt,...dare she say it, almost..happy. Her footsteps echoed softly in the spacious hallway as she walked.

Finally she came upon her room, opening her door to see Minerva....sleeping? The sunset cast a golden glow over her, making her look like a painting from the angels. She was quite a sight. Nancy merely smiled and tip-toed in as quietly as she could, so as not to wake the sleeping woman, setting her dress on the bed and heading towards the door.

[7000dominos]

Sixteen years of paying attention to every detail in her path, of keeping a close eye on intricate facials reactions and body language, of listening for someone coming to criticize or punish, had taught Minerva to look and listen well.

The girl made hardly a sound as she entered, but to Minerva, it was like a tree crashing to a forest floor. Or, even more frightening, a whip cracking across her back. She started, jumped to her feet, eyes wide with disgust at herself. How had she fallen asleep here? Especially with a new owner, one yet unknown to her? How could she leave herself so unwillingly vulnerable? She cursed inwardly, all the while, spewing apologies outwardly.

"I'm sorry, Miss! I forgot my place. Please forgive me, Miss, I had no right." She gave a quick bow, heading for the door. "I....is there anything you need?" She was mentally preparing herself for the inevitable beating.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy stiffened in surprise, turning to face the girl. She could only watch as she stumbled over each apology. "Minerva, MINERVA," she said, holding up a hand to stop her. "No, I do not require anything, and it is perfectly fine. I don't mind that you fell asleep...it's a natural thing for people to do, I promise."

She smiled faintly. "Really, it's OK. And no, I won't tell Duke.." She hoped this would at least make her more comfortable around her. The thought of living like this everyday, with no one to talk to, was absolutely dreadful to Nancy. At home, she used to be able to confide in William, but then he was shipped off.. The next few years with hardly a soul she could actually have a real conversation with was absolute torture. She hoped desperately that the tradition wouldn't continue here...

[7000dominos]

Minerva stopped abruptly as Miss Kington raised her hand, though it didn't make much of a difference. She stood, wondering at what she'd just heard. She only barely managed to swallow a bitter laugh at the words "a natural thing for people to do." In this place, she wasn't considered a person. It appeared as though she wasn't to be punished for falling asleep in the girl's room. Unless, of course, she was lying about ot telling Duke. But Minerva, however careful and cautious she'd taught herself to be, couldn't quite believe that.

She ducked her head briefly. "Thank you, Miss. It won't happen again." And she risked another smile, another brief look into the girl's eyes.

[scorpio grl]

{*Tackles*}

Nancy smiled back, nodding earnestly. "Really, it's fine." She nearly told her not to call her 'Miss', but 'Nancy' instead, but she was afraid she might cause her to have a heart attack. This girl was obviously used to getting beaten for not following the unwritten rules of slavery, or for nothing at all, and Nancy didn't want to scare her...

Little steps, she reminded herself. Little steps. She smiled again. "So, Minerva, would you mind telling me when dinner will be served?" she asked politely.

[7000dominos]

((Hullo. =D My little cousin is going over his reading......he's SOOO cute.))

Minerva stood politely, alert and watching, ready to fix any problems that may arise in the tiny, yet airy room as the girl flitted about like a humming bird, smiling the whole time. Minerva was in awe: this girl was very different from others she had met. Her hazel eyes caught every beam of light headed their way, and they always appeared to glow. She was always happy, and pleasant, though there were deep shadows of sadness behind her eyes. She hardly seemed angry at Minerva, though she'd fallen asleep right there in her room! And she'd used her name every time she'd spoken to her.

"In a few hours, Miss. I believe Duke plans to show you about the premises before. It's....it's very nice," she added for good measure. The plantation was beautiful. But only on the surface. Beyond the superficial characteristics, beyond the bright colors and sweet scents, pain and misery could be found. It was a kind of awful tyranny, oppressive and suffocating in every way imaginable. Minerva hated it, but it was what she had grown up with, and what she would live with for the rest of her life.


Just then, Duke rushed in, only barely stopping to knock on the frame of the open door. "Miss Kington," he said, bowing low, and kissing her hand again. "Are you ready for your tour?" He eyed Minerva warily, then barked at her, "What are you doing just standing there? Go prepare the horses!" Minerva skipped out of the room, with anothe glance at Nancy. Duke grumbled, shook his head. "If she'll not listen to you, you leave her to me. They're a lazy bunch, they are."

[scorpio grl]

{Hiya~ lol He sounds it. I can't wait until Nina' baby is old enough to stumble over words...<3 ^^}

Nancy surpressed a soft snort a her comments of the plantation. "I'm sure it is.." she muttered to no one in particular, right before The Thi- I mean, Duke burst in. He always seemed to be in such a rush to see her...

She slowly pulled her hand from his sweaty grip, almost flinching at his harsh words to Minerva. "Actually," she started, a certain hardness in her voice, "she listens quite well. In fact, she's not once strayed from any orders," she said, telling him what she knew he didn't want to hear.

[7000dominos]

Duke glanced at Nancy, cold eyes shining, and chose to ignore these last words. "You'll come with me?" he said. It wasn't a question. He offered his arm and proceeded to nearly drag her down the stairs to the stables.

Minerva waited, reins in hand, with two saddled horses. One was a large mare, nearly sixteen hands. She was a bay, and her dark brown fur glistened in the sun. The other was a young gelding, a proud yet fidgety palamino, stomping in the hay. Minerva lay a hnad over his nose, whispering at him until his stilled.

She handed the reins to Duke without a word, keeping her eyes on the ground as was expected of her, though she was sorely tempted to hand a few sugar cubes to Nancy for her horse. Still, she knew that would not bode well for either of them, and held her tongue.

Duke offered his hand for Nancy to get up on the horse, and they were off. ((runs to get book for this part))

((I'll be back later!!))

[scorpio grl]

{Kewl, 'cause I dun 'member what happens next...}
{Kk, see ya}

[7000dominos]

((I'll just paraphrase/summarize the chapter. Sit tight!))

Duke lead Nancy round to the cane fields first. The cane was high and ripe, pale green stalks swaying in the island breeze. Dark skinned backs, glistening with sweat, toiled about the cane stalks under the white hot sun. Men passed great bundles of the stuff down until it reached the great metal teeth of the grinders. Steel flashed in the sunlight; the smell of hot metal over powered the sweet scent wafting off the cane. The juices being crushed out of the cane, running thick and cloudy with pure sugar, ran down a chute to the boiling room further down.

The machine clacked with deadly precision, tearing apart the thick rinds of the cane. A elderly man, laden with a bundle of heavy stalks, stumbled, coming almost too close to the jaws that would rip him apart. Duke took this as a chance to show off.

"You there! Look lively!" ((an actual line from the book!)) he barked, lashing out with his whip. The metal tipped end gouged a hole in the man's shirt; blood seeped across the fabric. The man didn't look up; none of the slaves did. They knew better. They continued with their work, which went on 24/7, all through harvesting season. He turned to Nancy with a toothy grin, pulling a fleshy hand across his brow. "They'd well fall asleep working the thing, I reckon. Lazy bunch, they are. They only respect the whip. Though they learn well the cost of their laziness after they get an arm caught in there." He nodded to a glistening, yet dirtied machete hanging near the machine. "We keep it around for those who decide to idle too long near the blades."

Duke clicked his horse into a trot, continuing down to the boiling room.

The heat could be felt from several hundred feet away. The smell and sound of boiling sugar rose high into the air. "They boil the juice within twenty minutes," Duke explained, watching the grueling process with shining eyes. "Otherwise, it turns into molasses, and it won't never crystallize. The stuff goes into the vats over there." He nodded to rows and rows of copper vats, each heated by burning heaps of wood and recyled stalks. Duke did not lead the girl inside. It was far too hot. He pulled another hand across his brow, took a swig from his canteen, and offered it to the girl. "Rum," he said.

Men and women wandered in and out of the great, hot room, faces gaunt and sweating. Every once and a while, someone staggered and fell, gasping for breath. Within moments, an overseer was on him or her, standing over them, whip in hand, until they dragged themselves up again. The boiling went on day and night. Duke explained how horrific accidents could be: molten sugar sticks to flesh and burns to the bone ((and another!)). He looked at Nancy to see how she was taking all this, to see if she was as impressed by all the hard work under terrible circumstances as he was.

Finally, he took her to the slave quarters: small, two-roomed shacks, with small patches for gardening near every house. Little children ran half-naked, covered in red dust, through the clearing, stopping to stare at Duke and Nancy as they rode by. Duke didn't smile. He hardly regarded them at all. Men and women filed in and out of their houses, looking exhausted and forlorn, but again, none of them so much as glanced at Duke if they could help it. He smiled. They were frightened of him, as they should be. He nodded toward a large tree standing to one side of the tiny community. Its lower trunk was flayed with deep hash marks. He glanced at Nancy.

((This is from the book, too. I can't write this myself, if I'm being honest. The line in italics is paraphrasing again.))

"Doesn't do to be sentimental. God ordained blacks to be for our use and benefit, or else why make 'em in the first place? Some says they're like children. Well, they ain't. Thinking that way brings danger to all of us. They ain't like us, that's for certain. I've studied 'em for many years now, Miss Kington. In my opinion, they are like animals, wild and vicious, but possessed of a cunning that makes 'em far more tracherous than any beast you could mention. You can't tame 'em, and you can't trust 'em. All they respect is this." He cracked his whip. "Don't do to be too trusting, or get too familiar. Keep that in mind."

((Unquote.))

He rode her back to the stables, then excused himself. "New batch of slaves in. I got some work to do. What with the change in ownership and all." He pulled out the metal head of a brand and showed her. "It's silver," he explained. "To keep the skin from sticking." He turned it: the intials NK gleamed in the dim light. Duke ducked his head once more. "Good evening, Miss Kington. Hope you enjoyed the tour. All this is yours now."

((You can add in whatever you want as far as her reactions go. I can edit afterward if you do anything drastic.))

[scorpio grl]

{Daaaaaaaaaaammnnn....O.O You typed a lot..}
{I think I'll just..go on from where you stopped..}

Nancy clenched her fists tightly around the leather reins to keep them from shaking after he left. She needed to get away from this. All of this pain and cruelty. She quickly kicked her heels into the young horse's flanks, taking off towards the house. No one got in her way or tried to slow her down, no one even so much as really looked up. She was just another cruel master to beat them further into the ground in their eyes.

She made it to the house in record time, but to her it seemed an eternity. Guilt and shame roiled her stomach, making her feel sick as her conscience screamed in her ears. Nancy couldn't stop seeing that awful brand in her mind's eye. And all of it's mine... she thought with disgust, dismounting her horse and handing the reins to a randomn slave without thinking. She rushed inside, hoping she wouldn't be ill.

[7000dominos]

((I know. >< I didn't mean to. I have to eat. I'll be back in fifteen.))

[scorpio grl]

{Kk. See ya then.}

[7000dominos]

((Let's make it night time? They have to go on their ride tomorrow.))

Minerva flitted about Nancy's bedroom, lightining candles against the darkness creeping into the room. Outside, the cicadas and frogs began their cries, signaling the incoming night. Jasmine and lavendar floated in through the windows on cool evening breeze.

Minerva filled a bowl with warm water and set it on Nancy's bureau with a tablet of lilac scented soap and a clean, dry towel. She started when Nancy walked in, quickly standing at attention.

"Good evening, Miss," she said quietly. She almost asked how the tour was, then decided it would be too friendly and swallowed her words.

[scorpio grl]

{Sounds good}

Nancy stood in the doorway, shaking and flustered. "O-oh! Hello, M-Minerva.." she said softly, swallowing. She made an attempt to look somewhat dignified and together. She failed miserably. Nonetheless, she smiled faintly at her. "Thank you for getting my room ready, but, if you don't mind, I'd like to retire for the night...The tour..wore me out," she added quickly, closing her eyes for a moment to dismiss the mental image of the new brand.

[7000dominos]

Minerva was happy for an answer she was used to. Well, almost. It had been a bit too kind to be a normal dismissal. But beggars can't be choosers.

She bowed once, left the room and walked, in the dark to the tiny hut she shared with Philis.

She was halfway there when Duke caught up with her, pressing her slight frame against the wall of the house, hsi weight against her, his breath, infused with alcohol, against hers. She didn't struggle, though rage seethed inside of her. She didn't look at him. She didn't move.

"Look at me, girl," he said, lust making his voice rough. When she didn't move, he forced his large, clammy hand under her chin and lifted it. She was careful not to let her fear or rage show in them.

"Will you come with me tonight, Minerva? I'm asking nicely?" His eyes shone with drunkness.

"No, sir," she responded quietly. "I have to get up early tomorrow. Thank you for the offer--" He cut her off with a sharp slap. It was as if she could feel her eye purpling already.

"Who are you to speak to me like that, girl?" he growled in her face, grabbing her arm and dragging him along with her. "Come now. You must be renamed." And he took her off to be branded.

Minerva's eyes widened, but she didn't make a sound through the whole process.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy collapsed on her bed the moment she got her night clothes on, exhaling in a heavy sigh. Duke's words and that brand kept weasling into her thoughts, though, and kept her from becoming even remotely comfortable. She bit her lip and looked up as if to ask guidance from up above. It was no help.

She hit her feather pillow in absolute exasperation, rolling to face the nearby window. It must be a sin...All of it, this. It must be. It cannot be that God condones this...It just can't. Nancy tried to swallow the lump in her throught, clutching the small cross around her neck as if it were her lifeline. She eventually fell into a fitful, restless sleep, still holding onto her cross with an iron-like grip...

[7000dominos]

When Minerva found her charge the next morning, she was lying in bed, twisted in the sheets, as if she had been tossing and turning all night. One hand was tangled in the thin golden chain of the cross around her neck. She forehead was creased with anciety. Altogether, it appeared she hadn't slept well the night before. Minerva shrugged her branded shouler and winced with a bitter smile. Funny. Neither had she.

Turning from the bed, she began to pull out clothes for Nancy, then went about drawing a bath for her. She waited with a brush and comb in hand for the girl to wake up.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy groaned softly and rolled, sunlight hitting her eyelids and waking her up. She slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes as she pushed the tangled mess that had become of her hair out of her face. She blinked groggily and jumped a bit when she saw Minerva. "Ah- Oh, good morning, Minera..." Nancy mumbled as she got out of bed.

She looked at her analytically. She looked as if she had slept just as Nancy did. There were slight bags under her eyes, she looked uncomfortable, but the worst of it seemed to be her eyes; they seemed darker and more distant, almost...angry. At her. "Are you alright?" She asked in concern, barely keeping herself from stepping over to her.

[7000dominos]

Minerva blushed at the unexpected scrutiny, then blushed further at the unexpected question. She looked down. "Yes, Miss. I'm fine. You're bath is ready, and I've set out your clothes."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy nodded reluntantly, still watching her. She happy to at least get some emotion out of her. "Alright..Well, thank you." Unsure of what else to say, she went against her better judgement and, after grabbing her dress and a brush, comfortingly touched Minerva's arm on her way out. She headed to the bathing area, hoping she hadn't offended her by the guesture.

[7000dominos]

Minerva flinched unconsciously as the girl touched her arm. She knew it was meant to be friendly, but it only served as a reminded for what Duke had done to her last night. No matter how nice this girl seemed, it was her initials on Minerva's shoulder now. It was her name she bore, her name she felt every time she moved.

"If you'll hurry back when you're done, Miss, it'll be easier to comb the tangles from your hair," she said finally.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy heard her, especially her tone, and sighed softly. Maybe her hope for some companionship in this horrible place was just a wish made in vain.. She quickly made it to the bath house and washed up, getting dressed speedily. She brushed her hair a little on her way back, thinking back to yesterday. What am I going to do?

[7000dominos]

Minerva motioned to a chair in front of an impromtu vanity for Nancy to sit while she proceded to comb the tangles from her hair. It reached halfway down her back wet. The gentle curls caught the sunlight pouring into the rooms. Minerva almost smiled at the thought of the sun envying their golden color. It really wasn't her fault that she was here. Judging by the way she'd come back from Duke's tour last night, she didn't particularly like it here much, anyway. It was a pity, because, beyond this mini picturesque hell, the island was gorgeous. Not that the petted and cosseted girl in front of her would ever get to see it.

Then she lifted her hand to pin up Nancy's hair, and remembered the wound on her shoulder. She bit her lip and swallowed hard.

"I'm done, Miss. You're breakfast is downstairs."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy drifted in and out of the present as Minerva combed her hair, blinking in surprise when she was done. That quick? Her eyes widened slightly when she saw how it was done up: simple, yet elegant. She smiled faintly, turning to face her, though her smile fell when she saw the look on her face.

"Thank you, Minerva," she said quietly, scooting the chair to it's normal spot in front of the vanity. Nancy sighed inwardly. Well, I suppose there was no harm in trying to talk.. "I'll call for you if I need anything," she stated before disappearing out the door and down the stairs.

[7000dominos]

Minerva found herself feeling oddly guilty as soon as the other girl left, though she couldn't quite decipher why. Instead, she walked downstairs to the stables to clean and water the horses. It was her favorite part of the job, truthfully. The great beasts didn't ask anymore of her than she would from anyone else. They didn't scold her for a job poorly done. They merely thanked her with great snufflings from their long, furry noses as she held lumps of sugar and carrot beneath them.

She ran a curry comb over Maia's glistening flank absently-mindedly.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy stirred her oatmeal {I can't think of what else they would have for breakfast at the moment; I'm too tired ><} disinterestedly, taking a bite every now and again. She sighed softly. The oatmeal was great, in fact, it was absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, the images from yesterday and the picture of Minerva's face kept circling her mind, making her feel even guiltier. She barely seemed to notice as people rushed about, seemingly as oblivious to her as she was to them.

{'Night. I'm tired..>< *Hugs* I'll see you tomorrow}

[7000dominos]

((See ya! Bye! And all that jazz.))

Minerva glanced in through the kitchen windows on the way back to the stables from fetching water for the horses. She noticed Nancy was eating by herself, and looking quite forlorn. Her brother was out and about, and her father was dead. She had no one, really. Minerva almost felt sorry for her. She couldn't imagine life without Philis.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy sighed and finally pushed her bowl away, having only eaten about half of her breakfast. A young servant came by and picked it up without looking at her, scurrying off as quickly as she came. Nancy stood immediatly and headed back towards the stairs. I suppose I might as well go back to my room..There's not much else to do down here. she thought with another disappointed sigh.

{*Waves* Hey..}

[7000dominos]

((You have to invite her, hon. It doesn't work the other way.))

[scorpio grl]

{Yes, well, that only seems to work when the person is actually there in the room, doesn't it?}

[7000dominos]

((Well, fine, if you must make EVERYTHING easier for yourself. I have to go and watch my cousins in the pool for a little bit. I'll be back in an hour or so.))

Minerva finally drew herself away from the horses. It was nearing time to go help prepare lunch, and she had to clean before that. She glanced outside; already the men and women who worked the cane were staggering back and forth in the sweltering heat. Her stomach clenched for them. It was lucky Duke favored her too much to put her outside. She shuddered, remembering how he touched her, thinking maybe she'd rather take her chances in the boiling room.

She shut the stables and headed toward the side entrance to the house, preparing to go to the kitchen. She saw Nancy, and ducked a quick bow.

[scorpio grl]

{That's fine, but I'm going to bed early. I haven't been feeling too great for the past few days and I just want to sleep..'Night.}

Nancy blinked in surprise, though she supposed she should probably start getting used to it. Especially since she was going to be stuck here for the rest of her life. She repressed a shudder. Oh, how she dreaded that thought...

"Hello, Minerva," she stated quietly, noticing the straw she'd tracked in on accident. "Where you just out to see the horses?"

[7000dominos]

((Alight. I'll talk to you later, then. Hope you feel better!))

Minerva was trying to get over the surprise of being approached and spoken to like...a person. "No, Miss," she said, staring at the floor. "I've just come in from tending to them. But, if you'd like to see them, Miss, I can accompany you." She was almost surprised that she actually wanted to go.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy half smiled at the offer. She had nothing better to do. Besides, she liked horses. She'd had a few at home, and she missed them--they had been her companions during those hard years after William left. "Alright then, let's go," Nancy said, heading towards the door. She glanced back to see is Minerva was following.

[7000dominos]

Minerva followed quietly, trying to fiugre out why she wanted to go with the girl. 'It must be the horses,' she thought. 'I just love them too much.' She reached the stables and went ahead to open the door, bowing as Nancy walked past her into the stables. The horses whinnied softly as she walked in. Imnerva gave a faint half smile. They liked her.

[scorpio grl]

A small smile split across Nancy's lips as she looked around at the large stable, walking over to a redish brown colt. "They're lovely.." she said softly as she stroked it's velvety nose. She giggled softly as it licked her palm. "Why hello to you, too."

[7000dominos]

Minerva allowed herself the tiniest of liberties. She was beginng to trust the other girl; her love for the horses only helped. It was a dangerous position Minerva was putting herself in, but Nancy always looked so lonely.

"That's Ayden," she said. "He's almost two years old. You rode his mother, Shira, last night."

((I totally stole my friend's horse's name....there. Ayden, I mean.))

[scorpio grl]

{O.O Omg, I've used the name Aidyn in, like, three rps and Aiden in one this past week...}

Nancy turned to face her in shock, surprised that she had spoken without being spoken to. A bright smile lit up her face. Finally, some trust! "It suits him well," she said, turning back to the horse happily.

[7000dominos]

((We ARE twins! Amazing!))

Minerva smiled again, despite herself. "Much thanks, Miss. I...I named him myself."

[scorpio grl]

{xD Uncanny!}

Nancy turned back to her, only smiling wider. "Really? You did a good job of naming him, then." She pet the horse one last time before walking over to her. "Minerva, do you think you have enough time to ride with me? I now it's a bit of an odd request, but..." she let her sentence drift off.

[7000dominos]

Minerva blushed with pleasure, then stiffened at the other girl's request. If she asked, Minerva had no choice. In truth, she wasn't absolutely dreading the idea. But it seemed...and odd question to ask. No one went riding with the slaves, no matter how lonely they were. Were there some alterior motives she wasn't aware of? They couldn't be friends. It wasn't allowed.

Still. She could not refuse. "Yes, Miss. But first I needs prepare a lunch to bring. And saddle the horses. I'll make it as quick as possible, Miss, if you don't mind waiting."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy bit her lip at her automatic reply, but nodded. She knew how mind boggling the idea was. It sounded a bit odd to her, even, but Minerva was the closest thing she had to a companion. Perhaps it was selfish to want someone to ride with, but Nancy was just too lonely to care. "Alright. That sounds perfectly fine. I'll wait here with the horses.."

[7000dominos]

Minerva nodded once, then left for the kitchen. She told ther cook what she needed, ignoring the strange look she gave her. The large, middle-aged woman handed her a basket brimming with fresh bread, fruit, a a chunk of ham left over from breakfast. It was enough for one person.

For Minerva, there was a slice of bread dipped in gravy. Minerva smiled her thanks and left, her lunch wrapped in oiled paper and tucked into the pocket of her grimy apron.

She was back in the stables in minutes, years of rushing making her fast and efficient. She tugged one heavy saddle down from the hook, placing it over the blanket on a young mare's back. For herself, she selected an old mule. It would not do to have her mistress's good horses tired out by a ride that wasn't her own.

She stood by Nancy's horse, ready to help her on. She stood quietly, not saying a word.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy frowned at Minerva's choice, knowing she shouldn't say something, but she did anyway. "Minerva, go saddle a good horse for yourself. That mule looks like it can barely carry it's own weight, let alone that of a rider!" It was the first order she'd ever given her, but she didn't care. She'd rather order her to ride a good horse than not and have her ride an animal that could hardly stand.

[7000dominos]

Minerva looked up sharply, startled. Why should anyone else care what she rode? Had she done something wrong? She wanted to protest, or at least to ask forgiveness, but then she saw the look in her mistress's eyes. It was a fiery detirmination, the look of someone who did not want to be denied. The look of someone who expected to win, if only through pure stubborness. Minerva almost c.ocked her head. Now where had she seen that look before?

"I....Yes, Miss." And she unsaddled the mule and saddled a different horse, a six year old gelding. It was by no means the best horse, but it was better. It would be strange riding at the same height as Nancy. Minerva thought it would make her--both of them--uncomfortable, but to her surprise, it just made her happy. This girl was definately an odd one.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy surveyed the horse, nodding in satisfaction. It wasn't great, but it was definently an improvement from before. She turned and mounted her horse easily without thinking. At home she used to sneak out early in the morning and practice mounting a horse by herself, frustrated because she always had to have help. She eventually got "caught" by her father and he made her quit, though she suspected that he had known all along..

Nancy looked down at Minerva expectantly, as if nothing was amiss. "Well? Get on your horse.." she stated simply.

[7000dominos]

Minerva only just stopped herself from staring. She bowed her head with a quick, "Yes, Miss," using the action to disguise a smile.

The two rode through the more natural part of the plantation, purposely avoiding the toil and labor of the slaves, Minerva hanging back silently, offering directions only when needed. When they reached the top of the ridge, where the property ended, Minerva jumped off her horse, pulled out a knife, a hacked two lengths of stalk off the nearest branch of sugar cane. She handed one to Nancy and kept one for herself. She was feeling, surprisingly enough, more and more comfortable with the girl by the minute.

"It's a nice drink, Miss," she explained, for the sun had risen, on its monotonous track, to its beak, where it sat proudly beating down upon the islands inhabitants, both black and white. Minerva closed her lips over the top of one oozing end and sucked, allowing the cool, faintly sweet liquid to whet her tongue.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy took the cane hesitantly, watching her. She copied her actions and tilted her head back as she sucked. Her eyes widened in shock when she tasted it. "Mmm!" She swallowed quickly and pulled it away, staring it it in wonder.

"Wow..That is good." She put it back to her lips and continued until it was completely empty, laughing softly when a bit of it trickled down her chin. She grinned and wiped it away. "Thank you, Minerva."

[7000dominos]

Minerva only nodded and motioned to ride.

But as they rode beyond the Fountainhead gate, all wrought iron and splendor, the strangest thing happened. A spell seemed to break; a great amount of pressure rose from Minerva's shoulder. She kicked her horse into a trot and caught up with Nancy. Slowly, slowly, but surely, she began to trade comments about family and life. Minerva talked about her mother, and how long they lived on the plantation, carefully avoiding all the harsh details she kner Nancy wouldn't want to hear. In turn ((sorry!)), Nancy told her about a young lad named William, a sailor long gone to her. Minerva smiled, sensing love, but not saying a word. Suddenly, she had an idea.

"Come," she said, eyes glowing with excitement. And she took Nancy to a small pool. It lay below a roaring waterfall. It was crystal clear to its sandy bottom. Large trees grew around it, turning the boling sun into cool, green light. Flowers dipped low the water, filling the tiny oasis with their sweet and spicy scents. There were ancient drawing and markings on the slate-like rock bordering the edges of the crystal pool, and rings of flowers floating over the water. Minerva happily explained that some of her people came here to worship and pray.

Finally, the sun at its highest, she stripped down and waded into the water. She dunked her head, watching tiny fish dart by, their scales catching the sunlight like tiny silver coins. She swam back to the surface, her hair falling in glistening black coils about her bare shoulders. She frowned at Nancy, realizing she stood stalk still on the shore, only up to the water to her shins. Her eyes widened, realizing that she must have gone too far. She began to climb out of the pool, sputtering her apologies. "I'm sorry, Miss. I didn't...I should have..." She took a few strokes toward the shore, and the sun shone over her back, exposing her newly branded shoulder. "We'll take our leave immediatly, if you wish."

((You know what happens next?))

[scorpio grl]

{Lol It's fine.}
{Errrmmm, sorta-ish...Doesn't she almost drown..or something?}

[7000dominos]

((Yeah, yeah. She sees her shoulder, and has an "Oh, snap!" moment, and she falls into the deeper water.))

[scorpio grl]

{Whoo Ho- I mean, oh, yeah. :rolleyes:}

"No, no. It's fine, Minerva. I just do-" Nancy froze, her breath catching in her throat when she saw her newly-branded shoulder. No... Her hand flew to her mouth in horror. She tried to step forward but, before she could even exclaim her surprise, she slipped and fell back into the deeper waters.

"Oh!-" Nancy plunged under the ever-moving surface of the water, her arms flailing wildly. She struggled and fought to swim upwards, but her efforts were in vain. She only sunk faster, her dress weighing her down, as she writhed. The sunlight seemed to get farther and farther away and her vision clouded as the last bit of air escaped, zooming to the surface as she continued to float downwards. The last thought that passed through her mind was something along the lines of 'I always knew there was a reason why I hated these dresses'...

[7000dominos]

Minerva followed Nancy's eyes to her shoulder. She blushed. She was about to blurt, "It doesn't hurt," but then Nancy slipped and fell.

Minerva started to laugh, watching her charge flail about in the water....until she realized she wasn't coming up. Without thinking, Minerva dove in after her.

Under the water, it was eerily quiet, cool and dark, like a whole new world. The further she followed Nancy down, the fewer the shining fish became. Minerva shook off her dis-ease, and kicked her legs harder. She caught up with Nancy just as her kicking stopped, wrapping her skinny brown arms around the girl's waist. She started for the surface, only realizing why Nancy had sunk so quickly as the weight of her dresses and petticoats tugged her down further. She tore off both, leaving only an under-dress of sorts, pale blue in the water, making a mental note to dress her mistress in lighter clothing after this.

She kicked back towards the surface, her lungs near to bursting, and their heads broke the surface together. Minerva gasped her relief. Next to her, Nancy did not.

Eyes wide, she kicked for the shore, dragging Nancy with her. She laid her gently on the white sand, pushing sodden hair from her mistress's face. Her lips were blue. She wasn't breathing. Minerva swore and began CPR.

Seconds later, Nancy vomitted up swallowed water and took a deep breath. Minerva sighed her relief. "Are you alright?" she asked, not sparing words on politeness this time.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy coughed violently, sucking in oxygen like a fiend. As she gasped and heaved for air, she nodded her confirmation to Minerva's question, not exactly able to speak. Finally she calmed down enough to talk. "You," she panted softly, "..saved me....Thank you." She grabbed her hand tightly, not caring that it was a familiar guesture, and smiled. "Thank you so much.."

[7000dominos]

Minerva blushed at the compliment, and quickly shrugged it off, saying, "I had no choice, Miss. If anything had happened to you, it would have been my fault...and my punishment." Then, not wanting to make the wrong impression, she added, "That is not why I helped you though." The two sat in silence, dripping and warming in the sun, until Minerva said. "You cannot swim?" she chuckled, white teeth glistening in her mouth. "I will teach you. If you allow me." She stood, waded into the water a few steps, and offered her hand out to Nancy.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy watched her for a moment, unsure if she wanted to test her luck in the water after that. Finally she overcame her hesitance and stood then waded out to her in determination. "Right, then," she said as she grabbed her outstretched hand. "What's first?" She was eager to learn.

[7000dominos]

Minerva laughed. "Put your head under water and don't get sucked down."

~*~*~*~*~

The two girls spent the rest of the day together, splashing and playing in the seemingly magical place, until the sun was beginning to set, and Nancy was becoming a very decent swimmer. They shared lunch on the shore as the sun dried their hair and skin, then went back into the water to practice some more. Any awkwardness between them dissapeared. It seemed the spring was working its magic. The two become less like slave and mistress, and more like friends. More like sisters.

Suddenly, Minerva glanced at the sun, setting behind the green rolling hills. "We must go, Mi--Nancy. You have your dinner tonight with...with a man," she didn't want to say suitor, because she was sure Nancy didn't know yet, and she didn't want to say his name, because he was cruel to his slaves, and she disliked him. "You have to get home, so I can get you ready."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy's smile dimmed a bit at the mention of leaving, and even more when she said "dinner with a man". Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, 'a man'?" she questioned, clearly puzzled as they waded out of the water together. "Why wasn't I made aware of this?"

[7000dominos]

Minerva faltered. "I wasn't to tell you. I....You're brother told Phils and I about it last night, because he wanted us to spend all day getting you ready." She smiled. "So much for that. I'm sorry, really. But I couldn't say. You understand, right?"

[scorpio grl]

Nancy nodded, understanding immediatly when she said 'brother'. He always did this. She found out at the last minute, simply so she'd have less time to try and figure a way out of it...How annoying. She sighed.

"It's fine, Minerva, I understand clearly. And I'm not angry with you for not telling me. I'm angry with my brother for telling you not to tell me." She half smiled as she pushed her soaking hair out of her face. "Well, I suppose we ought to get ready..." Nancy gave the lush waterfall one last, longing look and turned back to her.

[7000dominos]

Minerva nodded empathetically, then mounted her horse.

~*~*~*~*~

The ride back shorter than the first, and Duke was waiting for them when they got back.

"What are you doing?" he roared at Minerva, brandishing his whip. She didn't flinch, but she ducked her head, becuase she knew she should. "Get off that horse and into the house. Miss Kington is running late!" Minerva glanced apologetically at Nancy, and took both their horses to the stables.

Duke turned to Nancy, giving her a greasy smile. "I'm sorry, Miss Kington. I didn't know she'd taken you out so far. You must be exhausted. Don't let her take advantage of you. You shouldn't spend so much time with her. It's not good for you, spending time with her kind. If you are lonely...well, that will be taken care of shortly."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy had to force herself not to glare at the filthy being before her. "Excuse me, Mr. Duke, but I ordered Minerva to go riding with me, on that particular horse, today so I would not get lost. She had no choice in the matter," she stated coolly. "And the reason we're late is because I wished to stay out longer than was neccessary, not her. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get ready." She sidestepped and walked past him, not giving him a chance to reply, and hurried into the house.

[7000dominos]

Minerva had a dress laid out for Nancy by the time she came up. She smiled at her. "I tried to find something in between: frilly enough for you and I not to get in trouble with your brother, but not so frilly as to drown you, should you fall in a lake on your way there." She sat Nancy down in front of her so she could fix her hair. She nodded approvingly when she was done.

"You look lovely," she said. "I....Good luck."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy chuckled at her comment, rolling her eyes. When she was done with her hair, again her eyes widened in surprise. "You are a woman of many talents, Minerva, you truly are.." she murmured as she tilted her head this way and that, amazed. She stood and smiled at her. "Thank you, for everything," she said while looking done at herself.

[7000dominos]

Minerva shrugged. "You learn," was all she said, and saw her charge to the carriage carrying her brother that would take her to her new fiance.

As soon as Nancy was gone, Duke turned on Minerva, half in anger, half in lust, and fully drunk. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her to him. Minerva, sensing that he would not be so gentle as he usually was, pulled away, deciding she'd rather risk a beating then drunken rape.

"Let go of me!" she growled.

"Don't talk to me like that, you little b***h!" He hit her across the face, and she slumped, half concious, into her arms.

Philis heard screaming, and emerged into the hall. Her eyes widened. "No, Mr. Duke, please! Not her! She's my baby, take me, ple-" She didn't get very far, either. Duke lashed out with his whip and beat her until she couldn't stand. He proceeded to drag Minerva to his room.

~*~*~*~*~*~

((I'll play Bartolome?))

[scorpio grl]

{Can we rp tomorrow? I'm about to fall asleep at my desk and am kinda upset...I'm just gonna go to bed. It's almost midnight here, anyway.}

[7000dominos]

((Sorry! More multitasking!))


((And, yeah, see ya tomorrow....kinda.))

[scorpio grl]

{Back.....}

[7000dominos]

((Your turn.))

[scorpio grl]

Nancy sat in the carriage arms crossed half in anger, the other apprehension. Somehow she knew this dinner would not bode well for her...

"Don't look so cross," Joseph order Nancy under his breath. She only glared at him, managing to look even more irritated than before. His mouth tightened into a thin line.

"Don't you dare look that way during this dinner, Nancy. This man could save the family business. He's rich and interested and you'd better look like the sweet, docile young lady you're supposed to be, do you understand?" She didn't answer. "I asked, do you understand?" Joseph's eyes narrowed in displeasure, but he didn't say any more. Despite her silence, he knew he had gotten his point across: do this or ruin everything our father worked so hard to obtain.

Nancy stared out the carriage window silently the entire ride there.

[7000dominos]

Bartolome was in his mid thirties. His hair and eyes were black as pitch. He was a cruel man who was used to getting what he wanted.

And now he waited for his sixteen year old, soon-to-be wife. He stood at his door, staring through the darkness, awaiting her carriage.

[scorpio grl]

{Hey..}

Nancy took a deep breath to compose herself as they pulled up, concealing her anger behind a well-practiced mask of indifference. It would not 'do' to look angry.

Joseph wore his business smile and stepped out then turned back to help Nancy. Though his face was seemingly kind and polite, the warning look in his dark eyes was real. She was to be seen and not heard, and not cause any trouble--no if's,and's, or but's about it.

She gently but firmly grabbed Joseph's hand and stepped down silently, clasping her hands in front of her and staring at the ground. She found it was easier to just look down at these types of things. This way, everyone thought she was being submissive, and she could try to make the ground melt beneath her and let her fall through the hole to disappear...

[7000dominos]

"Ah, Miss Kington." Bartolome smiled, revealing a gap in his white teeth, through which it seemed shone all the blackness in his soul. He gripped Nancy's hand in his own and brought it slowly to his mouth, not taking his eyes off her body. "You look a vision," he drawled. He nodded brusquely to Joseph. "Evening, Mr. Kington."

And he led the pair into his house, to his dinner table laden with fine food. A women sat perched at the end, looking skinny and critically in a crimson red dress. She smiled stiffly at the trio, and Bartolome nodded toward her. "My sister, Isabella," he said, by means of introduction.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy nodded, forcing a small smile at them both. His sister was a sickly pale and looked as if she hadn't been outside a day in her life. She gulped silent. If that was the way he treated his sister...how would he treat her? Still, she said not a word, as was expected of her.

Joseph smiled widely at Bartolome {I almost typed 'Barfolome' xD}. "Ah, it is nice to see you again, Bartolome," he stated cheerfully, seeming not to notice as he was ignored in favor of his sibling. "I trust you've been well since we last spoke?" He nodded at Caroline, wishing her well also.

[7000dominos]

((>< I strongly dislike stupid things....Not you, btw. Other things...))

"Quite well," Bartolome said, grinning at Nancy. "Particularly in recent times. Come, Nancy, sit with me. We have many things to discuss, as I understand."

[scorpio grl]

{Care to explain??}

Nancy repressed her urge to flinch away, only smiling vacantly and nodding, sitting in the chair he held out for her. She couldn't believe this was the man she was supposed to marry. "Ah," was her only reply.

Joseph faltered for a moment, but only renewed his smile. It was good that he was interested in her. That meant he did want to marry her.

[7000dominos]

((No. Crisis averted, I think.))

((Oh! Hey! I thought that Rees didn't give a name for the sister, so I just made up one, but I was reviewing the chapter and she DOES have a name, so I'll fix that in a second.))

Bartolome sat, and ordered a slave to pour a round of drinks. "Not too much for the young lady," he said, winking at Nancy. He lifted his glass and motioned for Isabella, Joseph and Nancy to do the same. "I propose a toast," he said grandly. "To friendship between our families, and to ties that will shortly bund us even closer." Glasses clinked, men drank and Bartolome smiled.

"Miss Nancy," he began again, placing his empty glass upon his table, "I have spoken with your brothers on the matter. And I have every hope that you will make me the happiest of men. I have no ring to offer you at the moment, but I have something that I believe is better." He went to his desk and pulled out a cherry wood box, polished and gleaming in the dim light. He knelt in front of her and opened the box, revealing a ruby necklace and matching earings, smiling proudly.

((Italics=not mine.))

((We mustn't plagarize. CRAP! I have an essay to write....))

[scorpio grl]

{Alrighty then..}
{Really? I thought Caroline was her name...*Scurries off to fix post*}
{You have an essay to write??}

Nancy's eyes widened in shock, her mouth going dry. Oh my-...Dear Lord... The matching rubies glowed brightly, ominously in the candle light, each precisely cut edge reflected the firey light perfectly. The largest of them all, the necklace ruby, hung from an intricately done gold chain and shined the brightest. It seemed to burn with an almost eerie evil luminosity. Still, the spoiled child in Nancy couldn't help but admire their gleaming beauty. "T-they're lovely," she stuttered softly, still amazed as she gaped at the jewelry.

[7000dominos]

((Yess....You know how, when you're getting ready to go to sleep, or getting out of school, or just waking up, or whenever you don't have to be doing anything, you have all these plans about how you're gonna all your work done really quickly and efficiently, and then morning comes and you're like....Meh. Last night, I had my whole school year planned out up to Christmas vacation, starting, of course, with this essay, which I can't start until I finish this book, which I haven't started because....I'm here.))

"That they are," agreed Bartolome, standing to fasten the necklace around Nancy's neck. "Nearly perfectly matched. I live for beauty, Miss Kington. I travel the world to find such artifacts as these, surround myself with them. I love beauty, Miss Nancy. You and I will live marvelously together." He turned her around to face him. "You are stunning, Miss Nancy. Though....the rubies look best on pale skin. You are spending too much time in this horrible sun. When we are married, you will spend all your time in the house, until your skin loses its brownness. Don't look so crestfallen," he added, laughing as her face crumpled subtley. "You will share companionship with my sister. See how she shields herself from the sun." He motioned to where his sister sat, silent and pale. "You two will be marvelous friends."

((Whenever you're ready, she has to feel "sick" and go home.))

[scorpio grl]

{........O.O I know what your talking about but, wow, you had your entire school year planned out all the way to Christmas vacation?!? And what book is it?}

Nancy gulped silently as the weight of accepting the beautiful gift fell upon her, her stomach dropping. She dreaded the thought of having to stay out of the sun. The sun was what gave the world light! Life! It sustained their crops and animals, allowed flowers to grow; it let them see their gorgeous world. Though it didn't look so gorgeous right now...

She glanced at Isabella. If she became like that, she'd...she'd be..utterly miserable. Nancy cleared her throat softly, ignoring her brother's look of warning. "E-excuse me,..Mister Bartolome but..," she swallowed, breathing a tad heavier--not enough to sound phony, but enough to be noticable, "but I n-need to..freshen up a bit. I'm feeling..a tad under the weather," she lied and did her best to pale, looking down.

[7000dominos]

((Brave New World. If it's exciting, I haven't gotten there yet. -_- Nothing specific, really. But I already know I won't be able to do certain after school things, and I'll HAVE to do others, and all my college applying will happen between then....))

Bartolome frowned. Whether the concern was real or forced, even he couldn't have said. "You should stay here then, my dear. I can have you travelling on these roads at night if you're ill. Your brother, after all is....too drunk to go out. Please stay? I would feel much better."

But she refused ((sorry again)), saying she was well enough armed. She ignored his scoffing as she professed to know how to use a gun, but he let her go in the end. No use to have her hating him so early in the marriage...

~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, Philis sitting by herself in the dark, to weak and injured to move, trying not to think of what was happening to her daughter.

[scorpio grl]

{Sorry, I had to eat.}
{Well then...*Salutes* I bid you good luck. I already finished my essay, so I'm pretty happy...}
{And it's fine, I don't mind if you do stuff like that...Really.}

Nancy pretended to fan herself a bit as she walked to the carriage, her half-sober brother basically shoving her in. As soon as they were off, he turned to her a glared. "What did you do that for?!" Joseph hissed in outrage.

She started back with and angry, petulant look on her face, knowing full well she need not answer. He was too busy starting to rant at her anyway. There'd be no use in it.

Once he was done with his monolague, he calmed down...sort of. "..No matter, he still seems interested...Though I can't fathom why," he muttered. "Next time, don't you dare pull something like that again.." Nancy swallowed her retort, saving herself from a harsh slap in the face, and stared out the window. That seemed to satisfy Joseph, and he glowered sulkily at the floor.

[7000dominos]

((Well, I've gotten started reading the book. I'm not too worried about it. I've been very productive today. I've FINALLY found my will to work again, which I lost sometime in January. Anyway, the book isn't so bad. In fact, I quite like it so far.))

Minerva lay, pinned beneath Duke, on his unmade bed. She could smell his sweat and his lust, but she did not let herself be frightened. Instead, she felt only angry, and stuggled to free herself. He'd long ago lost the will to hit her, focusing, instead, on her anger, using it to fuel his lust. He brushed a hand along her spine, down to her bottom, whispering dirty things. She tried to hit him, but he dodged her, surprisingly agile for one so drunk.

[scorpio grl]

{Well that's good to hear. ^^ I hope you finish it soon. What's it about?}
{Btw, if I've gotten some of these things mixed up, I'm sorry. I'm going by memory of the book and of what you pmed me.}

Nancy was so relieved when they finally reached the house, she refused to call it 'home', and she just barely made it out of the carriage before her brother. Ah, how wonderful the fresh air was! Behind her, she vaguely heard Joseph's drunken ramblings as he stumbled to the door.

"Ahh...It smells so sweet out here..." she murmured to herself, glad to be away from that horrible man and his home. She was free! For now, anyway. Finally, though, Nancy was forced to go back inside. Joseph had started yelling for some unfathomable reason, and she supposed she'd better calm him down...

When Nancy found her brother, he was yelling at the top of his lungs in her room, ranting to inanimate objects and and slaves as he waved a piece of paper-..No... Her stomach dropped and she paled. The letter. He'd found the letter she'd penned to William earlier, saying how upset she was to be engaged. He'd found it..and she was doomed.

"What the hell is this, Nancy?!" he hollared, flinging it at her. Somehow, despite his drunkeness, he was able to speak clearly. "What is wrong with you?! If Bartolome knew you were corresponding with some other man, the wedding would be off! Do you want that?!" She didn't repy, only looked down.

"You want our father's last wish to be disobeyed?! You promised, Nancy! You promised to do your part!!" he snarled angrily as he got right in her face. The sour smell of wine permeated the air around him, making her want to wrinkle her nose and flinch away. "but of course," Joseph hissed, "you wouldn't care, would you? You wouldn't care about what our father wanted...You're just a spoiled brat living in your own little world, oblivious to that around you!!"

Nancy snapped at this, her fists clenching. How dare he?! She may not have been the best daughter, but she'd done nothing but her best to make him happy, especially in his last hours. Her eyes blazed in outrage and she slapped him soundly, the noise of the act echoing around the room.

"Don't you ever say that to me again," she growled, turning and running out of the room, the house. Nancy ran as fast as she could, stumbling and tripping over her dress. She ran until her anger gave out, leaving her on her knees and seemingly a moment away from bursting into tears.

Suddenly, though, her self-wallowing was interrupted by the struggle in someone's nearby quarters. Duke's quarters. Nancy growled under he breath and stood, marching up to the door and throwing it open. She was shocked at what she saw.

Duke was straddling Minerva, holding her writhing form down as he tried to have his way with her. The moment the door slammed open, though, Duke whipped around to see her, reaching for his whip. Nancy was quicker. She grabbed a nearby vase out of instinct, slamming it down as hard as she could upon his head...

[7000dominos]

((WOW, that's a bigun.))

((And...I dunno yet. I have to finish the book first, then email my teacher, and she emails me back and tells me what to write about. I hope to finish soon, so that:

A) She'll think I'm not (too much of a) procrastinator, even though all my friends have more or less finished....

B) I'll have almost a month to finish the essay. Or start it....

C) I can FINALLY read my Harry Potter book! I promised myself I wouldn't read it until I finished my other books....It's getting harder and harder to resist....))
((Anyway.))

There was blood everywhere. Minerva, unthinking, shrugged off Duke's great weight and sprang up to help Nancy. She was looking quite pale, as if the realization that she'd killed a man was a bit too much for her. Minerva snaked an arm around her waist and led her to a chair.

"You listen to me, Nancy," Minerva said firmly, holding her eyes. "You've saved my life tonight, understand? I would have killed myself if he'd had his way with me, so you've saved my life. You've done nothing wrong, understand?"

Philis was up a second later, the sound of a crash enough to drive her from her resting place. Thomas, her friend and the coachman of the house, was close on her heels. Realizing almost instantly what had happpened, the two ushered the girl's out of the room. Minerva was bruised and beaten, and Nancy looked near on the end of collapse.

"You go on, now, go up to Nancy's room. We'll take care of this. You two take care of each other," Philis urged in hushed, urgent tones.

[scorpio grl]

{Yaay for the long post~~}
{Wow..We just got a letter on the last day of school saying you are to write a one-to-one-and-a-half-page paper comparing and contrasting the two books.

I actually had to do the same thing, remember. That's why I was gone so long. I didn't read any new bppks or play on the comp until it was done. ^^ It finally worked. And I can't wait to read mine either! I hear it's great. My dad says it's on its way through the mail system. I got a few spoilers from my cousin. :D But of course, I have so many other books I need to read: The Historian {that one sounds the moust promising ^^}, The Winds of Change, If There Be Thorns,...and many others.}

Nancy followed Minerva, the slave girl who had somehow come to be her best friend and confidant, no matter how unlikely the pair would be, numbly up to her room.

Her brother had long since departed to his own room, his rampage over, only to crash on his bed and pass out. Though he'd left behind quite a bit of wreckage. Things were strewn about wildly, drawers opened and their contents spilled out in a drunken rage. It looked like a tornado had whipped through, only adding to Nancy's growing headache and confusion.

"Why has the world suddenly been flipped upside down and the floor pulled out from under me?" she asked Minerva softly, blinking.

[7000dominos]

((Yup, I 'member. And I've told ALL my friends not to even mention the book, else they accidently ruin it. Someone did that on the last book for me and KILLED that big event at the end. It totally ruined the whole book, literally, and I don't want that to happen on the last book of the series I've been reading since I was nine.))

Minerva grimaced. "Philis says that a time for change must always come. I never knew what she meant, or really believed her, but I guess....."

The two sat, side by side in the pale light of the room, watching the darkness fade as light pervaded the sky. With each passing second, Minerva became more and more jumpy, though her outer facade was one of perfect calm, for Nancy's sake if not her own.

Finally, around two am, Philis and Thomas came in. They rushed the girls out of the room and into the stables, where four horses were waiting, laden down with goods ((You hafta approve all this stealing, of course, out of vengence's sake, you know. For Joseph?)). Thomas lead the way out of the property, Minerva and Nancy riding behind as Philis explained.

"We cleaned up and passed his body onto some of the others." She noticed Nancy stiffen. "Don't worry yourself," she said soothingly. "They'll take him to the marshes. The alligators will eat anything, even garbage like him. We're going to join the maroons now. Thomas's father governs one of the tribes. We'll find cover there. We can use this," she motioned to the saddle bags, with a smile at Nancy, "to trade and live there. We will be fine."

[scorpio grl]

{Lol. I'm actually quite fond of spoilers, and the person I know of who does...Oh well. I'll chalk it up to being quirky..or something. ^^}
{And of course. For vengence, anything~ :p}

Nancy nodded, managing a weak smile. "A-Alright. That sounds good..." she murmured, more to convince herself than the others. "And you're sure they will accept us?" she asked carefully, fearful..

[7000dominos]

Thomas nodded back. "They have no reason not to. We are not so different than they. We are all maroons, after all, running away from what this paradise had become." He spoke as though prophesizing. Philis smiled, as she was not normally inclined to do, and rode up next to him.

Minerva hung back to give Nancy a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. They will take us in. We'll live the rest of our lives here, Nancy. We can be friends, and there will be no one to tell us not to." She reached across the gap between them and grasped Nancy's hand. "We can do as we wish."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy bit her lip, knowing something was bound to go wrong. She was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Still, she smiled at Minerva's words and squeezed her hand. "That sounds wonderful," she replied.

Nancy absently fiddled with the large ruby on the end of her necklace without noticing it. Her eyes widened in surprise and she looked at Minerva, guesturing to the necklace and earings. "What should I do with them?" she mouthed.

[7000dominos]

Minerva c.ocked her head in thought. "They look a sign of death," she said, eyes wide. "Like a bloody hand round your neck. Ask Philis; she'll know."

Just then the group road into a clearing in the green forest just as day was breaking. Philis and Thomas rode ahead to make accomodations, then motioned for the girls to follow. They seemed wary of Nancy at first, but Philis assured them they would get used to her, so long as they learned to tow their own weight.

"You two ought to get some rest," said Philis, her eyes glowing with happiness for the first time in many years. She couldn't stop smiling, Minerva noticed. The haunted, weary look was already beginning to fade from her yes. "You've had a long night. They say you may sleep in that hut until you earn your keep." She pointed to a small, two room house just beyond the trees.

[scorpio grl]

Ancy gulped, her hand immediatly flying to her throat at her words. She quickly took off the jewelry and hid them in her small bag.

As they rode into the encampment, she couldn't help but notice all the stares she recieved. She supposed it was because most of her status didn't run away... Nancy quickly dismissed this thought. What was done, was done.

She looked over at Minerva at Philis's words, worried that she wouldn't be comfortable living in such close quaters with Nancy. She could understand why.. Still, she seemed fine. Happy, almost. Nancy smiled faintly and questured for her to go first.

[7000dominos]

A few weeks passed. Philis and Thomas grew happier and happier, spending more and more time together. They were living together and laughing more, and it made Minerva happy to see them.

She, however, felt differently. It wasn't so much that she was unhappy. She was happy to be free and able to work for herself. She was happy to be growing closer to Nancy. But she felt restless. This wasn't her place. This wasn't her home. Somehow, it didn't feel final. Still, she didn't want to complain. She could sense Nancy was uncomfortable for some unknown reason, but Philis and Thomas were so happy, she didn't want to ruin their paradise...

[scorpio grl]

{What happens that makes them leave again?}

Nancy plopped down in Minerva's and her "yard", taking a small break from clearing the pathway better. She stared up at the gorgeous sky. Somehow, though, she just couldn't..enjoy it to it's fullest extent. She noticed everyone else, beside Minerva and she, seemed so happy here. Content. Yet she just didn't fit in...

She sighed. This is utter nonsense, Nancy thought to herself. I'm free, I can work by myself, I need no supervision, and Minerva and I are so close now... I oughten't ruin it by thinking this way. This is where I belong...isn't it? She bit her lip in worry, wondering how Minerva felt about all of this.

[7000dominos]

((*the* Pirates come to tread with the peoples.))

Minerva returned from harvesting bananas and plantains to see Nancy sitting outside their shared hut, staring at the sky. She put the fruit inside and went to sit next to her.

"What troubles you?" she asked, following her friend's eyes to the sky.

[scorpio grl]

{Oh yeah, thanks. ^^}

Nancy blinked in surprise and glanced at her, looking down. "Well..." She wasn't sure how to put it. "I don't know, exactly. I just feel that..I," she was careful to say 'I' instead of 'we', incase Minerva didn't feel the same, "don't really...belong." She bit her lip. "I know it sounds odd, and that I should be content, but..."

[7000dominos]

Minerva blinked once, and smiled. "I've been thinking the same way. It isn't that I'm not happy here....it's just that I feel like I'm supposed to be somewhere else. Philis and Thomas and the others, they belong here, but I....we-"

She was cut off as a young boy ran through the small camp calling, "Pirates! Pirates! The pirates have come!" at the top of his lungs.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy smiled in relief, though she turned in alarm as the young boy ran past. His outcry, though, inspired...excitement inside of her instead of fear. She turned back to Minerva. "Is that a good thing??"

[7000dominos]

Minerva followed the boy, and then the reaction of the camp with her eyes. "I don't know," she said, standing. "But if it is, we should be ready." She didn't realize she'd said "is" instead of "isn't" until much later.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy didn't notice either. She grinned and grabbed Minerva's hand, racing down to the gathering. "Let's find out!" Her excitement only rose at the thought of seeing the pirates.

[7000dominos]

Minerva shrugged, unable to resist sharing her friends happiness. They ran over the ridge together. From there, they could see the three-masted ship. If it had any colors, it didn't bear them now--which was wise. Pirates we're the friends of no one.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy stopped, staring at the ship. She couldn't hide her fascination even if she wanted to. The sleek ship looked absolutely...gorgeous. Like a golden ticket to true freedom.

As it slid up to the shore, men looking like miniature figures jumped out with ropes to anchor it down. Others worked to secure the masts and to get a ladder down. Wonder filled Nancy's eyes as she watched them start lowering chests brimming with all sorts of unimaginable treasures.

[7000dominos]

Minerva stood next to Nancy, an odd feeling of anticipation riding up and down her limbs. "It's....beautiful," she said slowly, eyes caressing the ship.

"Aye," came a voice from behind her. "That it is." Both girls turned to see a tall man with a large, kind smile, looking every bit a majestic pirate. "Hello, Miss Kington," Broom said. "How have you been?"

[scorpio grl]

Nancy gasped, a wide smile lighting up her face. "Broom?" she asked in wonderment. She couldn't believe it was him! "What are you doing here? I thought you were on the -insert ship name here-! How'd you become a pirate?"

[7000dominos]

Broom shrugged. "We come to trade. These people run from the law. So do we. We help each other. If you're wondering why I'm....well, with a different company now, that's quite simple as well. After we dropped you off, we were boarded. the captain was gracious, and most of us joined him. He died a few months back. I'm captain now." He grinned like a delighted child.

Minerva stood by, quietly amazed. Pirates. Real pirates. Imagine.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy blinked slowly as she took it all in. "Wow..." She looked over at Minerva and smiled. "Minerva, this is first ma- well, Captain now, Broom. He was the first mate on the ship that brought me to Jamaica." She turned back to Broom.

"Broom, this is Minerva." She didn't explain who she was. Nancy wanted to say best friend, but that didn't seem to quite..fit. She shrugged it off and grinned again, her hazel eyes bright with excitement.

[7000dominos]

((Hey hey hey, I g2g. Imma go take my little brother to see The Simpsons movie. :D Be back in a few!))

[scorpio grl]

{Awww, lucky. :p lol Alrighty then. Have fun! ^^}

[7000dominos]

((OMG, it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good. Absolutely HILarious. Very highly recommended.))

((Gah! I'm distracted! I'm watching Red Eye.......The little girl is a robot! I can tell! o_O))

Minerva stuck out a hand. "Hello, Captain Broom," she said calmly, holding his eyes. The nodded politely to the two men behind her, though her gaze lingered for half a second on the mulatto man to his right.

((Nancy has to "dream" or "feel" Bartolome i coming for her, so they can run off with the pirates.))

[scorpio grl]

{Lol Good to know. OH, guess what? :D I just got the new HP book in the mail~~~~}

{Never heard of it....}

{Hey, what's the guy who I'm supposed to play's name again?? I've totally forgotten him for the most part...}

Nancy noticed this, but didn't say anything. "So, Captain," she teased, "Broom, what is it you've brought to trade? I'm curious.."

{Kk..Should we skip to night time, then?}

[7000dominos]

((Really??? It was supposed to be pretty good. It was out in theatres and stuff. There were trailers....))

((Awesome! I just found out the third book in the Twilght series is coming out, so now I'm torn between that and Harry Potter. Not that torn...I'm gonna read Harry Potter first, but...))

((Vincent, and sure, nighttime.))


"Things that you can't grow here," answered Broom. "Buttons and bolts of cloth. Sewing needles, thimbles, things like that. In the morning, you owe me an explanation of why you're here, but now it's late and everyone could use the rest."

[scorpio grl]

{Ehh...}

{*Sobs* I so want to read that book...I've read the first book five times, 'cause it was so awesome, and only the second once..it wash sho shad...I can't wait to "borrow" the third from one my friends. 'Course...it'll have to be after school starts up....><}

{Coolio. What does he act like again?}

"Ah.." Nancy smiled faintly and nodded, linking arms with Minerva as they walked towards the camp with them. "Alright. Fair is fair, I suppose."

[7000dominos]

((In the book? Pretty reserved, albeit a few passionate moments. You can make him however you want.))

"Yeah," said Minerva slowly, glancing over her shoulder once more. She shook her head. "Pirates. Wow."

[scorpio grl]

{Coolio. *Nods*}

Timeskippity

Nancy turned restlessly on her sleeping mat, clutching her thin blanket tightly in her sweaty palms. "No..." she mumbled.

Deep oceanic waters.....Blood red hands.....Choking...

Her face screwed up unhappily. Sweat beaded on her forhead and she swiped at air. "...'top...No..."

Little droplets of crimson stone......Cruel laughter....

She panted softly as she flopped over and curled up, as if trying to hide.

Dark, endlessly black...Black eyes......That evil grin...

Nancy bolted up, gasping for air. "No!" she breathed in horror. Her eyes were wide with terror. She looked around wildly, her hair slinging around her head.

[7000dominos]

Minerva started awake as Nancy cried out in her sleep. She hopped out of bed and went to her friend's side.

"Nancy? Are you alright?" she asked, eyes wide in the darkness. She went to a candle and lit it on second thought.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy panted heavily, shaking. She swallowed and barely turned her head to face Minerva. The candle's light illuminated her terrified, pale face. "He's coming, Minerva," she croaked in barely a whisper. "He's coming after me.."

[7000dominos]

Minerva frowned, pushed hair from her friend's sweaty brow. "It was a nightmare," she soothed, going to fetch a cup of water. "Just a dream. Who's coming?"

[scorpio grl]

Nancy took a shaky breath, hugging her knees tightly. She bit her lip. "It wasn't just a dream, Minerva..It wasn't. I know it wasn't. He's coming, Minerva. Bartolome knows I'm here, and he's coming to get me."

[7000dominos]

Minerva stared for a moment, chewing her lip. "Philis says that dreams tell the truth," she said finally. "We will go see her." She helped Nancy off the bed, rubbing her back to comfort her.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Philis told them to leave. She said that the pirates coming was a perfect sign. If Nancy really thought Bartolome was coming, he probably was, and it wouldn't do to endanger the camp.

"You must go with them," she concluded. "Request passage in the morning. And throw away those stones he gave you. They are a death omen.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy stared at Philis, barely comphrehending. She nodded anyway. Looking to Minerva, she swallowed. "I hate to..ask this of you, Minerva, but...will you come with me?" She looked into her eyes uncertainly.

[7000dominos]

Minerva stared. "Do you even have to ask? I had assumed that was the plan. I told you I'm not right here." She smiled at her mother sadly. "You belong here, Philis. This is your home. I...I never had one. I belong with Nancy." Philis nodded, smiling, tears shining in her eyes.

"Yes, I know. It's truer than you think. You must go, both of you."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy smiled in relief, brushing off Philis's last words. She'd think about them later. For now, she had to worry about the present. "Thank you," she breathed, hugging them both tightly. She chuckled softly and looked back to Minerva.

"Ready to become a pirate?"

[7000dominos]

Minerva grinned back. "I think I've been ready," she said simply.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning the pair approached Broom with their idea. He agreed to take them to the ship, but the crew would have to vote on it. "You'll have to prove your worth," he said. "The Fortune doesn't house stow-aways."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy nodded determinedly, hazel eyes fierce. "That sounds perfectly fine to me." She smiled at Minerva and Broom, happy to get away from this island.
~*~
Vincent stood behind Broom along with another crew member, arms crossed. His eyes were locked on the young woman before him. Her dark, curly hair flowed down a little past her shoulders, framing her face. Her chocolate-colored eyes seemed wise for her age. Interesting... he thought as he studied her.

[7000dominos]

Philis walked down the ridge, staring at the ship with wide, eager eyes. She's already said goodbye to Philis; a tearful, though jubiliant affair. Now she and Nancy were supposed to be "tested." As soon as they reached the beach, Nancy was dragged off in one direction to help one "Graham," the ship's doctor.

Meanwhile, someone put a gun in her hand. "Are ye a good shot?" a gruff voice said behind her. Minerva smiled.

[scorpio grl]

{Philis said good bye to Philis? :p}

Nancy's eyes widened in shock when she was dragged off to aid the ship's doctor, barely able to send Minerva a small wave for luck. Then she hurried along. She hoped she did well and was able to join the crew.. The cruel black eyes from her dream seemed to mock her in her mind's eye; laugh at her... As if to say "You'll never escape me....Never. I'll find you where ever you go. You can't hide....." Nancy surpressed a small shudder and quickened her pace.
~*~
Various crew members stood behind the young slave girl, most with grins on their faces. A few working nudged each other and pointed for others to watch. This was going to be interesting...

[7000dominos]

((-__- Jerk.))

"Well, to start," said the gruff voice, which belonged to a young man with bright blue eyes, "do ye know how to shoot a gun?"

Before the other men could erupt into cheers (or catcalls, for that matter), Minerva unloaded, reloaded, ****ed and fired her gun. One hundred yards away, a coconut hanging on a protruding bracn exploded.

The men stares.

"She's a good shot!" said the blue-eyed man! "By God if she ain't!"

They had Minerva shoot a few more times, with varying guns, but most of them had already made up their minds. Meanwhile, Minerva was having so much fun, she almost forgot about Nancy, though her friend's progress always nibbled at the edges of her mind.....

[scorpio grl]

{Back.}

{Sorry..}
{I dunno what to type....I've forgotten what happened.}

[7000dominos]

((You can just make up something you think would happen in a ship's sick bay.))

[scorpio grl]

{Kk}
{Cute siggy, btw}

Nancy scurried around hurridly, panting as she aided Graham, the ship physician. Sweat beaded on her forhead and rolled down into her eyes at a steady pace. She wiped it off impatiently and got more bioling water. A few scruffy-looking men had walked--one was hobbling-- to the sick bay where she was located. One had fallen off the ship's deck into the water and hurt his leg against a sharp rock submerged under the ever-moving blue surface. The other had revieved a nasty cut on his palm from cleaning his cutlass.

Graham was busy cauderizing yet another man's wound on his arm. He was a kind man, quiet and full of knowledge. He'd given Nancy a few directions, instructing her on how to sew a wound and set a fracture and such, helping her when she didn't quite understand. She caught on fairly quickly and he seemed content with her progress. Nancy was so busy with rushing around that she could hardly rest, let alone think of Minerva, though her thoughts somehow always found a way of straying to her friend and how she was doing. She hoped she was alright...

[7000dominos]

((Sorry! I've been busy. I'm gonna be in the city til tomorrow....I'll see if I can wrangle a computer tonight, though.))

That evening, Broom drew all his crew together to put the girl's passage up to vote.

"You've seen what they can do," he appealed to them, in smooth, persausive tones. "They can haul their own weight. They be a mighty help on this ship, they would."

"Lord knows we could use a woman's touch!" one of the men sneered, and the other's roared in laughter.

"They'll be none of that!" snarled Broom. "We're gonna put it to vote." He looked around at the company. "And if any of you have anything else to say, you come to me."

The smirking men sobered immediatley, and Minerva looked across the fire into Nancy's face, orange from the flames being thrown into the night sky.

((Thanks. I finished. It was SOOOOOOOO good.))

[scorpio grl]

{S'ok.}

Nancy stiffened at the lecherous comment, clenching her jaw and lifting her chin slightly in defiance. Her hands fisted in her lap as well, but soon relaxed as she calmed at Broom's outraged reply. She didn't say anything but looked over at Minerva above the ever-moving fire. Her chocolate skin seemed bronze from the fire and her half lit face seemed cool and collected--as usual. Her calmness made Nancy feel a bit better, and she sent her a small smile. It was going to be a long night...

[7000dominos]

The ring of men (and women, now, as well) waited in bated silence for Brooms verdict. Minerva smiled at Nancy, though her mind was somewhere else. Where would they go, she wondered, if this fell through? She would not leave Nancy alone. Not with what she knew now. But where would they go?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Brooms gallant return to the ring. He turned first to Nancy, then to Minerva. "Well, ladies," he said with a smile. "Looks like you're officially crew. Congradulations."

Many of the men smiled or laughed. A few cheered. A few more groaned, cursed, or shouted their displeasure.

Minerva ignored all this, thanked the men nearest her, shook Broom's hand, and went to Nancy. Utterly lost for words, she stared at her friend, eyes glowing in the firelight, and threw her arms around her.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy laughed in relief, hugging her back. A content, almost...knowingness engulfed her. They were going to be alright. They were going to leave, and they'd never have another care in the world.

"We're pirates!" she whispered in Minerva's ear with a grin. Nancy smiled appreciatively up at Broom, immensely happy. Everything was going to be fine.

[7000dominos]

*Days pass*

Minerva's sharp eyes, and strong arms and legs made her a perfect candidate for the duty of crow's nest. She also helped to rig the sails during storms. Aside from that, she was to participate in normal crew activities: coiling rope, swabbing the deck, and all that.

She felt happier, freer, than she had in a long time. The freedom seemed to suit her. She grew some, losing her ragged, skiny look. Muscles began to stnad out on her arms. She made, in a word, a handsome lad.

And, though she hoped it didn't show, she every once in a while flicked her gaze to the handsome first mate, Vincent....

[scorpio grl]

Nancy rolled her sore shoulders, popping her neck a bit. "Much better..." she murmured, jotting down a few more numbers. Ever since she was little, she would always "borrow" her brother's school books and study them. Therefore, she was reasonably better at math and words than most on the ship. Of course, that didn't stop her other duties on the ship...

She rolled her shoulders again, the muscles tensing in rememberance of having to coil all of that rope. It took forever. But, someone had to do it, and Nancy was more than eager to pull her weight.

[7000dominos]

Minerva sat atop her perch, proud and solitary, gazing out over the wide blue expanse. Her hair whipped and coiled around her ears. Her skin grew darker with every passing moment. She loved her job. She felt as if she were always flying, free, and alone, with the exception of Nancy. Nancy, whome she loved more than life. Nancy, whom she would willingly die for. Several times a day, she would glance down over the rim of the nest, to gaze upon her friend. Like an angel, she watched out for her, closer to her than any could ever know.

Minerva sighed in satisfaction, eyes scanning the horizon. The darker blue of the water met witht he lighter blue of the sky in a single, straight, unbroken line. Except for--

"Ship ahoy!" she cried out, her voice carrying down to the crew on the cool sea air. "Hoist the colors!" ((I love saying that....))

[scorpio grl]

{X3 Nice. Como estas?}

Nancy looked up in surprise from her writing, having had no clue of her friend's caring and watchful lookout for her safety, and stood. She quickly put away the books and jogged out onto the deck. The salty air filled her lungs and left an obviously salty taste in her mouth, though she couldn't be bothered to be upset about it; it was wonderful.

Her slowly darkening skin and hair glowed in the bright sunlight, the latter pulled back at the moment. Her eyes glimmered in excitement as she watched the growing dot on the horizon. Who could it be? A merchant's ship, like her father used to own? A ferry to another country, from another country? Another pirate ship? What kind of treasure did it hold? Nancy didn't even stop to think that it might be something else.
~~~~~
Vincent stopped carrying cargo to the lower deck when he heard Minerva's clear voice ringing down. He grinned momentarily, his white teeth a stark, almost glowing, contrast to his dark skin, and set down his load. Running up the steps nimbly, he made it to fresh air in no time. Vincent could already see Lee, another pirate, scaling the rope to held with the sails.

"Ahh.." he murmured as his sight honed in on the ship. His hand lightly caressed the handle of his cutlass located on his hip as he analyzed the incoming ship, calculating in his head how the waves parted easily across the the bow, how sleek it's movements were, everything. It was a fine ship, alright... Still, it was no time to doddle. Vincent began running about, performing his duties quickly and efficently to prepare.

[7000dominos]

Minerva shouted down a few more things: coordinates, directions, distance, but it hardly mattered anymore. Half the crew was on deck, their eyes trailing the broken bit of horizon in the distance; the other half was below, getting ready, preparing to take orders from the captain.

"Alright, men!" called Broom, folding away his.....oh crap....what are those things called???? OH! folding away his telescope. "She's a merchant ship, though I can't tell where her port is." He put up a hand to shield his face from the sun. "Minerva?"

Minerva squinted her eyes against the mirror-bright reflection from the water to focus upon the ship. "Nay, sir, but my bets would be on India."

"Spices, then, men. And fancy bolts of cloth for the sellin'. And," here, his eyes gleamed, "gold, boys! As much as you can carry! We're going t' board the ship, men, and take her. No violence, if you can help it. It's just a marchant ship, remember. She'll be reachin' us in nigh ten minutes, so suit up, men, and be ready!"

Minerva's eyes strayed only briefly to see Vincent walk onto deck, re-enforcing the captain's orders. She smiled to herself before scanning the crowd for Nancy.

[scorpio grl]

{Oh, fine then; I see how you are. Just ignore my polite greeting..>.> J/K, J/K}

Nancy's smile grew and she armed herself with her nearby cutlass {that magically appeared}. She'd been training with Broom a bit and had became fairly capable of handling it properly. Granted, she wasn't good, or great, but she was capable. Besides, there wasn't supposed to be any violence anyway. It'd be just for show.

~~

Vincent quietly walked to the side of the ship, his eyes alight with excitement at the "prize". Perhaps with all that gold, spices, and cloth he could talk to Minerva properly... No. He quickly pushed that thought out of his mind--not completely, mind you--and thought about boarding the ship instead. It wasn't the time for thinking like that.

[7000dominos]

Minerva flung herself over the rim of the nest and scurried down to meet Nancy, brandishing her own ((also magically appearing)) cutlass.

"Alright?" she asked, nearly breathless with excitement.

((SAWWWW-REE! Jerk.))

((Oooooh, nice. I think my first day is a block (almost said black...) day, too, now that I think of it. Bien! Y tu?))

((We really need to open up our line of magic stuff sometime soon....Like...after I go take this shower. Be back!))

[scorpio grl]

{...*Sniffles*}
{>< I dislike block schedule...B day is waaaaay better than A day. And unfortunatly I have A tomorrow. Eh, mas o menos. ^^}
{Kk...*Eats pizza* :D}

Nancy grinned widely at her, adrenaline pumping through her veins already. "Yup. You?"

[7000dominos]

((I'm thinking I'm gonna like my second block day a whole heck of a lot more. I only have two periods on Thursdays, and one is choir. The other is English, which I love anyway. Suh-WEEET!))

[7000dominos]

((OH! I forgot to post.))

Minerva grinned. "Of course!" The ship crept ever closer, and the tension on the ship grew. All at once, Minerva realized this was to be the first boarding she and Nancy would participate in. They had been briefed on the rules and expectations and all that, but still. Minerva turned to Nancy, suddenly serious.

"Stay with me," she told her.

[scorpio grl]

{Lucky...*Muttered* I have four classes each day, B is WAAAAAY better, and I don't even know if Mrs. Grigson is doing choir this year...}

Nancy nodded determinedly. "Got it." She grinned briefly before pulling a serious face, making her look a lot more hardened and threatening than she really was. She turned back to the incoming arrival.

[7000dominos]

The merchant ship had seen the pirate flag and was turning away from her as fast as she could. But the merchant ship was swollen and bloated, no match for the sleek cut Deliverance. She was gaining quickly.

Everyone aboard tensened. ((Sorry...I'm a tad distracted.))

[scorpio grl]

{S'ok; I am, too....How've you been?}

Nancy bit back her smile as the chase began. She couldn't help but still fantasize what treasures awaited them on the ship ahead. She glanced over at Minerva. Cool and calm as always, yet Nancy could see that tiny gleam of excitement hidden in her deep eyes. She playfully nudged her a little and sent her a small grin.

[7000dominos]

Minerva snapped out of her reverie. She'd been wondering what Philis had been up to just then, how proud she'd be to see her. But now was not the time for such things. She was aware of the handsome, brown-skinned first mate standing somewhere behind her, shouting orders, but now was not the time for those thoughts either. The ship was nearing boarding distance. Minerva tightened her hand around the hilt of her cutlass and smiled at Nancy.

"Ready?" she asked gripping Nancy's free hand with her own. And together, they boarded the merchant ship.

((Do whatever, but before you reboard the Deliverance, you have to think you saw William, and then be sick. If you want. If you need substance.))

[scorpio grl]

{Kk, I'll make her sick. Just 'cause I'm lazy...}
{Hey, do you think I should change my siggy?}

Nancy nodded and turned to the ship as they began forward. But suddenly she froze. Every muscle in her body locked up, and her legs seemed to go numb. {What's William look like again??} A flash of dark hair....Those friendly eyes....William. She'd seen William aboard that ship.

Nancy's mouth went dry and she didn't want to move. How could she face him like this? Dark shin, calloused hands, much more cynical, men's clothes? And on a pirate ship no less, when he dreamed for so long of being a Naval officer.. "Minerva..." she whispered, her throat clogged.

[7000dominos]

((Oh, you!))

((I dunno....hold on, lemme see it first. I don't remember what it looks like.))

The fight was over fast. No one was injured. About half the crew of the other ship, called the Queen's Trove, stayed on to join the account. Those that wouldn't, including the captain, Broom put off with food and water. Pelling, the quarters' master, argued to keep the ship, but Broom said it was too big and unwieldy. It would only slow them up, and Pelling couldn't argue with this.

Minerva was about to reboard the Deliverance, when Nancy croaked from beside her. Minerva took one look at her friend's slightly green face, hooked an arm around her, and carried them both back over to their home deck.

"Nancy?" she said, eyes dancing with excitement and worry. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

((And about William, I don't remember. What ever you want.))

[7000dominos]

((OH! Well, it looks fine, I think, but change can be nice, too....))

[scorpio grl]

{^_-}
{Kk...I'ma make him have dark hair and blue eyes. :D}
{I think I'm gonna change it...I don't know. >< I need to make a small link to a page that displays my minions, that way I don't have to type them all in my siggy.}

Nancy leaned heavily against a randomn wall. She thought she was going to be ill. "I think..I think I saw...William," she gasped.
It had to be him...but why hadn't she seen him during the boarding? It didn't make sense. It had to have been him.

[7000dominos]

((Right, right. That's the new thing. It's the poop.))

Minerva raised an eyebrow. "William?" she said, her tone light, reassuring. "Your sailor boy? On a merchant ship? Likely a mirage, if that. A look-alike, perhaps. Didn't you say he was joining the Navy? Why would he be on a merchant ship sailing from India? You're worrying yourself, Nancy. Relax."

[scorpio grl]

{Of course. 'Cause, you know, I'm so hip to the times, yo. *Bursts out laughing* I cannot see how my brother can keep a straight face while saying that..XD}

"But...But...." Nancy looked up at her, seeing nothing but truth. She bit back her words and shook her head as she looked down again. "You're right," she stated quietly. "You're right. It wasn't him. I'm sorry." She stood up on her own, leaving her supporting wall behind. "Let's go see what we got off of the ship."

[7000dominos]

((Heh. You're brother and my brother should get together. How old is he again?))

Minerva nodded encouraginly and linked Nancy's arm in hers as they walked to Broom.

Pelling was already counting up the treasures; Minerva glanced at Nancy. "You've got some work ahead of you," she said. But her eyes shone.

[scorpio grl]

{^^; Sixteen going on six.}

Nancy half smiled, though she was distracted as she watched Pelling. "I guess so..." she replied.

[7000dominos]

((Sounds about right. Then again, I guess I can't really talk. Well...maybe I can. Eighteen in four months on Thursday. Whoo.))

Broom was explaining what they would do with the booty they'd gotten, but Minerva didn't hear any of it. The thrill of the battle--and the win--was still all too fresh in her body. Adrenaline made her hands shake as she looked over the expanse of treasure: brightly colored bolts of cloth, china plates and cups, silver and gold silverware, boxes of glass beads and buttons. There were crates of food, medicals supplies, fresh water, and est of all, three kegs of drink.

It wasn't as much material gold as the men had been looking for, but it was treasure none the less.

[scorpio grl]

{Wooooww....Lucky. ^^ Have you thought about what college you're going to go to?}

Nancy listened absently, biting her lip. She pushed all thoughts of William out of her head. Well, at least she tried. She could have sworn she'd seen him...

It was the effort that counted, right?

[7000dominos]

((*hisses* DON'T! That's a curse word right now! At LEAST wait until I've started school....))

Minerva galnced toward Nancy, squeezed her hand reassuringly. "It wasn't him. He's safe somewhere, looking for you."

[scorpio grl]

{^^;;;;;;;;; Sorry. Lol}

Nancy blinked in surprise, jolted out of her thoughts. She smiled at Minerva sheepishly. How did she know her so well?

"I know. I'm alright. Thank you." She squeezed her hand back graciously.

[7000dominos]

*time skip*

Nancy and Minerva sat away from the men and their captain-prescribed festivities to watch the stars in the blue-black sky. The men had been working all day to move the treasures below deck. They were celebrating the find, now. But Nancy and Minerva were uninterested in over-zealous drink and raucous laughter.

Minerva took a breath of cool, clean sea air. "Are you happy here, Nancy. Are you glad you made this choice?"

((I g2g. Night!))

[scorpio grl]

{*Hugs* Kk. Buenas noches, mi amiga! ^^ Sleep well.}

Nancy blinked and looked over at her best friend. "Of course! Why would I still be here if I hadn't?" She smiled and lightly squeezed her hand.

"Don't worry about me; I'm perfectly happy here with you and the sea air..Though I'm not exactly looking forward to writing down all those numbers from the booty tomorrow!" She threw the small joke in to try and help Minerva feel better.
~~
Vincent kept looking over at the two figures sitting at the bow of the ship as he drank. He could get Minerva off of his mind.. What was wrong with him? Before Vincent had ever set eyes on her, he'd always been content to roam the seas on this ship, work his ass off during the day, joke around with the others, and sleep deeply during the night..

But now that she had come along, other feelings stirred inside of him. Feelings like wanting to settle down in one place, buy a nice house, and other things... He scowled faintly and took another deep swig of his drink, trying his hardest to push all of this out of his conflicted mind.

[7000dominos]

((I love the new sig, btw.))

Minerva nodded slowly. "Well, then, I am happy, too." A pause. She laughed. "Do you think you'll ever recover from the task of recording all that treasure? Shall we take our leave now, in the cover of night and save your hand from the inevitable?"

Minerva grinned and hugged her friend close. "I guess we ought to turn in." She glanced over her shoulder, eyes grazing the scene, including the single figure standing slightly away from the others. "I know well enough they won't be fit to work tomorrow."

[scorpio grl]

{:D Mucho gracias!~}

Nancy chuckled softly and hugged her back. "I agree. It's definently going to be a lazy day tomorrow." She smiled and followed Minerva's gaze, her smile widening into a truly impish grin. A dimple in her cheek appeared. "Oh, my, my, Minerva. Do I spy you staring?" she teased lightly.
~~~~~
Vincent turned to look at Minerva yet again, freezing when he met her eyes. His breath caught in his throat as her soulful chocolate-colored eyes seemed to penetrate him to his core, even through the thick cover of the night.

He swallowed with difficulty and quickly turned away again. A faint bit of color rose to his tanned cheeks, and Vincent tried to hide it by guzzling a bit from his bottle, though he watched her from the corner of his eye.

[7000dominos]

Minerva was suddenly very glad for the darkness. The moon was not strong enough to illuminate the darker plum color that had risen to her cheeks.

His eyes, deep and dark and mysterious as they sea even now they sailed on, pierced to her very soul. Her heart skipped a beat. Her face felt warm.

She turned to face Nancy, a smile bright on her lips. "Nancy, who among them could I be staring at? They're drunked pirates, the lot of them." She cuffed her friend on the shoulder. "You're sleepy. I'd say it's time for bed, now?"

[scorpio grl]

Nancy laughed softly, standing and offering her hand to Minerva. "Suuuure. Of course." She'd easily noticed how much the pirate Vincent had been staring at her, and how she stared back just as much. And, as happy as she was for her friend, her happiness was slightly tainted by jealousy...

She quickly shoved that thought away and grinned. "Whatever you say, Mineeerva," Nancy stated nonchalantly, emphasizing her name.

[7000dominos]

Minerva shoved Nancy as they climbed into their bunks.

~*~*~*~*~

*the next day*

Minerva woke with the sun, her head full of dreams of gold and silver and bright blue seas. She leaned down and shook Nancy awake.

"Breakfast?" she offered. "You'll need the nourishment for all that writing today."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy groaned softly, rolling over to the far corner of her bunk. Her thin pillow muffled her voice as she said, "Don't remiiind meee...."

[7000dominos]

Minerva smirked, raised an eyebrow. "Come again?"

[scorpio grl]

Nancy sent her a small glare, sticking her tongue out. She smirked faintly and cupped a hand to her ear in an exaggerated motion. "My, is that Vincent I hear?" she teased.

[7000dominos]

Minerva grabbed a lock of curly golden hair and tugged. "No, I think that's Pelling telling you to hurry up, dear Nancy. Shall I help you up? You're going to need your energy."

[scorpio grl]

Nancy winced, both from the hair tug and the mention of Pelling. She managed to swallow her groan and flopped backwards. "Sure. Carry me; that ought to conserve some of my energy~"

[7000dominos]

Minerva laughed out loud and started for the door of their shared cabin: Broom required that they slept seperate from the men. Needless to say, neither of them argued.

Minerva cracked the door, shedding golden rays of sunlight onto the floor. "Oh, but I wouldn't want to spoil you!" she teased, stepping out into the sunlight.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy rolled her eyes playfully and smiled, reluctantly getting up. She yawned and pulled her hair back before following her.

She blinked a few times as the bright sunlight blinded her momentarily. After a minute or so, though, Nancy closed the door behind her and smiled up at the beautiful sky. It was going to be a good day, despite all the writing she was going to have to do, she decided.

[7000dominos]

Minerva was already working alongside the other men. The wind had picked up, and she and some of the others were on top of the rigging, pulling and tying, and sweating in the already bright sun. It was hard work, but she liked it. She liked the feel of working hard for herself, for the her own benefit, and the benefit of Nancy and Broom and the other's on the ship.


"Oi!" Minerva turned just in time to catch a rope flying toward her. She wrapped it around the mast a few times and tied it, the rope cutting into her palms and blistering them. She grinned at the reddened skin and turned back to her work.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy winced as she sat down and Pelling tossed a fat stack of blank papers in front of her. She sighed and got the quill ready. No sense in dawdling, she supposed.

[7000dominos]

Minerva climbed into the crow's nest--her nest--stretching her sore, taught arms. Yes, it was hard work, but much nicer than what she was used to. There was no harsh anwering whip should she fault. But then, with the friendly, lenient atmosphere, there was no pressure to make her anxious and clumsy. There was no fear that she should be raped, then beaten for her resistance. Broom's rules forbade anyone touch her. She loved her work, constantly gazing out at the vast blue expanse of sea and sky, noting occasional changes in color: dark splotches for coral reefs, white whisps of cloud, liquid gold poured over the horizon before the great orange setting sun. Best of all, she was here with Nancy.

And maybe another interesting pirate....

[scorpio grl]

As Nancy worked, her mind kept wandering. She absently dipped her quill back into the ink and sighed. It seemed as if every possible thought passed through her mind. But there was one nagging, wistful thought that kept coming back.

William.

She had been so sure she'd seen him. So sure. But, after that glimpse, Nancy had not seen him once. It was so odd... She wondered what he was doing now. Had he finally gotten into the Navy, as he had so fervently desired? Was he staring out as the gorgeous blue sky, as she was at this instant, or was he halfway across the world, hard at work?

After these thoughts, came mixed thoughts and concerns of Minerva, Bartolome, and her brothers. Somehow this made Nancy feel guilty. Perhaps it was because Minerva deserved to be first, should be first in her thoughts. Because she knew for a fact Minerva would lay her life down on the line for her, as Nancy would for her. Her thoughts should be concentrated on what was going to happen to Minerva and herself, not some forlorn crush..But it felt like so much more, and she just couldn't help it...

[7000dominos]

*weeks pass*

The days were growing longer, but monotony managed to elude Minerva oh-so-cleverly. Every day was an adventure, anticipation and thrill never died in her chest.

She had started talking to Vincent; indeed, he had taken to her rather like an older brother teaching a younger brother his trade. The cabin's boy, Johnny, was jealous, but Minerva failed to notice. She didn't blush when she looked at him. He was too friendly for that. She had come to enjoy sparring with him in the evenings on the deck; she had also become quite proficient.

Nancy and Minreva grew closer dy by day; Minerva's curly black hair was lightening, Nancy's own skin was darkening. Minerva noticed they looked more and more alike each day, but she said nothing. There was nothing to be said. No words needed to pass between them for their relationship to remain strong; indeed, they were very much like sisters.

[scorpio grl]

{When is she supposed to get really really jealous of Minerva and Vincent? I've forgotten..}

Nancy sighed heavily as she laid in her bunk, staring at the roof of their shared cabin. She had opted to turn in early tonight. Really early. The sun was still slowly dipping behind the horizon so the moon and stars could come out to play.

She barely managed to convince herself that she was just really tired, and that the reason she'd escaped back to the safety of her bed wasn't because of jealousy. Nancy had been sitting there, almost...green-eyed as she watched Minerva have so much fun sparring with Vincent. When she couldn't take it any more, she'd claimed weary and left.

Nancy sighed yet again and closed her eyes, massaging the bridge of her nose. Everyday was an adventure, Batolome was gone, and she was safe with Minerva. So why couldn't she be content? A deep aching still throbbed in her chest everytime she thought of William, or something that even reminded her of her long-lost friend.

"I'm merely a love-sick puppy..." Nancy muttered under her breath, annoyed with herself. Though the word "love" just..struck her as odd. It fit almost..perfectly with her situation. She groaned and shrugged it off for another time, rolling over and burying her face in her pillow to go to sleep.

[7000dominos]

((After a storm. Minerva gets hurt up on the rigging, and Nancy goes to her, but Vincent gets there first, and they share a "moment" and Nancy's like, "Aw, man." I'll start the storm, h/o.))

Minerva didn't have to squint as she gazed out over the vast expanse of sea and sky--an unsual occurence. Even before her honey brown eyes fell on the shapeless lump of iron gray, expaning on the horizon, she could tell by the cool, dampness of the air what was coming.

"Storm front!" she called down. "Off starboard. ETA, ten minutes!" Her voice was nearly lost over the rippling of the sails in the growing wind. It was going to be a bad storm.

[scorpio grl]

{Ooooohhhh....Alrighty.}

Nancy sat up groggily, hearing a lot of commotion outside. She blinked and hopped up and headed to the door. As she opened the cabin door, she staggered back from the sheer force of the wind. Her outcry of shock was drowned out by the ruckus all around her. She squinted in a desperate attempt to find Minerva, a worried pang shooting through her heart.

[7000dominos]

Already rain was pelting the bare shoulders of the Deliverance's crew as Minerva and a few of the other men scrambled up the rigging to tie up the sails. The thick fabric was whipped about like so much parchment in the wind, standing out ominous and pale white against the iron gray skies.

The cries of the men on deck below were lost to her ears. She could only hope Nancy was safe onboard. If the ship pitched suddenly, and she were lost into the black-blue waves--

Minerva bit her lip to hold back a cry of pain. Somehow, a thick rod of wood had come loose and swung, sail and all, to crash against the back of her head. Her vision swam; she saw stars; her grip on the thick knotted ropes slackened for a second. It took all she had to stay concious and keep from crashing to the deck over thirty feet below.

Gently shaking her head clear, ignoring the suddenly feeling of warmth trailing down her back and neck, as well as the painful throb in her shoulder, she finished untying her knots and scrambled back down with the other men.

As soon as the wearied men touched the deck, they collapsed, knees buckling, exhausted by their efforts on the rigging. Other men were there to help them up, clap them on the back, shout several "Atta boys!" over the scream of the waves.

Minerva managed a smile as she looked for Nancy, but someone else was there first...

[scorpio grl]

Vincent stiffened when he saw Minerva sink to the deck; he saw a flash of red. An irrational fear shot through his heart and his chest constricted agonizingly. It was probably nothing, but..

In an instant, he had bolted to her side. Vincent swallowed the painful lump in his throat as his fears were confirmed by the crimson life puddling next to her. "Minerva...?" His voice was rough, his eyes dark with worry, and he shook her slightly. Pulling her closer, he asked again, this time with a bit of panic seeping into his tone. "Minerva?!"
~~~~~~~
Nancy's eyes widened in horror as she saw her best friend collapse. "No..!" she gasped, knowing for a fact there was much more red on her shirt then there should be.

But before she could do anything, there was Vincent. He had somehow made his way over to Minerva in only a matter of seconds. Nancy hesitated for a moment before rushing over. "Minerva!"

The moment she was beside them, she knew she'd interrupted something--though she knew not what that something was--but she couldn't care at the moment. Her best friend was hurt, bleeding, and she needed Graham's expertise. Now.

[7000dominos]

Minerva was dizzy; everything felt strangley surreal, as if she were floating on a cloud through a pale blue mist, instead bobbing on an angry black sea in the midst of torrential rain.

She noticed Vincent was suddenly quite near to her; it made her odd fantasy even better.

"Hello," she said dreamily.

((I'll finish in a smidge. I'll explain later. ;-; ))

[7000dominos]

Minerva frowned at Vincent's expression. "Something wrong?" she asked in the same dreamy tone. She found it was quite nice being held so close to him as such. His eyes were such a nice color, even if they were tight with worry. They'd grown so close over the past few weeks....

It was then she noticed Nancy. If Vincent's expression was worrying, then Nancy's was downright terrifying. Minerva struggled to stand.

"Nancy?" she said. "What's wrong. Are you alright? Oh..." She had just noticed the throbbing pain in the back of her head, as well as the warm wetness seeping into her tunic. "Right," she said quietly, remebering what had happened. "Oh, I'm alright," she added, in an attempt to soothe Nancy's fears.

She forgot Vincent for the moment, the warm feelings that had risen inside her when he'd stood over her, looking worried, however nice it had been....

[scorpio grl]

{Sorry...}

Vincent's reply was cut off by her will to stand. "Minerva, no!" He hopped up and steadied her, trying to get her to sit again.

Nancy whirled around to face Minerva, having been hollaring for Graham as loud as she could two seconds earlier. Slight relief washed over her features, though worry was constantly dominant. "Minerva, are you alright?!" She hurried to her other side, supporting her as well. "How hard did you hit your head? Do you know who I am? How many fingers am I holding up?" She held up three. "Do you remember what happened??"

[7000dominos]

((For what? Sorry. G2G again.))

Minerva ignored Vincent, managing a smile as Nancy panicked, as she was sometimes prone to do.

[scorpio grl]

{For posting so late.. And g'night; I have to go, too.}

Nancy's brow creased heavily with concern and terror. She shook her only slightly, hazel eyes tight and worried. "Minerva, answer me!"

[7000dominos]

((I'll post before I go home. Ugh. i'm in this ridiculously easy computer class with a whole bunch of old people, and some 60 some odd year old guy who I swear is hitting on me, and it's really starting to scare me. He flirts like a middle schooler, like he keeps touching my shoulder and asking for help, and last week, he asked where I lived and offered to drive me home, and I know half this stuff already, and the half I don't know I keep missing because I'm on here, and then I have to ask a question and look stupid, which is frusterating, because this is a community college and I got better SAT scores than half the people here.....Sorry. I'm ranting. When I'm pissed, I get defensive, which generally means saying, "Hey, I'm smarter than you anyway." It's like someweird superiority complex. ANYWAY. Class is done, and I'm getting ready to go home, but I probably won't be able to get on 'til later, so I figured I'd post real quick before I went home. *phew*))

((Also, sorry for not finished that post. I meant to, but then I hadda log off so it wouldn't look like I hadn't been paying attention,e ven though I wasn't....))

This time Minerva laughed, though it made her feel slightly nauseous. "I'm fine, not too hard, Nancy, fourteen, and yes." She waited with a sly smile for her sarcasm to sink in, to assure Nancy she really was alright, if not a tad dizzy...and very aware of Vincent's prescence, as well as the warm feeling exuding from him. She didn't look at him, afraid the blush would return.

[scorpio grl]

{...O.O Yikes. I feel awful for you. ^^;; If it makes you feel any better, I'm apparently going to get 'roasted' at school...or something. I'm not sure. :p}
{I know how you feel, and it's perfectly alright.}

Nancy scowled, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Not funny." She took a calming breath, trying to slow her rapidly beating heart. It felt as if it were going to burst from her chest. She bit her lip and turned slightly, scanning the group for Graham. "Where IS he????"

Vincent swallowed once again and stepped back. His job was done...he guessed. Surely Minerva would only want her best friend by her side now. That was reasonable.. Still, he kept a wary eye on the blood that was oh-so-slowly beginning to clot at the back of her head.

[7000dominos]

((Well, at least it's only once a week....))
((It was really hot today. It was kinda like being roasted. You'll be okay.))

Minerva smiled, but it did not touch her eyes. She was beginning to feel physically sick; the ship rolled under her feet much more than it should. Nancy and Vincent wouldn't stay still: they appeared to multiply and seperate at will.

She only got out a brief "'Scuse me--" before sprinting to the side of the ship and leaning over, sick.

Closing her eyes, she sank down the the deck. "I'm...a little dizzy," she said matter-of-factly.

[scorpio grl]

{That's good}
{Lol That's not the kind of 'roasted' I meant. ^^;;;}

Nancy ran over to her, her eyes wide as dinner plates. Minerva didn't throw up while---EVER. Minerva did not get sick!

"Minerva, ohmygod!" She brushed her hair out of her sweaty forhead. She tried to pull her in a much more comfortable position, her heart hammering loudly in her chest.

"Just hold on. Graham should be here in a minute," Nancy said, discreetly motioning her head to Vincent, telling him to go get Graham.

{Ooooooo, guess what. You helped me write an open response today~~~ :D Also, I made gluep. ^_^_^_^_^}

[7000dominos]

((I did what? You did what?))

Minerva nodded slowly, not trusting herself to speak. Instead, she opened her eyes and looked at Nancy, trying to convery her thoughts. 'I'm doing okay. Stop worrying yourself.' She reached up to grab Nancy's hand, squeezing reassuringly.

[scorpio grl]

{X33 We had to write an open response today comparing to characters from "The Most Dangerous Game" by someone-who-I-cannot-recall and "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe. The charries were both murderers, ect. and we had to list how they were alike and such. THEN, on part B, we had to apply the characteristics we had listed above to another person/character from real life or a novel, ect. . Aaaaannnyyywho, because of this thread, I thought of Bartolome. :D So, since you were the one to propose and make the thread, you helped me write a O.R. ^^}
{Also, I made gluep. ^^ Lol In Biology we did three different labs, and one happened to be makeing gluep.}

Nancy was comforted little by this, only brushing Minerva's dark hair from her forhead again. Finally, Graham came running up. "Sorry," he panted. "I've been dealing with the others. What's wrong with her?"

"She hit her head," she replied instantly, turning her panicked eyes to the doctor. "[I]Hard."

[7000dominos]

((OMG!!! I LOVE that story! "The Most Dangerous Game," I mean. I read that for the first time when I was a freshman, too! It's so cleverly written! I'm going to have to look that up tonight now....I also read "The Cask of Amontillado," for my term paper on Edgar Allen Poe last year. It's good, but I like TMDG better.))

((Anyway....glad to help.))

((HEY! We're in TWO classes together! Kinda....I'm in spanish 3, and you're in spanish one, and I'm in AP/Honors bio, but still. We had a lab Wednesday....We measured the primary productivity rate of chlorella, as well as the percent saturation of dissolved oxygen levels in varying temperatures and lights....Fun stuff.))

Minerva offered Graham a half smile. "I didn't hit my head. Something else hit my head. I was being careful."

[scorpio grl]

{xD I liked it, too. I actually predicted that Rainsford was going to be hunted. Granted, I thought maybe by a cannibal, but still. :rolleyes: Is there a long version to it? We only read a short story, so I'm not sure.
Also, I didn't like "The Cask of Amontillado" too much..Edgar Allen Poe is a bit too creepy for me, I'm afraid...The only writing of his that I have truly enjoyed so far is Annabelle Lee and another poem of his that I cannot remember the name of. It's on my computer somewhere...Of course, I have not read much of his work so I suppose I cannot truly judge..^^;}

{^^ Thanks}

{Kewlio-ness!~ Are you in an advanced reading/english class as well? If so, that makes it three. :D}

{And wow...O.O; "Interesting". As I said, we made gluep, which is a putty-like substance made of glue, water, and Borax [I think that's what it's called..I can't remember]; we floated needles on water to test weak hydrogen bonding; and we tested acids and bases of different things. All this is backwards, though; we tested the acids/bases first, then needles, then we made gluep. ^^}

Nancy narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips slightly. "Same thing." Graham only smiled and chuckled.

"That's what they all say." He stood and held out a helping hand. "Come on. I couldn't possibly work on you out here in this weather. Can you stand?"

[7000dominos]

{xD I liked it, too. I actually predicted that Rainsford was going to be hunted. Granted, I thought maybe by a cannibal, but still. :rolleyes: Is there a long version to it? We only read a short story, so I'm not sure.
Also, I didn't like "The Cask of Amontillado" too much..Edgar Allen Poe is a bit too creepy for me, I'm afraid...The only writing of his that I have truly enjoyed so far is Annabelle Lee and another poem of his that I cannot remember the name of. It's on my computer somewhere...Of course, I have not read much of his work so I suppose I cannot truly judge..^^;}

{^^ Thanks}

{Kewlio-ness!~ Are you in an advanced reading/english class as well? If so, that makes it three. :D}

{And wow...O.O; "Interesting". As I said, we made gluep, which is a putty-like substance made of glue, water, and Borax [I think that's what it's called..I can't remember]; we floated needles on water to test weak hydrogen bonding; and we tested acids and bases of different things. All this is backwards, though; we tested the acids/bases first, then needles, then we made gluep. ^^}

Nancy narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips slightly. "Same thing." Graham only smiled and chuckled.

"That's what they all say." He stood and held out a helping hand. "Come on. I couldn't possibly work on you out here in this weather. Can you stand?"

((I LOOOOOOVE him. Otherwise, I wouldn'ta done my term paper of death on him. No pun intended. I read a bunch of poems and stories. My fav. poem of all time is "The Raven" and my fav. story of his is "The Black Cat." That's a goodn. Don't read it at night, though.))
((-_- We wrapped bottles full of water and algae in foil, so they couldn't photosynthesize.))
((And, yes. I am. That's what I read those books for. :rolleyes: ))

MInerva smiled back, and would have laughed at Nancy's expression, but she thought it might hurt. She took Graham's hand and allowed him to pull her up, blushing as he took more of her weight than her pride would have liked.

[scorpio grl]

((I LOOOOOOVE him. Otherwise, I wouldn'ta done my term paper of death on him. No pun intended. I read a bunch of poems and stories. My fav. poem of all time is "The Raven" and my fav. story of his is "The Black Cat." That's a goodn. Don't read it at night, though.))
((-_- We wrapped bottles full of water and algae in foil, so they couldn't photosynthesize.))
((And, yes. I am. That's what I read those books for. :rolleyes: ))

MInerva smiled back, and would have laughed at Nancy's expression, but she thought it might hurt. She took Graham's hand and allowed him to pull her up, blushing as he took more of her weight than her pride would have liked.
{Ah, I think I tried to read that one a few years ago, but a little after he gouged out the cat's eye, I stopped. -.-}
{Woooow. As I said, 'Interesting'.}
{:D Coolio-ness!~}

Nancy steadied her as she stood, still overly-worried. She wouldn't be happy until Minerva was bandaged and comfortable. Graham, on the other hand, did not seem fazed at all. He simply helped Minerva walk towards his cabin door at a pace she could handle. It was slow, yet not so slow that it would annoy her. Not too, much, anyway. He had a a sneaking suspicion she didn't like the feeling of being a liability.

Throughout all of this, though, Vincent stood in the background, his eyes trained on Minerva's dark form. She'll be alright.. he told himself repeatedly. Granted, he'd seen worse injuries. Much worse. Wounds so bad that it would probably make an onlooker sick to see. But still, worry weighed down his chest as if it were an anchor slowly pulling him down...

[7000dominos]

Minerva felt eyes on her back as she wobbled her way to Graham's cabin. Her face burned even as she thought of those eyes. She wouldn't turn to him; couldn't. She need only remember the feeling of being in his arms....

Quite as soon as she was on Graham's bed, she was asleep, spent by the effort of waling across the tilting ship in the storm, of having braved the winds to tie up the sails, of having lost so much blood. She gave Nancy one lasting smile, whispering a, "Go dry off and get some rest. Look: you're shaking already. I'm fine. I'll come see you later," before giving herself up to the pain and exhaustion, feeling Graham's gentle hands at the back of her head as she drifted to sleep.

((Yeah....that's a tad weird. Wait 'til you read Beowulf....))
((Pooface. -_-))
((Heck yes we are!))

[scorpio grl]

{Lovely..-.- Sounds so homey and lovey-dovey.}
{?.?}
{*Le snort* You are, not me. I'ma loser...in a cool sorta way. :p}

Nancy bit her lip, relutant to leave her best friend's side. Still, at Graham's nod, she hesitantly squeezed Minerva's hand, whispering "You better {I typed "beer" for some reason XD} keep that promise...", and finally left.

This is all my fault...I was jealous and selfish and then I left and now she's hurt and it's all my fault... She burned with guilt. And despite all this, even though she felt guilty for it, she was still jealous! This only made her angrier at herself. What is wrong with me?! Minerva's hurt and all I can think about is how they look at each other!

She made a soft, disgusted noise, walking into their cabin--which now seemed so much colder now that Minerva was hurt and not there--and closed the door behind herself. She left it unlocked incase her friend decided to wake up too soon and come see her.

I'm selfish. And sick. There's something utterly wrong with me. Nancy glared at the floor and collasped on her bunk with a tired sigh. Still, she couldn't get how happy Minerva had looked in Vincent's arms out of her mind....

[7000dominos]

Minerva might have dreamed while Graham worked on her, but afterwards, she could only remember Vincent. She was wuite sure whe was falling in love with her, and it made her feel...odd. Light, and happy, and giddy, but anxious and unsure all at the same time. And what would happen if he left? She would never leave Nancy, but...could she really be seperate from him now?

Graham watched as Minerva slept, still save for a few times when her body tensed in reaction to pain. He sighed, a feeling of foreboding beginning to wake inside of him. Should he have voted to let the girls stay on? Surely this couldn't have been avoided, had nothing to do with their sex, but still...things would change. If something were to happen, he would feel responsible. He sighed again as he finished tying the thick gauzy bandage around her head.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy slowly began to drift off, unable to keep her restless mind from returning to thoughts of Vincent and Minerva. Would Minerva leave her here all alone if Vincent asked? Was Vincent the kind of man who might even ask that question? Would Minerva run with him even if he didn't ask? She wasn't sure she'd be able to handle that..

"Damnit all..." she muttered, getting angrier at herself by the second. Nancy rolled onto her back, clearly disgruntled, and tried even harder to get some sleep.

[7000dominos]

A few hours later, Minerva staggered, against Graham's will, back to the cabin she shared with Nancy. She found her friend tossing in a quasi-feverish sleep, brow wrinkled with....what? Anxiety? Or fear?

Minvera frowned, kneeling next to the bed. "Nancy?" she said gently, pushing the hair from her friend's sweaty brow.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy stiffened and gasped, sitting up abruptly. Unfortunately this caused her head to hit Minerva's bunk above hers. {Sorry; I had to incoporate a bit of myself in there. :p} "Owww..." she muttered as she rubbed the small injury. She blinked groggily as she tried to see the dark figure kneeling beside her.

"Minerva?" she asked, stifling a yawn, now wide awake. "Are you all right? Did something happen? How's your head??"

[7000dominos]

Minerva chuckled. "You're too much for yourself." She sat next to her. "I'm fine. Nothing happened. That's fine, too. Are you alright? You looked....what's going on?"

[scorpio grl]

Nancy pretended to be annoyed at her beginning statement, though guilt still glowed in her hazel eyes. "I'm perfectly fine," she lied. "It's you who you need to be worried about!"

[7000dominos]

Minerva shrugged. "I can play that game, too. You forget I'm just as stubborn as you are. So until you answer me truthfully, you won't get a truhful answer, either." And she set her mouth, though her eyes glowed with humor.

[scorpio grl]

Nancy crossed her arms, resisting the urge to thump her in the forhead. "I'm fine. I had a bad dream is all." That much was sort of true; she had been having a bad dream. Although she didn't particularly feel like telling what it was about..

"Is that a crime?"

[7000dominos]

((I HATE ACTs. I HATE THEM HATE THEM HATE THEM! They're like DEATH and they're dumb and they make you feel stupid and they're dumb and they're three some odd hours long and they're dumb. GAH. I'm watching a movie tonight, gash darnit, and I'm asking my mom to pay for it. Psh. I deserve a reward. *pouts like a small child*))

((And I think my brother ate the last of the bagels...))

"No. But lying is." Minerva smiled. "What did you dream of?"

[scorpio grl]

((I HATE ACTs. I HATE THEM HATE THEM HATE THEM! They're like DEATH and they're dumb and they make you feel stupid and they're dumb and they're three some odd hours long and they're dumb. GAH. I'm watching a movie tonight, gash darnit, and I'm asking my mom to pay for it. Psh. I deserve a reward. *pouts like a small child*))

((And I think my brother ate the last of the bagels...))

"No. But lying is." Minerva smiled. "What did you dream of?"
{*Tackle/Glomps* I'm sorry you hate ACTs, and I hope you enjoy your movie. You do deserve a reward, I'm sure. If it makes you feel any better, I snapped and yelled at a girl earlier [on here] for being ungrateful. It's a biiiig looong post...and I was really harsh...but she deserved it. >< And it has pretty much ruined my day. Before I got on here and posted that, I was so happy I was f.ucking hyper. I was having a good day, damnit, and she ruined it. Kill joy...><><>< Good days are rare for me, so I'm pissy.}

{I'm sorry. *Gives cyber-bagel*}

Nancy gave an exasperated sigh. "Him." That was a convincing lie, right? He wasn't really who she had dreamed of, though he did play a part in it... But still. A bad dream was a bad dream.

[7000dominos]

((....I'm intruiged now....Donde esta? Y lo ciento. Esto sucks. ><))

((Anyway. SWEET! Is it toasted? Can I have cream cheese? Have you ever been to Panera's?))

((I would punish him...but he just got back from his soccer tournament *with his rather gorgeous, but unfortunately younger than me teammates* and he's all tuckered out. He's asleep and I think I would get in trouble if I went in and sat on him like I so want to. And besides, it turns out we still have some bagels left....))

Minerva nodded. "Oh. Nancy, I'm sure he's alright. He's probably thinking about you right now, and--" Minerva suddenly had an epiphany, remembering Vincent's arms, warm, and knotted with muscle, wrapped around her protectively, lovingly. She swallowed. "Oh," she said again, suddenly feeling very guility. "You're....upset about Vincent and I." It wasn't a question. She was quiet for a long moment, then she smiled. "Nancy, don't you know I could never leave you? No matter what." She paused, then said, "There's something Philis told me, before we left. She made me promise not to tell you, but I think the time for such things has past." And she looked at Nancy, her friend's eyes, though hazel, so similiar to her own. "Can you guess, Nancy? Can you guess what she told me?"

[scorpio grl]

{Woooow....Dollwiz just, like, closed on my computer...for no reason....And I had to open a new window for it..><}

{^_^ Thank you Google translation. ^^;;;; My Spanish isn't that good yet. And what sucks? ACTs?
This be the linky: http://www.dollwizard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1449&page=251
Mine's the last post...I know I was a bit harsh, but the way she's acted lately has just pissed me off. She's ungrateful and complains about how "bad" she has it..a lot.}

{And of course~ It's toasted, and the cream cheese is right over there with the knife. And I'm afraid I haven't. Why?}

{XDDD Well then. Revenge shall just have to wait, won't it?}

{And I meant the other "him". X3 lol But William works just as well.}

Nancy paled at Minerva's realization. How could she know? She looked down in shame, swallowing the painful lump in her throat, and gripped her thin blanket. She felt gultier than ever. Nancy blinked in surprise at her last statement, her brows furrowing in puzzlement. She looked up to meet her friend's intense, familiar gaze.

Shaking her head dumbly, Nancy mouthed the word 'No'.

[7000dominos]

((No reason. They just have really good bagels, and we just gon one in where I live. It's kind of amazing....@_@))

((I suppose so. I;m actually so bored, I go in there every five minutes and say in a voice that isn't technically whispering but still okay, because it's not as if he even moves in response, "PSSSSSSSST. ARE YOU AWAKE YET???"))

((He's not.))

((OH! My bad.))

Minerva took a breath. "We're sisters, Nancy. I was surprised I didn't see it before. We're both so stubborn. Our eyes are the same. And we have your father's--our father's--chin. Philis told me not to tell you before, but you have to understand that now that I've found you, I could never leave. I love you, Nancy Kington."

[scorpio grl]

{Lol They sound it. I haven't very many bagels in my life, tho'.}

{xDDD That's awesome.}

{I don't doubt it}

{Lol It's fine. They both work in the situation.}

Nancy blinked slowly, a myriad of emotions passing over her features. Confusion, surprise, utter shock.. Finally, she just gave up on understanding. It made so much sense, anyway. Minerva's intense gaze that seemed so like that of someone familiar, the way she set her mouth when she was adamant about something, everything.. Nancy lunged forward and hugged her tightly, tears springing to her eyes. "I love you, too, Minerva.." she murmured.

[7000dominos]

Minerva returned her best friend and sister's hug, rubbing the latter's back in small, soothing circles.

"Nightmare indeed," she half chuckled, half scolded.

((You can choose what happens next; nothing "big" happens for a while, so you can make it whatever.))

[scorpio grl]

{Kk.
And...>.> Did you ever read that post I gave you a linky to?}

Nancy laughed, a soft, relieved sound. "Oh, hush," she replied with a smile. She reluctantly pulled back to wipe her eyes. "Now you get to bed. You're hurt, remember?" she said, unable to pull off a tone anything close to commanding.

[7000dominos]

((Heh. Yeah.....I'll be sure never to piss you off.))

Minerva rolled her eyes, but smiled none the less. "Oh, yes," she muttered. "The pain is absolutely crippling." In truth, she was beginning to feel rather dizzy again, and didn't argue as Nancy ushered her to her bed.

"Goodnight," she whispered, the exertion of the day already carrying her away, slurring her words. "Angu dada damu..." And then she was gone.


((It means "my blood sister" in Swahili. -_- Don't ask. I'll tell you that story some other time....))

[scorpio grl]

{>.>;;;; I'm quite not sure how to take that..}

{And alrighty then..I'll hold you to that..later.}

Nancy smiled and stroked her forhead, tucking her in. "Goodnight," she murmured softly. She made Minerva could be a comfortable as possible before finally dragging herself down to her own bunk, suddenly inexplicably tired. She wasn't quite sure how; perhaps because it had been a long day....

{You can start the timeskip~~}

[7000dominos]

((You can take it exactly how it sounds.))

((And fine. I bet you one cyber cookie.....Chocolate chip.))

A week later, Minerva fingered the shrinking lump at the back of her head with loving fingers. She was quite proud of her battlewound, as were many of the other men aboard the ship. The first few days out of her cabin, she couldn't go anywhere without a hearty slap on the back and an accompanying "Aye, there's a lass ((totally almost typed "@ss" on accident))!" Graham had said she'd carry a small mass and a scar for the rest of her life. She leaned over the edge of the crow's nest to smile at Vincent, thinking that, as long as she kept the memory of him holding her, too, she wouldn't mind at all.

[scorpio grl]

{-.- I'm not sure whether it sounds like you think I'm a crazy, skitzo-tempermental bi-atch of cookies, or whether you think I just snapped and yelled at a girl..}

{Hmm....I raise it to TWO cyber-chocolate chip cookies.}

Vincent looked up from his rope work to check up on Minerva yet again--he'd been doing quite a bit of "checking up on her" lately, convincing himself that it was only because he was concerned about her safety--only to find her looking down at him! He swallowed and smiled back nervously, nodding at her. He still didn't really know how to carry himself around her...
~~~~~~~~
Nancy sighed and pushed herself away from the desk in front of her, the mere thought of numbers making her feel ill. At first she'd loved her job, but now it made her head hurt. A lot. though she wasn't about to complain; not on her life! A job was a job, and she couldn't particularly afford to lose this one, for she was skilled in very little else..

[7000dominos]

((Neither.))

((Alright, fine then. I see your two cookies....and raise them one cyber cupcake.))

Minerva blushed and looked quickly away, to where Nancy was probably working away busily under Pelling's firm watch. She sighed for her friend; indeed, she was by far the most clever on the ship, and most suited to the job. But, oh, to miss sucha beautiful day!

She would have to go kidnap her later.

[scorpio grl]

{Then what do you think? ?.?}

{*Le gaspeh* Alrighty then...You forced me to....I raise you one cyber double-stuffed chocolate creme oreo, and two, count 'em TWO, of my special real-life fudge-y brownies. *Nods*}

Nancy winced as she revieved that-one-dude-who's-name-I-can't-remember's full-blown glare and started writing numbers in her messy scrawl again. She longed to be out on the ship's deck where the breeze was.. It was jull in the this tiny office small! Not to mention cramped with all the papers trying to eat her. She sighed heavily and tried to think numbers, knowing only thinking about outside would make it worse.

[7000dominos]

((I think I just won't piss you off. Quite simple.))

((*gasp* NO!!! I was bluffing! Bluffing! 'Tis madness!))

A seagull cawed overhead. Minerva glanced up, with a frown. They must be near inland. She wondered where; Was Broom planning on trading again?

[7000dominos]

((I gee too gee. Night!))